You're Invited!

A New Blog For a New Year

2010-01-11T11:33:00.001-08:00

http://stmatthewssf.blogspot.com/2009/11/new-blog-for-new-year.html

Music Literacy and Movement Class for Pre-School Aged Children

2009-10-23T16:46:00.000-07:00

Who: Cantor Nicole Hankemeier-Fahlman in partnership with St. Matthew's Lutheran Church

What: Offering FREE eight session music literacy and movement class to pre-school age children. Each session will introdruce a musical note of the C Major scale for the students to learn about in games, art, instrumental play and singing. There will be an opportunity to sing in front of the congregation in mid-December and the class will culminate in a "open-house" demonstration recap.

Where: St. Matthew's German Lutheran Church, 3281 16th St., San Francisco, CA 94103
When: Our kick off celebration will be Sunday, November 1, 2009 after the 11 o'clock service with a puppet show. The class will be held on Wednesday afternoons from 12:30-1:00 beginning November 4th, 2009.

Why: To reach out to families in our neighborhood and community.

Sign Up and More Information: 415-469-8553

Special Music for Reformation Sunday@ St. Matthew's German Lutheran

2009-10-22T13:15:00.000-07:00

9:00 Service
Interludes will include Fugue in G Major by J.S. Bach and A Mighty Fortress/Awesome God arr. by Carol Turnquist.

11:00 Service
This Sunday at St. Matthew's the Oakland Turnverien Chor will join St. Matthew's German Lutheran at the 11 o'clock service for their annual Reformation Celebration.

Prelude: Prelude in G Major by J.S. Bach (N. Hankemeier-Fahlman)

First Interlude (Before Readings): Wach auf, mein Herz, und singe by J.S. Bach text by Paul Gerhardt (OTV)

Second Interlude (After Readings, usually before sermon): Mitten wir im Leben sind mit dem Tod umfangen.... Volksweise (Text Martin Luther (OTV)

Hymn of the Day (To be led by OTV) After the sermon Ein Feste Burg (During German Service it should be indicated that the OTV Choir will lead the congregational singing for this, but I'm not sure which melodie they are using so just put TBA for now)

Offering: Grosser Gott, wir loben dich......Lobgesang, P. Ritter (OTV)

Other Hymns the congregation will be singing, but I'm not sure which verses yet. (LBW=English Hymnal EG=German Hymnal):

Openning: Wer nur den Lieben Gott Last Walten
LBW 453
EG 369

Closing: Lord Keep Us Steadfast In Your Word
LBW 230
EG 193

Postlude: Fugue in G Major by J.S. Bach (N. Hankemeier-Fahlman)

Location and More Information:
St. Matthew's German Lutheran Church
3281 - 16th StreetSan Francisco, CA 94103-3323
Tel.: 415 863 6371
Fax: 415 431 5908
Email: office@stmatthews-sf.org

Jesus Meine Freude/Jesus My Joy

2009-06-19T13:03:00.000-07:00

We had the pleasure of a rehearsal audience of two native German speakers standing in the choir loft to listen from the back of the nave this past Wednesday. The sermon hymn for this weekend is Jesu Meine Freude for the German Service and Jesus Priceless Treasure/Jesus Meine Freude (same tune) for the bilingual service, so I spent a bit of time translating and transcribing it to IPA for myself to meditate on. Translations and IPA are also available online. It is possible that we will use the verses we don't sing this week next week.

Other special music selections at St. Matthew's Lutheran this weekend:

Bilingual Service Vocal Solos:

My Life Flows on In Endless Song by Robert Lowry and Ira Sankey
Walk Across the Water to Me arr. by Ray Makeever

German Service Piano Solos:

This Weekend at St. Matthew's

2009-06-05T16:30:00.000-07:00

On the first Sunday of each month, St. Matthew's German Lutheran Church has a special service that is meant to bring together those who regularly attend its German and English services as well as reach out to German families commuting from outside San Francisco. Because those who attend may not be as familiar with the hymnody as the weekly congregants, a rehearsal open to all ages and levels of musicianship is now being offered before the first service of each month, starting at 10 a.m.

This week the music will focus primarily on the concept of the Holy Trinity. We will be reviewing the Taize chant we learned last week and introducing Holy, Holy, Holy (Heilig, Heilig, Heilig) to the tune of Nicea. Singers who demonstrate sufficient expeirience may be challenged with learning the descants.

Music For the Feast of Pentecost

2009-05-27T18:34:00.000-07:00

I spent the afternoon at St. Matthew's German Lutheran, in the very middle of San Francisco, rehearsing with Gary Hunt for the Feast of Pentecost. We started with what I hope will turn out to be a rousing spiritual. After working out a few improvisational details in Ev'ry Time I Feel the Spirit, we moved on to a couple of selections from the With One Voice hymnal and decided to use a descant with the Taize chant Veni Sanctu Spiritu. As for congregational singing, expect traditional but familiar tunes such as O Holy Spirit Enter In (9:30 a.m. service) sung to Wie schon leuchtet der Morgenstern. Anyone wishing to help us with the Taize ostinato and give support to the hymn singing should arrive a half hour before the 11 a.m. service.

JUST FOR FUN: Let's see how many people will wear red to worship!!!

Music for Flute, Piano and Organ

2009-05-12T11:44:00.000-07:00

Prelude: Air Varie pour la Flute by Jean Louis Tulou
Interlude: Impromptu by F. Schubert
Postlude: Fugue in G Major by J.S. Bach

Date: Sunday, May 17, 2009
Time: 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Place: St. Matthew's German Lutheran, 3281 16th St., San Francisco, CA 94103

With Pianist/Composer Gary Hunt

2009-04-15T13:30:00.000-07:00

Date: April 19, 2009

Place: St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, 3281 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94103, (415) 863-6371, Get directions

Bilingual Service: 9:25 a.m.

With Pianist Gary Hunt featuring songs in English for solo soprano as well as Felix Mendelssohn's Spring Song for solo flute.

German Service: 10:55 a.m.

Prelude: Chant d'Amour by Carl Reinecke (flute and piano)
Interlude: Bouree from the Unaccompanied Flute Sonata by J.S. Bach
Postlude: Spring Song by Felix Mendelssohn (flute and piano)

Music for Solo Piano and Solo Flute

2009-04-15T13:25:00.001-07:00

Date: Saturday, April 18, 2009

Time: 4:45 p.m.

Place: West Portal Lutheran Church, 200 Sloat Blvd., SF, CA 94132

Prelude: Selected Songs Without Words by Felix Mendelssohn

Communion: Bouree from the Unaccompanied Flute Sonata by J.S. Bach

Postlude: Sinfonia by J.S. Bach

Fellowship

2009-04-06T13:27:00.000-07:00

Who: West Portal Lutheran Women and Friends--You don't have to be Lutheran or tagged in this note to attend.
What: Breakfast (we go dutch)
Where: The Copper Kettle, 2240 Taraval, San Francisco 94116
When: Saturday, April 11th at 8 a.m-10 a.m.
Why: Fellowship and very short devotional from Portals Of Prayer.

Selected Nocturnes by Irish Composer John Field

2009-02-25T16:42:00.000-08:00

On March 14th I'll be on piano using some Nocturnes composed by John Field in the evening service at West Portal Lutheran Chruch for the 5 p.m. service.

On March 15th I'll be on flute and accompanied by Gary Hunt on piano at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church for the 9:30 and 11:00 services.

