Just a few hours left to join our hymn arranging class

Are you still a little unsure?

That's okay.

I understand.

But since you're still at home, why finally take the time to get that arrangement you've been meaning to finish, well, finished?

I can help.

But I've got to close the doors tonight so we can start our 8-week hymn arranging class tomorrow.

I hope you'll consider joining.

We need WAY more quality hymn arrangements in the church.

We need MORE voices crafting musical testimonies.

We need YOUR voice.

If you're ready to give it a go, please click the link below to get started.

I'll see you tomorrow at 2 p.m. mountain time for our first class.

​https://douglaspew.thrivecart.com/writing-your-hymn-arrangement-with-doug/​

Best,

Doug

Blessing the Sacrament in Jerusalem... and your musical testimony journal

One of my most special memories is kneeling next to my bishop at age 16, blessing the Sacrament in Jerusalem.

We were on a choir tour of the Holy Land and our director was my Stake President. He gathered the LDS choir members for a Sacrament Meeting and asked my Bishop and I, both members of the tenor section, to bless.

The thought of blessing emblems of Christ's sacrifice, while being physically very near the place where he bled and died for us, was overwhelming.

Several other memorable moments occurred during that meeting. But one of my favorites was ending with the closing song, "Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me."

I remember thinking I'd never seen this hymn before.

But it left a deep impression on me.

A few years later, as a sophomore returned missionary at BYU-Idaho, I had my first opportunity to write a hymn arrangement.

I was the assistant conductor of one of the music department choirs, and when I asked the director if I could try my hand at writing an arrangement for our choir, the first hymn that came to mind was, "Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me."

I could still see myself blessing the Sacrament in Jerusalem. I remembered vividly being on the Sea of Galilee at midnight, sailing in the pitch dark on a replica of boats the apostles would have used... imagining the Savior walking on the water... imagining the winds and waves tossing the boat... the apostles fearing for their lives. And the, "Peace, be still."

These memories turned my first hymn arranging experience into a private testimony journal.

Now, each time I recall or sing this arrangement with my ward choir, those early testimony memories come flooding back.

And you can experience the same testimony journal experience.

It's one of the best reasons to embark on your own hymn arranging.

And just think what you can leave behind for children and grandchildren. You can leave them a piece of your testimony that can live one for generations.

To assist you on this journey, I hope you'll consider joining me for this first "Writing Your Hymn Arrangement with Dr. Douglas Pew" class that being THIS Friday, May 8th.

Every week for 8 weeks, we will have a 90-minute live class via a Zoom call. Each will take place at 2 p.m. mountain time.

If for some reason you can't make it, I'll make sure you get a recording of each class.

The goal is to start from scratch and end our 8 weeks together with a completed hymn arrangement (aka... musical testimony journal).

Tomorrow is the last day to sign up.

Instead of signing up for my normal $100/hour private music writing lessons, you'll get 8 weeks of instruction, plus access to me via a private Facebook group just for participants, and recordings of our classes for only $250.

Plus, at the link below, there's a 3-month payment option to make it a little easier.

Will you join us?

I can't wait to hear your musical testimony journal.

I can't wait for your kids and family to hear it too.

Here's the link to join:

​https://douglaspew.thrivecart.com/writing-your-hymn-arrangement-with-doug/​

See you soon,

Doug

Tuning your instrument in the hands of the Lord

This is BY FAR my favorite thing about music in the church.

Whether we're stuck in quarantine and only have home church, or in traditional Sacrament and other meetings.

The chance to be an instrument in the hands of the Lord.

The chance to offer a bit of myself, my thanks to God for all He's made possible in my life, in the form of a piece of music.

And you know as well as I do how powerful a simple piece of music can be.

Just this past Sunday, we were all gathered in the living room having our little Pew Family Sacrament Meeting.

I was playing the Sacrament hymn on the piano.

"There is a green hill far away..."

I can't resist singing that descending bassline.

Most of the kids sang the melody.

My 14-year old sang the alto line.

And suddenly, voicing those remarkable words with my family gathered around me, the Spirit really hit me.

How special, how personal, how private, how universal, how infinite Christ's sacrifice was and is.

Somehow, music can work like Spiritual adrenaline. Like the spark that ignites the sometimes "too dormant" spiritual engine within us (or at least, me... I should probably just speak for myself... ).

But someone had to put those notes together.

Someone had to voice those words with, yes, a rather simple, yet poignant melody that magically drew out the bitter within me and replaced it with warmth, gratitude, love, reverence, and more.

That's why I spend time writing music for worship services.

Because just the opportunity to help make a moment like this occur for another struggling person...

THAT is special.

And it's the real intent behind the upcoming Writing Your Hymn Arrangement With Dr. Douglas Pew 8-week class.

We begin this Friday, May 8th, 2020.

