Noah's First Guitar Recital!

Noah had his first guitar recital last month and I'll tell ya that guitar recitals are a totally different dynamic compared to piano recitals and after listening to Noah play today have no regrets of his decision to quit piano to play guitar.

His hard work of practicing and taking lessons for the past six months paid off and he played the blues amazingly! I'm grateful to his teacher Dan who is literally our next door neighbor and taught him well! He has students that range in the ages between six and 60! Amazing! Never too late to learn! Everyone played so beautifully and I am one super proud mom to see how this turned out. It brings me such tremendous joy to see him enjoying the guitar and on his motive! You gotta have your kids play what they desire otherwise they will be miserable! You can watch him play the blues on my YouTube here.

For Music Lessons.

Every week for the past 20 years ALL my kids have taken up music lessons. Whether it's been the guitar, piano, oboe, or violin. Music lessons are a luxury. A luxury so great that makes me especially grateful we can afford. My two adult daughters continue to play the violin, and piano, and sing on their own time, and my two younger children who are still at home play the piano. 

Lexie's Love & Belief For Music.

Since Lexie is in Utah for two weeks  I decided to write a little post about her when it comes to her love for music. By the way she has created her own YouTube channel by accident. Meaning that by taking a multi media digital class as an elective in school this past year has helped her create, and edit videos to the point where they are meaningful and really, really good!

Throwback of Sierra Playing Piano From Christmas '15.

When I'm feeling down, or can't sleep I tend to listen to good music. I'm so glad that I have kids who are talented not only with playing the piano, and various instruments, but to make music as well. My oldest daughter Sierra and her girlfriend created their own rendition of Capitol Cities "Safe and Sound" (which you can listen to on Soundcloud.com), and I can't even begin to tell you how that song was created at the time when I needed some solace.

Thankful For The Gift of Music.

Never in my entire life did I ever think I'd have a musical family. I was certainly not musical growing up although I would sing under my breath from time to time, and sing songs from the Grease soundtrack. But the minute that Sierra's second grade music teacher told me that she had a knack for reading music, and playing the guitar, and told me to get her into piano lessons, I didn't hesitate for a second. And ever since then all my girls play piano, they sing, and also play various instruments. 

I'm so thankful for the gift of music, for the ability that my girls can compose and write their own songs, play by ear, and read music like a champ. Chelsea is well on her way, and Noah, well...he's a beginner and is being taught by both his sisters at home when they have time. Next year he will definitely start piano lessons, and that is something I look forward to. 

What a blessing it is to always have music in the home, and to hear those beautiful chords being played. Whether it's on the violin, piano, guitar, or ukulele hearing music playing throughout the house is better than a bunch of noise on the radio, or pandora station. Although there are good artists out there with songs to be heard there's nothing better than listening to a piece of music that one of your kids composed! 

"We Are Free" an Original written by: Sierra

It had been a couple days since I talked to Sierra and when I face timed her the other night she picked up the phone and shouted, "Mom! I'm trying to record a song I just wrote & people keep calling!" I said to her, "Well turn off your phone then! "But I can't because I'm recording from it." she said.  She continued to say, "I just randomly wrote this song, and as I'm recording, singing and playing the phone keeps ringing!" I was like, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry...go ahead and sing away, and call me when you're done!" "I'll let you know when I'm finished, and then I'll call you when I'm done so you can tell me what you think." she said. So when I logged onto Facebook I saw her video pop up right away, and I immediately clicked on it. After listening to her I can see how much she has missed writing and playing the piano. 

For the past year she has been living in Utah with my in-laws and going to school and due to specific health reasons (I call it stress-induced...poor thing!) she took a semester off last fall to heal, and had to take it easy with her work. Now that she seems like her normal self she is attending institute classes for our church, and now has time and energy to focus on her music. I had seen a difference in her when she wasn't writing and playing as much. The fact that the piano was in a corner covered under a tarp for a couple of months because my in-laws were remodeling their kitchen (which connects to the dining area that also connects to the living room where their piano sits) she couldn't really play it, and was going through withdrawal. Now that the job is finished, and the piano is uncovered she is back to prioritizing in finding the time to write music. I think that after everything she has gone through she has seriously realized to focus on her music, and do what she loves which is write, write, write, sing, sing, sing, and play the piano!!! She has such an innate talent with piano, and don't want her to lose sight of that. I literally see the happiness in her face when she plays, and sings. Her laugh indicates that she is truly content. I see that it brings her a piece inside her that's different from anything I've seen, and I'm just so proud of her. I'm extremely thankful for her God-given talent. 

