Former MTSU music faculty members Jean and Raymond Bills, together with solo handbell artist Nancy Hascall of Lake Oswego, Oregon, will present a unique recital combining the sonorities of solo handbells, cello, and piano at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 16, at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 1267 North Rutherford Boulevard, in Murfreesboro. Admission is free and open to the public.
The program will feature works by Bach, Chopin, Fauré, and others, as well as spirituals, folk songs and sacred music arranged by Hascall, including several numbers from her solo handbell CD, “Ringing from the Heart”, in which her sister, Jean Bills, is also featured as cellist.
Nancy Hascall, handbell solo artist, is a native of Idaho, where she earned a degree in Music Education from the College of Idaho. She taught young children in the Yamaha Music Education System in both California and Oregon for 22 years before “retiring” to focus on her handbell career. Having performed as a soloist since 1989, Hascall is widely recognized as one of the country’s most versatile and artistic ringers. She is currently in Tennessee for the purpose of teaching and performing at “Pinnacle,” the 2010 National Seminar of the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers (AGEHR) being held in Nashville, July 18-21.
In addition to her graceful and innovative solo ringing style, Hascall is also acknowledged as the creator of a widely used ringing method called “traveling four-in-hand,” which she has taught throughout the U.S., as well as in Canada and Australia. She has authored several articles on ringing techniques for Overtones, the national publication of AGEHR, and is an award-winning composer with more than 25 handbell compositions and arrangements in print.
In addition to her work as a soloist, Hascall serves as Musical Director of Bells of the Cascades, a Portland-based auditioned concert handbell choir, and as Director of Handbells at First United Methodist Church in Portland. She arranges almost all her own solo repertoire, usually drawing from folk, classical, and sacred music sources.
Jean Bills has been active as a teacher and professional musician in Middle Tennessee for over 40 years. A native of Idaho, she received degrees in cello performance from the College of Idaho and Yale University School of Music. She taught cello and theory part time at MTSU, private lessons (both violin and cello) using the Suzuki Method of Talent Education, and served as director of Middle Tennessee Junior String Orchestra for 10 years.
As a professional musician she performed with the Nashville Symphony (Assistant Principal), Nashville Symphony Quintet, Nashville Baroque and Classical Society, Middle Tennessee Symphony (Principal), Sanders Trio, MTSU Faculty String Quartet and the Stones River Chamber Players. Currently retired from teaching, she continues to perform occasionally and serves on the board of the Murfreesboro Youth Orchestra, which she helped to establish in 1997.
At the piano Raymond Bills will provide accompaniment for his wife and sister-in-law. A native of Kansas City, Mo., Mr. Bills holds degrees in piano performance from Northwestern and Yale University. He has retired from the Middle Tennessee State University School of Music where he taught piano and courses in music theory and music history for 43 years. He continues to keep busy as an adjudicator, clinician and accompanist after a career that also included solo and chamber music recitals.
Mr. and Ms. Bills have played concerts for hundreds of school children. Mr. Bills has been on the Executive Board of the Tennessee Music Teachers Association, served 10 years on the Rutherford County Arts and Humanities Council and has been on two review committees for the Tennessee Arts Commission.
For further information, call Jean or Raymond Bills, 893-8638
Thursday, July 01, 2010
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Southern Fried Funeral Review Declares It “A Bonafide Hit!”
The reviews are in and “Southern Fried Funeral,” being staged by Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Franklin, Tennessee through March 20, has been declared “a bonafide hit” by Broadwayworld.com theatre reviewer Jeffrey Ellis. Check out the review at http://nashville.broadwayworld.com/article/BWW_Reviews_Bethlehem_Players_SOUTHERN_FRIED_FUNERAL_20100316.
Middle Tennesseans are calling “Southern Fried Funeral’ laugh-out-loud fun from beginning to end.” This original comedy, by noted playwrights Dietz Osborne and Nate Eppler, weaves a quirky and humorous tapestry of laughs.
