Goin’ Home is a brand new music project that has been two years in the making.  The project’s creator, Peter Link, is the record producer, composer, arranger and orchestrator of this work.  There is a cast of wonderful 15 singers on the forthcoming CD and concert tour.  This project is a beautiful, joyful, deep, amazing and diverse work dealing with a theme relevant to anyone and everyone.

So, what is this theme that’s so important to everyone, you ask?  The full title might give you a hint:

Goin’ Home:  On Heaven and Beyond.

Ahhhhhh, heaven and beyond, you muse…

Yes, I admit too, that title has provoked me into thinking more about this theme since I first heard about the project.  The music and the lyrics in Goin’ Home deal with that great transition or final change at the end of our lives through an inspiring blend of great tradition and cutting-edge new music.

Ok, you say, but why write a whole musical work on this subject?  Here’s what Peter Link has to say about it:

“Goin Home deals with the experience at the end of our lives that we each face eventually that I like to call “transition”.  I, personally, would like to go through that experience, when it comes, fully aware and alert, expectant joyful, and filled with spiritual curiosity.  When it comes to that transition, we Americans tend to look the other way and pretend that it doesn’t exist.  I don’t want to be like that.

What better way to prepare than to write about it.

So Goin’ Home is about Heaven and beyond.  I’ve thought from childhood that the much of the world’s perception of Heaven, though certainly idyllic, was really rather like a fairy tale or a Santa Claus story.  In a song entitled Heaven on the CD I write the following:

I don’t believe in Heaven
As a place up in the sky
A place where all the angels sit
As the clouds go passin by

 I don’t believe in Heaven
Dressed in white and gold
A city in a world upstairs
Where all of our wings unfold
And a God sits upon his throne

 I see it more as a state of mind
Since my body gets left behind
I see it more
As an open door
To a life of another kind

 I don’t believe in Heaven
As a place this side of Hell
A place where all the good folks go
A place where the spirits dwell
An’ ol’ Peter a-rings dem bells

I see it more as a holy space
A place to pause
A spiritual base
I see it more as an open door
To a kind of a quiet grace

And when all is said and done
I think that Heaven
Like earth
Is what we make it
It’s a moment in the sun
It’s a cleansing time
In a state of grace
It’s a place where laughter reigns

Oh it’s Heaven
Heaven
It’s Heaven
Oh it’s Heaven”
(“Heaven” lyrics by Peter Link)

I am very excited and thrilled to be part of the cast of singers on this new CD and tour with Jenny Burton, Margaret Dorn, Angela Clemmons, Kevin Osborne, Vaneese Thomas, Catherine Russell, Darryl Tookes, John James, Keith Fluitt,  Tom Tipton, and the R&B group AHMIR.

Goin’ Home explores our eventual transition with songs like Peter’s original piece “Heaven”, as well as great new arrangements of traditional African American Spirituals and Hymns – and Julie Gold’s “Come To Me As a Bird”.  The CD is poignant, fun, funny and it’s a rockin’ musical event that will make you jump up and dance and celebrate!

The other important aspect to the Goin’ Home project is that a whole community has sprung up in the form of the artists, technicians, promoters, and contributors.  We started a Kickstarter.com campaign to raise the final funds needed to complete this huge project and get it out to the world by Christmas 2011.

Please join us and become a part of the Goin’ Home Community!

Check out the Goin’ Home project page on Kickstarter.com.  It will tell you all about Goin’ Home through video, music, pictures and text.  For every dollar that you donate, you will receive something special from this project.  (See the list of incentives on the Goin’ Home project page.)  You will also become an integral part of this growing community of supporters.

We invite you to become a part of this team – pledge a buck or ten or more – there is no limit.  Your contribution, whether small or large, is critically important to the success of this endeavor.  Every dollar counts.  If each person on our mailing lists just gave one dollar, we’d get there and beyond.

I will keep you updated on the progress of the Goin’ Home Kickstarter Campaign.  We have 30 days to raise the funds.  So here’s your first report:

In the first 8 days of this campaign, supporters have contributed 29% of the entire funds needed.  Thank you, thank you, and thank you again to each and every donor who has helped Goin’ Home to get this far.

We have 22 more days to reach the goal.  Below is a picture of what the community looked like after just 2 days of the kickstarter campaign.  We will upgrade this community collage each week.

Thanks so much for considering being a part of Peter Link’s Goin’ Home project!  You’re gonna love it!

The Goin' Home Family of Artists, Technicians, Promoters, and Supporters after just two days of the Goin' Home Kickstarter Campaign!

 Here’s The Goin’ Home Community as of 10/11/11:

Lauren Mctaggart, Karen Kantor, Steve Stiert, William Downs, Bonnie W. Wade, Kate Gibson Oswald, Julie Gold, Roberta Houston, Diana Paul, Jake Stewart, Steve Schalchlin, Annabelle Bloom, Suzanne Travers, Annie Layman, Tina Link-Black, Dawne Pullman, Edythe J. Peterson, Marcello Rollando, Gary Rowland, Kathy Horn, Laurel Rudolph, Art Lacoonis, Sara Gray, Dustin Link, Jan True Jacoby, Margot Faught, Joe Bravaco, Audrey Woods, Jeramy Shays, Karen Hathaway, Carol Jay, Tyler Neale Peter Link, AHMIR:  Sing-Sing, AHMIR: KC, AHMIR: Mr. Jones, AHMIR: Big Mike, Jenny Burton, Angela Clemmons, Margaret Dorn, Keith Fluitt, John James, Kevin Osborne, Catherine Russell, Vaneese Thomas, Darryl Tookes, Tom Tipton, Barry Danielian, Janice Sweet, Julia Wade, Craig Wagner, Ruth Smith, Chris Welch, Alan Smallwood, Beth Gibson, Carol Hoover, Cynthia Otoole, Kimberly Moller, Sally D. House, Dick Frantzreb, Gabriel Barre, Rhonda K. Youngblood, Debbie Bermel

I had a great New York evening last Monday night, September 12th.  I was interviewed on The Bill Russo Show.

Bill Russo hosts his own blog radio show right in the heart of New York City every Monday night from 7 pm to 8 pm. The radio show is part of the Centanni Broadcasting Network that reaches live audiences in New York, Los Angeles and all the way to Italy.

Bill’s show is described as “An internet radio program with fabulous introductions of interesting and entertaining people and music with great resources for networking.”

Bill invited me to an hour-long discussion along with playwright and singer JoAnn Robertozzi as well as  his entertaining sidekick, Anthony Lofaso, (host of the radio show, The A. C. LOWE SHOW).   Together, we spent an hour talking about inspirational music and our thoughts on September 11th. The show was broadcast the day after the 10th Anniversary of 9/11.

