Sound Connections Unity’s New Thought Music Resource

Issue #89 February 2013 Produced by Music Ministry Team and the Sacred Music Resources Department. Richard Mekdeci, Editor Sue Riley, Team Chair Blair Tabor, David Ezell, Carole Tomhave, Melinda Wood-Allen, Todd Lowry, Sheryl Meyers, Megon McDonough This Month’s Highlights─page 2 The Music Ministry Team met, planned and loved it. 2012 Sound Connections Music Conference at Unity Village─page 3 Keynotes Michael Gott and Daniel Nahmod! Early Bird Registration is now open. Feature Article─page 4 Just for fun. Some classic musician’s humor. CD Review─page 5 It’s here! emPower’s 2012 Posi Award Nominees Compilation CD, the best collection yet! The Mailbox – Your Questions and Comments─page 6 Do you have a “Church-in-a-box”? Join the conversation. Easter music resources. New Releases, Resources & Events─page 7 See what’s new and what’s coming up. New Thought’s First Online Choral Library!─page 9 Our library is growing. Submit your choral originals or arrangements today. Job Openings for Music Directors─page 10 Unity of Loveland, Colo./Unity Church of Bay Area, League, Tex. This Month’s Free Sheet Music Offering─page 11 “A Light in the World”─Sound Connections Keynote Michael Gott contributes a chant with SATB parts for your choir or ensemble.

New Thought’s First Music Director Listing: Online Only Currently over 180 music directors in 41 states and Canada. Help us make this a complete listing for all of New Thought. Update/add your name to this valuable resource.

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This Month’s Highlights Greetings, Sound Connections Family! With a blink of an eye, poof! One twelfth of 2013 is gone and we have turned our attention to the cycle of seasons. Here at Unity Village we can experience four seasons in just 48 hours, going from an unseasonably warm 72 and sunny to 2 inches of snow! January went by exceptionally fast for me as I spent 2 weeks in Orlando, Florida, hosting the 8th Annual Posi Music Festival with Sue Riley and a couple hundred of the greatest artists, singers, songwriters, speakers

and fans on the planet. Then moved right into Music Ministry Team meetings, and finally our mid–year team meetings which are going on as I write this. The Music Ministry Team met to plan our ninth (and tenth) annual Sound Connections music conference and discuss ways to make our new Online Choral & Ensemble Library (notice the upgrade to the name) more usable to our churches that have choirs and smaller singing ensembles. We will plan to add more of your favorite New Thought classics to the library and solicit more choral arrangers to create arrangements of our favorite songs. Present at the meeting were Rev. Blair Tabor, Todd Lowry, David Ezell, first-timer Megon McDonough, Sue Riley and myself. We met for a day and a half plugging in great workshops and guests for our upcoming Sound Connections. With David Ault and Daniel Nahmod as our main keynotes, and favorites like David Roth returning, we expect a large increase in attendance for 2013. Our theme this year will be “A Prayer Twice Prayed” and will focus on singing our prayers, chant and sacred singing─a style of worship that is gaining more and more popularity with a new generation of worshipers. I want to close with kudos for the “hardest working team in Unity.” With my job here only 18 hours a week, the music team is essential to UWM being able to offer all of the great music resources and services we offer throughout the year. The Music Team’s responsibilities and accomplishments:

Helps produce this newsletter each month. Has produced 11 songbooks to create a body of music that defines our movement. Created and maintains our new Online Choral and Ensemble Library. Plans and executes the Sound Connections music conference each year. Answers questions from the field throughout the year on a variety of topics. We now have Music In Ministry, a manual for music directors and ministers. We are creating a path of leadership for our music directors through the LUT program. And now have a comprehensive directory of Music Directors available online.

Big thanks to everyone on this team and especially Sue Riley who has chaired the team for nearly 10 years for the years of satisfying service, helping create stronger music programs and uniting our churches and strengthening our movement with a common music library. Richard Mekdeci, LUT Sacred Music Resources Coordinator Unity Worldwide Ministries

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Sound Connections Music Conference Ongoing Updates

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Follow this link to register: https://www.regonline.com/soundconnections2013

This year’s keynotes!