Dorothy Frye (Debbie Robinson, standing) meets with family members after the death of her husband -- seated Benny Charles (Paul Gant) and Fairy June Cooper (Janie Varn)
The play, lasting just under two hours, shares the comedic journey of the Frye family as they pay their final respects to their beloved patriarch Dewey. Osborne said funerals bring out the best, the worst and the funniest in people and the Fryes are no exception including the very serious chairwoman of the church Sonshine Committee, Ozella Meeks, who shares her funeral planning wisdom.
Sonshine Committee chairwoman Ozella Meeks (Donna Thomas) meets with the daughters of Dewey Frye to plan the funeral--Samatha Jo Frye LeFette (Lisha Pope) and Harline Frye (Kandace Williams Christian)
“First and foremost, we have to decide what color punch for the visitation cause that'll help us decide what color the plates and napkins will be. You don't want orange cuz that just says "we're happy" and that's kinda trashy," says Meeks, played by Donna Thomas, Catholic Charities Department Director.
Three shows are remaining: Thursday, March 18 – 4:30 p.m. dinner with Barbara’s Home Cooking for just $5 extra and then a 6 p.m. show. Friday and Saturday shows are at 7 p.m. without a dinner. For more information or a reservation, 615-791-6456 or drama@bethlehemumc.com. Show only tickets are $15 adults/$10 students and Dinner show tickets are $20 adults/$10 students. Bethlehem United Methodist Church is located at 2419 Bethlehem Loop Road, Franklin, TN (37069) or visit http://www.bethlehemumc.com/
Middle Tennesseans are calling “Southern Fried Funeral’ laugh-out-loud fun from beginning to end.” This original comedy, by noted playwrights Dietz Osborne and Nate Eppler, weaves a quirky and humorous tapestry of laughs.
The play, lasting just under two hours, shares the comedic journey of the Frye family as they pay their final respects to their beloved patriarch Dewey. Osborne said funerals bring out the best, the worst and the funniest in people and the Fryes are no exception including the very serious chairwoman of the church Sonshine Committee, Ozella Meeks, who shares her funeral planning wisdom.
“First and foremost, we have to decide what color punch for the visitation cause that'll help us decide what color the plates and napkins will be. You don't want orange cuz that just says "we're happy" and that's kinda trashy," says Meeks, played by Donna Thomas, Catholic Charities Department Director.
Three shows are remaining: Thursday, March 18 – 4:30 p.m. dinner with Barbara’s Home Cooking for just $5 extra and then a 6 p.m. show. Friday and Saturday shows are at 7 p.m. without a dinner. For more information or a reservation, 615-791-6456 or drama@bethlehemumc.com. Show only tickets are $15 adults/$10 students and Dinner show tickets are $20 adults/$10 students. Bethlehem United Methodist Church is located at 2419 Bethlehem Loop Road, Franklin, TN (37069) or visit http://www.bethlehemumc.com/
Monday, April 27, 2009
Nashville Mandolin Ensemble Concert, Blakemore United Methodist Church, Sunday Evening, May 17, 2009, 7:00 p.m.
Come and experience some world class mandolin music performed by the Nashville Mandolin Ensemble in the sanctuary of Blakemore United Methodist Church, 3601 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 37205 (Just two blocks west on West End Avenue off the I-440 West End exit).
After the concert refreshments will be served in Blakemore's Fellowship Hall.
Tickets for the concert are $10.00 each or 10 for $95 and can be purchased at the door or reserved by e-mailing soundartrecordings@comcast.net. For additional information, you may call Sinclair Baldassari at 615-292-0324.
Butch Baldassari, of the Blair School of Music, founded the Nashville Mandolin Ensemble in 1991, and they have made some amazing music through the years including four recordings. With its scintillating contemporary qualities, the Nashville Mandolin Ensemble has been hailed for revitalizing and reshaping mandolin ensemble music that enjoyed nationwide popularity at the turn of the 20th century.