It was a great discussion – and you’ll love the fact that Bill Russo broadcasts every week live over a PA system at Giovanna’s Restaurant on Lexington Avenue on the Upper East Side. The broadcast is full of the sounds of a New York restaurant, people coming and going and things happening in the background.

We all sat at a long bank of tables – each of us stationed in front of microphones with headphones on – as waiters passed back and forth, people came and went, and diners dined and listened in as we talked.

Bill Russo kicked off the show by playing the title song on my CD, “Every Day.”  He read part of the lyrics afterward as a lead-in to a discussion of how people deal with those they lost in 9/11.  Only the day before, the nation had just finished observing the tenth anniversary of 9/11.  This led to a general discussion of inspirational music and its effect and influence on our culture.

Later, Bill played “Woman On A Train”  track #6 on the Every Day CD after I told the true story behind this song of what happened to me one night on the train.  Finally, Bill concluded the show by playing one of my all-time favorite songs in life, track #5, “Nothing Only Love.”

I really enjoyed meeting Bill Russo and his crew, and I loved being able to reach out to his following across the world.  It was a fun evening and a terrific opportunity to share insights and ideas on music… and much more.

You can listen to the Interview by going to the Bill Russo Show page on the Centanni Network website.  Then scroll down to “The Bill Russo Show 9/12/2011 with Julia Wade and JoAnn Robertozzi.”  Click on the link and listen to the broadcast on your favorite player on your computer.

Enjoy!

============================================

EVERY DAY
Music and Lyrics
by
Peter Link

EVERY DAY
EVERY HOUR
EVERY MOMENT YOU ARE THERE
HERE IN MY LIFE
ABLING ME

EVERY BREATH
EVERY HEARTBEAT
EVERY FOOT STEP YOU ARE THERE
RIGHT BY MY SIDE
LETTING ME BE

WATCHING OVER
HOLDING ME IN THE ARMS OF LOVE
WHILE I TRY THE SKY
AS THE CLOUDS CROSS OVER
AND SHADOWS SHAPE THE LIGHT
AND DARKEN MY WORLD
I TURN TO YOU

YOU WHO KNOWS ME
YOU WHO GIVES ME
ALL THE ESSENTIAL THINGS OF LIFE

EVERY BREATH
EVERY HEARTBEAT
EV’RY FOOTSTEP
HERE IN MY LIFE
YOU ARE

EVERY DAY
EVERY HOUR
EVERY MOMENT YOU ARE THERE
HERE IN MY LIFE
ABLING ME

IN MY TIMES OF TROUBLE
THERE YOU ARE IN THE MORNING LIGHT
AS THE NIGHT DRAWS DOWN
YOU ARE STANDING BY ME
YOU SEE ME AS I AM
THE CHILD OF YOUR LIGHT
THE LIKE OF YOU

YOU WHO LOVES ME
YOU WHO GIVES ME
ALL THE ESSENTIAL THINGS OF LIFE

EVERY TRUTH
EVERY SUBSTANCE
EV’RY SONG
EVERY INSIGHT
THE FABRIC OF MY BEING
MY LIFE

EVERY DAY
EVERY DAY
EVERY HOUR
EVERY MOMENT
EVERY DAY

Early Morning in New York City

I was grateful to be home in NYC for the anniversary of September 11^th.  I didn’t plan it that way.  Most Sundays find me singing in Boston.  On this particular Sunday, however, I was home for a few weeks of working on my new CD project.

Seth Godin

Sunday, September 11^th was a beautiful day of reflection, remembrance and connection.  The day began with early morning readings on 9/11.  I read a beautiful blog post by Seth Godin.  Be sure to check out this insightful article:  “It’s Different Here.”

Peter Link

Then I read Peter Link’s profoundly moving blog post on 9/11.  Enjoy his inspiring and healing view point in “Remembering”

Next, my eyes landed on a piece of sheet music on my desk.  The song was Duke Ellington’s “Come Sunday.”  The lyrics were a PERFECT prayer to set out on this day of remembrance.  And there was no choice but to listen to the great Mahalia Jackson sing this song on the Duke Ellington Black Brown and Beige album.  It is transcendent.  Listen here.  View the lyrics here.

Finally, as a contribution to this 10^th anniversary of 9/11, I posted to Facebook and Twitter a free download of my recording of Peter Link’s “In Silence” from watchfiremusic.com.  It is a tribute and comforting song to anyone who has felt the loss of a loved one and who mourns.  Please get your free download of “In Silence” here.

Then the day really got rolling! 

First, it was time for church.  It was a treat to attend church at home in NYC at Third Church of Christ, Scientist.  During the service, the soloist, New York soprano Jenny Lynn Stewart sang magnificently of the faith that is “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”  Jenny Lynn and organist Tom Williams really set the tone for me with their offering of “Faith” by Burton Lawrence.

Right after church, I set off on foot with a gaggle of girlfriends and we walked uptown on the Upper East Side in the direction of a sweet inspirational concert given by Eighth Church of Christ, Scientist.

We stopped off at a little hole-in-the-wall pizza joint for cheese slices and soda.  It doesn’t get much more New York than that, and the pizza was fantastic!

Soon, we were at the gates of Eight Church’s beautiful garden where the outdoor concert was being held in honor of 9/11.  It was called “Love and Brotherhood” – a free event featuring the soprano Osceola Davis, accompanied by the jazz pianist Dotti Anita Taylor, singer/songwriter Rebecca Minor, NYU guitar major Peter Wise, and The Robbyn Tongue Band.

The Performers: Dotti Anita Taylor, Osceola Davis, Rebecca Minor, Peter Wise, Robbyn Tongue, Patrick Reid, Danny Wolf

These folks sang and played with heart and soul and a profound need to bring healing music to a healing city.  And they did.  Ten years later, the wounds are still deeply felt by many.  But the performers gave us all a chance to sit outside among restful green trees and beautiful flowers, reflecting, remembering and meditating with their musical offerings.

My favorite aspect of the concert was this:  The sounds of the singers and the band poured out onto the street, echoing off the canyon of walls framing three sides of the garden.  Passing neighbors and strangers all stopped midstep to give pause and soak in some inspiration along with the seated audience.

The wonderful Osceola Davis sang several gorgeous pieces from her Climbing High Mountains CD.  I especially loved her “Peter Ring ‘Dem Bells” and her signature piece, “He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands.”  Where does this girl get her high notes? She lives and breathes up there in those lofty realms!

Dotti, Osceola, Rebecca

Rebecca Minor gave the gift of singing three of her own original songs that were perfect prayers of comfort and healing.  The band backed her up to great effect. “Love Yourself Too” is a special favorite.  View the lyrics here.

Newcomer Peter Wise, played an oh-so-sweet medley of “Amazing Grace” with “What A Wonderful World” on his electric guitar.  There were quiet smiles of appreciation. It’s going to be really fun to follow this very talented NYU sophomore guitar major through his musical journey!

