Terrific Tuesday & Abba - Happy New Year

We can hardly believe that 2020 is the celebration of 10 years of Embro Thistle Singers making music together.  Wow!  We look back and think of all the wonderful people who have been singers, accompanists & audiences.  We have grown and learned and had so much fun it is hard to believe that those 10 years have just flown by.  Thanks to everyone who has supported us over these years.  Song Service & Fun with ETS continues. 

Fantastic Friday - You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch

This is too fun not to play.  This bass is amazing & every word is distinct.  Are you listening there all singers?

Terrific Tuesday - Look at the World, John Rutter

What a beautiful song!  The sounds are so clear and yet there are so many singers.  Ah and the best part - John Rutter conducting. The aCapella section is delightful.  

We are going to sing this after the Christmas break. Thanks Harold.  Happy singing!

Wonderful Wednesday - Your Brain and Singing: Why Singing in a Choir Makes You Happier

Your Brain and Singing: Why Singing in a Choir Makes You Happier

By Jaime Babbitt

Any of us who have sung in choirs know all too well the joy it brings not just the audiences, but also the choir members themselves. And why wouldn’t it? When we raise our voices with lots of other gorgeous voices in a big, beautiful space, it feels like we’re altering molecules. The power, the mojo that this (relatively) small time commitment offers…how is it possible? Well, according to various scientific reports, we are altering molecules…inside our brains, with different changes occurring whether listening to music, singing, or singing with others.

In Stacy Horn’s wonderful book, Imperfect Harmony: Finding Happiness While Singing with Others, we get a first-hand account of how music uplifts and empowers, with various scientific evidence cited. Horn has been singing with The Choral Society of Grace Church (in New York City’s Greenwich Village) since 1982; she evocatively describes her own experience while explaining how science is finally catching up with what vocalists have known since the dawn of time: singing heals.

Choirs are known for singing about somber topics, including death. Requiem masses by Mozart, Haydn, Verdi and Berlioz are extremely popular selections for choirs worldwide. Yet, even though the content isn’t necessarily joyful or soothing, endorphins — hormones produced by the central nervous system — release and interact with opiate receptors in the brain, diminishing pain and triggering an almost analgesic feeling in the body. Our brains get an endorphin “rush”, which apparently feels a lot like taking morphine. Singing (both listening to it and doing it) can also release dopamine, a chemical that works to help regulate the brain’s pleasure and reward centers. Music has also been found to release serotonin, a neurotransmitter found mostly in the digestive tract that helps regulate our moods, social behaviors and appetite; other studies have shown that cortisol levels can be lower when listening to music and singing. In addition, Dr. David Huron, a music professor at OSU, postulates that singing may increase prolactin production; prolactin is found both in tears and in nursing mammals, and it helps regulate the immune system.

Other forms of happiness await us via singing as we age. Neuroscientists have shown that musical memories engage broader neural pathways than other types of memories – that’s why hearing an old song can flood one with very specific emotions and visual cues. When dementia and Alzheimer’s patients are encouraged to sing along songs from their youth, they sometimes respond with wide-eyed wonder and exhilaration, and sing out in a way that surprises not only those around them, but themselves as well; it’s a beautiful phenomenon to witness. Additionally, doctors are now finding that singers have more circuit connections between the right and left sides of their brains than non-singers. Memorizing words (left brain function) and music (right brain function) could keep those nerve cells and synapses in excellent working order.

Dr. Gene D. Cohen of George Washington University kept track of a senior singers’ chorale in Arlington, Virginia. The singers’ average age was 80 (65 the youngest, 96 the eldest). Findings showed that the singers suffered depression less frequently, made fewer doctor’s visits each year, needed less medication, and increased their other activities. I can attest that some of my greatest memories are of forming and leading a choir at an assisted living facility and seeing with my own eyes how the songs from my elders’ era affected them; they laughed, cried and told stories about first hearing that song performed.

But, as Horn will agree, the most remarkable phenomenon that a choir vocalist experiences are the many “take your breath away” moments that come as a result of being one of many voices coming together in harmony. I’m sure many of you reading this have had your own version of these types of experiences: goosebumps on your arms, hair standing up on the back of your neck, bursting into tears (that would be me), and more. A 2004 study by Dr. Gunter Kreutz showed that singing in a choir–as opposed to simply listening to choral music–increases SIgA production (antibodies in saliva that help immune function) and other positive physical responses.