Butch died this past January and the Nashville Mandolin Ensemble, which swelled to 24 players for the occasion, played at his Blakemore UMC memorial service. Some musicians worried that this might be the group's final performance; however, the players involved with the Ensemble made a long-thought-out decision to go on. They have decided that their first public appearance since Butch’s passing will be on Sunday, May 17th, 7:00 p.m., in the sanctuary of Blakemore United Methodist Church.
You can hear music by the Nashville Mandolin Ensemble and download individual numbers on the MySpace Music profile for the Nashville Mandolin Ensemble
http://www.myspace.com/nashvillemandolinensemble
To catch a video segment featuring the Nashville Mandolin Ensemble via Google click on the address below
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1310453621476447041
To order recordings by Butch Baldassari and the Nashville Mandolin Ensemble
http://www.soundartrecordings.com/allproducts.shtml
After the concert refreshments will be served in Blakemore's Fellowship Hall.
Tickets for the concert are $10.00 each or 10 for $95 and can be purchased at the door or reserved by e-mailing soundartrecordings@comcast.net. For additional information, you may call Sinclair Baldassari at 615-292-0324.
Butch Baldassari, of the Blair School of Music, founded the Nashville Mandolin Ensemble in 1991, and they have made some amazing music through the years including four recordings. With its scintillating contemporary qualities, the Nashville Mandolin Ensemble has been hailed for revitalizing and reshaping mandolin ensemble music that enjoyed nationwide popularity at the turn of the 20th century.
Butch died this past January and the Nashville Mandolin Ensemble, which swelled to 24 players for the occasion, played at his Blakemore UMC memorial service. Some musicians worried that this might be the group's final performance; however, the players involved with the Ensemble made a long-thought-out decision to go on. They have decided that their first public appearance since Butch’s passing will be on Sunday, May 17th, 7:00 p.m., in the sanctuary of Blakemore United Methodist Church.
You can hear music by the Nashville Mandolin Ensemble and download individual numbers on the MySpace Music profile for the Nashville Mandolin Ensemble
http://www.myspace.com/nashvillemandolinensemble
To catch a video segment featuring the Nashville Mandolin Ensemble via Google click on the address below
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1310453621476447041
To order recordings by Butch Baldassari and the Nashville Mandolin Ensemble
http://www.soundartrecordings.com/allproducts.shtml
Monday, February 23, 2009
Whiteside UMC - "The little church that CAN" !!!
By Joel Tompkins
We have all heard the story about the little engine that could... You know, "I think I can, I think I can"...
The families of Whiteside UMC have become "the little church that can" and here is how.
We held our regular board meeting on February 22nd and the following events were discussed.
Our website is progressing with awesome numbers. We didn't officially open the site until June 10th and since then we have passed 4,000 hits and cruising towards our next celebration which we will have once we pass 6,000 hits.
Also, our Pastors (Scotty Sorrells) sermons and our other videos can be found on what used to be called God tube - which is now Tangle. We have 40 videos on line and they have been viewed 19,850 times!!!
One of our youth members attended the meeting as well. He shared with the board that the youth's 1st campaign is to take donations for the local homeless shelter AND the food bank. The youth will also be out visiting the elderly in the coming weeks.
And finally...
We discussed our 2nd "Saturday Night Jams".
This time we are opening it up to bands and musicians of all types. Church choirs are even welcome to join us!!! The 2nd "Saturday Night Jams" will be held this Saturday, February 28th at 7 p.m. in our fellowship hall. Snacks will be provided.
Whiteside UMC used to be a very active church in our community and we are now FOCUSED on becoming active once again with the events you have just read about.
We are a church of 20 people and yes, we know we can make a difference. Yes, we know we can help our community and yes, in this time of hardship we know we can entertain our neighbors.
The big difference in the little engine and us???
He thought he could. We know we can!!!
If you are interested in helping our youth, jamming with us, or just visiting, please visit our website for further information.
www.ourchurch.com/member/w/whiteside_umc
We have all heard the story about the little engine that could... You know, "I think I can, I think I can"...
The families of Whiteside UMC have become "the little church that can" and here is how.
We held our regular board meeting on February 22nd and the following events were discussed.