Jazz saxophonist Robbyn Tongue gave us his special rendition of “Danny Boy” with his band.  The audience loved Robbyn’s arrangement and fresh chord progressions of this beloved tune.

The audience filled the garden to capacity and spilled out onto the street.  It was an inspiring event.

The music and the day continued…

The Boyds for Praise Company

After the concert, a friend and I walked through Central Park back to the west side, and we heard many more sounds of harmony filling the air.  Most notable was our discovery of the Boyds for Praise Company – a family choir filling the air with their worship music, accompanied by cello and bass.  The singers ranged from about age 9 and up!  You can find them most weekends under the portico by the Bethesda Fountain singing songs like “Joy Bells Keep Ringing In My Soul” and “Joy In The Morning Light.”

After I bade my friend farewell, I shopped at Trader Joe’s on 72^nd and Broadway — it was right there as I came out of the Park at 72^nd  Street.  This is not as mundane as it may seem.  To get to a Trader Joe’s in my world usually takes all kinds of planning and subways, and time.  So, to find myself right there, was exciting indeed!

In New York City, you buy what you can carry, so I loaded up with a couple of heavy bags of groceries and caught a cab.

As I sped back down to my own neighborhood, I felt such gratitude for the day and its healing truths shared in songs, prayers, sermons, sights, sounds and scenes.  I was especially grateful for all of the wonderful people passing me by, just going about their lives in colorful relief against the backdrop of a cloudy sky on a day almost done, and a city and a nation endeavoring to remember well.

It was 9/11, and it was Sunday in New York City.

New York City Sunset

=================================

More pics from the day!

Julia Wade with the performers: Dotti Anita Taylor, Osceola Davis, Rebecca Minor, Peter Wise, Robbyn Tongue, Patrick Reid, Danny Wolf

Julia Wade and Peter Wise

Bethesda Fountain at Central Park

Part 1:  “How Do You Do That?”

For the past six years, I have performed as soloist at the international headquarters of a church whose services are broadcast around the world.  During this time, I have sung a different solo each week matched to the sermon to follow – and I have performed most of the songs from memory.

Performing from memory is a must-have skill for any performer, and yet it can be a rather illusive process.  It was, at least, for me.

This is the first of a series of posts on memorization. Through the series, I hope to share some of the wisdom and insights I have learned through exploration, study, and sheer experience.

To begin, I have been asked the following questions often and with a certain kind of urgency:  “How do you do that?”  “How do you memorize your songs week after week?”

These are good questions.  How do I memorize a piece of music — the words, music, melody, timing, etc. and stand up and perform this way week after week?  It’s not easy.  I don’t recommend it for everyone.  But it’s so very worth it if you can take the leap!  It is an on-going spiritual, mental and physical process.

This process is really is a series of small, significant steps that come long before that big “leap.”  So as you read this and consider how it might apply to your own life, be sure to understand that my process came about through years of exploration, study and experience.  Be kind and patient with yourself, but also make strong, realistic demands for your own growth — one step at a time, each step of the way.

 Background

I’ve been a singer since I could climb the low branches of the willow tree in our back yard at age 3.  I didn’t know I was a singer back then.  I was just talkin’ to the sun and the flowers… making it up from my perch on the tree branch.  Later, that need to make music solidified into elementary band where I became a flute player and remained thus through high school and into college.  I was a music reader – I always had the score right in front of me when I played in band, orchestra, and even in marching band.

Then, in high school, I discovered, or should I say, rediscovered singing in a very big way.  I joined the sophomore girl’s choir and my whole world blew wide open.  There was nothing else but singing.  And with it came musicals, concerts, choir and madrigals — all with the need to memorize.

I was never taught to memorize – you just did it come hell or high water.  When I entered college as a freshman voice major, I was seriously studying more and more layers of music while memorizing art songs in foreign languages as well as in English.

I remember feeling very lost at sea, even as I prepared for my final voice juries each semester. (A voice major’s final semester exam where I had to perform several pieces before the whole voice faculty.)  That feeling continued as I progressed to opera scenes, solo recitals, and finally, performing entire roles in opera and theatre professionally in my career.

Up through my college days, I had only a vague sense of “rote” memory – the process of strict repetition.  There was no formal instruction as to how to memorize.  It was simply assumed that you did it and you knew how to do it.   Back then I was so busy learning how to coordinate many processes as a young singer, that the thought of memorizing was always the last element for me.

I had friends who could memorize circles around me.  If I had asked them how they did it, I don’t know if they would have been able to tell me.  They just did it.  We all did.

Memorizing terrified me.  I was often thrown out on the stage before I felt I was really ready – so I learned to survive.  That in and of itself is a tremendous skill to have, but not one on which to base your whole experience.  Survival on stage, for me, was akin to blind faith – a sort of hoping that I would get through without knowing how I would do it.

Clearly I had yet to learn the basics of how to memorize.  And that, my friends, actually translates into this:  I had yet to learn the basics of how to prepare.

So this blog series “On Memorization” is really an exploration on how to prepare… a piece of music, a monologue, a scene, a presentation, an interview, etc.

Whether you are a student, a musician or actor facing these same demands, or you are in a discipline altogether different, I think that this process crosses over all kinds of boundaries.  It is applicable in all kinds of situations.  And that’s because it is a way of thinking – a mental discipline – even a life choice.

===================

Next up:  Part 2: “Why Do You Do That?”

What, you ask, is a bleet???  A bleet is a cross between a short blog post and a tweet.  See, with a bleet, you can be short, but you don’t have to keep it to 140 characters, which, of course, is an absolute impossibility with me.  (And in case you’re wondering, I just made all that up!)

So, here’s my bleet about the last 3 months:

Julia with Bryan Ashley

At The Mother Church:  March, April and May took me weekly up to Boston where I continue to sing as Soloist at The Mother Church.  I sang some gorgeous, inspired music ranging from the wonderful contemporary songs of Mindy Jostyn, (“I And My Father Are One” and “Prodigal Child”) to a perennial favorite, “On Eagle’s Wings,” to several deeply loved traditional treasures: “Arise, Shine” by James MacDermid (with acoustic grand piano) and the healing words and music of “Reality” by Dorothy Currey Chancellor.

At The Watchfire Music Listening Room:  From March through May, I performed at The WFM Listening Room in New York City.  As a partner in Watchfire Music, I have been helping to develop this wonderful performance venue with Peter Link and have also co-produced concerts when not performing:

March 25, 2011:  I co-produced an evening at the Watchfire Music Listening Room with Jenny Burton and Margaret Dorn — two fantastic women and each uniquely gifted performers.

April 8, 2011:  I performed at The Watchfire Music Listening Room with Special Guest LaTanya Hall.  We had an eclectic and uplifting evening of wonderful jazz standards and beautiful inspirational music!