Brand New German Setting for Psalm 147

2009-02-05T21:41:00.000-08:00

Premiere sounds like such a funny way to describe the first presentation of my latest composition. Though we may try to make worship music concert quality, it really isn’t a concert but rather a rehearsal for the eternal concert. Nevertheless, I want to invite my fearless friends (those not afraid to sing in German!) to come listen to me sing the verses and participate in singing the refrain.

A little bit about the service is described to the best of my knowledge below (the music listed may or may not be in the same order):

Date: February 8, 2009
Time: 10:30 Rehearsal 11:00 Service
Place: St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 3281 16th St. (NOT AVENUE), San Francisco 94103

Presiding Minister: Rev. Andreas Pielhoop
Pianist/Organist: Gary Hunt
Cantor/Flautist: Nicole Hankemeier

Opening Hymn: 244 Wach auf, wach auf, 's ist hohe Zeit

Psalm 147 for High Voice, Piano, and Flute with Congregational Refrain by Nicole Hankemeier

At various points as I was growing up, I’ve had the experience of chanting on psalm tones and refrains both with the congregation and as a soloist, but this setting is not quite like the chants of the hymnal. While certain aspects of the verse don’t really have a meter, my lines greatly exceed the range of the usual chant making them similar to oratorio recitative. The piano accompaniment can be more like lieder with tremolos followed by big chords under the words “Der das Himmel mit Wolken verdect und gibt Regen auf Erden.” The refrain begins in the G Dorian mode and ends in D Minor leading to the verses. Unresolved dissonance abounds in the verses and I do not shy away from augmented melodic seconds or parallel octaves and fifths.

Sermon Hymn: 345 Auf meinen lieben Gott

Musical Offering: Serenade by Franz Joseph Haydn

Communion Music: Meditation from Three Hebrew Consonants for Unaccompanied Flute by Nicole Hankemeier (The consonants are Lamed, Chet and Mem which are used to spell bread)

Closing Hymn: 398 In dir ist Freude

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Huge Introductory Lesson Discounts

2009-01-23T11:01:00.000-08:00

For next week only (last week of January), I will be offering 50% off the price of a one hour lesson. If you have never taken lessons, it's been a while, or want to try a different teacher, now is the time to act.

No further lesson obligation required.

For more information: 415-578-4665

Private Lesson Openings Available

2009-01-14T21:08:00.000-08:00

My brochure for private music instruction has been updated for Spring 2009.

It can be found at the following link:
http://www.geocities.com/NicoleGeniene/StudioBrochureSpring2009.htm

If you have any further questions I can be reached at 415-578-4665.

Call for Artwork

2009-01-07T10:25:00.000-08:00

To My Creative Friends,

I’d like to have some artwork for each of my podcasts, CAMPANAS and TEMPORARILY FREE. If you have any you would like for me to display, please scan it and send it to me via e-mail and indicate which episode it is intended for. I’m open to abstract, children’s artwork, impressionist, realism, watercolor, oils, computer graphics, etc. It needs to be original and not subject to copyright fees.

Nicole

Music for the Second Sunday of Christmas @ St. Matthew's German Lutheran

2008-12-22T11:50:00.000-08:00

PRELUDE: Christmas Medley for flute and piano arranged by Burton Isaac
PRE-SERMON MEDITATION: The Infant Jesus (Gesu Bambino) for high voice and piano by Pietro Yon

MUSICAL OFFERING: We Three Kings for piano arranged by Hugh S. Livingston, Jr. based on the tune by John H. Hopkins, Jr.

POSTLUDE: Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring for flute and piano arranged by Sidney Lawton by J.S. Bach

I will be accompanied by resident Pianist/Organist Gary Hunt. St. Matthew's is located at the corner of 16th and Dolores in San Francisco.

Prior to the service, around 10:30 a.m., there will be a rehearsal for anyone who would like to familiarize themselves with the service music and give support to the rest of the congregational singing.

Date: January 4th, 2009
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Place: St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, 3281 16th St., San Francisco, CA 941o3

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Krishnaswami/Hankemeier Duo this Weekend!

2008-12-04T09:51:00.000-08:00

With so much going on at West Portal these days I wasn't sure if they'd be able to schedule us, but my student, Uma Krishnaswami will be joining me on the primo parts for duets at West Portal Lutheran during the 5 p.m. Saturday evening service. Miss Krishnaswami is a second grader at West Portal Lutheran School and taking lessons in the after school music academy.

Prelude: The Heaven's Are Telling from Haydn's Creation
Communion Music: Jesus Wants Me For a Sunbeam and Whisper a Prayer
Postlude: I've Got the Joy

Choir Schedule at West Portal Lutheran

2008-11-05T22:33:00.000-08:00

I received the following information on a postcard this week regarding the rehearsal and singing schedule of the West Portal Lutheran chancel choir. Anyone is welcome to join and attend.

Sunday, November 9th we sing at the 8:30 service
Sunday, November 16th chancel
Thursday, November 20th Joint rehearsal with Bethel and Grace at West Portal
Sunday, November 23rd and 30th we sing at 8:30 service
Thanksgiving Service, November 26th
7:00 p.m. rehearsal and 7:30 p.m. service
December 4th rehearsal at Bethel and Grace Lutheran 7:00 p.m.
December 7th Cantata 'Born a Savior, Born a King' by John Purifoy at Bethel and Grace Lutheran
December 14th Cantata 'Born a Savior, Born a King' at West Portal Lutheran

Guest Soloist at St. Matthew's German Lutheran

2008-10-29T10:47:00.001-07:00

I've been invited to sing and play flute as guest soloist at St. Matthew's German Lutheran for the 11 o'clock bilingual morning worship this coming Sunday, November 2nd. Vocal repertoire will include Bach's Offne dich, mein ganzes Herze from the cantata Nun Komm, Der Heiden Heiland, BWV 61; Vivaldi's Domine Deus from the Gloria. On flute, I will be playing an arrangement of Nocturne No. 2 from Opus 9 buy Chopin. Each selection will be accompanied on piano by St. Matthew's own Gary Hunt. St. Matthew's is internationally known for having a very complimentary acoustic for vocalists.

St. Matthew's Lutheran Church
3281 - 16th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103-3323
Tel.: 415 863 6371 Fax: 415 431 5908
Email: office@stmatthews-sf.org

Women's Bible Study at West Portal Lutheran Church

2008-09-19T20:35:00.000-07:00

Also, I am getting ready to lead a women's bible study on the second book of the bible called Exodus, the one that first speaks of Moses. This group will meet at West Portal Lutheran Church, 200 Sloat Blvd. in San Francisco on Tuesdays at 7:30 (Ring the bell on the iron gate). If you have any questions about the group, please feel free to e-mail me at NicoleGeniene@yahoo.com or call 415-578-4665. New members, non believers, and those who have never read the scriptures are always welcome. Our first meeting will be this Tuesday to pick up the study guides and get an overview. Then, we will proceed the week after next (skipping the last Tuesday of this month).

New Lutheran Student Fellowship at San Francisco State

2008-09-19T20:32:00.000-07:00

Though I'm not attending SFSU anymore I am maintaining a small presence. West Portal Lutheran Church is now sponsoring the new Lutheran Student Fellowship Club and a bible study on Thursday at noon. We first meet at Malcom X Plaza before finding a place to sit (this will go on until our club status is officialized with SFSU). Lunch will be provided. The reading and discussion questions currently follow the lectionary propers common to most liturgical denominations for the coming Sunday. If you are not attending a church right now, or are new to the area, this would be a great way to get to know one of the local preachers, perhaps even influence his sermons, and get to know a few members of the Lutheran community. You do not have to be an SFSU student to attend the study.