Our website is progressing with awesome numbers. We didn't officially open the site until June 10th and since then we have passed 4,000 hits and cruising towards our next celebration which we will have once we pass 6,000 hits.
Also, our Pastors (Scotty Sorrells) sermons and our other videos can be found on what used to be called God tube - which is now Tangle. We have 40 videos on line and they have been viewed 19,850 times!!!
One of our youth members attended the meeting as well. He shared with the board that the youth's 1st campaign is to take donations for the local homeless shelter AND the food bank. The youth will also be out visiting the elderly in the coming weeks.
And finally...
We discussed our 2nd "Saturday Night Jams".
This time we are opening it up to bands and musicians of all types. Church choirs are even welcome to join us!!! The 2nd "Saturday Night Jams" will be held this Saturday, February 28th at 7 p.m. in our fellowship hall. Snacks will be provided.
Whiteside UMC used to be a very active church in our community and we are now FOCUSED on becoming active once again with the events you have just read about.
We are a church of 20 people and yes, we know we can make a difference. Yes, we know we can help our community and yes, in this time of hardship we know we can entertain our neighbors.
The big difference in the little engine and us???
He thought he could. We know we can!!!
If you are interested in helping our youth, jamming with us, or just visiting, please visit our website for further information.
www.ourchurch.com/member/w/whiteside_umc
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Jesus Did Not Speak English
West Nashville UMC has reached out to the West Nashville Hispanic Community, and fought against the English-Only vote being taken in Davidson County. Pastor Dennis Meaker reflects on what happened when the church’s sign said, “Jesus Did Not Speak English.” Article from the West Nashville United Methodist Church newsletter WITNESS, January 2009.
“I was a stranger and you did not welcome me,...” Matthew 25:43a, NRSV
“How stupid! Of course, Jesus didn’t speak English. English wasn’t even a language in the first century!:”
That was the mildest comment I received for putting the title to this article on the church sign. The problem with the church sign is we only have three short times. Nuance is hard to convey in three lines. I didn’t have room to explain that Jesus, and indeed all of Scripture, instructs us to welcome the stranger. Yet, I suspect a number of people who complained about the sign understood exactly what we were trying to convey. I think they complained because they did not want to accept that their support for the English-only referendum could be contrary to Scripture. They wanted a Jesus who speaks English and who holds their view of the world.
It is easy to “proof text” the Bible: to choose portions of Scripture that support your views and ignore those to the contrary. Yet, one theme that is difficult to avoid in Scripture is the command to welcome the stranger in our midst, to treat the stranger with justice and fairness. This principle was rooted in God’s act of salvation for the people of Israel. God tells the people of Israel to remember they once were strangers in a strange land and that they were persecuted. God heard their cries and will hear the cries of those they persecute. Consider these verses:
.“There shall be one law for the native and for the alien who resides among you.” (Exodus 12:49)
.“The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt, I am the Lord your God.” (Leviticus 19:34)
.“You shall not deprive a resident alien or an orphan of justice, . . .” (Deuteronomy 24:17a
.“I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, . . .” (Matthew 24:43a)
The truly extraordinary thing about the God of Israel, and something Jesus wanted us to understand, is that God is the God of all people. Unlike the gods of other nations, who reflect the nationalism of their lands, God is the God of creation. All people are God’s children. God will judge us by how we treat one another.
Should the resident alien in the United States learn to speak English? Of course. Few ever have resisted doing so in our 233-year history. That, however, is a separate issue.
The issue at hand is one of hospitality and common sense. Government runs more efficiently if our law, rules and regulations are communicated effectively. Why would we hamstring our elected leaders by requiring them to act as if a language barrier did not exist?
Christians have one more thing to consider. Many of those aliens who would be affected by this law are our brothers and sister in Christ. Many already are baptized and profess Christ as their Lord and Savior. They may know the gospel in a different language, but it is the same gospel, the only gospel. The biblical command to extend hospitality is not limited to those of our faith. It is particularly ironic, however, that self-professed Christians are so willing to exclude their brothers and sisters in Christ by reinforcing the barrier of language.