Whether you have already signed up, are still on the fence, or aren't really into writing your own arrangements...

...I hope you'll at least consider that moment when "someone," maybe you, maybe someone from long ago, put their heart down on paper in the hopes that your heart, or another's heart, would resonate with spiritual vibrations.

It's a very sacred act, at least in my mind.

If you would like to join me and several excited hymn arranging colleagues for the next 8 weeks as we work to write, polish, and beautify your first or next hymn arrangement, just click the link below.

https://douglaspew.thrivecart.com/writing-your-hymn-arrangement-with-doug/

Everything we do... from harmony to notation to instrumentation to voicings... all of it is to create MORE special moments like the one I had this Sunday.

Like the MANY I know you've had.

What a great way to bring the gospel to more hearts!

Will you join us?

I hope so. I'm really excited to help you translate your testimony into a living, breathing, powerful hymn arrangement.

BTW, the doors for this 8-week class close on Thursday at midnight, mountain time.

I look forward to seeing you in class soon!

Best,

Doug

P.S. If you're a little nervous about whether you're up to this or not... let me reassure you. You DO NOT have to be some wiz-bang pianist or composer or whatever. Some ability at the piano is important. But you don't have to be a virtuoso by any means. I'm certainly not! And you can go at your own pace because everything will be recorded and you'll have access so you can take your time if need be.

One more time, here's the link:

https://douglaspew.thrivecart.com/writing-your-hymn-arrangement-with-doug/

Your musical Urim and Thummim

Have you ever tried your hand at arranging a hymn?

It's SO MUCH fun.

Sure, it has its frustrations...

...but being able to put your own personal stamp...

...your own feelings of testimony...

...a private declaration of what the meaning of that hymn has been to you...

...that's pretty special.

But there's one part of writing your own hymn arrangements that can be the most frustrating of all.

And that is, getting your piece looking as nice as it sounds so that your ward choir can sing it in church without having to squint or use their musical Urim and Thummim to interpret your reformed sometimes Egyptian-looking pencil notation.

To help you with this...

...and to help you create an arrangement that, out loud, sounds as special as it does in your mind and heart...

...THIS FRIDAY is the beginning of what I'm calling...

...Writing Your Hymn Arrangement with Dr. Douglas Pew.

It's an 8-week group coaching session to help you write your first, or next hymn arrangement for whatever grouping of voices or instruments you choose.

AND...

We're going to make sure to cover your musical Urim and Thummim translation stage.

In other words...

...getting your piece into notation software and looking ready to publish.

It's best if you're at least a decent hymn-player on the piano or organ to join this class.

And though we will cover some basics...

...we'll get deep into all my secrets for making a hymn arrangement really soar.

All kinds of cool harmonies, modulation...

...I'll even teach you the Mac Wilberg modulation...

...if you want.

And there's ONE more perk...

If you decide to join Writing Your Hymn Arrangement with Dr. Douglas Pew...

You have two payment choices.

There's the full pay... which, at 8 weeks of your time with me is a very LARGE fraction of the price of private lessons, or even a college course.

There's the 3-monthly-payment option, if the full-pay is difficult.

And... there's a YOU-GET-TONS-OF-PERSON-TIME-WITH-DOUG option.

This 3rd option gives you 8 ADDITIONAL private meetings with me during our 8 weeks.

Yes, it's more expensive.

But, part of the deal is, I will personally prepare your hymn arrangement in Finale notation software so it looks as ready to publish as anything the Tabernacle Choir sings. I can guarantee that, 100%.

So, if you'd like to get your heart onto paper and into your Sacrament Meetings...

...consider clicking the link below and joining our class.

https://douglaspew.thrivecart.com/writing-your-hymn-arrangement-with-doug/

And if you've already joined, don't worry, the schedule is coming SOON!

I can't wait to see you in class!

Best,

Doug

Last call, let me teach you all my hymn arranging tricks

As I mentioned on Monday...

...I'm thinking of putting together a course in hymn arranging in a very interactive, "from the ground up" approach.

Over a dozen people wrote in saying they were interested.

But I'd like to have 5 or 6 more to fill out the group a bit.

I haven't created the course yet.

I would create it as we go, and you'd have LOTS of input.

And in return, you can participate for half what the eventual price will be... which is $500.

So, for just $250, you can have what will probably end up being 8 to 12 weeks of training from me in video format, with recordings, with worksheets, and with access to me in weekly office hours calls.

And 12 weeks of private lessons with me would cost you $1,200, since I charge $100/hour.

We'll go over all the things you need to write a GORGEOUS hymn arrangement for home or church.

Melody, harmony, writing for different instruments, for voice, etc.

All the stuff I spent multiple 6 figures and a couple decades learning at top conservatories, as a published and award winning composer, as a Fulbrighter, at the opera house, in the concert hall, from my superstar mentors, and so on.