April 22, 2011:  Jenny Burton returned this time with world-class guitarist Chieli Minucci.  A soaring night of vocal and instrumental music!

May 13, 2011:  I returned to perform at the WFM Listening Room and shared a great evening with the witty and entertaining Jimmy Roberts – the composer of the 2^nd longest running off Broadway musical in history, “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change!”  I debuted brand new material from my forthcoming new CD, “Silk Road.”  It was exciting!

May 23, 2011:  Jenny Burton soared again and capped off Series II of the WFM Listening Room with Chieli Minucci.  Chieli brought two fantastic guest artists, vocalist/drummer Philip Hamilton and violinist Alan Grubner.  It was a powerhouse night at the Listening Room, a great send-off toward Series III coming up this summer!

Cast Members of "Expanding Our Music"

June 4, 2011:  Live PodCast from The Mother Church:  “Expanding Our Music:  A Workshop on Church Solos with Julia Wade and GREAT cast of musicians and singers, produced and directed by Peter Link.  I will be blogging about this experience in the very near future.  For now, suffice it to say that this was a truly beautiful and exciting concert/workshop presented at The Mother Church as part of the Boston Church Alive Summit. You can listen to the podcast and download resource materials here.

June 5, 2011:  I had the honor to introduce the local and international congregation to world-class guitarist Chieli Minucci, who accompanied me for the solo in the Sunday Services at The Mother Church. It really felt like a duet between the guitar and voice.  We performed “Gloria” by Peter Link.  Chieli performed the night before in our Solo Workshop, and it was a gift to continue that experience the next morning in the service.

OK – lots more to come now!

Up Next:  I will soon be posting my “On Memorization” article series.  It’s been a long time in writing, but it’s time to share.  Stay tuned!

Wishing you love, music and joy each and every day!

End of bleet! 

As we have all been trying to get our minds around the devastation of earthquake and tsunami in Japan — and as we’ve all been embracing our fellow brothers and sisters in Japan in our hearts and prayers, it is still overwhelming to me to”grok” what has happened there.

In working to get past feeling helpless and overwhelmed,  I have found many articles and blog posts to be very inspiring.  They are chronicling the prayers as well as the humanitarian work going on all over the world for Japan.

Here is a blog post called “A prayer tsunami” posted on christianscience.com. Check it out!
It starts off with the guest blogger, Steve Salt giving his perspective from the West Coast of the United States:

“As word spread today about the devastating earthquake that hit Japan, a wave of fear began to spread around the globe. It is palpable. Video of the destruction viewed by billions is intensifying that anxiety.

As of this writing, the west coast of the United States is under a tsunami warning and residents are bracing for possible destruction along the western shores caused by the volume and speed of ocean waters. Just as tangible are the tidal waves of apprehension.

The ripple effect of this news is a heightened sense of insecurity. It is a challenge to the human psyche when the very ground we stand on is deemed unstable. It can shake our very core.

My prayer this morning continues to rest on the unshaken realm of God’s creation. I can find security there. Life is neither fragile nor trapped on the surface of a tiny ball of dirt in the vast vacuum of space. As I study my Bible I realize that life is formidable.”
Read The Whole Blog Post

The rest of the article and the comments posted by people all over the world have been very inspiring to me.   In response, I wish to share inspiration that I have discovered this week:
Just three days ago I began working on a brand new inspirational song. Though I had first explored the lyrics a few weeks ago, their immediate healing response to the earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan this past week just jumped off of the page at me.

This song, “Love Is The Reason For Living” was written about a month ago by my composer/husband, Peter Link. This week it has become my prayer in thinking about and praying for our Japanese sisters and brothers.

Peter originally wrote this song in response to an article he discovered by Christian Science teacher, practitioner and lecturer, Grace Bemis Curtis, C.S.B. of Pittsburgh, PA. This article (titled “Living To Love”) talks about the depth, breadth and allness of the power of Love.

The lyrics continue to be a guide in my prayer as I turn away from the physical, mortal evidence of disaster and I pray to know, feel, and see God’s tender and mighty love for His creation. This song helps me to know, feel, and see that God’s comforting, loving protection over the whole world is specifically surrounding and holding His beloved sons and daughters in Japan right now – and always has, and always will.

I am so very grateful for the immediate, protecting power of the Christ in all situations at all times. I am grateful for Mrs. Eddy’s discovery and uncovering of this Truth that is here for all of us – always.
Here are the lyrics to this new prayer:

Love Is The Reason For Living
Music and Lyrics by Peter Link

We dwell in the arena
Of immense conflicting forces
Our lives are swayed by counsel
From a million diff’rent sources
As we near each troubled crossroad
With a rising tide of fear
And wonder what becomes of us
When the tidal waves appear

We cannot help but turn to God
To summon His defense
To stir instead the floodtides of love
His sustenance
His deliverance

And so we strip away the falsehood
From the truth of who we are
And commit our lives
To innocence once again

Love is the answer
Love is every answer
Love is God forgiving
Love is the reason for living
Yes love is the reason
For living

We long to stand the summit
In the pinnacles of Spirit
Where death no longer finds us
No and we no longer fear it
And the light of life surrounds us
With its infinite embrace
And Love pervades our consciousness
And evokes its change of base

Love is the answer
Love is every answer
Love is God life-giving
Love is the reason for living
Yes love is the reason
For living

“What’s love got to do with it”?  What do you mean?  What’s love got to do with what?  It’s got to do with your life’s work.  That’s what.  So, I’m not talking about  Tina Turner’s legendary view of romantic love. I’m talking about that deep spiritual, elemental kind of love that commits us to our work.

I had a great opportunity to learn more about that deep elemental love in action.

Years ago when I was a young singer at the beginning of my career, I attended a recital given by Frederica von Stade, the American opera singer and recitalist.

She was, and remains to this day, one of my favorite opera singers of all time.  For me, she represents the consummate artist while possessing a largess of heart and spirit.  Throughout her 40-year career, her instrument was rich, agile and glorious, and she was a wonderful actress on stage.  But mostly, I always felt her joy and love — not only for her craft, but for her audience as well.

So, imagine my excitement to get to experience Frederica von Stade live in recital!

When Flicka (as she has been affectionately called throughout her career) came on stage and started her first song, I was so excited.  She sounded amazing.  But, by the end of that first piece, I became aware that I was gripping the arms of my seat.  I then noticed that I had become anxious.  I was feeling ill at ease and fearful.  I couldn’t put my finger on it.  So, I tried to just focus on the wonderful Flicka.  She was poised and in control.  But I knew — I just knew — that there was something going on with her – a struggle of some sort.

That might seem a bit pretentious coming from a young singer and fan sitting amongst several thousand people.  But I intuited that something was up with this incredible lady.