Private Lesson Openings Available

2008-09-10T13:41:00.000-07:00

I just received my schedule for teaching in the after school music program at West Portal Lutheran Church and School so now I'm ready to fill in the gaps.

Claim Your Fall Lesson Space: Private Instruction Discounts!

2008-08-21T15:00:00.000-07:00

The following was cut and pasted from my recently updated online brochure.
August special for 1 hour students: Purchase 2 months at a time (four lessons equal a month for late starters) and get the second month for half off.

Half-hour option: Students in elementary through junior high can take half-hour lessons with Ms. Hankemeier through West Portal Lutheran Church’s after-school program. The payments are scheduled throughout each session. To take advantage of this, parents must first contact and sign up with Elise Engleberg and be sure to let her know that they want Ms. Hankemeier for their teacher. Call 1 (415) 431-0147 to register.

Referral Discounts!!! Students can get a free lesson (deducted from the next month of tuition) if they refer a friend who starts taking lessons. Refer three friends and get a whole month free!

Click the following link for a full brochure.

http://www.geocities.com/NicoleGeniene/StudioBrochureFall2008

Private Instruction

2008-07-31T13:29:00.000-07:00

I'm looking to fill three or four one hour student slots (one lesson per week) before the end of this week. I would prefer those students to be either in the evening after 7 or in the morning or early afternoon, but I'm flexible. Available days are Monday and Tuesday before 3 p.m., and Wednesday or Thursday (morning, early afternoon, and evening). If you or someone you know is looking for private instruction in either piano or flute please call or e-mail Nicole Hankemeier at 415-578-4665 or NicoleGeniene@yahoo.com. Beginners ages 6 to 96 are ALWAYS welcome!

Brochure: www.geocities.com/NicoleGeniene/StudioBrochureSummer2008.htm

Classical Music in Worship: SINFONIAS!

2008-07-17T11:49:00.000-07:00

Date: August 2, 2008
Time: 4:40 p.m.
Place: West Portal Lutheran Church, 200 Sloat Blvd., San Francisco, CA 94132

Prelude: Sinfonias (Three-Part Inventions) Nos. 1, 4, 6, 10 and 15 by J.S. Bach

Listen and Download a FREE recording of Nicole Hankemeier playing Sinfonia No. 1

Communion Music: Meditation Generated from Hebrew Consonants: Lamed, Chet, Mem by Nicole Hankemeier
Postlude: Evening Prayer from Suite Campestre by Ferrucio Busoni

Two Part Inventions by J.S. Bach

2008-06-18T20:50:00.000-07:00

I will be splitting all of the Bach Inventions between this week and next.

Music for Saturday, June 21st
Prelude: Inventions No. 1-8 by J.S. Bach
Communion: Flee as a Bird arr. Johnie Dean
Postlude: A Mighty Fortress/Awesome God Medley arr. Carol Tornquist

Music for Saturday, June 28th
Prelude: Inventions No. 6-12 by J.S. Bach
Communion: Inventions No. 13-14 by J.S. Bach
Postlude: Invention No. 15 by J.S. Bach

Both worship services take place at 4:45 p.m., 200 Sloat Blvd., San Francisco, CA 94132.
For a preview and temporarily free download of Invention No. 4 and Invention No. 13 http://temporarilyfree.mypodcast.com/index.html.

For Thought and Reflection: Two-Part Invention by Madelleine L'Engle
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Two-Part-Invention/Madeleine-LEngle/e/9780062505019

Private Music Instruction

2008-06-11T18:27:00.000-07:00

My teaching studio brochure is now online at http://www.geocities.com/NicoleGeniene/StudioBrochureSummer2008.htm.

Now Podcasting!

2008-05-17T09:07:00.000-07:00

The title of my new podcast home, CAMPANAS, gets its name from the Spanish word for bells. Throughout the Easter season I spent the first few moments of each day improvising and recording. I have fond memories of playing the bells on the organ at Lutheran Community Church every Sunday as a call to worship. It has only been within the past month that I have been able to produce bell sounds from a keyboard again--bells and more! The church I attend now, West Portal Lutheran has several bell choirs. As you're drinking your Sunday morning coffee, have a few bells to go along with it. Some are rhythmic and others are more tranquil, so take your pick!

Saturday Evenings w/West Portal Lutheran

2008-05-16T22:31:00.000-07:00

I was recently asked to contribute music to the Saturday Evening Worship Service @ West Portal Lutheran on the following dates:

May 24
June 21
June 28--

Keep checking back for repertoire information.
West Portal Lutheran worships at 200 Sloat Blvd., San Francisco, CA 94132

Franz Josef Haydn: Missa in Angustiis

2008-04-18T12:07:00.000-07:00

click image above to enlarge

J.S. Bach Tonight!

2008-03-08T10:56:00.000-08:00

I guess you could say I've been keeping somewhat of a low profile lately.

Tonight 4:45 West Portal Lutheran: 200 Sloat Blvd., San Francisco

Prelude: Invention No. 1 in C Major BWV 772, Invention No. 2 in F Major BWV 779, Invention No. 13 in A Minor BWV 784, Invention No. 14 in B-flat Major BWV 785
Communion: Sinfonia No. 1 in C Major BWV 787
Postlude: Sinfonia No. 15 in B Minor BWV 801

German Choir Event in Oakland

2008-02-22T10:39:00.000-08:00

I'll be accompanying for the Freundschaft Liederkranz again. This time for the Pacific Saengerbund Kommers (yearly choir concert)--on February 23.

For more information http://www.ugas-eb.org/events.html

Sonata No. 3 by Dimitry Kabalevsky

2008-01-27T17:00:00.000-08:00

On February 16th, at West Portal Lutheran Church (4:45 p.m.) I will be playing on the anniversary of Kabalevsky's Death so I've chosen to play Sonata No. 3 in F.

Prelude: Some works TBA and Sonata Allegro
Communion: Andante Cantabile
Postlude: Allegro Giocoso

Looking Ahead...

March 8, 2004

I'm also scheduled to play on March 8.

Prelude: TBA
Communion: TBA
Postlude: TBA

West Portal Lutheran Church, 200 Sloat Blvd., San Francisco, CA 94116

Winter Meditation No. 2: New Year Fantasia

2008-01-05T21:27:00.000-08:00

For the past two years I’ve spent December 26th composing. Last year, I wrote 70 measures for flute and cello. This year, I wrote 70 measures for piano. This year’s contrasting work could be described as a miniature character piece depicting a snowy winter day that calls people to go ice-skating on a lake. Then, as they are racing around, bells are heard to chime, the sun sets and the moon rises. At the same time, New Year Fantasia contains three enigmas. All of the enigmas are encoded in the notes, but one of them provides the structure for the whole piece.

I’m planning to play it for the first time in public during communion at West Portal Lutheran Church on January 19th at the 5 p.m. service.

TONIGHT! Candle Light Concert

2007-12-15T14:08:00.000-08:00

The San Francisco State University Chorus under the direction of Prof. David Xiques will be performing its annual Candle Light Concert at Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 100 Diamond Street, San Francisco. I'm in the soprano section. It will be a choral extravaganza with performances by the other university choral ensembles: Women's Chorus, Men's Chorus, Chamber Singers.

Performance times:

Friday, December 14 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, December 15 at 8 p.m.

Some program selections (order TBA):

Bogoroditse Devo from Vsenoshchnoe bdenie Op. 37 by Sergie Rachmaninov
Sure on this Shining Night music by Samuel Barber lyrics by James Agee
Rise Up, My Love, My Fair One by James McCray
Laudate Dominum by Fredrik Sixten
Qual mormorio soave by Luca Marenzio
Magnificat by Gerald Finzi

Updated December 15, 2007

Damenchor und Freundschaft Liederkranz

2007-12-05T16:47:00.000-08:00

Sunday, December 9, 2007
1 p.m.
St. Matthew's German Lutheran Church, at the corner of Dolores and 16th St.