After I listened to her song I called her, and Jon and I told her it was amazing and beautiful! You now what her response was??? "No it wasn't. Y'all are just saying that because you're my parents. I sounded horrible because of this dumb cold." I was like, "Sierra, because we are you're parents we are telling you the truth, and you sounded awesome!!" I think she finally believed us! She's truly an inspiration to me, and I hope that y'all will find inspiration & a calmness in her music. Here she's singing "We Are Free" (an original) in which she literally wrote randomly like...that day!! Yep...she's pretty awesome! 

She also has her own you tube channel in which she'll be posting more songs, so if you like this one you're in for a real treat with her next! I also have recorded videos of her (and her sibs) on my you tube channel, and various  events where they are performing. 

Thanks and have a wonderful Wednesday! 

O Holy Night...A Winter Recital.

This past Sunday was one of the most productive ones ever. First we had a wonderful Christmas program at our church about the Story of Jesus, and for the first time in all of my kids musical recital careers Chelsea's winter recital fell on a Sunday. As soon as church was over we scurried on down to a senior home where the kids volunteered their time, and performed numerous Christmas songs on the piano. To give...in sharing our talent with others is the greatest gift of all, and I definitely saw it within the folks in this home. Their upside down faces turned into smiles as soon as the youngest child began to play, and hearing them sing underneath their breath was proof that they really enjoyed these kids playing for them. It truly added a cheerful spirit to the room, and all these kids played very well. 

Since most of the students were playing Jingle bells, or Silent Night Chelsea wanted to pick something unique that not too many play at recitals. She decided on O Holy Night which is one of her favorites. The fact that she used to hear Sierra play it on the piano during past Christmases motivated her, and it made her think of her. This would also be her first piece using the pedals so she was a bit nervous. Although there were some teeny weeny slip ups she connected with the music, executed it very well, and in the end nailed it! She wants to play like her sisters, and our advice to her is to practice, practice, practice. 

She played absolutely beautifully and we are so pleased that she is developing the "Jorgensen musical talent". 

Hope this piece makes your spirit bright, and that you are having a wonderful season of light!

O Holy Night. from Rose Jorgensen on Vimeo.

**Past recitals you can see here,  here, and here.

Philadelphia International Music Festival: Part II

I just received these pictures from Maxim Kuzin who was kind enough to post them on Facebook and give me permission to use on my blog. He was the conductor for Lexie's orchestra, and was amazing. He is from the Ukraine, and as you can see had such a great time with the kids. Most of these kids who attended the PIMF range in ages between 10 to 18, and from what Lexie was telling me had a couple of ten year olds who are prodigies! It really inspired her to never give up on playing, or practicing because if these young 10, 11, 12 year olds can do it starting off at a young age then every child can do it, and continue to get better at playing too.

^^^ My young music geniuses!" -Maxim Kuzin ^^^

Having Lexie making it into the top two orchestras that played at the festival tells me that all those lessons, and hard work is paying off. She truly had an amazing experience and has been going through a bit of withdrawal lately. Not only is she missing her music peeps, but I think she's missing the intense feeling of playing the heck out of her violin the most. Music has become a huge part in her life, and she uses it for good. Music definitely touches the heart, mind, and soul. I personally don't know how to play an instrument, but one thing I do know is the feeling that it brings into life. 

Especially my life. 

I thought that with Sierra being gone I wouldn't be hearing too much of the piano being played, but I was wrong. As much as Lexie loves to play the violin she has been teaching herself to get better at the piano, and she is making some excellent progress. She along with her sister Chelsea have been learning to play the guitar as well. Having musical instruments constantly being played in the home brings solace, and moments of clarity. I'm especially grateful for all my girls to be so musically inclined. I never want them to give up on their dreams, or stop playing. I never want them to feel they are not good enough to enter into a university that is known to be a good music school. I never want them to not audition for an orchestra because you'll never know if you'll get in. 

Music has been around for centuries, and when its played depending on the genre and the mood you're in can really have an affect on our emotions. I love listening to all kinds of music, but especially the kind that brings goodness into our hearts. The kind that makes us happy. The kind that uplifts us. The kind that heals us. The kind of music we can listen to over and over again. The kind of music that Alexandra played last weekend. The kind that relaxes you yet builds so much energy to uplift you. And when you have a conductor like Maxim Kuzin that leads them in an orchestra who conducts with so much emotion...you'll definitely feel his energy as much as theirs. 