Rev. Michael Gott – “A Prayer Twice Prayed”

An amazing voice and an amazing minister. Formerly Music Director at Center for Spiritual Living in Reno, Nev., Michael now serves with Howard Caesar as Associate Minister of Unity in Houston, Tex. Michael’s music and message will inspire and uplift you. Michael’s keynote message is “A Prayer Twice Prayed.”

2013’s Grace Note Award Recipient – Daniel Nahmod Daniel has taken the New Thought message to literally millions of people around the world through his music. It crosses all religious, social and cultural boundaries, and is sung in practically every Unity and New Thought church and center in the world. Daniel is also known for leading inspiring retreats and workshops.

“Richard, I want to thank you for the perfect introduction to Unity Village and all the New Thought Music. I had a mountaintop experience at Sound Connections that I certainly was not expecting! I had two intentions while there ... to bring back new music for my congregation and music for my choir to share their love! I found both! So, I think of you and all the facilitators every day and I don't want to lose the great light that shone through that week…. Thanks and have an incredible year, I hope to see you next year!” David Craig

Be sure to become a Facebook “Friend” and rate the page after your visit. WWaattcchh nneexxtt mmoonntthh ffoorr mmoorree pprreesseenntteerrss aanndd wwoorrkksshhooppss..

This Month’s Feature Article We did not have a feature article this month, but I did receive a classic

musician’s joke forwarded to me from Rev. Coco Ramos in Central Florida who is also a consummate musician and songwriter himself.

Enjoy this short and sweet humor. C, E-flat, and G go into a bar. The bartender says, "Sorry, but we don't serve minors." So E-flat leaves, and C and G have an open fifth between them. After a few drinks, the fifth is diminished, and G is out flat. F comes in and tries to augment the situation, but is not sharp enough. D comes in and heads for the bathroom, saying, "Excuse me; I'll just be a second." Then A comes in, but the bartender is not convinced that this relative of C is not a minor. Then the bartender notices B-flat hiding at the end of the bar and says, "Get out! You're the seventh minor I've found in this bar tonight." E-flat comes back the next night in a three-piece suit with nicely shined shoes. The bartender says, "You're looking sharp tonight. Come on in, this could be a major development." Sure enough, E-flat soon takes off his suit and everything else, and is au natural. Eventually C sobers up and realizes in horror that he's under a rest. C is brought to trial, found guilty of contributing to the diminution of a minor, and is sentenced to 10 years of D.S. without Coda at an upscale correctional facility. I can hear the groans from here ☺

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CD Review

As a New Thought music director, you’ve probably found that these yearly compilation CDs from emPower Music & Arts are an invaluable resource for the newest and best songs from the past year. After all, these songs are submitted, then rated by past nominees. Each CD contains the 18 highest-rated songs in six categories that are featured at the annual Posi Awards as part of the Posi Music Festival in Orlando, Florida. This is the eighth compilation and if you have all eight, you own the most ultimate collection of Posi and New Thought music on the planet. This year’s nominees provided a great combination of favorite artists and newcomers to the Posi Awards. LaMont Wheat opens the CD with a groovin’ declaration of pride for the “SKIN” we all live in. LaMont co-wrote this dance song with Rique Patire and Faith Michaels. Other newcomers include CSL musician and daytime physicist, Sky Nelson, with his beautiful “Live in Love.” Marc Kuchner stormed his first Posi awards with two nominations: “Start Now” and “I’m Still Growing Up.” Nashville singer/songwriter Bob Sima (pronounced sigh-ma) won the Posi award in his first try with his powerful song, “How You Made Them Feel.” And Austin Marolla entered the distinguished field with a song co-written with Sloan Wainwright called “Forgiveness.” All of these “new” artists are amazing writers and performers and would be a powerful addition to your guest musician roster. Also contributing to this amazing collection are songs from some of our favorite and beloved Posi superstars: David Roth, Jan Garrett, JD Martin, Karen Drucker, Daniel Nahmod, Eddie Watkins Junior, Sloan Wainwright, Harold Payne, Kelly Corsino, Jack Fowler, Susan Hodge and Sonia Lee. Enhanced CD: As a bonus, this CD also contains the winning video from the second annual Best Posi Video Award. The song is “Happy New Year” performed by Vic Sorrell and written by Kenya Walker and Angela Kaset. Just pop the CD in your computer to view the video.