If this peaks your interest at all, please HIT REPLY and let me know.

If not, no biggie.

Thanks!

All the best,

Doug

P.S. I'm going to make the final decision on Friday. So, if you'd like to be "IN," now's your chance.

Can teach you all my tricks?

So, I have an idea...

I've been thinking of putting together a group of excited LDS musicians with whom I could share all my hymn arranging secrets, tricks, tips, etc.

So many are stuck at home, looking for an outlet for their creativity.

Why not join forces and create some beautiful church music you can use during your home centered church activities, and even in regular Sacrament Meeting when the quarantine finally ends.

Here's how it would work...

Basically, it would be like an online class.

The goal will be, by the end of our time, to have a fully complete hymn arrangement for the instruments or voices of your choice. One you can be proud of. One that will invite the Spirit and move your listeners.

We'd get together once a week for an hour of instruction.

I'll record everything and share it in an online member's area where you can login and re-watch and download PDF exercises I provide, etc.

We'll talk about all the things you need to create a beautiful, appropriate, meaningful arrangement for Sacrament Meeting, including...

• melody

• counter-melody

• harmony

• emotional harmony

• writing for piano

• writing for choir

• writing for solo, or small group voices

• writing for strings

• writing for woodwinds

• writing for brass (if you want... but... you know... Church Handbooks and all)

• writing for organ (if you want... though... this is sort of on the "advanced" list... maybe some bonus sections for good measure...)

• preparing your score in notation software

• and any other things you have questions about

This list may seem daunting.

BUT... remember...

...we're not writing a piece for Carnegie Hall.

We're writing something for Sacrament Meeting.

There are MANY quick and easy ways to learn how to do all the things I've listed.

THE REALLY FUN PART IS...

...I'll be with you at every step of the way critiquing, helping, answering question, giving tips, inside secrets that have worked for me, stuff you can only learn from writing operas and symphonic works and choral works for important choirs, etc...

...but I'll give you ALL the shortcuts.

Additionally, we'll have an hour each week of open office hours in our private Facebook Group so you can ask me more questions, share your work, etc.

Eventually I'll wrap this all up and make it presentable in an official course.

But if you want to get in at the ground floor for MUCH less than it will cost eventually...

...now's the time.

Eventually, a full-scale course like this will cost at least $500.

I mean, think about it.

You're going to get tricks and tools I only learned after 9 years of advanced university education and professional experiences at the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, as a Fulbright Scholar, and so on.

That represents AT LEAST $200,000 of money (and debt) on my part.

All stuffed into (in the quickest, shortcut, yet still very effective way) into a $500 digital course.

But, if enough people want to do this with me now...

...in a very informal way...

...the barrier to entry would only be 1/2 that amount...

...only $250.

And given I charge $100 per hour for private lessons... plus the amount of hours we'll spend together over the next 6 to 12 weeks (I haven't really outlined an exact plan at all as of yet)...

...you're saving quite a lot.

BUT...

...like I said...

...this is still in the idea stages.

If you're interested, please HIT REPLY to this email and let me know you'd be in for $250.

You don't have to pay anything now.

I'm still not sure I'm gonna do this.

It all depends on how many people are interested.

So, there's the idea.

What do you think?

Thougths?

Advicea?

Are you interested?

I'd love to hear.

Just hit reply to let me know.

AND... you may be thinking...

"I'm not good enough for this..."

If you can play at least a handful of the basic hymns on the piano, I can help you.

You'll learn more quickly if you're a little better than "beginner" level at playing the hymns.

But, if you have a decent hymn-playing knowledge and are very enthusiastic and hard working...

...I can help you.

Ok, that's all.

Thanks for hearing me out.

Best!

Doug

Can music actually help you repent?

What does "harrowing up" sound like?

That image of a harrow, a farm tool used to pierce the soil has always been a powerfully scary image.

"Yet with His stripes, we are healed."

And suddenly, it's stunningly gorgeous!

How to depict all this in music?

And with an a cappella choir?

Not easy.

But, with a rock-steady choir, I was able to "plow in hope" when it came time to write the "Agnus Dei" of my Mass.

And this piece has been on my mind this morning because it reminds me why we call today "Good Friday."

Because today is the day He made the ultimate journey from dark to light.

From pain to paradise.

From the crush of the press, to the cresting dawn of resurrection.

That was my aim in composing my Agnus Dei. To communicate some semblance of the beauty of His journey.

And as the "Agnus Dei" words cross my mind and lips... "Lord, have mercy on me"... I get harrowed up with my own guilt.

But being washed in the blood of the Lamb is as sweet as the harrow was bitter.