The even better news is that while we always strive to be the best choristers we can be, our voices don’t have to be “professional strength” to derive these myriad health benefits. Horn cites a 2005 study that showed that singing even at an amateur level was beneficial to people’s emotional, physical, and cognitive well-being. Before moving back to New York, I joined Nashville in Harmony, a talented and love-filled group of largely non-professional singers in Nashville, Tennessee. Being one of 150 voices banding together for the common good has brought me exhilaration I’d not felt in all my years of singing…and that’s a lot of years. Back when we recorded to tape.

Here we are at a 2016 rehearsal. The exhilaration is palpable: https://bit.ly/2HdNbfS

So please, sing. Sing a song. Sing out loud. Sing out strong. (See what I did there? C’mon, who remembers Sesame Street? The Carpenters? Sigh.)

Find the original post by clicking here. 

Terrific Tuesday - Hummingsong Choir with a Powerful Message

Music is a powerful medium.  It can cause us to laugh and cry, to dance or sing, to remember & wish.  This is a huge choir with a mission.  This choir brings awareness of domestic violence and how music can help make people feel like family and lend strength.  Music is a POWERFUL medium.  

Magnificent Monday - Sing You Home - Remember Them At The Rooms - Rembrance Day

This needs no introduction.  Remembering is the path to peace. 

Terrific Tuesday - Amazing Young Pianist Plays Concerto

We have 2 wee members of our choir who spent Sunday morning with their parents who sang.  Oliver and Addie both came to practices before their births and certainly swing along with us now. This young man must have had similar experiences with parents who supported his love for music.  He is so immersed in the music.  Enjoy this treat.  

Terrific Tuesday - Czardas - Aydar Gaynullin & Darius Krapikas & Kaunas City Symphony Orc...

Thanks to Elaine, we have this very fun piece with a violin and accordion joining the orchestra.  This piece is based on the  traditional Hungarian folk dance.  Bands and orchestras picked this up and the result is what we get to see here.  What fun.

By the way, Elaine also told us that the very high sounds that the violinist makes are called "enharmonics" and created by special fingering.  Wow!  Listen carefully. 

Musical Monday - John Rutter: The Importance of Choir

With an election happening in Canada, it makes us think about our Canada and how important it is that we work together.  Rutter tells it like it is when he says the politicians need to take note "oh gosh do they ever".  Choirs create unity among other strong values.  

"A church or a school without a choir is like a body without a soul." 

The Newfangled Four - Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious [from Mary Popp...

Talk about articulation!  If all choirs had to learn THESE words, they would never slur their consonants again.  Besides, this is really fun. 

Terrific Tuesday - The Lion Sleeps Tonight - Boys' Choir

Following the theme started on our Facebook page last week, here is an amazing version of The Lion Sleeps Tonight. The sound effects are really fun.  Do check out the very creative hair arrangements.  It has nothing to do with the singing but on the second watching, you will really notice. 

Terrific Tuesday - PERFECT HARMONY Official Trailer Bradley Whitford

This story seems to be what happens in lots of small choirs.  I am looking forward to seeing if they come up with some different plots or will this be another version of Sister Act.  Will you be watching this show?

Terrific Tuesday - Flashmob Stockholm Arlanda Airport - I Believe I Can Fly

What an appropriate place this is to sing this.  I really think that we need to think about learning this song Embro Thistle Singers.  Is there any reason we couldn't?

Terrific Tuesday - I'll Be There - Walk Off The Earth

I absolutely love Walk Off the Earth a Canadian group with so much talent.  Each plays multiple instruments and sings.  What I love about many of their videos including this one is how they help each other as they sing.  This is the ultimate example of co-operative music. Their joy is palpable.  Their actions mirror the word of the song.  I bet you won't be able to stifle a smile or three!

Terrific Tuesday - A Gaelic Blessing - Rutter - BBC Songs of Praise - Millennium Youth Choir

John Rutter writes music for the voice that is beautiful to sing.  It is never easy but so worth the effort in the end.  This is one of my personal favourites.  All I have to do now is convince the choir.  Maybe you will help me do that. 