I had learned in the course of my vocal studies, that I was keenly sensitive when listening to other singers and could sometimes intuit their vocal processes when they sang.

As a spiritual thinker, I had been practicing inner listening – listening for messages and directions as a result of my understanding of God.

In those first moments of the recital, I realized that I had a choice.  I could just grip my chair and remain distracted, or I could do something more constructive.  I decided to pray.

I prayed to affirm God’s loving control over the event.  The Bible teaches, “God is love.”¹ So I reasoned that Love itself was wrapping and weaving itself around this event.  Nothing could harm the performance. Whatever was going on, my job was simply to continue loving that lady up there and be a supportive fan witnessing her professionalism and artistry.   I knew that this kind of thinking would release me from whatever was making me so anxious.

At the intermission, I turned to my friend and mentioned that I thought that Miss von Stade was going through some kind of challenge, though I couldn’t pinpoint what it was.  My friend was incredulous at my assertion.  He essentially wrote it off and dismissed what I had said.  How could I be aware of anything like that?

I decided to be quiet.

Flicka came back on and finished her recital with kudos and bravos roaring from the audience.

In the second half of the recital, I was able to let go of the anxiety.  I deeply enjoyed the rest of the recital and shouted my bravos along with everyone else.

The next day, my friend called and asked me if I had seen the article on Flicka in the Los Angeles Times.  I said no.  He told me that the reviewer was lauding Flicka for singing a gorgeous recital despite the fact that she had gone on with a very heavy head cold.

Her choice had been to either (1) cancel – thereby causing great disappointment, not to mention loss in revenue of ticket sales sold months in advance of the recital – or (2) to “go on with the show” and give the performance to the best of her abilities regardless of this physical challenge.

The article reported that Flicka had refused to announce this problem ahead of time to the audience. The reviewer spoke of Flicka’s consummate performance and the fact that the cold was undetectable.

Wow! What a profound object lesson: This experience taught me the undeniable importance of the power of love – on both sides of the footlights.

As I analyzed this experience later, I asked myself what had actually taken place.  Did my prayer help Frederica von Stade?  I can’t say.  But it did help me.  I got past the fear and anxiety I was feeling.  I realized that the act of praying had made me re-position my thought above negativity into support and enjoyment.  I was able to love that great artist – and myself — through the performance.

Flicka’s triumph that night came from her own love — devotion – for her life’s work.  But I could also see that she triumphed as well, as a result of what we all wanted to see and hear in the audience that night.  We were expecting her greatness and therefore we received the greatness that no head cold could cover up or take away.  Love works both ways back and forth across the footlights.

As an audience member, I learned more acutely my role:  to love and appreciate the performer, support her endeavor.

As a performer myself, this experience taught me also to trust implicitly my own sense of decision-making on stage – and also to trust that wonderful sense of love that I naturally feel for my audience – and that same overall sense of love feeding right back to me.

So whether I am in the role of performer or audience member, Love wraps itself around the whole experience, — supporting, protecting, and rejoicing over the performer, the performance and the audience.  Love is the currency – the medium of communication flowing back and forth over the footlights.  Love goes both ways, and around and around.

So, what’s love got to do with it?  Everything!

========================

PS:  Just for the record, I am a HUGE Tina Turner fan too — for so many reasons!

========================

¹ 1 John 4:8

This article has been reprinted from an article first appearing in the Principia Purpose, Peter’s High School and College Alumni Magazine in December of 2010.

Peter Link’s music career flowed naturally from his days at the College. After serving under Jack Eyerly as assistant choir director his sophomore year, Peter went on to be its main director until he graduated. “Jack believed in my ability, mentored me, and provided opportunities,” Peter recalls. “I really learned my craft from him!” Peter also directed a College production of Carousel. After seeing it, a parent told him, “If you directed this production, you can make it in New York.” With that encouragement, Peter packed for the Big Apple soon after graduation.

During the next two years, Peter studied acting under Sanford Meisner at the Neighborhood Playhouse. From there, he landed a lead role in the TV soap opera As the World Turns as well as a lead role in Hair on Broadway. “Doing Hair and the soap was an incredible two-year ride as an actor, but I soon found that my real interest was composing for the musical theatre,” Peter says. During Hair he wrote the hit musical Salvation. Out of that score came a gold record that sold two million copies. “This was a whirlwind start for a young guy!” Peter notes.

Next, after seeing one of Peter’s shows, Joseph Papp, producer of the New York Shakespeare Festival, offered him the position of composer in residence. Over the next five years, Peter wrote music for 40 Shakespeare Festival productions. He has also written music for 15 Broadway shows and was twice nominated for a Tony Award.

In the following decade, Peter teamed up with his wife at the time, Jenny Burton, to develop a gospel show called The Jenny Burton Experience, which sold out in New York City for seven years and toured nationally. Jenny and Peter also had a son during this time, and although they’re now divorced, they remain friends and collaborators.

“Show business is about reinventing yourself from time to time,” Peter notes. “During this period, I recognized a need to write inspirational music of deeper content.” He also met Julia Wade, an opera singer crossing over into more popular styles. Soon the two were married.

Along with their love of music, Peter and Julia have Principia in common. Though Julia only attended for a few years of Lower School, she says that time was “an important backdrop” to her life. In particular she recalls her fifth grade teacher, Mr. Sellers, and playing flute in the band.

Eventually, Julia majored in music at San Jose State University in California and began her singing career at Opera San Jose. Later, she settled in New York City, but she has performed widely, including the Rome Opera and Palermo Opera.

By the time Peter and Julia got together, the music industry was beginning to change dramatically due to the Internet, so they contacted a Principia friend, Jim Birch (US’63), to help them navigate the business side of this new industry. Eventually, Watchfire Music was created, which now represents a wide range of inspirational music artists (including Julia) and composers (including Peter).

Julia also shares inspirational music each week as The Mother Church soloist. Describing her solo selection process as that of a “hunter-gatherer,” she pores over each week’s Bible Lesson along with stacks of solos. To help others in the same situation, she helped develop a research tool called “Solo Thoughts” on Watchfire’s website. There, 12 to 20 suggested solos are matched with the Bible Lesson each week, and the sheet music can be downloaded immediately. “I wanted to create for other people what I needed myself,” Julia shares.

As busy as they both are, Julia and Peter still find time to make music together. Their latest CD, entitled Every Day, features Julia singing Peter’s songs. Available at Watchfire Music (www.watchfiremusic.com), Every Day is definitely inspirational. As Julia explains, “The title track brings forth the idea that every day, every moment, God is enabling us and loving us.”

To hear the report Julia Wade gave during the 2010 Annual Meeting, go to www.christianscience.com/church/the-mother-church/annual-meeting. Julia’s report begins 50 minutes and 20 seconds into the webcast.

~ Heather Shotwell

Reprinted with permission
from Principia Purpose.