I hope you'll find some joy, and maybe even peace, as you have a listen to this piece, in which, I worked to depict His journey from dark to light, which makes our possible.

https://douglaspew.com/agnus-dei

Wishing you a "Good" day!

Doug

Catholic priesthood lesson rocked my world

8 years ago today, I got a major SMACK on the back of the head from the Spirit...

...while singing in a Catholic Mass.

I was finishing up my time in Poland studying with the mighty Pawel Lukaszewski... Poland's greatest living composer of sacred choral music.

During the special Maundy Thursday service for clergy only, our Cathedral Choir... 

...who I sang with throughout the year and served as assistant conductor...

...sang a few of the Mass movements I'd composed for them.

As the jammed packed cathedral full of priests all stood and showed a powerful show of Catholic priesthood by raising their right arms in unison in joint blessing of the communion...

...I had a very arrogant LDS thought.

​"Well, this is nice and all, but I'm the only one in here who holds the actual, real priesthood."​

Almost immediately, I felt a royal SMACK from the Spirit.

The very clear, reprimanding, chastening thought the Spirit fed to my mind is perhaps the most powerful lesson I've ever had on the priesthood.

​"That may be true... but... when people see you, do they know you've given your life to me as clearly as they know these people have given their lives to me?"​

Yowza!

That was some serious food for thought.

I don't walk around with vestments wherever I go, drawing attention to how I've given my entire life to God.

But, shouldn't the mighty change I've had be apparent?

Should His image be engraven in my countenance?

I'm not sure I'm there yet, but I think about this lesson a lot!

And it's something I work very had to bring to bear in the music I compose.

And even when I present a piece of music in church.

Can the congregation hear, just by listening to this piece, that I've given my life to God?

Can they feel my testimony? My devotion? My intention to lay my will at the altar?

I hope so.

But I know I have LOTS of room for improvement.

But on this Maundy, Passion-week, Thursday, I'd like to share a piece that I hope you will feel something special.

In fact, it's one of the very pieces we sang in the Warsaw Cathedral that day.

When you click the link below, you can hear a performance of my "Kyrie," sung by the Polish Chamber Choir.

I hope it will add to the spirit of this week as we prepare for Easter.

https://douglaspew.com/kyrie-eleison​

Enjoy!

What did it really cost Him?

The amount of pain, the crush of the olive press, the toil, the tears, the stripes, the blood... is a continually humbling thought. 

What did it really cost Him?

It's impossible to fathom.

But these beautiful verses, written by my friend and collaborator, Phyllis Wocher, paint a powerful picture of what we owe Him.

​What cost, what price, what debt we owe,
What pain He felt, we cannot know.
Completing Heavenly Father's plan,
God's love mad manifest to man.

They scourged HIs body pierced HIs brow,
With a crown of thorns they mocked His vow.
And suffering on the cross He prayed,
"Forgive them, Lord－their sins, I've paid."

Then those who loved Him dressed His wounds,
And placed Him in a borrowed tomb.
With silent tears, their grief expressed,
They laid the Prince of Peace to rest.

​Phyllis and I included this text in our Easter cantata, written for our Episcopalian friends in Cincinnati. 

But we've also used it in Sacrament Meeting on several occasions because we have only one other "Passion" hymn in our LDS hymnal.

Of course, that "Passion" hymn is THE "Passion Chorale" from Bach's St. Matthew Passion.

But we felt deeply how important it is to contemplate the real cost... as unfathomable as it is.

To enjoy this text set to music in hymn fashion, just click the link below.

https://douglaspew.com/what-cost-what-price-what-debt-we-owe​ 

​I hope you have a wonderful day and a contemplative week leading up to Easter Sunday.

Best,

Doug

Music + DC 18:10-16 = ???

Does music play a role in the worth of souls?

Can it do anything when it comes to how you view your own personal worth?

It's hard to say.

What seems pretty clear to me is that, music itself, being a series of vibrations floating through the air from and instrument or voice to the receptive vibrators of the listener's ear drums, does not, in an of itself, have an particular affective or intrinsic power.

But, when this form of communication... which, by the way, is one of the most powerful forms of communication because it almost always bypasses the intellect and goes straight for the emotions... when this channel is used with the intent to bring souls to God, magic happens.

DC 18:10-16

During this past weekend's remarkable General Conference​, I had many personal moments of inspiration.

But one of them had to do with this topic of music and the role it can play in the worth of souls, and the worthiness of the effort to use it as a means to bring those souls to God.

I was thinking about music in the Church during a time of total shutdown, as we're currently experiencing.

How can we use music when we're not meeting together?

For sure, we can share on social media. We can share with our families. We can sing together, play together, etc.

But during the opening hymn of the Saturday morning session, and in the musical number the choir sang directly after the opening prayer, I had a personal moment of realization of my own worth.

I often struggle seeing my own personal worth. Maybe you do too.

