Tag Archives: music
Girls Barbershop Quartet Songs For Sunday
GQ Girls Barbershop Quartet
I first heard these girls sing on this YouTube video and wondered how they learned to sing. For a short one song sample when they were younger, click here.
I was impressed.
This next link is a longer version, about 39 minutes, with several songs and an intro to the singers, where they studied, and where they teach. It’s a nice mix of their songs. click here
Normally I like to listen to one or two Barbershop quartet songs at the most, but I could listen to these women for hours.
Let me know what you think.
Julaina Kleist-Corwin
Editor of Written Across the Genres
Author of Hada’s Fog
Ziggy Marley Fly Rasta Concert
The Ziggy Marley Fly Rasta Concert last night at Sonoma Mountain Village in Rohnert Park was awesome.We had an hour and a half drive home on a week night so we tried to leave mid-way through the concert. But our friend, Debbie Wiggins, took us by the hand and led us back into the swaying crowd, encouraged us to stay to the end, and we were swept up into Ziggy’s energy again. We couldn’t go.
On the way home, I tried to think of ways to express an experience like that in writing. Selecting the right words in a short story or novel could bring the reader right there. I think I’ll have my protagonist go to a music event and see what I can do to have the reader experience it with her.
Thanks to Debbie and Morty who brought us to Ziggy live.
Filed under Music
Music Inspires My Writing
Do you listen to music as you write? Read this post by Jordan Bernal, author of The Keepers of Eire, to see whose music inspires her. I don’t usually listen to music when I write, but if I do, it’s by Patrick Von Wiegandt. https://www.patrickvon.com
As I watch the Library of Congress Gershwin Award for Best American Song presented to Billy Joel (one of my all-time favorites) on PBS tonight, I am drawn into the story of each song. Billy Joel definitely is a rebel-he doesn’t sing what is comfortable in public opinion, but he always tells a story.
It’s not surprising that I write while listening to music (Billy Joel, among others tops my playlist). The cadence, the beat, the rhythm of songs filters into my brain and draws me into my story.
I’ve been privileged to attend two concerts with Billy Joel. And while I can’t sing for all the money in California, I don’t sit meekly at Billy’s concerts. You’ll find me dancing in the aisles and singing my heart out.
Congratulations, Billy Joel. This humble fan absolutely loves you, your songs, and your storytelling!
Filed under Uncategorized, writing
Music and Memory
When I taught elementary school and special education classes, I used music in the background most of the day and rhythm music with the younger students to learn ABC’s, months of the year, math facts, etc. Research has shown that music helps memory.
On Thanksgiving, we had lunch with a friend and her extended family. Twenty of us in the restaurant placed our orders. The waitress didn’t write them down. Some of us wanted salad dressing on the side or gravy on the side, in addition to the several different appetizers and main courses we chose. The waitress surprised us with her exact memory. Not one error in our twenty individual orders. And she remembered our five check requests since each family wanted separate bills.
Our friend’s son said he could do the same. He repeated exactly all the orders we had made. When he was a child, his mother said he could repeat a whole TV program word for word after it was over. I asked him if he must have passed every test he took in school. He said not necessarily. I wondered why. He answered that the theme song on the TV programs made it easy to remember the words and actions.He repeats song lyrics after hearing them the first time. Whenever music is involved in other situations, he remembers everything that is going on in complete detail. To me he is amazing.
I’d like to write a story with a character who has his ability. Do any of you have a similar memory?
Filed under teaching
Eric Clapton Quote
“Risk is trying to control something you are powerless over.”
~Eric Clapton
Turns 68 today.
Happy Birthday, Eric!
Writers, does your POV character take a big risk, one that will keep the readers turning pages?
Filed under Characters, Quotes for Writers, Writing Tips
Hawaii Ho’oponopono CD by Lauren Pomerantz
http://www.laurensongs.com/newsjournal/fan_you_tube_for_honoponopono
Gorgeous photos of Hawaii and my friend’s beautiful voice. Below is an excerpt from Lauren’s newsletter explaining Ho’oponopono.
Sweet to hear that a video made from my song
Heal with Ho’oponopono had reached 48,000 views. One fan of my song Heal with Ho’oponopono asked if they could use it with her beautiful photographs of Hawaii. Click to listen/watch!
http://www.laurensongs.com/newsjournal/fan_you_tube_for_honoponopono
I originally wrote the song during a 6 week period while living on Maui. I would go to the ocean and meditate on the Hawaiian practice originated in ancient times and then re-taught by the late Morna Simeona. With the ALL of the One, it combined a kahuna practice of uniting the child self with the mother and father God Aspects that had become separated by limited perspective.
Truth is simple. The practice is simple. The song is really simple. And yet all this is so profound and effective. Its a mystery. Truly a surprise that it works so well. I have been so surprised at the groups using it daily now. You can download just the song in English or in Spanish: Heal with Ho’oponopono song, Sana Con Ho’oponopono.
Both versions are now available as downloads from CDbaby.com, i-tunes, and Amazon.com. Click here:
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/laurenpomerantz7
March 21, 2013 · 5:10 pm
Julaina Kleist-Corwin 