The Watchfire Music Listening Room has been growing in leaps and bounds over the past 3 months.  We’ve moved from the Upper West Side  to New York’s Midtown at a great performance space at Shetler Studios and Theatres. (Just around the corner from David Letterman!)

Please join me in celebrating the official release of Every Day, my new CD.  I will be performing songs from the album.  Sharing the evening with me is Jimmy Roberts – you will just love him!

Jimmy Roberts is the composer of Off Broadway’s second-longest running musical ever (“I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change”).  He is truly charming and witty as he lends his piano and voice to a startling range of entertainment genres. For theater fans, he performs his latest songs; for cabaret fans, it’s the comic wit of Noel Coward and the Gershwins; and for classical lovers, if you’ve never heard his “mélanges” of Sondheim and Bach, Elvis and Schubert, Rodgers and Beethoven, you’re in for a treat.

Here’s what some folks have said about Jimmy:
*“Mr. Roberts has listened carefully and learned from his forebears, from Rodgers to Sondheim.” – New York Times
*“An unexpectedly refreshing experience. He made the well known melodies sound new and different by ingenious variations and unusual harmonies..” – Palm Beach Daily News

Please join Jimmy and me!  Peter Link produces and directs the evening!

Julia Wade and Jimmy Roberts
at The Watchfire Music Listening Room
Thursday, November 11th
at 8 pm
Shetler Studios and Theatres
244 West 54th Street, 12th Floor
Penthouse 2
Between Broadway and 8th Avenue

=========================

Visit Julia’s Facebook Page — it’s easy!
Then join by clicking the “Like” button at the top!

Check out Julia’s other CDs at Watchfire Music

It’s November 7th and its been 2 months and a few hours since I last posted!  I’ve missed writing, but the last couple of months have been filled to the brim with finishing my brand new CD, Every Day, which will be released next week!

It’s been an extraordinary journey getting this baby into the world.  I am so excited to present Every Day and look forward to sharing it with you.  The CD is being finished at the masterer’s as I write.

The title Every Day refers both to the title track on the CD, as well as the theme for the whole album.  The song talks about the fact that

“Every day,
Every hour,
Every moment
You are there,
Here in my life,
Abling me…”

This song, written by Peter Link,  just took over my being, my thoughts and my life upon my first hearing of it.  I hummed it constantly and loved the immediate uplift it gave to my spirit every time I thought about it.

One morning, I woke up with the thought that Every Day was also the name of the CD and the umbrella theme for all the songs on the album.  As the main theme, it refers to the things I think about every day — the challenges, questions, prayers and victories.  I realized that these were probably some of the very same issues that most people are grappling with in their own lives and in the world.

Once that concept took root, both my producer/composer Peter Link and I found that the rest of the songs fell naturally into order and even corresponded in an interesting way to the days of the week.  So, on this CD, we have a song for every day of the week as well as an extra song — but not an afterthought!  No, the 8th song is a very special piece.  As my brother-in-law so beautifully said, it’a a song for everyone –  it’s your song!

So, this is just a quick little note to tell you, since my last post,  what I’ve been up to and where I’ve been… Every Day!

Every Day will be available at watchfiremusic.com next week!

=========================

Visit Julia’s Facebook Page — it’s easy!
Then join by clicking the “Like” button at the top!

Check out Julia’s other CDs at Watchfire Music

Wondering what the WFM Listening Room series is all about?  Read on as guest blogger Peter Link regales you — as only he can do –  on the launching of the very first WFM Listening Room House Concert.

And…. I hope this will also serve as a reminder that the second house concert fast approaches!  On Thursday, September 16^th we present the second WFM Listening Room experience.

Singer/songwriter Megan Neale will open with her own original songs, accompanied by a wonderful young guitarist, Joe Birkmann.  I will perform brand new songs from my new CD “Every Day” including the title song from this forthcoming album.

Read up here about what we are doing, and if you are in NYC on Thursday night, September 16^th, please join us!  You’re invited!!

===============================

WFM Listening Room Opens in NYC
A Howling Success!
by Peter Link

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaooooooooooooooooooooooohhhhhhhh!

Pardon me if I howl a trifle, but occasionally things go even better than one dreams.  The Watchfire Music Listening Room debuted this past week to a sold out audience and by the end of the evening clearly became a dream defined.

Here is an idea whose time has truly come.  A place where one could come and spend an evening in intimate and elegant surroundings, Jenkins House Concerts just off of Central Park on the West Side of Manhattan, and do little else than simply listen to great “live” music in an un-mic’d setting.

Here was music at its natural best, parlor performed by two multi-talented ladies.  The audience was a wild mix of melting-pot New Yorkers – young and old, professionals and fans, black and white, and all went home full of good food and rich blessings – and only for a $15 ticket.  Such a deal!

The evening kicked off with singer-songwriter, Rebecca Minor, at the grand piano, inspiring us with four terrific new songs personally penned and sung with delightful conviction.  If this is beginning to sound like a review, so be it, though not exactly one from a bipartisan critic, admittedly.

Rebecca is a beautiful gal in her late twenties with a huge future talent that definitely bears watching and listening to.  Word has it that she will soon be selling her sacred songs on none other than the Watchfire Music Digital Sheet Music site.  Stay tuned for a rich treasure trove of contemporary and most accessible solos for your church events.

After a short intermission of delicious finger food and drink, we reconvened in anticipation of Julia Wade, our evening’s headliner.  Ms Wade did not disappoint.  Instead, she sang, she soared, she enlightened us with her gifted instrument, deep commitment to her musical text and great natural beauty.  Perhaps I’m a bit prejudiced here, but it was one of her finest moments witnessed over the past 15 years.

Transitioning from a 3 domed 4000 seat church in Boston where she has performed for the past 5 years weekly to an intimate parlor setting requires tremendous adjustment of style, but Ms Wade pulled this off with aplomb.  In this laboratory setting we had the rare opportunity as an audience to visit and watch the development of this superb vocalist’s new CD, entitled Every Day.

The one gaff of the evening, provided by Ms Wade, came early in her set, in fact, in the second line of her first song as she “went up” and never came down.  Forgetting the words of her song, she struggled on in delicate mumblings for two lines finally giving up and stopping.

She then calmly requested the soundman to start the track over.  The audience sat patiently, albeit a bit nervously for her, as she regrouped and began again.  We had the opportunity to see how a professional gathers her focus, taking it to a much higher caliber and simply begins again leaving the difficulties of the moment behind and moving assuredly on.

In an odd way, it was one of the highlights of the evening.  In my 40 years of show biz I’ve seen this happen many times.  I’ve seen singers forget lines, go up and never recover.  I’ve seen these kinds of moments multiply and become epidemic, destroying the continuity of the act, but here was a moment that actually helped both singer and audience.

