Blizzard & Beethoven....

...it wasn't actually a Blizzard, per se, but I liked the alliteration... 

Today we got another storm and as I like to do, I hooked up the ol' iPod and cranked it (after getting the traffic report on the 9's, of course...). This afternoon's playlist included Beethoven, his 9th to be more precise. The plunked out melodic line is the tenor part of the song. If you're a tenor, feel free to sing along!

Now, I'm not recommending this type of driving/filming technique. It's been left to the professionals and since I've been driving for 30 years and taking pictures even longer, I count myself as a professional in both fields. Here's a breakdown of the pictures:

What it looked like at work before starting out

Slick roads claim a truck

Main Street sycamores flying by

A pretty good little Mexican restaurant downtown (the only restaurant downtown...)

This biker reminded me of the mission--biking in a snowstorm...we did it

My street, pre-plowed

The neighbors doing some snow shoveling

Safe at home!

Ever Sung Beethoven?

Utah Voices Sings Beethoven...

I only need to be asked four or five times for help...that's all, just four or five times (kidding--I usually help after the third request) ;). I've been asked for months to join the Utah Voices Choir. Last Wednesday I went. After all, they're singing Beethoven, and it's the 9th Symphony. Great, great song...

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I haven't sung this type of music with such large group in decades. Utah Voices Choir is a big group, but they lacked tenors, hence the numerous invites. They have good tenors in the group--they just need more to compete with the sopranos (as if that's possible...). If you're in the area and interested in the group, just click here: Utah Voices Choir Link to find out more.

I've known the director, Dr. Michael Huff for over 30 years. He's as good a friend and person as he is a talented a musician. The group's singing two Beethoven numbers for their next concert. I've sung the 9th before, but not the Gloria. At the rehearsal we sang the 9th first and I was shocked at how much of the song I remembered...it's as if the music makes so much sense, as if the notes and the lyrics are supposed to be that way.

As we rehearsed the Gloria, it was a little difficult, but Mike stopped us and did a little teaching. He said if we give the number a chance and work through it, we'll love it. And I believe him. He said he's sung the song only once before and that was years ago. He also said that even though he hasn't sung it for years, he could jump right back into it and not miss a beat. That made sense because that same thing happened to me with the 9th. It's Beethoven, after all...

*Utah Voices Choir Logo used without permission--I hope it's okay...if not, just let me know.