And I've often been too analytical when listening to music in General Conference... I'm ashamed to say.

"Oh, that modulation again... Oh, the choir sounded better with Craig Jessop... Oh, that countermelody wasn't my favorite."

I decided to turn off my brain and just soak in the spiritual message of the music.

Wow, what a beautiful flood of the spirit I experienced. It was exactly what I needed to hear and feel. I felt the Spirit telling me that God loves me. That the worth of souls... even "my" cankered soul... is great.

I really needed to hear that.

And suddenly I saw how I've been too often living in the "Upside Down" of Church music.

Try as I might, I've spent too much time in my mind, and too little time in my heart.

Music can be the most remarkable tool. But for me, I've gotta get out of my own way and let the Spirit ride on the music with the main focus of being a vehicle for the Spirit as my priority, instead of the particular use of combinations of notes and rhythms.

Yes, I believe some combinations give the Spirit a more powerful ride than others. But I'm often way too distracted by the nitty gritty to focus on what's most important.

The worth of souls, and how the musical offering brings those souls closer to God so they can... "HEAR HIM!"

I repent.

And now, I ask... because I want to learn to be better... what are you doing during this time of shutdown to draw near yourself, or to help others draw near to God through music?

I'd love to hear all about it.

I've started taking a closer look at the texts the music gives voice to and treating them much more like scripture. That makes a big difference for me.

What's making a difference for you?

I can't wait to hear all about it.

Have a great day! 

Doug

A musical calm amidst the storm

There are some special pieces of music I turn to during times of stress and turmoil.

Like the times we're experiencing now.

What a week... right?!

When I think of all the many musical experiences I've had in life, the most rewarding have been those where my music was using in the service of someone who was in need. Someone who needed a lift. A musical hug. Access to the kind of peace only the Savior can give.

And certain pieces of music can actually create that wonderful warm feeling of the spirit as it pours down your spinal cord and floods your emotional soul.

Many pieces I've composed were written with this express intent in mind and heart as I composed.

But perhaps no other piece of mine ever did more to heal my own soul than my setting of Matthew 25, "For I Was An Hungered."

It's not a typical ward choir kind of piece. And it's probably not something you'd sing during a family gathering, unless you have a rather large choir built into your family.

In fact, it was written for my Episcopalian friends at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Cincinnati.

Each time we sang it when I lived in Cincinnati, it healed me.

Somehow, I don't really understand how, my heart, my mind, my soul, and the Spirit I called on over and over to allow me to turn that beautiful text into a tangible spiritual experience... somehow, it worked.

There are several favorite moments for me. But the real kicker is at the end... when the text turns to the response... "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren..."

You know the rest.

Even as I type it now, I can still see myself, garbed in my Episcopalian robes, sitting in the choir pews, and feel the outpouring I felt so many times.

And so, as a way to offer a little more peace in the world during these troubled times, I invite you to listen.

https://douglaspew.com/for-i-was-an-hungered​

Close your eyes. Close your door. Open your heart. And feel the Lord speak peace to your heart as you listen.

And then, if I may, I invite you to go and find someone you can serve, the way these verses implore.

It's a season of service. A time for reaching out. For lifting up.

And tomorrow, on J.S. Bach's birthday... look for another message of peace from me. Nobody could conjure the Prince of Peace quite like the 5th Evangelist. 

My best wishes to you all for a peaceful weekend.

Enjoy!

Doug

Could a hymn cure Coronavirus?

Well, I'm sure President Packer would encourage anyone suffering from Coronavirus to think of their favorite hymn the way he did while dogfighting during WWII.

I'm sure President Monson would encourage you to go to the rescue of other Coronavirus sufferers... but he might do that while singing a favorite song from a musical instead of a hymn. Or maybe "O Divine Redeemer..."

And surely President Hinckley would encourage you to sing a little better, enunciate a little better, and project a little better.

But... actually cure Coronavirus?

Well, President Nelson might have something up his sleeve. I mean, when did we ever have a prophet who is both a world-famous doctor and is a piano-player with perfect pitch? And he was definitely "prophetic" about this coming General Conference being one to remember... it's already pretty epic even before starting, given the recent announcements.

Well, I'm really not sure a hymn CAN cure Coronavirus...

But I know a hymn that can definitely cure MURMURvirus, because every time I sing it, all my bad murmur-germs come bubbling up to the surface and seem to fade magically away.

It's hymn 219, "Because I Have Been Given Much."

I recently wrote a brand new arrangement of it and I'd love to share it with you, for free.

In return, I simply ask that you share it with your friends and family who might enjoy singing a new arrangement of this hymn.

Maybe it could cure your MURMURvirus too.

This week I've been running a little "giveaway" competition to help me infect as many people as possible with gratitude-itis.