Conductors Dietrich Erbelding and Erika-Maria Matthes
Assistant Conductor Nicole Hankemeier

Related Link: http://www.ugas-sf.org/index.cfm

Piano Meditations on a Rose and Roses!

2007-12-03T11:38:00.000-08:00

THIS SATURDAY!!! December 8th
About 4:45 (Possible earlier. I just found out and need to do some timings. Check back in!)
West Portal Lutheran Church, 200 Sloat Blvd., San Francisco, CA 94132

Prelude:
Johannes Brahms: Lo, How a Rose e'er Blooming Op. 122 No. 8
Samuel Wellman: Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming
Related Link: http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/l/h/lhowrose.htm

Anthony Shatney: The Seven Roses of the Thorn Crown
Related Links: http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/l/h/lhowrose.htm
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/c/r/crownhim.htm
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%202-3;&version=31;

Communion:
Lani Smith: Prelude on "Wachet Auf"
Related Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wachet_auf%2C_ruft_uns_die_Stimme_%28chorale%29

Postlude:
Johann Sebastian Bach: From Heaven Above to Earth I Come
Related Link: http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/f/r/fromheav.htm

Important Dates for West Portal Lutheran Church Choir

2007-11-30T13:38:00.000-08:00

December 2: 8:30 a.m. Cantata at West Portal. I'll be singing a solo.

We will be singing The Christmas Promise by Lloyd Larson

December 9: 10:30 service at Bethel/Grace
December 23: 8:30 a.m.
December 24: 5:00 p.m.

West Portal Lutheran is located at 200 Sloat Blvd., San Francisco.

Conductor: Cantor Wayne Kerr

More Classical Piano Music in Worship

2007-11-01T22:40:00.000-07:00

The address for West Portal Lutheran Church is 200 Sloat Blvd., San Francisco. Arrive by 4:45 p.m. to ensure that you hear the preludes.

December: Ending the Year With Firework Music!

I will be playing Debussy's Suite Pour le Piano December 30th.

Prelude: Prelude
Communion: Sarabande
Postlude: Toccata

February: Sonata No. 3 by Dimitry Kabalevsky

On February 16th I will be playing on the anniversary of Kabalevsky's Death so I've chosen to play Sonata No. 3 in F.

Prelude: Some works TBA and Sonata Allegro
Communion: Andante Cantabile
Postlude: Allegro Giocoso

March 8, 2004

I'm also scheduled to play on March 8.

Prelude: TBA
Communion: TBA
Postlude: TBA

Christmas with St. Matthew's German Lutheran Church

2007-11-01T22:36:00.000-07:00

The Feundschaft Liederkranz under the direction of Maestra Erika-Maria Matthes will be singing for the Christmas Service on Tuesday, December 25th at St. Matthew's German Lutheran Church on the corner of 16th St. and Dolores in San Francisco. I'll be conducting at least one of the songs.

Important West Portal Church Choir Dates

2007-10-01T22:45:00.000-07:00

Here's the schedule of when the choir will be singing the anthem in church.

November 11: 8:30 a.m.
November 18: 11:00 a.m.
November 21: 7:30 p.m.
November 25: 8:30 a.m.

December 2: 8:30 a.m. Cantata at West Portal I'll be singing a solo.
December 9: 10:30 service at Bethel/Grace
December 23: 8:30 a.m.
December 24: 5:00 p.m.

West Portal Lutheran is located at 200 Sloat Blvd., San Francisco.

Services w/Classical Piano on September 29th and October 6th

2007-09-24T22:55:00.000-07:00

This coming Saturday, September 29th:
4:45 p.m. West Portal Lutheran Church, 200 Sloat Blvd., San Francisco, CA 94132

Prelude: 18 Short Preludes by J.S. Bach
Communion: Etude No. 3 in E by F. Chopin
Postlude: Etude by Farrenc (don't know which one yet, but one I haven't done yet)

October 6th: All Beethoven
4:45 p.m. West Portal Lutheran Church

Prelude: Sonata in G Op. 49
Communion: Adagio Cantabile from "Pathetique"
Postlude: Sonata Allegro from Op. 2 No. 1

Classical Piano Music in Worship

2007-08-17T19:28:00.000-07:00

Click announcement to view larger print.
Image Links: Shubert, Farrenc

Related Links:

I have to copy and paste the treatise link to my browser for it to work

Chancel Choir Resumes

2007-08-06T07:43:00.000-07:00

On August 30th the West Portal Lutheran Choir, which I'm accompanist for will resume rehearsing at 7 p.m. under the direction of Wayne Kerr. Anyone is welcome to attend and be a part of the group. Membership in the church and prior musical experience is not required.

Meets in the Fireside Room at 200 Sloat Blvd., San Francisco, CA 94132

For more information contact Music Director Wayne Kerr: (415) 661-0242 x 24 or by email - JWKerr@westportallutheran.org

Related Link: West Portal Lutheran Music Ministry http://www.westportallutheran.org/Music/MusicMainPage.html

Matthes-Hankemeier Piano Duo

2007-07-09T18:09:00.000-07:00

I will be playing a Sonata for Piano Duet in D, K. 381 by Mozart with Erika-Maria Matthes at two different locations in one weekend.

August 4th: 4:50 p.m. in the Sanctuary of West Portal Lutheran Church, 200 Sloat Blvd., San Francisco, CA 94132

August 5th: 10:20 a.m. in the Sancturary of Grace Lutheran Church, 3201 Ulloa St., San Francisco, CA 94116

Prelude: Allegro
Offering or Communion: Andante
Postlude: Allegro molto

FOUR IMPROMPTUS Opus 90, D 899 by Franz Schubert

2007-07-01T18:53:00.000-07:00

Before summer started Cantor Wayne Kerr asked if he could schedule me to play one Saturday per month at the 5 p.m. worship service. The second of those Saturdays is coming up next weekend on July 7th. I will be playing the Four Impromptus of Opus 90, D899 by Franz Schubert.

Prelude (starting at 4:45 p.m.): Impromptu No. 1 in C Minor: Allegro molto moderato
Impromptu No. 2 in E Flat Major: Allegro
Communion: Impromptu No. 3 in G Flat Major: Andante
Postlude: Impromptu 4 in A Flat Major: Allegretto

Place: West Portal Lutheran Church, 200 Sloat Blvd., San Francisco, CA 94132

Wikipedia has more information about Schubert than Grove Concise Dictionary's Classical Music Pages.

Now Accepting Private Students

2007-06-20T20:08:00.000-07:00

I'm currently accepting students. If you or anyone you know is interested please email me at NicoleGeniene@yahoo.com or call 415-678-8667.

New students will get one free trial lesson in which they can audition me to see if I'm the teacher they really want to study with.

A Little Bit of Jazz

2007-06-06T12:49:00.000-07:00

I've been scheduled to play for the 5 p.m. June 16th service at West Portal Lutheran.

Prelude: A jazzed up version of This is the Feast!
Communion: Grace Greater Than Our Sin/Amazing Grace by Jim Hammerly
Postlude: Leaning On the Everlasting Arms arranged by Bill Wolaver

Les Berceaux

2007-05-02T17:00:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: Due to the popularity of this post I've come up with a rhyming translation that can be found at my other blog: The Space Between the Notes.

