Chorister

Loni loves leading the music for Family Home Evening. She always picks the ABC song and Eensie Weensie Spider. I love how much excitement and joy this girl brings to our family.

Our National Anthem Rocks

I'm not usually a fan of people changing up our national anthem, but this version ROCKS! If you don't like rock n' roll, then don't waste your time listening to Madison Rising's rendition of The Star Spangled Banner.
My favorite part is towards the end when he sings,
"For those unaware,
That flag is still there.
It's our future to save
this land of the brave;
the US of A."

Let Him heal your heart

Justin looked like a seasoned pro at tonight's first Zion Choir concert. It was a heartwarming, inspirational, and a faith builder experience listening to the youth share the light of the Gospel through music.

This year's theme is "Let Him heal your heart".
Here are the list of songs they performed and will performing throught the Bay Area:

Now Thank We All Our God
O Love That Will Not Let Me Go
A Foolish Man
I Need Thee Every Hour
Oh, Sweet the Joy This Sentence Gives
The Morning Trumpet
My Shepherd Will Supply My Need
Poor Wayfaring Stranger
Surely He Hath Borne Our Griefs
Still, My Soul Be Still
Joy in the Morning
Redeemer of Israel

A Flutist is in the House

At the beginning of the month, Kirsten started taking flute lessons.

I love her teacher, Mrs.Mulfinger. She is extremely patient and sweet spoken.

Kirsten's first two lessons went well. She learned some notes and was practicing the different techniques of blowing to make a high and low note. After Kirsten's last lesson, she told me that she wants to go back to taking piano lessons again. What! I was shocked. The past year, this little girl has been begging me to find a flute teacher. She is letting her frustrations of having to remember all of the fingering and blowing discourage her ability to learn. I did as any mom would do; I gave Kirsten a pep talk and reminded her that practice and determination will get her through the difficult task of learning something new.

Stick to it Kirsten.

The Right Pitch

I have spent many years listening to James sing nursery rhymes, Primary songs, "Bohemian Rhapsody", hymns, etc. The sound coming from his vocal chords was anything but pleasing to the ear. After induring countless years of humiliation that came in the source of teasing siblings, James quit singing. He was tone deaf in a house full of talented singers. You can imagine our surprise when James told us that he wanted to sing in the San Jose South Stake Youth Choir. I even called the director up (who is also my friend) and asked her if she wanted a tone deaf teenager in her choir. She said,"Of course! I need cute young men there to draw young women to join." Since then, James has loved the atmosphere and comradity of this musical group (not to mention the cute girls and treats served after each practice). And it seems that without us realizing what was happening, he learned how to carry a tune. Last week, David and I stood with our mouths agape as we heard James sing a song while fiddling around the house. David yells out, "James! You aren't tone deaf anymore!" Thank you Michele Sundstrom. You truly know how to work miracles.

MHH Music Video

The members of Zion Youth Choir were invited to participate in a unique opportunity to sing backup vocals for a music video for Mormon Helping Hands that the church is making. Alex Boye (watch here) and Carmen Rasmusen of American Idol are the lead singers.

After spending five hours in a stuffy cramped recording studio, Justin declared that he never wants to be a professional singer. On Saturday, the group filmed the video. This was more entertaining for Justin. Hair and make-up was provided for the choir, but Justin declined saying he likes the natural look. There was a lot of time waiting around, but the youth found ample ways to entertain themselves, such as having basketball dunking contests (in their tuxes and gowns).

Will let you know when the video is out.

Temple Lights

 There was more baking to be done today. Actually, it wasn't exactly "baking". It was more like cooking. Kirsten and I made moose-balls and peppermint hot fudge sauce. Yum!

 By evening time, we headed out the door braving rush hour traffic on our way to the Oakland Temple.

Once there, we listened to Zion Choir perform in the Tri-Stake building located on the grounds of the temple.

Justin had a double performance, so we looked at the lights without him. (Dave-o is looking a bit constipated in this picture. He was actually very cold-shivering cold and wanted to go back in the car.)