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NNoommiinneeeess CCoommppiillaattiioonn CCDD!!

As a fan, this CD will give you hours of listening enjoyment. As a music director, you’ll find lots of new possibilities for music at your spiritual community. Right now emPower Music & Arts is offering an incredible 2 for $20 sale with free shipping on this hot-off-the-press collection. It is also available as a digital download which includes an additional 12 songs that were recognized as Honorable Mentions. Just go to www.empowerma.com to order yours now and to see who took home the trophies at this year’s Posi Awards.

The Mailbox – Reader’s Questions and Comments Calling All Church-in-a-Box Music Directors My name is Dave Norman and I am part of the Sound Team for Unity Hilton Head, S.C. We are a church-in-a-box and meet in a rented space, requiring set up/take down/put away each Sunday. I am seeking information on resources unique to churches like ours: how-to books, websites or forums for sharing technical problem/solutions. Our specific need at this time is for a portable sound mixing console. We have volunteers that can build thing for us, if we had a set of plans. Namaste, Dave Norman, dnn1942@msn.com David, I know lots of churches in your situation but would have no advice really for you personally. I will run your question in the February issue of Sound Connections and see if we can get other church-in-a-box music directors to chime in. R

Easter Music Resources on the OCL I'm looking for easy choir music for Easter, maybe 2-part only as we have a small group and only 4 rehearsals. Thanks, Cindy Cindy, Try the new Online Choral Library from UWM at www.heartwindmusic.com/unwomionchli.html It's a resource we can add to as more people contribute. It is relatively small right now, around 40 songs. All are either choral arrangements of our NT classics or new songs written and submitted by Unity music directors. You can search by topic. And purchase the right to make so many copies (honor system). I'd love to know how it worked for you. R

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New Releases, Resources & Events We invite you to send us news of CD releases, concert events, or YouTube links that you have come across that would be of interest to our community. It could be New Thought songs you’ve discovered on YouTube, touching stories for sermons, new music from your favorite artists or from your church. Links will be rotated off every 3 months. Send your link to music@unity.org. New Releases No Posts this month

Resources & Links Hello, Unity Music Family. I wanted to share one of my songs with you. Hope you enjoy! Much peace! “New Day of Light,” written by Kim Gerhold and performed by Kim Gerhold and T.R.U. at New Thought Unity Center, Cincinnati, Ohio http://youtu.be/ZGOzk4UhAEE 12/12 Spirit SongScribe Music Transcription My name is Deana Ingraham Gurney. I transcribe your original songs, creating professional-quality lead sheets (vocal melody in standard notation, with full lyrics and chord symbols), in high-resolution printable PDF form. www.spiritsongscribe.com www.innernetevents.com The most extensive Spiritual Event Directory serving the southern California region. Events

March 9, 2013 – 7:00 p.m. Riverside Community Center for Spiritual Living 3891 Ridge Rd, Riverside, Calif. Kelly Corsino, Al Yankee, Jon Miller - Find out more about this amazing event, the stars that will shine and purchase your tickets at www.NewThoughFestival.com.