The word for word translation created with the help of Free Translation and IPA source (when it was still free!) is still included with this post.

I will be singing Les Berceaux as a solo accompanied by my favorite accompanist Hermann Badenhorst during the Friday Evening of French Music Concert at San Francisco State. I walked across the Golden Gate bridge this weekend and when I got to the vista point and saw the The Lone Sailor Memorial I finished memorizing all of the words to myself silently while looking across the water to the city.

Text with translation:

Les Berceaux (The Cradles)
Related Links:
Gabriel Faure
Sully Prudhomme

Here it is in French and English.

FRENCH
Les berceaux
Text by Rene-Francois Sully-Prudhomme (1839-1907)
Set by Gabriel Faure (1845-1924), op. 23, #1

Le long du quai, les grands vaisseaux,
Que la houle incline en silence,
Ne prennent pas garde aux berceaux,
Que la main des femmes balance.

Mais viendra le jour des adieux,
Car il faut que les femmes pleurent,
Et que les hommes curieux
Tentent les horizons qui leurrent!

Et ce jour-la les grands vaisseaux,
Fuyant le port qui diminue,
Sentent leur masse retenue
par l'ame des lointains berceaux.

ENGLISH
Les berceaux (The cradles)
Text by Rene-Francois Sully-Prudhomme (1839-1907)
Set by Gabriel Faure (1845-1924), op. 23, #1

Alongside the quay, the big vessels,
That the swell inclines to in silence,
Do not take notice of the cradles,
That the hand of the women balance.

But there will come the day of farewells,
For it is necessary that the women cry,
And that the curious men
Attempt the horizons that delude!

And on that day, the big vessels,
Evasive of the diminishing port,
Shall feel their mass withheld
by the soul of the distant cradles.

Friday, May 11 @ SFSU Knuth Hall 8 p.m.
Saturday, May 12 @ Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 100 Diamond Street at 18th Street in the Castro District

David J. Xiques, Conductor

Poulenc's Gloria and other selections by French Composers.

Previous Les Berceaux Post: http://freelyblogging.blogspot.com/2004/10/les-berceaux.html

Remaining Chancel Choir Dates for Spring

2007-04-23T08:27:00.000-07:00

May 6: Cantata at West Portal Lutheran 8:30 a.m. service
May 13: Sunday sing for 8:30 service
May 17: Ascension Service at Bethel Grace

Directed by Wayne Kerr

San Francisco State University Women's Chorus

2007-03-31T10:41:00.000-07:00

Date: May 14, 2007
Time: 8 p.m.
Place: West Portal Lutheran Church, 200 Sloat Blvd, SF, 94132

Repertoire could be from some of the following:

Schlof Main Kind (Naplan)
Niska Banja (Serbian Gypsy Dance, arr. Nick Page)
O Sapo (Brazil/Hatfield)-carnival
Billy and Ming (Newman)-jazz
I Will Bless the Lord (Cage)-gospel
Flower of Beauty (Clements)-contemporary American
Other selections.

Conductors: Paul Kim and Florence Cheng

San Francisco State University Chorus Spring Concert

2007-03-31T10:36:00.000-07:00

Friday, May 11 @ SFSU Knuth Hall 8 p.m.
Saturday, May 12 @ Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 100 Diamond Street at 18th Street in the Castro District

David J. Xiques, Conductor

Poulenc's Gloria and other selections by French Composers.

West Portal Lutheran Chancel Choir Schedule

2007-03-23T23:17:00.000-07:00

Our schedule for the next few weeks is below. All are welcome to join us for reheasals.

March 25 we sing for the 8:30 service
"Bless Us With Your Love" by W.A. Mozart arr. by D. E. Wagner

Thursday, March 29 regular rehearsal

Palm Sunday, April 1 we sing for both services
"Hosanna to Jesus, the King!" by Lloyd Larson

Maundy Thursday, April 5 rehearsal at 7:00 and service at 7:30
"In the Garden He Prayed" by Lloyd Larson

Easter Sunday, April 8 we sing for both 8 a.m. and 11 a.m.
"Hail Thee Festival Day"

Thursday, April 12 joint rehearsal at Bag

Sunday, April 15 day off

Wednesday evening rehearsal April 18th at Bethel Grace Lutheran?

April 22 Cantata at Bag and May 6th Cantata at West Portal
"Palms, Passion and Alleluias: A Suite for Holy Week" by Lloyd Larson

I'm singing opera!

2007-03-18T22:21:00.000-07:00

I'll be singing Vedrai, Carino, Zerlina's Aria, from Mozart's opera Don Giovanni Tuesday night at 8 p.m. in Knuth Hall at SFSU. Other singers of other teachers will also be singing.

March 17th

2007-03-15T22:13:00.000-07:00

I will be playing three nocturnes at the 5 p.m. service at West Portal Lutheran.

The first (prelude) will be by Irish composer John Field.
The second (communion) by Chopin.
The third (postlude) by Scriabin.

Legend has it that when the prophet Jeremiah escaped he ended up in Ulster, Ireland and he brought with him a harp and the coronation stone. Each nocturne really brings out the harp aspects of the piano. Chopin drew inspiration from field and Scriabin from Chopin. Incidentally, Field also spend some time in Russia.

Easter Cantata

2007-02-15T13:04:00.001-08:00

May 6 Easter Cantata presented in the 8:30 services by the joint choirs of Bethel-Grace and West Portal: Palms, Passion and Alleluias: A Suite for Holy Week by Lloyd Larson for SAB choir.

Witness

2007-02-15T12:56:00.000-08:00

February 17 & 18: Witness, an ensemble from Concordia Irvine, will be sharing in the worship services at West Portal Lutheran.

PENGYOU, TING!

2007-02-09T19:19:00.000-08:00

The West Portal Lutheran Choir will sing PENGYOU, TING! Listen Friend arranged by Carolyn Jennings for SATB & Finger Cymbals at the 11 a.m. service.

Ethnic Dinner

2007-02-09T19:16:00.000-08:00

I will play Debussy's Prelude from the Suite Pour le Piano to beging the recital after the Ethnic Dinner at West Portal Lutheran Church. The festivities begin at 6:00

Come Thou Font of Every Blessing

2007-02-01T21:14:00.000-08:00

The West Portal Lutheran Choir will be singing at the 8:30 a.m. service this weekend.

Rehearsal Thoughts Link

I'm a choir geek!

2006-12-07T15:28:00.000-08:00

I'm in three choirs this fall including the West Portal Chancel Choir, San Francisco State University Choir, and the SFSU Women's Choir. Here are some of the most important dates from each ensemble:

West Portal Lutheran Chancel Choir
Installation Service for Bishop David Stechholtz on September 10th at 3 p.m.
Sunday Services 8:30 a.m., and once a month at the 11:00 a.m. service. The choir also sings on special feast days.

Conductor/Director: Wayne Kerr
Accompanist: Nicole Hankemeier

Women's Choir:
Fri. Dec. 8 Ocean Avenue Presbyterian 8 p.m.