Wonderful Wednesday - Flash Mob Giuseppe Verdi

Did you know that in English the amazing Guiseppe Verdi's name translates to Joe Green.  Such a simple name and yet such amazing music!  This is the Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves from the opera Nabucco.  I would love to go shopping and have this break out unexpectedly.  That final cadence is worth the listen.

Terrific Tuesday - 200 Kids Sing A Cappella Style | You Raise Me Up

What an awesome opportunity this would be for both teachers and students.  This is one of our favourites.  This arrangement would be great to do for sure.  

Terrific Tuesday - Tchaikovsky Flashwaltz at Hadassah Hospital

So you are at the hospital and this happens.  Look at the smiles, the movement with the music and the general enjoyment.  Find the fellow with the expressive eyebrow.  Even my toes are twitching with those who are dancing spontaneously.  How about you?  

Terrific Tuesday - Pitch Perfect Medley

What a pleasure to listen to and watch all these young people having such fun with music and doing it so well.  There is so much happening.  Oh my what a treat. 

Click it on to full screen sit back and enjoy.  

Terrific Tuesday - Flight of the Tuba Bumblebee - Canadian Brass

We love the Canadian Brass.  Not only are they very accomplished musicians but great entertainers.  If any of our readers has ever played a brass instrument, you would know how tricky it can be to play notes quickly.  Well - listen to this amazing display of talent.  Not only does he have to be really fast working the valves but he had to have his lips moving very, very fast.  I know how much effort it takes me to just make one "toot".  I can only marvel at this rare talent. 

Terrific Tuesday - Lunch Break - Old MacDonald's Deformed Farm

Our farm people are working so hard harvesting, fertilizing, & caring for crops & animals.  I am always so amazed at the endless work and effort it takes to farm.  Hats off to our amazing farming families.  

Here is a very fun take on the Old MacDonald farm.  I hope that this will give more than a few chuckles in those momentary breaks from fields and barns.  

Terrific Tuesday - "Classical" Boomwhackers

I really wish we had had Boomwhackers when I went to school and when I was teaching school.  What a great way to teach all the elements of music.  I love the results and so do the young people who created them.  

Terrific Tuesday - Canada Day Up Canada Way

Let's keep the celebration going.  We are so blessed to have this wonderful country to call our own.  Stompin' Tom was a proud Canadian too.  Let's sing it out.

Terrific Tuesday - Ching-A-Ring Chaw - Salt Lake Choral Artists Concert Choir

You know the story of the kitten who thought he was a tiger and took on the world.  Well, we in the Embro Thistle Singers see ourselves as a choir of the ilk you see here.  

I think we really are tigers!!

Terrific Tuesday - How an old man's dreams came true- -Robin McCurdy-O LORD Hear my Prayer-...

Robin McCurdy came to hear the Embro Thistle Singers and then asked us if we would sing his beautiful song, Shores of Isthmus Bay. Our Elaine Northmore wrote a 4 part harmony arrangement and away we went. Robin had it recorded along with 4 other of our songs and then re-engineered them all to get a great sound.

Through this time we got to meet Robin's wife, Marg, and she now adds her prodigious talents to our alto section. Together Robin and Marg have added immeasurably to our musical life.

Robin is having health challenges but keeps writing. His tunes are so singable and memorable. Here is his latest song "Oh Lord Hear My Prayer". I think you will agree that it is truly lovely. Thank you Robin for sharing your talent so generously. Your beautiful tunes will outlast us all.

Below are Robin's notes from YouTube.

ROBIN'S NOTES

The Nashville recording of Robin's gospel song is now essentially finished. Don't ask me why we did it in this style. I feel Tony Ray Jones and Kelly Nolf, did a fantastic job. I needed this at this point in my life. The wonderful Piano on this is played by Garland Craft from the Oak Ridge Boys Band and Jason Roller from the group 'Alabama'.-now being played on 94.3 FM Woodstock

Terrific Tuesday - "When You Believe" cover by One Voice Children's Choir

These young people are so well trained.  I love watching them sing with their lovely vowels an enunciation.  Even the instrumentalists are younger.  Enjoy this delicious musical treat. 