And you'll be leaving yearning for more. 

Philadelphia International Music Festival.

It only took two days since school ended for Lexie to go away and spend two weeks at Bryn Mawr college where the Philadelphia International Music Festival is being held.  

The PIMF is a summer music program where she will be residing for 14 days. I was so excited when I got the phone call informing me that she won the Alice Downs Scholarship for young violinists! Lexie's violin teacher encouraged her to apply for the scholarship where she had to compose a 300 word essay on the importance of classical music studies for youth.

And she nailed it!

She received the scholarship, and for the next two weeks Bryn Mawr will be her home.

She is done with her first week, and guess how many times I've talked with her on the phone? Twice. Texted? Three times in the morning to wish her a good day. It looks like the experience with Sierra being gone since January has helped me to deal with the fact that Lexie is gone too. Luckily it's only for two weeks and not five months! She said that it is a very intensive program. She absolutely loves it, and has already made new friends. I wasn't nervous or afraid to send her off into unfamiliar territory. Then again it's not like she's across the country or anything, plus she's a very mature 14 year old with a very good head on her shoulders.

I was very impressed with the staff at orientation, and all that this program is offering Lexie. She is one lucky girl being that this festival offers private lessons, and master classes with a member of the Philadelphia Orchestra, daily music education courses, chamber music rehearsals, and competition opportunities. When I was talking to Lexie she said that her arm was so sore from constant practicing, and playing, but is now is getting used to it. Apparently they're working the heck out of her, and I think that's a great thing! She is really focusing on learning so much from the staff, and their teachings. So far she is loving it, and we are looking forward to the grand finale concert on the fourth of July.

Bryn Mawr is a beautiful area in Pennsylvania, and the campus is nice. It kind of reminded me of Princeton. Lexie's dorm is nostalgic, and the doors have stained glass windows. Apparently they were decorated, and I had a chance to snap a few photos of two that caught my eye. I didn't want to be a creeper, and take pictures of every single dorm door, but these two caught my attention. 

Harry Potter, and Peter Pan anyone??

As we were walking around campus we spotted some hammocks where Noah and Chelsea relaxed for a few. They have them them all hanging against a line of trees. I think it's pretty cool for the school to have them there for students to just kick back and relax. 

It has felt a little "off" having my two oldest daughters away from me, but luckily it's only temporary and that I'll have them both home soon. It has been nice giving my full attention to these two. There are times when Noah will tell me that he misses his sister, and how he can't wait for her to leave the castle! He said that Lexie's a princess living in a castle. I have to agree with him!

We are so proud of her for yet another amazing accomplishment and hope that she will come home mastering the violin better than when she left. Even if it doesn't affect her long term in becoming a musician (she'd like to be a doctor) knowing that she has a skill in playing beautiful music on her violin is good enough for me. She can always take that with her no matter where life will take her. And no matter what she decides to do with her life...she'll never stop playing her violin. 

A Piano Recital & A Dance...All in One Night.

I've never had an evening packed with two special events on the same day at the same time! I hope to never repeat that again, but we survived the evening, and all went well. This is how it is to be a mother running around in different directions in an evening at the same time where one daughter is getting ready for her eighth grade semi-formal, and another for her piano recital....on the other side of town.

Lexie didn't want to miss her sisters recital and so we all rushed out of our house to make it to Chelsea's recital by 6pm. After looking at the program we saw that Chelsea was going to be one of the last kids to play her piece. By the time she's done Lexie will have missed half of her dance, and being that it's her last year in middle school we didn't want her to miss out. We hustled out of there as fast as I could to drop Lexie off at her dance in hopes to make it back to hear Chelsea to play, but to no avail. I missed it. I wasn't as sad as I thought as I was going to be. Probably because I was too busy running around, and hearing my stomach grumble. (I was starving!) I've been hearing her play the same piece over and over again in the house so that too could be another reason why I wasn't so distraught. Jon told me that she did phenomenal, but because I had the phone that records he didn't get a chance to record her playing. That's okay. She's nine, and there will be more recitals. Hopefully not at the same time as another activity!! 

I realized this evening that I hated the way things were planned. I'm hoping that next years recital won't fall in June where there are weddings, dances, and hello...Father's Day all in one weekend! Anyway...I digress and so here are a few photos of Lexie with a few of her buddies at the dance...