Directed by graduate students: Paul Kim-and Florence Cheng
Advising Faculty: Dr. Joshua Habermann
Accompanist: Hsiao-I Ping

University Choir and Women's Choir:
Fri. Dec. 15 Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church 8:00 p.m.
Sat. Dec. 16 Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church 8:00 p.m.
*Most Holy Redeemer 100 Diamond Street at 18th Street in the Castro District

University Choir Conductor/Director Prof. David Xiques
Accompanist: Steve Damonte
Women's Choir Directed by Graduate Students Paul Kim-Conductor and Florence Cheng-Accompanist. Advising Faculty: Dr. Joshua Habermann

Voice Students in Recital

2006-11-25T22:07:00.000-08:00

Place: San Francisco State University, Creative Arts Building, Knuth Hall

Address: 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA

Date: November 29th, 2006, Wednesday

Time: 8:00pm

I will be accompanied by Hermann Badenhorst. The song I will be singing and its translation is listed below:

Offne dich, mein ganzes Herze
(Open thou, my heart, to Jesus)
from Cantata #61 Nunn komm, der Heiden Heiland
by J.S. Bach

Open thou, my heart, to Jesus,
Open thou, my heart, to Jesus,
He will come and enter there,
He will come and enter there!
Open thou, open thou, my heart, to Jesus,
He will come and enter there,
He will come and enter there!

Tho’ I be but dust and ashes,
Still will I be not despised,
But find favor in His eyes,
That He came to dwell with me.
O how blessed, O how blessed,
O how blessed will I be, how blessed,
How blessed, o how blessed,
How blessed will I be!

Soloing in the Advent Cantata

2006-11-15T16:15:00.000-08:00

Instead of accompanying for the Advent Cantata at West Portal Lutheran Church I will be the soloist for In the Bleak Midwinter by Gustav Holst arranged by Joseph M. Martin which is the first movement from Ceremony of Candles. The choir will accompany me by singing softer harmonies underneath. This is the only selection we will be doing that requires a soloist.

Important West Portal Lutheran Chancel Choir Dates

2006-11-06T21:57:00.000-08:00

Anyone is welcome to sing with us regardless of prior experience. You do not need to be a member of the church or even a Christian to join. We are under the direction of Cantor Wayne Kerr. I accompany for most of the rehearsals and when the choir sings in worship except for when we do the cantata in full. Bethel-Grace's accompanist has more seniority in that regard.

The schedule of rehearsals and services with choir are listed below:

November 5th-Sunday, we sing for the 11 a.m. service
November 9th-Thursday, regular rehearsal
N0vember 12th- Sunday, we sing for the 8:30 a.m. service
November 16th- Thursday, joint rehearsal with Bethel-Grace at West Portal
November 19th-Sunday, we sing for 8:30 a.m. service
November 22nd-Thanksgiving eve: 7:00 rehearsal and 7:30 service
November 23-Thanksgiving-enjoy day off
November 26th-Sunday, we sing for 8:30 service
November 30th- Thursday joint rehearsal with Bethel Grace at Bethel-Grace
December 3rd-Cantata at West Portal 8:30 service
December 7th-Thursday, regular Rehearsal
December 10th-Sunday, Cantata at Bethel Grace 9:15 a.m. rehearsal and 10 a.m. service
December 14th-Thursday, regular rehearsal
December 17th-Sunday, day off-SS Program
December 21st-Thursday, day off
December 24th-Christmas Eve: We sing for 10 a.m. service and then for rehearsal at 4:30 and service at 5:00 p.m.
December 25, December 28, December 31 DAYS OFF!
January 4th-Thursday First Rehearsal of the New Year!

J.S. Bach and Reformation

2006-11-04T09:52:00.000-08:00

This is a big week in San Francisco for Lutherans and Bach. We are certainly getting our dose. This past week the West Portal Lutheran Chancel Choir sang With Songs of Rejoicing at both the 8:30 a.m. service as well as the service for the Feast of All Saints which was attended by many LCMS pastors as well as our beloved Bishop David Stechholz.

The WPL Choir will sing at the 11 a.m. service this weekend.

Also, the San Francisco State Chamber Choir, Men's Chorus and the Authentic Choir will be performing at 4:30 this Sunday, Nov. 5 at West Portal Lutheran Church under the direction of Zane Fiala.

An Occasion for Black Forest Cake!

2006-10-14T10:03:00.000-07:00

While I'm not actually in the following concert, I do my best to promote J.S. Bach's music and since I know the people who will be and I'm helping to coordinate the reception, I'm posting the press release below:

Johann Sebastian Bach was one of the Lutheran Church’s most prodigious sons. Devoutly religious, and unceasingly pious, Bach wanted nothing more than to bring people closer to God through his music. In the year 1714, after a long battle with the Pietism movement, Bach was named concertmaster in Weimar, Germany. As a result, he was finally able to begin composing for the church in a genre that he felt was appropriate: the church cantata. Cantata 61, “Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland,” was first performed on December 2, 1714, the first Sunday of Advent. Because of its placement in the liturgical year, Bach chose texts, and even musical forms, that were true to the spirit of the Advent season – looking forward to the birth of the Savior, Jesus Christ. As a result, we are left with a piece of music that beautifully portrays a feeling of the anticipation of Christmas, with longing and joy intermingled.

Although not specifically in the Advent season, on Sunday, November 5, beginning at 4:30 pm, this wonderful cantata will be performed as part of Zane Fiala’s Master’s Recital. Mr. Fiala is a graduate student in choral conducting at San Francisco State University, and will be conducting a program of choral music, in which Bach’s cantata will be prominently featured. Please join Mr. Fiala on his voyage, and enjoy choral music from across the centuries and around the world.

A reception will follow.

Important West Portal Lutheran Chancel Choir Dates

2006-08-27T21:38:00.000-07:00

Thursday, August 31-First Rehearsal 7:00 p.m. If you have a pulse you are welcome to join us.
Sunday, September 3-Sing for 8:30 service
Sunday, September 10-Sing at 8:30 service
Sunday, September 10th-3:00 p.m.
Sing for Bishop Stechholz Installation at West Portal Lutheran

More Mozart...

2006-08-21T23:54:00.000-07:00

Date: Saturday, August 26, 2006
Time: 4:45 p.m.ish
Place: West Portal Lutheran Church, 200 Sloat Blvd., San Francisco

Who: Me
What: Playing Mozart's other Sonata in F, the later K. 332
Where: See place above
When: See date and time above
Why: Because it is beautiful.

Related Links:
Fathers' Day 2006
Saturday Service the following week

Amazing Grace!

2006-08-15T22:36:00.000-07:00

Special Music for Saturday, August 19, 2006 at
West Portal Lutheran Church 5 p.m.
in celebration of my newest niece,

Grace Danielle Martin:
Grace Greater Than our Sin/Amazing Grace
arr. by Jim Hammerly.

Here is a story: I was walking through Golden Gate Park and got a call on my cell phone from my mom telling me that Grace had been born. A few moments later I was walking by a man picking berries. He had a portable stereo with him. I immediately noticed that the stereo was playing Amazing Grace!

Hey (Hi) Everyone:

We are the new grandparents of Grace Danielle Hankemeier. Born at 11:03 AM, August 5, 2006. to David and Christie (our daughter) Martin. She was 7 lbs and 9 Ounces. She is home and Mother and Father and grandparents are doing well. I think this is Mom's 24th Great Great Grand Child.

Gracie was born at Kasier Hospital in West Hills California.

See the attached pictures.

Dan

August 5th, 4:57 p.m. @ West Portal Lutheran Church...

2006-08-02T08:06:00.000-07:00

My Saturday plan is starting to take shape:

Prelude:
Allegro from Op. 149, No. 10 by Anton Diabelli

Sarah Stechholtz and I have played duets together before, just not on piano! We both played flute together in the Winds of Praise Ensemble at W.P.L. Church before she went off to minor in flute at Concordia-Irvine. She will be joining me at the piano for the prelude preceding the 5 p.m. service on August 5th. Her dad, Rev. Stechholtz, just became bishop for the Western Region of the Missouri Synod Lutheran Church, so I'm trying to make the most of the remainder of their time with us.