We had the opportunity to watch a human being falter and then recover in dramatic proportion.  She then went on to deliver a breathtaking performance of powerful commitment.  This lady has both the instrument and the depth of performance that moves to greatness.  She brings a fresh original sense and sound to Inspirational music that is both classic and accessible, a true classical crossover talent along the lines of a Josh Grobin or a Andrea Bocelli.

She will headline two more evenings with two different opening acts in the same venue Thursdays, September 16 and October 7 at 7:30.  She’ll be joined first by newcomer, singer-songwriter Megan Neale and then by Watchfire Artist and multi-gifted Margaret Dorn in October.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of something new, something different and something truly special.

Bring your friends, bring your ears, bring your appetites.

Get ready to howl.

For more inspirational music, thoughts and ideas from Peter Link,
please visit Watchfire Music.

to share an evening of great music with Julia Wade at the Watchfire Music Listening Room Concert Series on Thursday, September 16th, 7:30 pm on the Upper West Side of Manhattan!

Julia Wade is proud to announce her second show at the Watchfire Listening Room House Concert Series where she will perform new songs from her forthcoming CD, “Every Day”.  To read about the CD, click here.

New singer/songwriter Megan Neale will open the evening performing her own original songs.

This concert will take place on Thursday, September 16, 2010 from 7:30 pm to 9:30pm.

So come along and join us at Jenkins House Concerts just off of Central Park on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.

Reservations are required due to limited seating so please
RSVP by phone: (212) 244-0426
or email: listening.room@watchfiremusic.com.

We will confirm your reservation and email you the address and directions to Jenkins House Concert Space.

Cover is $15.00 — cash at the door. Light refreshments provided!

We hope to share a wonderful evening
…with YOU!

=========================

Visit Julia’s Facebook Page — it’s easy!
Then join by clicking the “Like” button at the top!

Check out Julia’s other CDs at Watchfire Music

That’s a wonderful question whose answer has surely been on a low fire, slowly cooking and stewing and is just now coming to a full boil.

So, what’s the short answer to this burning question?  Ah – you know I’m long-winded!  But wait!  This time I can do it!  I can give you the short answer!

The new CD is about every day…

“Hmmmmm,” you inquire…  “What does that mean?”

OK… here’s the long answer:

This CD will be inspirational in nature.  Some of the songs will be sacred, like my producer/composer/husband’s gorgeous new composition of Psalm 23.  Other songs will tell stories that somehow move and inspire on a wider scale.  And some of the songs are about big issues: war and peace.  And there’s a love song or two!

I am a seeker.  So this CD is about those things that I am seeking.  I search in spiritual ways, and in human ways.  I am always looking for God’s wink, His/Her chuckle, grace, surprise, gift, healing love – manifested through the daily actions and interactions within ourselves and all those we meet.

I am dreamer and a pragmatist.  I am eternally hopeful.  I love to recognize goodness in new and original ways.  When I find it, I feel great gratitude.  And… I joy in stupid humor and silly romantic comedies, but I also crave boundless western skies, huge peaks that never stop calling me, and vast open spaces.

I love children’s smiles and their wonder as they discover the world.  I passionately watch New York City dogs and their walkers – and I almost always cheer for the underdog!

Sometimes I fall hard off of my search and recognition of the good and the inspirational.  In those moments, I struggle mightily with “the bad and the ugly.” The CD will address that too – falling down hard and getting back up again.

I think these hopes, challenges and joys are made up of the everyday-ness of our lives — the little things we do everyday to help someone, or the grace to be helped; to have a little more patience; to listen to the other person – really hear them, etc.  Oftentimes, stuff gets in the way of doing those little things.

One of the greatest gifts in my life is my sweet, brilliant husband, Peter Link.  He made an acronym for me recently to serve as a reminder:  “CTC” or… Cut the Crap.  So if I can practice CTC on a daily basis, I clear out that stuff and make room for those little everyday blessings – and then they just become huge in my life.  They always lead to the next door that is about to open.  It’s pretty amazing how it all works.  It’s the journey I am on these days.

So what’s this next CD about?  It’s about the essential things in life – both large and small.  The working title of the CD – it may change between now and Christmas – is “Every Day,” which happens to be the title of one of my most favorite songs in this project.  It just says it all for me.

I am being asked to learn more about what each day, every day can mean on a small scale and on a large scale.  This CD is an exploration of our spiritual potential to bless and be blessed in big and small ways… every day!

===================================

Visit Julia’s Facebook Page — it’s easy!
Then join by clicking the “Like” button at the top!

Check out Julia’s other CDs at Watchfire Music

Soli Deo Gloria:
An Interview with Composer Robert Collister
Part 2

In Part 1, Watchfire Music Composer Robert Collister shared with us his early influences that led him to writing for the musical theatre.  He has to date written 4 musicals and continues to be prolific in several genres of music. On writing music, Robert says, “I don’t like to take credit for what I write since I feel that I am just a vehicle from which music passes through. Bach would write on many of his compositions, ‘Soli Deo Gloria,’ — ‘To God Alone the Glory.’ I take the same position.”

Read Part 1 of the Collister Interview

In Part 2, Robert shares more about his process, inspiration and talks about his sacred and inspirational compositions.  Let’s continue the conversation:

==========================================

JW: Robert, what’s it like having performers interpret your music?

RC:  I will admit that sometimes it is very hard for me to hear the music I have written performed by someone else.  Most of the time their interpretations are wonderful, but there will be times that they take too many liberties with what I have done.  And that at times, can make me somewhat uncomfortable.   But to be truthful, a performer, and I am one, has to interpret what the music means to them at that time.  Like I said before,  I write what I hear and feel.  Then I have to remove myself from the composition and let others express themselves through the music.

JW: How do you approach composition? Which comes first, the lyrics or the music?

RC: This is how I like to compose most of the time:  I sit and play chord progressions on a piano or my keyboards. I just play and play, letting the musical ideas come to me. I always have my recording equipment on when I play so I don’t miss any of the musical ideas.

If someone has approached me with words for a song, I will read them over very carefully, seeing the direction they are heading in. Then I put them aside and play. The words will determine key, tempo, meter, etc. When I write musical shows, my writer will have the libretto started and then suggest some lyrics for possible songs. Then she waits to hear the music.

My writer is an extremely spiritual person and will wait for the music which will guide her to the appropriate lyrics. Whenever I ask her to write lyrics for a song, she always says, “Music first, please.”

JW: Robert, you compose a lot of different kinds of music – sacred, contemporary classical, theatrical, etc. What is your favorite genre or style of music to compose?

Robert's MIDI Performance Setup

RC: My favorite genre of music to compose is electronic music, using MIDI (Musical Instrumental Digital Interface). The reason is that I am in complete control of what I hear and feel and therefore, can express that through the many sounds that I have created in my studio. I don’t have to depend on other people to perform the music so I can hear it.