Crazy girls...still sporting their short hairdo's, and loving it more each day. Don't blame them...it's too hot to have long hair right now!

and just a few from Chelsea's recital (sorry mamas!) 

It's funny how I look at these photos seeing how life seems calm in the eyes of our children knowing that one day they are going to be going through "life" and challenges, and schedules with their future posterity! Balance is key kiddos, and try not to pile up your schedule like this mama did this past Friday night!! No bueno! Enter hashtag... #tooblessedtoobestressed 

Love you all!

**Past recitals you can see here, here, & here.

Middle School 1st Annual Talent Show '14

Last week Lexie's middle school put on a talent show that consisted of dancing, singing, piano playing, and more singing! This is the first time the school has done a talent show where they were awarded a cash prize. Lexie was excited to have participated along with her pal Alicia who paired up with her to sing "Sweater Weather" by the band The Neighbourhood. I am surprised that the song "Let it Go" from the popular movie Frozen was only sang once. Then again I don't think that contestants can duplicate another persons choice of song. 

For weeks Lexie and Alicia have been waiting for this moment, and even though they didn't practice as much as they wanted to they did phenomenal. Unfortunately they didn't place, and in my opinion (among numerous others including teachers who will remain anonymous) agreed with me. However everyone did such a wonderful job. 

^^^ paparazzi with iPhones ^^^

Oh my gosh...the talents our kids have today! I was blown away by some of their performances. I had to take a picture of these group of kids who were like paparazzi recording the lovely Maya who sang "Dark Side". So impressed with kids today on their talents, and how some of them are involved with music. 

I was not involved in anything that involved "major talent" (not sure if you count winning the spelling bee in 5th grade is a talent) until I was in my 10th grade year of high school. I'm just so grateful for the open mind that I had in deciding to have my girls take piano lessons. I wish my mother had the means to do that when I was their age, but it was not feasible...like at all! To be musically inclined is indeed a blessing, and sometimes a god-given talent. Lexie only took piano lessons for three years, and has never had voice lessons. Her forte is the violin, and I'm just so pleased that she has the desire to teach herself to get better on the piano. I wish I could afford for all my children (including myself) to take all the lessons in the world with multiple instruments, but I'm grateful for what the Lord has blessed them with. The sacrifices we make as parents to have our kids take music lessons, or be in any sport is a huge blessing. 

The girls performance was exceptional and well received. I'm just so bummed that my video got cut off due to my phone running out of storage! Luckily I recorded most of the performance, and that it's a clear sound & picture of my girl playing and singing. If you're my friend on Facebook there is another video on my timeline filmed in its entirety which I borrowed from my buddy Chuck. 

Middle School Talent Show '14 from Rose Jorgensen on Vimeo.

It was a great evening, and we really enjoyed the talent show. All i know is that no matter what these kids decide to do in four years after graduating high school they all have a voice, an act, and a talent that they can share no matter where they go. They were all very brave in participating, and all did an amazing job! 

honors band concert

When you have four kids you tend to document almost every detail of their life. Not everything, but almost everything. When it comes to music I definitely have to have record of it. I have three girls that play the piano, and tonight it was Alexandra's turn to perform. 

She tried out for honors band about a month ago, and made it in. She is the keyboard player of her school, and absolutely loves it. 

Tonight three middle schools from the township we live in got their honors bands together to play some awesome music! They even added the honors chorus as a bonus! 

There are so many kids who move towards the woodwind, brass & percussion instruments, and not enough string players. Too bad there is no orchestra on this side of town. Alex would be a part of that in a heartbeat! We hope that the high school she's in a couple of years will have one! She had a blast playing in the All south Jersey Jr. orchestra back in January.

Since I didn't play any instrument in school I didn't encourage my girls to play. And the only reason Jon played the trumpet in middle school for one year was so that he could get out of gym class! Nice huh?

So I have a lot of gratitude for the people who played an important role in my life for encouraging me to encourage our kids in learning an instrument.  

One teacher in particular was Sierra's second grade music teacher who told me to get her into piano lessons because she had an innate talent in playing the guitar (which she hasn't done that in long while), and reading music...at 7 years old! I will always be thankful for Mr. Doran in encouraging both my husband & I to get her into lessons because piano is her forte. Her example has made all of her sisters into big time music geeks. 