Related Link: Previous Duet with Sarah

Special Music:
It is Well With My Soul arr. Don Wyrtzen

Since there has been so much focus on the 50 Days Ablaze! devotional reading s during the sermons I've decided to play this arrangement of the hymn mentioned in one of the readings for the week. It has kind of a big sound in some places and has a similar water rippling effect to Wyrtzen's Like a River Glorious.

August @ West Portal Lutheran Church

2006-07-25T22:19:00.000-07:00

With the exception of August 12th, I will be playing for all of the 5 p.m. Saturday Evening services.

Preludes TBA but here is a clue:

August 5th and 26th are scheduled to be a hymn services so I'll likely choose from my classical reportoire.

August 19th is scheduled as a "Praise Service." Praise is apparently the term chosen to mean music that encompases music not included in the hymnals. Hymns are for singing praise but not all praises are hymns. The prelude will be something composed sometime within the last 50 years.

Prelude on July 9th.

2006-07-07T09:02:00.000-07:00

Prelude at 5 p.m. Saturday service at West Portal Lutheran will be Like a River Glorious by James Mountain arranged by Don Wyrtzen.

Repeating Mozart

2006-06-23T16:44:00.000-07:00

If you missed the Sonata on Father's Day, I will be doing a repeat of the Mozart Sonata in F, K. 280 on Saturday, June 24, at the 5 p.m. service.

Music For Father's Day

2006-06-14T16:58:00.000-07:00

Cantor Wayne Kerr will be finishing up some long distance courses at Concordia in Irvine, California during Father’s Day weekend, so I will be in charge of leading the music at West Portal Lutheran on Sunday, June 18th for both services. Here is a list of what I’m planning to play in regard to prelude, offerings and postlude at both services.

8:30 a.m. Service (Piano)

Prelude: "The Joyous Heart" by David Paxton, "Voluntary on Trust in Jesus" by Linda M. Waller, "O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing with Let There Be Glory and Honor and Praises" arr. by Carol Tornquist.

Offertory: "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms” arranged by Bill Wolaver.
Based on the hymn by Elisha A. Hoffman and Anthony J. Showalter, this is a lazy swing rendition that switches to playfulness and then returns to a gentle swing. The more I play it the more it grows on me and I don’t want to stop playing it. My father prefers that I play jazz, but I still see myself as a classical musician.
Special Note: This turned out to be a hit with the congregation and I've been asked where to find the music. I found it in Big Ivory Book of Jazz Piano Solos published by Word Music.

Postlude: "Praise Unending" by Lani Smith

11:00 a.m. Service (Piano and Organ)

Sonata in F K. 280, composed in 1774 by W.A. Mozart
“Mozart was of a deeply religious nature….Mozart stood toward God in a relationship of a child full of trust in his father.” –Friedrick Kerst, Editor of Mozart’s published letters

Prelude: Allegro
Offertory: Adagio
Postlude: Presto

SINGING Another Solo: The Holy City

2006-06-05T21:29:00.000-07:00

I will be singing a solo at the 8:30 a.m. service @ West Portal Lutheran this coming Sunday, June 11, 2006: The Holy City. The words are by F. E. Weatherly and the music is by Stephen Adams. I will be accompanied by Cantor J. Wayne Kerr.

Feast of Pentecost

2006-06-03T23:39:00.000-07:00

I will be accompanying the choir at both the 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. services tomorrow at West Portal Lutheran Church.

Accompanying for Combined Choirs

2006-05-24T09:37:00.000-07:00

I will be accompanying for the combined choirs of several local Lutheran Churches at West Portal Lutheran for the Ascension Day Service on Thursday, May 25th 7:30PM

Anthem: "Go Ye, Go Ye Into the World" arr. by Natalie Sleeth

Free Piano Lessons

2006-05-05T08:17:00.000-07:00

I will be offering free piano lessons in June. For more information my contact information is listed below.

e-mail: NicoleGeniene@yahoo.com

Phone: 650-834-2366

Something Kind of Funny

2006-05-05T07:38:00.000-07:00

I'm sure the coincidence was not intentional, but on my birthday, May 28th, the West Portal Lutheran Choir will be singing Borning Cry by John Ylvisaker at the 8:30 a.m. service.

I actually got to meet Mr. Ylvisaker at the Mt. Cross Retreat Center in Felton a few years ago. We ate dinner at the same table one night, but I doubt that he would remember my name because I was mostly listening to the lively conversation between him and one of my pastors at that time.

Link: Bio of John Ylvisaker

Link: Background on Borning Cry

Another selection by Natalie Sleeth

2006-05-05T07:34:00.000-07:00

The W.P.L. Choir will be singing Everywhere I Go on May 21st at the 11 a.m. service. I will be accompanying. Mrs. Sleeth's piano parts are always seem to be fun and interesting.

Go Into the World by Natalie Sleeth

2006-04-27T21:58:00.000-07:00

West Portal Lutheran Choir will sing this Sunday, April 30th at 11:00 a.m.
Next Sunday, May 7 at 8:30 a.m.

I will be accompanying.

Link: Short Bio of Natalie Sleeth

Accompanying for Samantha Maas-Baldwin

2006-04-26T22:03:00.000-07:00

The classical voice students will be performing in SFSU's Knuth Hall on Tuesday, May 2, 2006 at 8 p.m.

I will be accompanying Samantha Maas-Baldwin on C'est l'Extase (Ariettes Oubliees) a poem of Paul Verlaine set to music by Claude Debussy.

Link: Two Ecstacies

Classical Service @ West Portal Lutheran

2006-04-19T22:27:00.000-07:00

I will be playing the 5 p.m. Saturday service at West Portal Lutheran Church this weekend and will play the Prelude and Fugue in G Major during the service as well as other prelude music before the service.

High School Bible Class

2006-04-08T09:50:00.000-07:00

I recently learned that the calendar of topics for my high school bible class discussions has been posted to the West Portal Lutheran Church Website. I have posted a link to it on the right hand side of the screen or you can also click the link below.

Youth Bible Classes

In Touch With My LARYNX

2006-03-30T22:21:00.000-08:00

I will be SINGING a solo on Palm Sunday at the 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. services for West Portal Lutheran Church of San Francisco: Jerusalem by Henry Parker. My accompanist will be Music Director Wayne Kerr.

Busy Weekend

2006-03-18T13:30:00.000-08:00

I'm playing with Master's Musicians at West Portal Lutheran tonight at 5 p.m. and tomorrow at 8:30 a.m.

Music for March

2006-03-09T15:02:00.000-08:00

Date: March 17, 2006 (St. Patrick's Day!)
Time: 8 PM
Place: Knuth Hall, San Francisco State University on Holloway in the Creative Arts Building
Admission: FREE!

Featuring: Nicole Hankemeier with Sopranos Sarah Matthews and Samantha Maas-Baldwin, Pianist Marilyn McClain, and Flautist Eric Hunter

Celebrating Women’s History Month and St. Patrick’s Day with music by Clara Schumann, Lilly Boulanger and Irish composer John Field.

The concert will also include performances of the following:

Prelude and Fugue in G Major from the Well Tempered Clavier Book I by J.S. Bach

Prelude and Fugue in F Minor from the Well Tempered Clavier Book II by J.S. Bach

Op. 46 Sonata No. 3 in F by Dimitri Kabalevsky

Voici que le Printemps by Bourget/Debussy.

Refreshments to follow.

Related Link:

Preview

West Portal Chancel Choir: Spring 2006

2006-02-11T14:28:00.000-08:00

Here are the services I will be accompanying the West Portal Chancel Choir at.