The winner gets a brand new arrangement of any hymn they choose, composed by me.

But there are actually 3 prizes... but the competition ends THIS Sunday. So if you'd like to be in the running for the prizes, time is running out.

Here are the details...

First, you'll need to click the link below:

https://kingsumo.com/g/pjgpa1/win-a-free-hymn-arrangement-composed-for-you-by-me/m5qr9dx?

Second, click on the "Download Because I Have Been Given Much" link. This will take you to a page on my website where you can download your FREE copy. And it comes in 2 versions, high voice, and low voice.

Third, share the same link and same instructions above with any of your friends or family members who you think might enjoy singing, playing, or hearing this piece in Sacrament meeting.

For every person you get to download the free arrangement, you'll get 10 points towards the competition prizes. And here is what the 3 winners will get...

3rd place: I'll send you a PDF of my arrangement of "Jesus Savior, Pilot Me" for ward choir with a license to print as many copies as you like.

2nd place: I'll send you a PDF of 2 arrangements, "Jesus Savior, Pilot Me" and "Abide With Me" for ward choir, with a license to print as many copies as you like.

1st place: I'll send you PDF copies of the 2 arrangements mentioned above PLUS... I'll write you a BRAND NEW arrangement of a hymn of YOUR CHOICE for use in Sacrament Meeting. We'll have a phone call, we'll discuss your needs, whether you want a piece for choir or solo voice or violin or whatever, and I'll write it for you... for FREE!

And you can get that... plus a license to print as many copies as you want... for FREE! All you have to do is help me spread my FREE arrangement of "Because I Have Been Given Much".

Since I usually charge $2,000 for a hymn arrangement for choir... this is a fun and valuable 1st prize.

Alright, to spread the Murmurvirus cure, please click below and share share share so you can be one of our 3 winners!

https://kingsumo.com/g/pjgpa1/win-a-free-hymn-arrangement-composed-for-you-by-me/m5qr9dx?

Have a great day!

Doug

Giving tree + Strauss = gorgeous Sacrament meeting music

There's something so simple, yet so deep about the opening line of "Because I Have Been Given Much."

It's that same feeling you get when you arrive at the end of one of my favorite books, "The Giving Tree."

Becasue I have been given much,I too must give.

The reciprocal art of gratitude.

And there's some sort of magic that happens when the realization dawns on you just how grateful you are for something. At least, that's been my experience.

Often it requires the loss, potential loss, or near loss of something to spark that feeling.

I've found that some certain musical expressions do it PERFECTLY. They conjure all those exact same feelings for me that otherwise require some sort of "event" or "occurrence" to trigger. Maybe because I'm just that hard-headed...

The art song "Morgen" by Richard Strauss is the perfect example of music that triggers these feelings in me.

Which is why, when the thought of composing an arrangement of "Because I Have Been Given Much," I could not escape Strauss's beautiful "Morgen."

And so, as I often like to do with my hymn arrangements, I borrowed freely from Strauss and tried to create an alchemy in music that would blend the melody and words of the hymn with Strauss's masterful, careful, calming sunrise in C-major.

Not the bombastic C-major of his "other" sunrise in the famous Also Sprach Zarathustra. This is the complete opposite of that bombastic, majestic opener.

Because I personally have been given so much, I feel the need to give.

Which is why I'm excited to be giving away this arrangement for free.

I'd love to get it into as many hands and voices and ears as possible. But I could use some help to do that.

Would you mind helping me?

I've started a fun little competition this week in an effort to share this free arrangement.

The competition ends this Sunday, March 15, 2020 at 6 p.m. mountain time. And here's how it words...

First, you'll need to click the link below...

https://kingsumo.com/g/pjgpa1/win-a-free-hymn-arrangement-composed-for-you-by-me/m5qr9dx?

Second, click on the "Download Because I Have Been Given Much" link. This will take you to a page on my website where you can download your FREE copy. And it comes in 2 versions, high voice, and low voice.

Third, share the same link and same instructions above with any of your friends or family members who you think might enjoy singing, playing, or hearing this piece in Sacrament meeting.

For every person you get to download the free arrangement, you'll get 10 points towards the competition prizes. And here is what the 3 winners will get...

3rd place: I'll send you a PDF of my arrangement of "Jesus Savior, Pilot Me" for ward choir with a license to print as many copies as you like.

2nd place: I'll send you a PDF of 2 arrangements, "Jesus Savior, Pilot Me" and "Abide With Me" for ward choir, with a license to print as many copies as you like.

1st place: I'll send you PDF copies of the 2 arrangements mentioned above PLUS... I'll write you a BRAND NEW arrangement of a hymn of YOUR CHOICE for use in Sacrament Meeting. We'll have a phone call, we'll discuss your needs, whether you want a piece for choir or solo voice or violin or whatever, and I'll write it for you... for FREE!