Alexandra obviously has followed in her footsteps, but also took a bold move in playing the violin, and she admits that is her favorite!

Mr. Nichols has been a great band teacher to all the students. He has been there for Alex in times of need when it comes to any questions she may have that deals with music. 

For the past two years she has made great friends in middle school.

Alex & Destiny-circa, spring 2012

These two young women literally live a hop, skip, and a jump from us and they have been such great friends to Alex. Those are very hard to come by. 

Mr. Nichols, Alex, Edith, & Destiny-present day

So far we are a string family. All the girls play the piano, and Alex is the only one who plays the violin. Who knows what instrument Noah will play in the near future as he gets older. 

I always share my thoughts and feelings about music whenever I write about it, and every time I hear my girls play, or sing it brings me great joy. I am in awe when I hear them because that's something that I never did, and never thought our children would do. It brings peace in the home whenever someone is having a bad day (including the piano player), and comforts every single one of us. I honestly don't know what we'd do without it. 

"Without music life would be a mistake."~Friedrich Neitzsche 

for the love of music-senior edition

When my daughter decided in her junior year of high school to change her decision from studying criminal law to music education I have to admit I was a little bit relieved. Not because she would be dealing with criminals, but because her talent in music is beyond amazing. I mean, who doesn't want their kid to become some hot shot lawyer. We do need good and honest ones in the future, but she no longer saw herself as such. She sees herself as an educator in hopes that she will teach others to be passionate in their music. 

I see the love, and dedication she has whenever she sings or plays. She comes home right after school, and instead of eating she'll immediately go to the piano. There are days I can tell when she has had it rough, or when some sort of drama has occured because she'll play her heart out. I have seen proof how losing yourself through music can help one deal with the stresses of life. Writing my heart out in a journal is my way of dealing with any kind of stress, and playing the piano works for her. 

I also have my moments as a mother to let her know that she needs to sleep, and eat. She is a 'full-time' senior with a lot of extracurricular activities, and needs her rest. What do I know. I didn't go through anything that she is going through right now because I didn't have a lot on my plate in my days of high school. She seems to handle, and somewhat balance her schedule, but I still can't help to remind her in a stern voice that she needs a break too. 

And then I hear her lovely voice which is a natural gift because she has never taken any voice lessons, and I myself forget about food. Noah and I will then sit on the couch to hear her. 

Yesterday as I was in my room cleaning up I began hearing her play a tune that was all too familiar. I love Les Miserables, and the song she was singing was so beautiful. I immediately sneaked up behind her and did some vine activity. She knew I was recording her, and that's when I asked if I could record her singing. I knew she'd say yes because she always does.

Hearing her sing this song for the first time brought me to tears. I was in awe, and couldn't believe her voice. Mind you she is a little under the weather right now, but she still obliged to record her singing.    

And she sounded amazing! 

Oh yes...I think taking 10 years of lessons has been worth it, and no matter the struggles we have faced financially with three daughters taking violin and piano lessons we know that in the end it'll all be worth it. All of our girls seem so focused when it comes to music. 

Some may wonder why music education?

Well, there aren't enough music educators in the world, and we need them. Whether our children want to become doctors, lawyers, or a teacher-it doesn't matter. What matters is for them to do something with their life that they will love, and wake up each day looking forward to their 'happy' job.

Not everyone has that chance. I didn't, but I know that music is Sierra's happy place. It never gets old hearing her play, and she never tires out of playing piano. She has too much love for it! 

I am especially grateful that Sierra has this guide in her life that has helped her come to terms with her decision to major in music education, and that also helps her throughout the days of her life. 

Not all kids know what they want out of life, or what they want to become in four years. One thing I know for sure is that this girl will jump at every opportunity when it comes to singing or playing. 

And I believe that she will have many opportunities in her future. 

I didn't grow up with any kind of music in the home, and never thought that I would have musical children today. I am so very grateful to have bought this big piece of wood 10 years ago so that our children can learn, and love music. Music truly is a gift when one has that in their life, and it soothes the soul in many ways.

That to me is a beautiful thing.

For the love of music

"To write great music, the musician must make his life a great song."

Sierra has been writing music since she was about 12 years old. I can show you a stack of composition books in which she has written a song, but because she would get stuck in the middle of writing a song, she'd lose interest and stop. Another season would go by and she'd start to write another song, stop, get busy, and lose the desire again. She also said it's a challenge to write down note after note, pausing and replaying it over and over again to make sure it sounds right. I love music and although I don't play piano or read music...I have a good ear as to how I think the notes should be played. I'll hum a tune in which I think this is how the note should sound. Sometimes she'll take my advice, sometimes she won't, and that's okay.