Feb 11 Ethnic Dinner- 6:15 P.M.
Feb 12 11:00 a.m.
Feb 19 8:30 a.m.
Feb 26 8:30 a.m.
March 1 Ash Wednesday Service 7:30: Out of the Depths I Cry to Thee
March 5 Jews for Jesus: Both services: Bought With a Price
March 12 8:30 a.m.
March 19 NO CHOIR-guest group from Concordia Irvine
March 26 8:30 a.m. service
April 9 Palm Sunday: Both services
April 13 Maundy Thursday Service 7:30 p.m.
April 14 Good Friday Service 7:30 p.m.
April 16 EASTER!!!!! Both Services
April 23 NO CHOIR

Ethnic Dinner Potluck

2006-02-02T22:09:00.000-08:00

Date: February 11, 2006
Time: Dinner begins at 6:15. Performances by various members to follow
Place: West Portal Lutheran Church

Last year I presented my Mexican side with Ponce's Danza for Left Hand, so this year and since it will be so close to Valentine's Day, I will be playing Clara Schumann: Romance #2 in G Minor from Trois Romances. This will also be part of my March 17th program at SFSU.

Who at My Door is Standing? Arranged by K. Lee Scott

2006-01-19T22:15:00.000-08:00

The West Portal Chancel Choir will sing at the 11 AM service this Sunday.

Next Sunday they will sing at the 8:30 AM service.

Related Link

West Portal Lutheran Church and School

Jesus Joy of Man's Desiring

2006-01-13T08:44:00.000-08:00

The West Portal Lutheran Chancel Choir will be singing Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring by J.S. Bach this Sunday, January 15th at the 8:30 service.

Related Link

West Portal Lutheran Church and School

Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name

2005-12-24T06:28:00.000-08:00

Since I will be in Watsonville for the next couple of weeks and will play for my brother's wedding, I thought I might as well put some time in at

Lutheran Community Church

.

I will be playing on January 1st and 8th at the 10 a.m. service.

For those who still think I'm the Music Director, I'm not. I resigned over a year ago, however, the position is still open! I will only be filling in at the piano.

Related links:

March 12th Recital Preview Date

2005-12-09T14:31:00.000-08:00

Preview: March 12, 2006 at 5 p.m.
563 Mira Vista Ave., Oakland, CA 94610. R.S.V.P. optional 650-834-2366

Music for March

West Portal Lutheran Chancel Choir Schedule

2005-11-11T17:01:00.000-08:00

These are the dates the West Portal Lutheran Choir will be singing in church up through Christmas. Times listed below are subject to change.

Sunday, Novemeber 13, 8:30 service-Pengyou, Ting

Sunday, November 20, 11:00 a.m. service

Wednesday, November 23, 7:30 service

Sunday, December 4, 11:00 a.m. service

Wednesday, December 7 CANTATA! at West Portal. The Handbell Choir will also play.

Sunday, December 11, 9:30 a.m. CANTATA! at BAG

Sunday, December 18, 8:30 service

Friday, December 24, 5:00 p.m. service

Sunday, December 25, 10:00 a.m. service

From Chicago

2005-11-07T09:21:00.000-08:00

I'm writing from Lake Zurich, Illinois. My cousin, Dave, just got married. Since I haven't been to the midwest in 14 years and I didn't have to pay for the ticket I took it. I knew the timing would be kind of crazy but I didn't know if I would have an opportunity to visit family in the midwest for a while. Cash flow has always been slow during my summers and faster during the regular school year.

I've never been to a family wedding on my father's side of the family before. It was a good way to see a lot of relatives all at once. I also happened to sit next to a long time music educator at the rehearsal dinner and we talked a lot.

The dancing was great after the wedding--polkas, line dancing, fiddling, as well as Red Hot Chili Peppers, etc. We had Cherry Jubilee with flaming sauce to the tune of Hot, Hot, Hot! in addition to wedding cake.

We had a brunch at my aunt and uncle's, the grooms parents, this morning. I played piano and my younger cousins were very eager to learn how to play scales of all things. They also wanted to sing Christmas carols even though we only past All Saints Day last weekend. I also showed them how similar the player piano scroll looks to a simple recording on my computer. Everyone got a kick out of that. Gifts were openned at Erin's parent's house in the afternoon.

My grandmother still remembers a lot of poetry, but no poems as lovely as the trees. They are brilliantly colored in golds, reds, oranges and browns.

Important Dates for SFSU Choirs (UPDATED)

2005-10-23T17:18:00.000-07:00

I'm in two choirs this semester for those of you who might be interested in attending concerts. The concert dates are as follows:

October 29, 8:00pm“Harvest” Concert
Chamber Singers’ & University Chorus
Annual Benefit for SF Food Bank, Lakeside Presbyterian Church
Admission: donation to the Food Bank

November 21. 1 p.m. Knuth Hall, College of Creative Arts. Women's Chorus and University Chorus.

November 30, 7 p.m., University Chorus, Harvest Concert, Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church on Diamond St. in the Castro, Donations received will be given to the Second Harvest Foodbank

December 2 and 3 Candlelight Christmas w/University Chorus, Women's Chorus and Chamber Singers. 8 p.m. Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in San Francisco.

December 9. Annual Women's Chorus concert at Ocean Prebyterian. 8 p.m. (Date Subject to Confirmation.

Please keep checking in for more information.

Reformation Sunday

2005-10-23T17:12:00.000-07:00

The last Sunday of October is the day Lutheran's often commemorate the efforts of Martin Luther's efforts to reform the Catholic Church. The West Portal Lutheran Chancel Choir will sing accompanied by string players from of the Golden Gate Youth Orchestra as will as myself on piano. The choir will be singing the anthem listed below:

Sing a New SongSATB, with Flute and Bass
Heinrich SchutzArranged by Carol Jennings

A Very Musical Weekend

2005-10-23T16:56:00.000-07:00

I have not been very good at keeping up with posting what the W.P.L. Chancel Choir has been singing. Today we sang Alabare! at the 8:30 a.m. service. One of these days I will list the arranger and perhaps some of the other stuff we've sung. I left the house for a walk and ended up in the school computer lab.

Since last year when Wayne Kerr started directing the bell choirs they've gone from three octaves to five octaves, so we dedicated some new bells to the glory of God and the Celestial Ringers, which I'm in, played an arrangement of a piece called The Rejoicing by Handel at the 11 a.m. service. Again I will have to list the arranger at a later time. I'm playing catch up.

I heard the school orchestra play at the Saturday Service as well. They've really improved their intonation in the past year as well.

Fall 2005 Practicum Chronicle

2005-10-23T16:50:00.000-07:00

August 30th Romance #2 from Trois Romances by Clara Schumann (old) and Prelude in F Minor from W.T.C. Book 2 by J.S. Bach
September 12th Romance #3 from Trois Romances by Clara Schumann and Lo, How a Rose is Blooming Op. 122 by J. Brahms

I have not been keeping this chronicle up very well. Life has been sooo hectic! I don't have my calendar on me at the moment but I can list some of the pieces I've played below:

Sonata No. 3 Movement II- Kabalevsky

Caprice a la Boleros-Clara Schumann

Chorale Prelude on the hymn tune From Heaven Above to Earth I Come by Martin Luther-arranged by J.S. Bach

Like a River Glorious by James Mountain-arranged by Don Wyrtzen

Accompanying

2005-10-06T09:20:00.000-07:00

I really prefer accompanying rather than solo playing. Practicing slowly for solo playing has a very luxrious feel after a day of singing and accompanying, but always playing something new and trying to learn it fast is very stimulating. I also feel more comfortable with music in front of me.