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Sacred Music, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu August 7–17, 2013 Join Charlie Thweat on a sacred journey in Peru Follow this link for complete information and flyer http://wizard.musicangel.com/images/Peru_Flyer_Full_Size_2013_resized.jpg

Follow this link to see a 4-minute video that will make you want to sign up now. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6ixSGO2f0I&feature=youtu.be

Unity’s Online Choral & Ensemble Library Unity Worldwide Ministries is now your source for New Thought choral music. After publishing many books of songs primarily for solo and congregation, we have developed a new online distribution model especially suited to choral music. As director of a choir or small vocal ensemble, you can download and print the required number of copies for your group. To help you choose just the right song, samples of the audio and sheet music, as well as complete lyrics, are as close as your internet connection. If your minister gives you a topic for a service, you can look up lyrics by subject, or search for keywords found in the lyrics on the site. For a small choir (up to 10 members) full choral arrangements are $15.00. For a larger choir the price is $25.00. Unity Worldwide Ministries has selected Heart Wind Music, LLC, David Ezell, President, as the sheet music host site for the library. Audio for many of the songs in the library is available from empower Music and Arts. Submissions will be an ongoing process, so if you have a choral arrangement of an existing New Thought song or an original choral song for any theme or special service, you can help us build a huge library of available material for you to have at your fingertips. Submission Criteria

• We are asking for “print-ready” arrangements in PDF format, professionally transcribed in Sibelius or Finale formats with piano or lead sheet and voice parts included. (Contact Richard Mekdeci for a list of qualified arrangers who can help prepare your scores for publication.)

• When possible, please include an MP3 audio of the song being performed. This does not have to be a professionally-done studio recording, but enough to give the buyer an idea of the complexity and feel. A good-quality, live church performance should be adequate in most cases.

• Please include a lyric sheet for each title and a suggested usage for each song (e.g., Christmas, Volunteer Sunday, Burning Bowl, general use, etc.).

• Songs will be screened for quality, sing-ability, and lyric content to insure compatibility with New Thought theology.

• If you submit an arrangement to an existing song that you did not write, you should have permission from the songwriter for that arrangement. When you are paid for sales, you will be responsible for compensating the authors through whatever agreement you have with them.

To select and purchase choral music, you can go to http://www.heartwindmusic.com/unwomionchli.html. For information about submitting songs for inclusion in the library, go to http://www.heartwindmusic.com/absusotobein.html.

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Job Openings for Music Directors Unity of Loveland, Colorado, is seeking applications for its new Music Director. We are open to Spirit for the right musician willing to assist in our growth process. We currently serve approximately 50 congregants on Sundays, and are looking to create a choir, and possibly a small band for Sunday Mornings. The right person will understand that the position is part-time, however, temporary living quarters may be provided as well as a percentage of income from Sunday services. The base salary is $400-800/month based on experience and musical abilities. This person will have ability to interact with our community in a positive and uplifting way, be available to meet with Spiritual Leader and music committee for input and planning. This person will have piano/organ background and be willing to attend the annual Sound Connections Music Conference. Questions and resumes should be directed to John Beerman, Spiritual Leader, at jcb070750@gmail.com. Thank you! 1/13

Unity Church of the Bay Area, League City, Texas, has an opening for a part-time music director. We have a vision of a dynamic, contemporary New Thought music program, and we are willing to grow into it! We are calling to us a talented person who can sing, lead congregational songs, read music and have the ability to play the piano (other musical instruments a plus). Primary duties include: selecting music for Sunday and special services, leading congregational songs, scheduling guest musicians, developing and leading a choir, directing a Children’s choir or presentation for holidays, and possibly creating a band. To arrange for an interview, contact Rev. LaVern Watters at minister@unityofbayarea.org 12/12

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This Month’s Free Sheet Music Sound Connections Keynote Michael Gott contributes this beautiful simple chant for your congregation or choir. Find more of Michael’s music at www.michaelgott.com.

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c. 2002 GottMusic

This service is offered with permission from the author. Please contact the author to request more copies or other arrangements. If you would like a piece of your sheet music offered in Sound Connections, just send a PDF file of your song to music@unity.org.

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