After all... these are her songs she is composing.

She is also a very good writer. She has written many beautiful songs in the past, and so far she's finished three of them. All of them are her own with her own lyrics. She even wrote one for her baby brother called "Noah's Song". I have been wanting her to make a CD for family members as a gift for the past few years now. I really believe that the timing was right for her to actually finish some of her songs, and they really sound beautiful. I tear up every time she plays. Not everybody plays the piano the same way. I've heard other people play the piano and the feeling is always different. I see the way my daughter plays the piano and she plays it with feeling, humility, and passion. You can tell it's the love of her life.

 She loves the piano like Jane Eyre loved the use of her pen.

And tonight for the Young Women activity she is going to play her own song...her own lyrics and all. It is a beautiful piece of handwritten music, and I look forward to hearing her play it in front of her fellow brothers and sisters...and to the Lord. It's a song about Faith and I love it! I'm very proud of her.

It is amazing how she can play by ear and just start playing the score to "The Lake House" by Rachel Portman, (or any other artist) just by listening to it. She has such a special gift, and I am very happy that she has never given up on playing. She loves sharing her talent and will continue to write more songs.

 Who knows...maybe one day you will even buy her CD. 

But for now you can listen to her playing, and singing this song called "Dream" by Priscilla Ahn.

I hope it fulfills your day with a smile! 

Making Music Part II

"Music must never offend the ear, but must please the listener, or, in other words, must never cease to be music."

~Mozart

One thing that is very consistent in our home is music. I hear it in the morning, I hear it in the afternoon, and I hear it in the evening. I even hear it in my sleep. I am not musically inclined by any means, but I LOVE to listen, and I mean really listen to the notes being played. The best part of listening to this music is that it is clean and uplifting. I am so pleased that I have brought something into my home that I was not raised with. Listening to my girls playing duets on the piano and violin brings a peaceful feeling into our home, and it feels as if the things of the world do not matter. Time stops and all I hear is the beating of that big box of wood, and the pounding of 88 black and white keys being played. It is a heaven on earth when I hear those sounds of music being played.

 Lexie's first violin teacher was a great violinist and played beautifully. She taught her for almost three years, but I felt that Lexie needed to be more challenged so I decided to find her another teacher. It was all in good timing because Sister Monson moved to Salt Lake City shortly after the transition, (I guess you can say it was a blessing in disguise.) We were lucky to have found another great violinist to teach Lexie over the summer. I'm sad to say that after teaching Lexie for three months, Sara will be leaving us. She will be going to NYU in a week, and is also training to play with the Philharmonic Orchestra. Sara has been an excellent teacher and has taught Lexie more during the summer than she has over the past three years. 

You can see the seriousness on their faces in these pictures. These two had such a great bond as teacher and student. Although they focused on improving Lexie's technique on holding the bow correctly, trilling, and teaching her to play challenging music...they also had fun at the same time. I find that it is important to build a great relationship with your teacher. They would bring laughter into the lesson as well as learning. I really enjoyed watching these two playing together. I hardly ever sat in on the lessons with her first teacher and I regret that. I wish I would have been more involved then, than I am now. I honestly believe that the parent should sit in on the lessons just in case there is something that you feel is not being taught correctly...especially if your daughter aspires to be a great violinist! I am so happy that I made the time to sit in on every lesson, pay attention, and take notes at the same time. You learn as you go from teacher to teacher. I should have read the book Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother long ago!

Although Lexie is done with violin lessons for the summer she consistently practices playing her violin, and will resume lessons with Sara's replacement after school starts.

We feel really blessed to have found another great teacher for Lexie. She brought a lot of joy and learning into Lexie's life. But life goes on, and I know Ms. Sara will do well in playing with the orchestra, and furthering her education at NYU! 

Good Luck Sara...we will miss you!

An Evening with the Philadelphia Boys Choir & Chorale

Sierra called me from school in the middle of the day on Friday to let me know that her choir teacher had given her five tickets to see the Philadelphia Boys Choir & Choral. She was sure I'd say yes, but just in case she still called to ask if we were interested in going. Her choir teacher Mr. Adams knows how much she appreciates chorale and how much she loves to sing. I have to say she was his first choice in giving her the tickets.