Terrific Tuesday - Fun Terrific Violinist

This violinist is very good.  He has some great musical variations as well as physical ones.  You can imagine the young people watching and thinking that playing the violin might be fun.  He makes it look so simple.  Even when it doesn't go exactly as planned he recovers and carries on.  His double stopping is quite amazing.  

The little giggles from the audience are a great tribute to his ability to entertain. Although this is a longer video you will truly enjoy it.  

Terrific Tuesday - I Love You / What a Wonderful World

On Friday evening, our Embro Thistle Singers sang at the newly renovated "Carnegie Hall" in Ingersoll.  This was the Carnegie Library and has been transformed into an amazingly beautiful  venue with terrific acoustics.  We sang from the mezzanine and what a treat it was.  The choir outdid themselves.  

One of our songs was Wonderful World.  This rendition partnered with I Love You is simple but oh so lovely.  Maybe we should consider this one.  

Terrific Tuesday - Jimmy Fallon, The Who & The Roots Sing "Won't Get Fooled Again"

No such thing as classroom instruments.  They just happen to be cheaper so the educational people will buy them.  However, in the hands of these people you can see that the instruments make great music.  Go kids. Go Jimmy Fallon!

Super Sunday - The Mom Song (William Tell Momisms)

Listen to this very fun compilation of everything a mother ever says to her kids. You will probably hear your own mum, yourself and maybe your next door neighbour.
Happy Mothers' Day!

Terrific Tuesday - Father and Son Sing Their Own Composition

It is amazing how much talent is out there in the world.  This father and son wrote and performed this song on Britain's Got Talent.  How many other hidden gems are out there in somebody's kitchen? (Song starts about 3 minutes into the video)

Terrific Tuesday - Supermarket Opera Flash Mob

 It must have been fun to be employees before this broke out.  I want to shop at this market. 

Terrific Tuesday - Old Town Road - Walk off the Earth

This talented Canadian group covers this song with amazing creativity.  Check out the special percussive sound using a bowl of metal things.  How they are able to sing, play and interpret the music all at the same time is just out of this world.  

Terrific Tuesday - Pirates Song - FUNNY CHOIR!

This choir does this fun song really well.  My favourite by far is their conductor.  I don't know how he kept from falling over.  What would make this an even better performance - NO SHEET MUSIC.  Just sayin'.

Terrific Tuesday - Flashmob Carmina Burana

This is wonderful performance.  The best part is the people.  So many fun characters both performing and watching.  Oh fortuna.  Listen for it.  We lovingly call it the "fish song".

Terrific Tuesday - Pink Panther, Ghostbusters, & Wavin' Flag on Boomwhackers!

It is amazing to me the fun & great sounds these young people can create on hollow plastic tubing.  I dare you not to be snapping and tapping as they play. 

Terrific Tuesday - Elijah Rock - Jester Hairston

I love this song.  We used to do it in another SATB choir I belonged to years ago.  Do you think we should try this one ETS?  Okay, now I have your attention, just try to keep still as you listen. 

Terrific Tuesday - "Piano Lessons" Comedy By Chonda Pierce

If you need a giggle or two today, this is the video to watch.  Chondra tells some funny stories about piano lessons and her mother's expectations and her realities.  We can all hear a little of ourselves in this sketch.  Notice that although she self-deprecates, she is truly talented.  Just have fun with this one. 

Terrific Tuesday - University of Florence: Rossini Flash Mob

When we were in London, U.K. a while ago we came across a college orchestra practicing in the atrium of their college.  They played Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture.  They had a quartet of strings instead of the whole string section and a bass drum instead of timpani. It was so well done.  

This university group does their concert a bit differently. I sure hope they timed this so it wasn't a study time for important exams although the faces of the audience seem to say they are quite happy to be disturbed.  I know I would have been.  How about you?

Terrific Tuesday - The Exam - Percussion Ensemble

We have all written an exam of some kind.  This is one we wish we all could have experienced.  What talent!

Terrific Tuesday - Funny Violin Duet - The Ashatones

What a fun way to enjoy this music!  We have been experiencing storm after storm here and you need to watch this to enjoy some really lovely sounds.  The fun comes with the interaction among the players.  These really good musicians are putting on a fun show for you.  Smile and enjoy!