I also have complete control of the musical interpretation. With that said, I also like to write vocal solos using verses from the Bible. I don’t think you can go wrong with those lyrics. They present a challenge since they lack meter and rhyme. It is a fun challenge. Of course I will always love writing for the theatre. I guess I really don’t have a favorite.

JW: So, it’s a bit like asking a painter, what her favorite color is, yes? Hard to choose!

RC: Very hard to choose. But, as long as I can write, I will be happy.

JW: Do you have a personal definition of creativity that you would share?

RC: I strongly believe that music comes from a divine source. I don’t like to take credit for what I write since I feel that I am just a vehicle from which music passes through. Bach would write on many of his compositions, “Soli Deo Gloria,” “To God Alone the Glory.” I take the same position. And I also like to live my life with that thought as my guide. Why should I take credit for music that comes to me? I just let the musical ideas flow and put them down and then step out of the way so the music can speak to the listener.

JW: So spirituality really does have a solid place within your creative process.

RC: Absolutely. As I mentioned before, the music I write comes from a divine source. In my mind there is no question about that. When I sit to compose I know there is an inexhaustible source of ideas waiting. To me there is no such thing as a writer’s block. How can there be? Infinite ideas abound, just listen and they will come to you. Some of the experiences I have had with music are unbelievable.

All of us are on our spiritual journeys. The paths we take are varied and can have many directions to follow. There is no one path for all. Find your path and start your journey. Most of the time music leads the way for me.

JW: Robert, you have a very complete catalog of Inspirational songs on watchfiremusic.com. What inspires you to write sacred songs?

RC: I grew up in a very religious family. Church every Sunday meant Sunday school for me. We were always studying the Bible and talking about the meaning of the passages. I think that if one of my sacred compositions has an effect on a listener so that they would like to become more spiritual, then that piece is a success.

JW: Do you have a favorite composition listed on WFM? If so, what is it, and why is it your favorite?

RC: Most composers say that their favorite piece is the one they are presently working on, but I like “Christ is Risen” the best. This was written for solo and piano or organ accompaniment. I thought there was a need for a new Easter composition. I loved writing the Alleluia part since I know that most singers love to sing melodic descant lines. I have had that solo arranged for SATB chorus as well and it is a very moving piece.

Listen to this sample of “Christ Is Risen” — both orchestra and melody were performed by Robert on his MIDI system!

JW:  I also have to say that one of my favorite songs of yours is “Lead Me To The Rock.” I love the sweeping melody that cries out — just the way I feel — when I sing those words!  Thank you for your beautiful rendering of these plaintive verses in the Bible!

Here is a sample of  “Lead Me To The Rock”:

Listen to the full accompaniment track of “Lead Me To The Rock”:

JW: Watchfire Music will be launching your choral arrangements very soon — and we will let EVERYONE know when we do!!  We are so glad to be adding them, as more folks will get to experience your Inspirational music in a variety of ways.

I am going to close with my favorite questions that James Lipton always asks his guests on Inside The Actor’s Studio:

First, what profession would you choose to do if you weren’t in music?

Photo by Robert during a hike

RC: I have always liked the outdoors. While I lived in Tennessee, I was a volunteer for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I maintained hiking trails there. Being in the park was like being in God’s country. Many times I could feel God’s presence with me in the mountains. Now I hike and maintain trails at Letchworth State Park in NY, and maintain trails in various towns nearby. I hike 20-25 miles a week. So I guess I would have been a Park Ranger if I had not gone into music.

JW: Second, what profession would you NEVER do?

This is an easy one for me. I could never be a dentist. Looking into someone’s mouth with drill in one hand and file in the other is just not for me, although I am very grateful that we have dentists.

JW: I guess I would have to agree with you on that one!!  Any final comments?

RC: Two extra thoughts for performers and anyone who is creative regardless of the medium they work in:

1. Don’t ever let what someone else may say about your work effect what you do. I know negative comments are very difficult to handle sometimes. You wonder whether you should keep creating or just throw in the towel. Don’t ever give up! Negative comments usually come from envious or jealous people. Stand guard against that!

Constructive criticism should always be welcome. We need different thoughts and ideas to keep us progressing and moving ahead. This lesson I learned the hard way. There was a time when I first started writing that I could not handle the criticism. I stopped writing for 15 years. My wife finally said after hearing my rendition of “The Lord’s Prayer,” it was time for me to get back to work. I have never stopped since.

2. Don’t let your ego get the best of you. In my opinion too many accolades can be just as harmful as the negative comments.

We should never lose our creative identity because of what someone has said about our work, positive or negative. Each of us has a creative voice which should never be silenced. There is only one you and no one can create or perform like you. Everyone is a unique individual with infinite ideas to share. That’s what makes this life so wonderful. You never know what will be created next.

But one thing I will always know, “Soli Deo Gloria.”

Thanks Julia for the opportunity to be interviewed by you.

JW: The pleasure is mine, Robert! Thanks for sharing with all of us!

=================================
Read Part 1 of the Collister Interview

Read more about Robert Collister.

To purchase Robert Collister’s CDs or find out more about his musicals
Vladimir, Captive, Journey and Temps,
click here to contact Whispering Chimes Music.

Also… Check Out These Sacred Song Titles by Robert Collister:
Christ Is Risen
Gifts That Come From Above
Lead Me To The Rock
Praise Ye The Lord
Unto A Perfect Man

=================================

About Robert Collister

Robert Collister is a versatile composer, musician, performer, and educator. As a composer he has written 23 sacred solos and many SATB choral pieces for church services that are sold internationally. He has composed the music for the following musical theatre shows: “Vladimir: The Dracula Musical,” “Captive,” “The Calling” — a musical based on the life of Mary Baker Eddy, “Journey” — a show about the Cherokee Nation of Eastern Tennessee, and “Temps” – a musical comedy show soon to be produced off-Broadway.

Under the record label, Whispering Chimes Music, Robert released his CD, “World Reach Out For Him,” which has received air play on radio stations nationwide. His two musical cast CDs, “Vladimir,” and “Captive,” sell nationally.

As a teacher of music, Robert is a woodwind specialist, band and choral director. He has also served as music director, conductor, arranger and performer for numerous musical shows including “Man of La Mancha,” “The Sound of Music,” “The Music Man,” “I Do, I Do,” “Oliver,” “Bye, Bye Birdie,” “The Wizard of Oz,” “Bells are Ringing,” “Camelot,” and “Fiddler on the Roof.”

Robert Collister holds a BM and an MM from the Eastman School of Music, Rochester, NY and has performed professionally for over 35 years.

Photo by Robert Collister -- Taken during one of his hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park!

=================================

Inspiratus Interview by
Julia Wade ,
Director of Digital Sheet Music
WatchfireMusic.com

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