And you can get that... plus a license to print as many copies as you want... for FREE! All you have to do is help me spread my FREE arrangement of "Because I Have Been Given Much".

Since I usually charge $2,000 for a hymn arrangement for choir... this is a fun and valuable 1st prize.

I'd really love your help.

Thanks a bunch!

One more time, here's the link...

https://kingsumo.com/g/pjgpa1/win-a-free-hymn-arrangement-composed-for-you-by-me/m5qr9dx?

I hope you have a great day! And try to take a minute to think and remember how grateful you are for the many "givings" you've experienced from the Lord.

Best,

Doug

Fair warning... and some FREE music... if you want it...

I've been feeling rather verbose lately... but not so bad as a long-winded High Counsel speaker.

So I'm giving you a fair WARNING...

...because I'm feeling a disturbance in the force.

Something I haven't felt since...

I just wanted you to be aware that I've been bottling up all kinds of thoughts and ideas about LDS music, but I'm not holding them in any longer.

So you're going to see a lot more emails coming from me.

If you want to subscribe so you don't have to listen to me blather on and on... that's fine.

I understand.

But before you go, please feel free to take a FREE piece of music.

I'd be very happy if this was useful to you somehow.

It's a new arrangement of "Becuase I Have Been Given Much" for voice (high or low) and piano.

And it was composed in the style of a Richard Strauss art song.

If fact, if you're an Art Song nut like me, I'm sure you'll recognize this very famous Strauss song.

It just so happens that borrowing (maybe closer to stealing) straight from Strauss was a GREAT idea.

Here's what my friend Rex Kocherhans said about it after giving the first performance at a Ward funeral.

"It’s gorgeous! Totally love it. Very inventive setting—true to the original with a uniquely appropriate twist. I’m singing it at the memorial service for Lois Ritchie, a pillar of our ward and community, and it will be perfect. She requested this particular hymn and I’m so glad to have a great new setting to sing for her. Thank you so much!"

And another friend... distinguished organist Walter Whipple, who happened to hear Rex sing this piece at the same funeral... wrote me a nice note afterward:

"Douglas, Rex sang your arrangement today. It was beautiful. How skillfully you incorporated wisps of R. Strauss 4 Last Songs. Bravo!"

If you'd like, you can get it for free.

BUT... I'd also love to get your help... if you don't mind.

I'd love to spread this free arrangement around, so I've started a little "giveaway competition."

Here's how it works...

CLICK HERE...

Then choose the box that says "Download Because I Have Been Given Much."

Make sure you get your free download, which will go right to your email inbox.

Then, please share the link with your LDS music friends.

If you do, you'll be entered to win 1 of 3 PRIZES.

3rd place: I'll send you a PDF of my arrangement of "Jesus Savior, Pilot Me" for ward choir with a license to print as many copies as you like.

2nd place: I'll send you a PDF of 2 arrangements, "Jesus Savior, Pilot Me" and "Abide With Me" for ward choir, with a license to print as many copies as you like.

1st place: I'll send you PDF copies of the 2 arrangements mentioned above PLUS... I'll write you a BRAND NEW arrangement of a hymn of YOUR CHOICE for use in Sacrament Meeting. We'll have a phone call, we'll discuss your needs, whether you want a piece for choir or solo voice or violin or whatever, and I'll write it for you... for FREE!

You get that... plus a license to print as many copies as you want... for FREE! All you have to do is help me spread this arrangement.

The more you share, the more of your friends who download it, the more points you get in the competition.

After that, if you'd still like to unsubscribe (see below) from these emails for fear that I will spread WAY TOO MANY musical secret combinations...

...well... I understand.

Hey, you don't want to bring down a whole civilization with secret musical combinations!

One more time, here's the link to enter the giveaway competition.

Thanks a bunch!

Doug

I'll write you a free new hymn arrangement

Really, I will...

...if you don't mind helping me out a bit.

But there's a catch.

I'd love to get your help sharing my new arrangement of "Because I Have Been Given Much" for voice (low or high) and piano.

It's totally free.

But to get me to write you a brand new, custom hymn arrangement for you, or your ward choir, or your violinist grandchild, or whomever...

...you have to enter this fun little competition I'm holding.

https://kingsumo.com/g/pjgpa1/win-a-free-hymn-arrangement-composed-for-you-by-me/m5qr9dx?

Starting today and ending this Sunday, March 15, 2020 at 6 p.m. mountain time, whomever gets the most people to download my free arrangement of "Because I Have Been Given Much" wins the prize of having me write them a brand new custom hymn arrangement.

Since I usually charge $2,000 for a hymn arrangement for choir... well, you get the idea.

PLUS... there are some freebies for the 2nd and 3rd place winners.