 My friend, Terry, came along with us. This is her first time seeing the temple lights.

Hold On

(Justin looking very handsome in his tuxedo shirt and vest with a purple tie. They coordinated beautifully with the girls' purple gowns.)

Yesterday evening, the Zion Youth Choir performed for friends and family. It was like a dress rehearsal for them. James, Steven, Kirsten, and I met Grandma and Grandpa Zinn at the Bernal building to listen to Justin perform with his peers. David was feeling under the weather so he stayed home with a very tired Dave-o.

The fireside was wonderful. In between each song, a few members of the choir shared what the next song to be sung meant to them. Justin spoke near the beginning, which was a relief to him. This is what he said about the song "I'm Going to Sing":

"In October's General Conference, Matthew O. Richardson, who was also my EFY director this past summer, said: 'The Holy Ghost teaches by inviting, prompting, encouraging, and inspiring us to act. Christ assured us that we come to the truth when we live doctrine and act accordingly. The Spirit leads, guides, and shows us what to do. He will not, however, do for us what only we can do for ourselves. You see, the Holy Ghost cannot learn for us, feel for us, or act for us because this would be contrary to the doctrine of agency. He can facilitate opportunities and invite us to learn, feel, and act.'

When we feel a prompting by the Holy Ghost, we should act on it right away. I know that I can be blessed with the Spirit if I am obedient."

The musical numbers were as follows:

I'm Going to Sing
Did you Think to Pray (my favorite of the night)
We'll Shout and give Him Glory
Savior
Praise to the Man
Win the Race
A Gaelic Blessing
El Yivneh Hagdalil (God Will Build Galilee) A Hebrew song
Death Shall Not Destroy My Comfort
Hold On
And the Father Will Dance

For me, the most touching moment of the evening was listening to a young woman, a senior in high school, talk about being in the process of overcoming an eating disorder. Her self worth has increased with the personal realization that her Father in Heaven knows and loves her regardless of her outward appearance. Knowing that she is a daughter of God is her strength in fighting this disorder.

Overall, the evening was perfect. Seeing Justin's grin following the performance made me so happy. I knew that he knew this was a huge accomplishment for him. Great job Justin! I am so proud of you for sticking with the choir even though there have been moments when you wanted to quit. Bringing enjoyment and the Spirit into people's lives through music is a powerful thing. Keep it up!

As a bonus to the evening I even got to catch up with Jan Dickson, a friend from our old Gilroy Ward. Her son, Jeffrey is in the choir as well.

The Audition

Justin breathed a sigh of relief as we drove home from his audition to join Zion's Youth Choir. The wait was one and a half hours, yet the actual audition took all of five minutes. But those five minutes felt like an eternity to a very nervous sixteen year old boy. When we first arrived to the Bernal building, Justin was given a form to complete. We sat together in the chapel to fill it out while listening to other youth try out for this prestigious choir. Justin turned to me and said, "Let's go. I don't want to do this any more." He wasn't expecting to have to sing in front of a large group of people. Luckily, Justin's friend, Kyle, walked into the room and put Justin at ease. After singing some scales and the hymn "I Need Thee Every Hour", Justin's butterflies were finally let free.  One of the ladies who was in charge, had Justin sing the first line of the hymn again, telling him to pretend he were singing in the shower. This time he belted the melody out much stronger than before.

While in the car, Justin shared his feelings of inadequacy and in the same breath said, "I don't care if I make it in or not." I thought he did a great job; he was on tune and sung very well. He was only lacking the confidence. And I told him all of this while driving home. I explained to him that he just needed to believe in himself. Justin really does have a good voice, but he keeps this talent hidden. Well Justin, I think it's about time to uncover your musical talent and except the fact that you are wonderful. I hope he get's accepted!

Spring Piano Recital

 Kirsten played the "Minuet" in this year's spring piano recital. She did a fantastic job!

(Kirsten before leaving for her recital...Notice her wearing the dress we bought at Goodwill.)