Terrific Tuesday - Flashmob OVERTURE 1812 (Tchaikovsky)

When we were in London, U.K. a while ago we came across a college orchestra practicing in the atrium of their college.  They played Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture.  They had a quartet of strings instead of the whole string section and used a bass drum instead of timpani.  It was really so well done.  I said at the time that they played more like professionals than college students and later read an article that said the very same thing.  

A few days later, we were lucky enough to be treated to the Classical Extravaganza at Royal Albert Hall.  They played the 1812 Overture as well and it was was magnificent.  However, that didn't take away from our enjoyment of the surprise presentation by the London College orchestra.  Each was wonderful in its own way.  What makes this one wonderful to you?  I love the drummer. 

Terrific Tuesday - Bohemian Rhapsody misheard lyrics & music: Rainer Hersch

I hope every reader has seen the movie Bohemian Rhapsody.  I bet you sang along to those songs even with your inside voice.  BUT - did you get the lyrics correct.  This is a very fun wrong lyrics bit.  Now, you all know that I always sang "five purple people eater" when it is actually "FLYING" Purple People Eater.  It still feels so very wrong.  Sometimes, we eve get the notes wrong.  This is also very fun.  Enjoy!!

Terrific Tuesday - Walk Off The Earth | Rule The World | CBC Music Festival

Walk Off the Earth is one terrific Canadian band.  You have heard from them many times through this blog.  They are so very talented playing multiple instruments (didgeridoo in this one) , writing great songs & entertaining in their own unique style.  Look at the crowd happily dancing and singing along with huge smiles.  

Music has that ability to take us to another place.  Whether we are down or up, sick or well, happy or sad, music has that unique ability to soothe or excite depending on what pieces we choose.  

Over many years from cassette tapes to today's digital music, our daughter has made what we now call "playlists" to motivate me towards big goals or help me through trying times.  Every time I listen to these songs, that warm feeling of caring surrounds me.  You can use music as a gift to others.  If you aren't savvy enough to create original playlists, give someone a CD or other musical gift that can tell someone over and over again that they matter.  

With music to carry them through, they too can Rule the World!!!!

Musical Monday - Wheat Kings by Tragically Hip

Music has this amazing ability to speak for us when words aren't always enough.  My daughter put together a playlist for me to listen to as I awaited hip surgery.  Now if you want some fun, check these out on YouTube - Hips Don't Lie by Shakira.  Oh my I only hope I can dance like this with my new hip.  Or just for the heck of it Shake Your Hips by the Rolling Stones.  Because we are Canadian, not much is more Canadian than the Tragically Hip.  Wheat Kings mentions many Canadian places and themes.  

The songs can get you through the trials & tribulations and the fun or serious times of life.  I am sure that Gord Downy's music made the last part of his life so much more fulfilling than it would have been otherwise.  Music is often the best medicine we can take. 

Musical Monday - Amanda Palmer - cell phone interruption at Symphony Hall

You've practised.  You've had run throughs.  You rehearse even when you are brushing your teeth.  You have chosen just the right outfit.  Finally, the moment comes.  You come to the stage and begin your concerto and then ---- the dreaded cell phone interrupts.  Okay what would you do?  

Well you can get cross or you can do this!  I bet you didn't expect this to happen.  Now, that's entertainment as Tchaikovsky never envisioned it.  

Musical Monday - Tough Guy on Piano Is Asked To Play Mary Poppins

If you haven't gone to see the Mary Poppins returns you must.  This is a reprise of the Chim Chiminee from the first Mary Poppins gone jazz.  What fun.

You will love the new music in Mary Poppins Returns.  Let us know what you think.  In the meantime, enjoy this player's fun rendition. 

Musical Monday - Walk Off The Earth | Sing It All Away | CBC Music Festival

This blog has had a number of articles about the positive effects of music, particularly singing.  This song says it all. 

Walk Off the Earth has had a dreadful blow in the sudden loss of "Beard Guy" Mike Taylor.  I am sure that they will find solace in the music they shared as they come to terms with losing a close friend and colleague who had become as close as family.

We send our deepest sympathies to Mike's family and the Walk Off the Earth members and thank them for their wonderful music and look forward to more in the future.  May we Sing It All Away whatever we are facing!!