3rd place: I'll send you a PDF of my arrangement of "Jesus Savior, Pilot Me" for ward choir with a license to print as many copies as you like.

2nd place: I'll send you a PDF of 2 arrangements, "Jesus Savior, Pilot Me" and "Abide With Me" for ward choir, with a license to print as many copies as you like.

1st place: I'll send you PDF copies of the 2 arrangements mentioned above PLUS... I'll write you a BRAND NEW arrangement of a hymn of YOUR CHOICE for use in Sacrament Meeting. We'll have a phone call, we'll discuss your needs, whether you want a piece for choir or solo voice or violin or whatever, and I'll write it for you... for FREE!

But you can get that... plus a license to print as many copies as you want... for FREE! All you have to do is help me spread my FREE arrangement of "Because I Have Been Given Much".

So... will you help me out?

Here's how it works...

First... click the link below, enter your email address, and you'll get a link to start sharing.

https://kingsumo.com/g/pjgpa1/win-a-free-hymn-arrangement-composed-for-you-by-me/m5qr9dx?

Then... select the box on the next screen that says "Download Because I Have Been Given Much" and start telling your friends by email, social media, text, or messenger (or however else you can think of) about my FREE hymn arrangement.

Keep telling all your friends throughout the week. You can even download it yourself (make sure you get credit for your own download, of course) and sing it for your friends on a Facebook Live or on Instagram Live.

Shout it from the rooftops! Because when you do, you'll have the best chance of winning the 1st prize of having me write you a brand new customized arrangement just for you.

I can't wait to start working on YOUR NEW PIECE!!!

Thanks a ton!

Doug

P.S. I hope you'll enjoy the piece yourself. It's always been one of my favorite hymns and I finally found the perfect (to me, at least) "classical Art Song" way of arranging it for Sacrament Meeting.

Ok, thanks for sharing the love... and the music!

I hope you're the winner!

https://kingsumo.com/g/pjgpa1/win-a-free-hymn-arrangement-composed-for-you-by-me/m5qr9dx?

Miracle at Terrace Park

Have you ever seen a musical miracle?

I saw one 2 years ago. 

It happened at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Terrace Park, OH, a neighborhood on the north-east side of Cincinnati. 

Janae and I had just decided to move our family to Utah after 9 wonderful years. Janae was excited. I was a mess. The kids were happy. The schools were great. The music scene was amazing. 

But these were not the main reasons I didn't want to leave. I didn't want to leave my friends in the Parish Choir at St. Thomas. 

During the time we made the challenging decision to move, I was writing a new 5 movement cantata for St. Thomas. The middle movement was a setting of Psalm 23. I had really poorer my heart and soul into this movement. It took longer to get it right than it did to get the rest of the cantata right.  

2 years ago this week I had gone to rehearsal for 2 purposes. To sing through my new setting of Psalm 23 with the choir, and to tell my friends that I was moving far far away. 

I tried to hold in all the emotions that I was feeling, but I lost my composure a bit as I broke the news and told them how much they meant to me and how sad I was to leave them. 

After some heartfelt remarks and hugs, we sang through my new piece. And this is when the first part of the miracle occurred. 

It wasn't only that we sight-read the 8-part a cappella piece almost perfectly (wonder of wonders), but some kind of magic happened as we sang of "one heart and one soul." (Acts 4:32) It was a beautiful unifying experience. We really felt something together. We all looked around at each other in silence as we finished. It was a miraculous moment that had a whole lot more to do with people and our shared intent and desire than about a bunch of little black dots I had written on the page. 

The second part of the miracle came a couple months later when we performed the new cantata in an evening service at St. Thomas. Right as we began, the sun came shining through a high window above the organ and nearly blinded us. In my 5 years of singing at St. Thomas, I had never noticed the sun distracting me as a sang. At first, it was quite annoying. But as we sang, I had this special feeling come over me, as if the sun was heaven smiling on us and approving of our musical offering. 

And I wasn't the only one. My librettist, Phyllis Wocher, came right up afterward all excited, "Did you see the sun! God loved our piece!"

The real miracle was that a group of people who cared both about each other and the people they were singing to, sang a piece written with a unique intent for the express purpose of uplifting and inspiring those who heard and performed it. It was all a big act of service. And that made all the difference.

And what a great way to end our time together! 

Luckily I'm still composer-in-residence at St. Thomas and hope to be for a very long time.

I hope you enjoy listening to my setting of Psalm 23 on this Sunday evening. 

You can hear it by clicking the picture or the link below.

https://youtu.be/4rN246pdyew?t=10m5s

If you'd like to hear the subsequent performance we had at BYU-Idaho, you can find a video at this link (just scroll down a bit from the top):

https://www.douglaspew.com/the-good-shepherd

A very happy Sunday evening to you all,

Doug