She obliged.

The choir performed at a local Catholic church. I have to say that as soon as I walked into the building, glanced at the font of holy water in the entrance, and sat down to look at the kneeling bench below me...I immediately had flashbacks of when I was a catholic.  I didn't mind at all, and I was happy to be in familiar territory to where maybe...just maybe I can have an opportunity of sharing the gospel that has completely changed my life.

The choir was phenomenally amazing!! It was interesting to read a little bit about them on the program. They were founded in 1968 and are renowned for their commanding musicianship and interpretive abilities. The choir ranges in ages seven to about 70!! This choir has been on Good Morning America and have traveled as far as China, Germany and have even performed with The Vienna Boys choir. I was really impressed with their voices. They sang mostly jazz songs and African American songs as well as church hymns. I wish our church choir had as many men singing as they do.

 The Philadelphia Boys choir may not have performed at our church, but I did feel the spirit of Christ as the choir was singing us goodbye. They sang a prayer for a benediction called "Holy", and as they were beginning to harmonize, a few of the boys stood up and began saying qualities of God. When they uttered these words: God is self sufficient, God is faithful, God is forgiving, God is omnipresent, God is omnipotent, and God is omniscient, is when I began to feel the spirit strongly. Even though I wasn't at my church surrounded by members of my congregation, I still felt the spirit of the Lord, and that is when I know those words were being testified of Christ, and it didn't matter if it wasn't at our church.

It was such a nice evening spent with our family. All of my girls are musical and love to sing. They really enjoyed entering an unfamiliar church where their mother was once of that faith, and they didn't mind. I left without sharing the gospel and that's okay. There will be other opportunities.

I did record the choir sing but after watching it I decided not to post it. There was too much Noah interference with his coughing and boy noises. Sorry!

*To hear the Philadelphia Boys choir sing go here. (I would love to watch them sing this at Christmas time!)

Spring Piano Recital '11

The Jorgensen girls played exceptionally well at their spring recital this evening. This was our first time having all of our girls perform together. It's so nice to have harmonious kids who LOVE to play the piano. The last time Sierra played on a Steinway was five years ago in Utah. She LOVED performing on this piano, and as soon as she set her fingers on the Steinway, she forgot how heavy the keys are compared to ours. Lexie and Chelsea enjoyed playing on it as well. They are grateful for having a piano in our house (even if it isn't a Steinway.)

We heard various students play pieces by Faber, Christopher Goldston, Stephen Foster, Gurlitt, Beethoven, and a lot of traditional music. At the end of the recital, their piano teacher also played a piece by Chopin, and one of her own pieces she wrote which she played beautifully.

 I have to say that there was no watching television in our house for the past two weeks (not that we ever do anyway!) They all worked really hard on their pieces. Chelsea played Twinkle, twinkle little star by Faber. This was her first recital and she did very well. She walked up to that piano fearless as if she owned it! Alexandra played a piece by Mozart, and a beautiful piece by Dennis Alexander titled, "Just For You." This piece was very moving and it definitely was meant "just for her" to play.

Sierra was the last one to perform. Of course, the last one to perform always has the more advanced pieces which is impressive. She played Prelude 3: Agitato by Gershwin, and Prelude in C sharp minor by Rachmaninoff. Those pieces require a lot of hard work and lots of practicing. She was so nervous and worried because for the past two weeks, she didn't put a lot of time into practicing her pieces. The past two weeks were trying for her because of school projects and a midterm literary paper due at the end of the week! Going out of town for four days during our spring break didn't help in her not practicing either. Unfortunately there was no piano available at the hotels we stayed at. She did her very best on catching up and practicing her pieces these past couple of days, and she did extremely well. One thing a lot of Sierra's previous teachers admired about her was once they'd tell her to work on a piece...she would return to the next lesson perfecting it and playing it even better.


Alicia Keys said, "But when I first fell in love with the piano, I knew it was me. I was dying to play." This quote reminds me of the first time we bought a piano ten years ago and only had Sierra playing at the time. She immediately fell in love with the piano and couldn't take her fingers off of it. Her sisters are the same way. They all have a talent and I hope that they will continue to play the piano and violin for as long as they desire. I am so pleased with my girls and for the love that they each have with music. Whether they end up playing it professionally or for pleasure... I hope that they will always be motivated to play, and that the music will never end in our home.

Rikki Hein and pianists

"You are the music while the music lasts."

~T.S. Eliot