As noted in 1 John 4: 20-21: “Those who say, ‘I love God,’ and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars, for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also.”
By the time you read this article, early voting will be open in Davidson County. The English-only referendum is not a political issue that the church is supposed to avoid. It strikes at the heart of what we profess to believe. As you go to vote, and please do vote, remember Christ is present in every person around us, even those who do not speak English.
--The Rev. Dennis Meaker
“I was a stranger and you did not welcome me,...” Matthew 25:43a, NRSV
“How stupid! Of course, Jesus didn’t speak English. English wasn’t even a language in the first century!:”
That was the mildest comment I received for putting the title to this article on the church sign. The problem with the church sign is we only have three short times. Nuance is hard to convey in three lines. I didn’t have room to explain that Jesus, and indeed all of Scripture, instructs us to welcome the stranger. Yet, I suspect a number of people who complained about the sign understood exactly what we were trying to convey. I think they complained because they did not want to accept that their support for the English-only referendum could be contrary to Scripture. They wanted a Jesus who speaks English and who holds their view of the world.
It is easy to “proof text” the Bible: to choose portions of Scripture that support your views and ignore those to the contrary. Yet, one theme that is difficult to avoid in Scripture is the command to welcome the stranger in our midst, to treat the stranger with justice and fairness. This principle was rooted in God’s act of salvation for the people of Israel. God tells the people of Israel to remember they once were strangers in a strange land and that they were persecuted. God heard their cries and will hear the cries of those they persecute. Consider these verses:
.“There shall be one law for the native and for the alien who resides among you.” (Exodus 12:49)
.“The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt, I am the Lord your God.” (Leviticus 19:34)
.“You shall not deprive a resident alien or an orphan of justice, . . .” (Deuteronomy 24:17a
.“I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, . . .” (Matthew 24:43a)
The truly extraordinary thing about the God of Israel, and something Jesus wanted us to understand, is that God is the God of all people. Unlike the gods of other nations, who reflect the nationalism of their lands, God is the God of creation. All people are God’s children. God will judge us by how we treat one another.
Should the resident alien in the United States learn to speak English? Of course. Few ever have resisted doing so in our 233-year history. That, however, is a separate issue.
The issue at hand is one of hospitality and common sense. Government runs more efficiently if our law, rules and regulations are communicated effectively. Why would we hamstring our elected leaders by requiring them to act as if a language barrier did not exist?
Christians have one more thing to consider. Many of those aliens who would be affected by this law are our brothers and sister in Christ. Many already are baptized and profess Christ as their Lord and Savior. They may know the gospel in a different language, but it is the same gospel, the only gospel. The biblical command to extend hospitality is not limited to those of our faith. It is particularly ironic, however, that self-professed Christians are so willing to exclude their brothers and sisters in Christ by reinforcing the barrier of language.
As noted in 1 John 4: 20-21: “Those who say, ‘I love God,’ and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars, for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also.”
By the time you read this article, early voting will be open in Davidson County. The English-only referendum is not a political issue that the church is supposed to avoid. It strikes at the heart of what we profess to believe. As you go to vote, and please do vote, remember Christ is present in every person around us, even those who do not speak English.
--The Rev. Dennis Meaker
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
For the fifth year, First United Methodist Church in Tullahoma will host an exhibit of over 300 nativity scenes & Christmas angels, December 6-9, 2008
IMAGINE:
“ In my mind’s eye, I am standing at the door of the stable, quiet
and reverent, careful not to disturb the sublimely beautiful scene within.
Silently, I enter and find a dark corner from which to observe without
being observed. I am aware that I am kneeling on freshly cut hay, the
fragrance of which contrasts with the scent of cattle, sheep and one very
tired donkey. The images before me are bathed in an incredible
light: brilliant, not blinding, but rather warm and comforting. My
attention is drawn to the faces of those surrounding the manger. Never
have I seen such expressions of adoration and reverence. Only dear little
Mary’s face bears any trace of foreshadowing. And then my gaze comes
to rest on the Babe in the manger, and I behold the face of love.The hope
of the ages lies before me on a bed of hay, and the peace that passeth all
understanding that floods my soul.”
For hundreds of years, Christians have tried to imagine shepherds on bended knee, animals bowing in reverence, the brilliance of an incomparable star and the tender vision of a Babe lying in a manger. The mystery of the nativity has inspired artists for centuries and today renderings of the crèche grace many homes and hold a special place in the heart of the believer.
For the fifth year, First United Methodist Church in Tullahoma will host an exhibit of over 300 nativity scenes and Christmas angels. Diversity of depiction is at the heart of this exhibit. Some of the nativity sets are simple, while others are elaborate. Some were discovered in far away lands; others were purchased at the local discount store. From mud figures to fine porcelains the crèches represented are as diverse as the homes from which they come. Regardless of their origin, style or composition, all serve a single purpose---to remind the Christian of a miraculous birth over 2000 years ago. It is the universality of the story that renders significance and value.
Bathed in candlelight, fragranced by fresh evergreens, and reverberating with the echoes of harp strings, the event is more than a mere display-it is a sensory celebration of the Christmas season.
Our exhibit dates this year are as follows:
Saturday, December 6th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 7th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Monday, December 8th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday, December 9th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
On Monday, December 8th at 12:00 noon, our United Methodist Women will be a hosting a holiday luncheon to celebrate our fifth anniversary. All are cordially invited. Reservations for the $10.00 meal should be made by December 3rd by calling our church office at 931-455-5434. As always, admission to the nativity exhibit is free.
As you journey through the exhibit, May you experience a personal pilgrimage to the stable in Bethlehem. Please join us and reverently take your place among shepherds, Wise Men and heavenly hosts, realizing anew the peace that comes from kneeling before a manger which cradles the Christ.
“ In my mind’s eye, I am standing at the door of the stable, quiet
and reverent, careful not to disturb the sublimely beautiful scene within.
Silently, I enter and find a dark corner from which to observe without
being observed. I am aware that I am kneeling on freshly cut hay, the
fragrance of which contrasts with the scent of cattle, sheep and one very
tired donkey. The images before me are bathed in an incredible
light: brilliant, not blinding, but rather warm and comforting. My
attention is drawn to the faces of those surrounding the manger. Never
have I seen such expressions of adoration and reverence. Only dear little
Mary’s face bears any trace of foreshadowing. And then my gaze comes
to rest on the Babe in the manger, and I behold the face of love.The hope
of the ages lies before me on a bed of hay, and the peace that passeth all
understanding that floods my soul.”
For hundreds of years, Christians have tried to imagine shepherds on bended knee, animals bowing in reverence, the brilliance of an incomparable star and the tender vision of a Babe lying in a manger. The mystery of the nativity has inspired artists for centuries and today renderings of the crèche grace many homes and hold a special place in the heart of the believer.For the fifth year, First United Methodist Church in Tullahoma will host an exhibit of over 300 nativity scenes and Christmas angels. Diversity of depiction is at the heart of this exhibit. Some of the nativity sets are simple, while others are elaborate. Some were discovered in far away lands; others were purchased at the local discount store. From mud figures to fine porcelains the crèches represented are as diverse as the homes from which they come. Regardless of their origin, style or composition, all serve a single purpose---to remind the Christian of a miraculous birth over 2000 years ago. It is the universality of the story that renders significance and value.
Bathed in candlelight, fragranced by fresh evergreens, and reverberating with the echoes of harp strings, the event is more than a mere display-it is a sensory celebration of the Christmas season.
Our exhibit dates this year are as follows:
Saturday, December 6th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 7th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Monday, December 8th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday, December 9th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
On Monday, December 8th at 12:00 noon, our United Methodist Women will be a hosting a holiday luncheon to celebrate our fifth anniversary. All are cordially invited. Reservations for the $10.00 meal should be made by December 3rd by calling our church office at 931-455-5434. As always, admission to the nativity exhibit is free.
As you journey through the exhibit, May you experience a personal pilgrimage to the stable in Bethlehem. Please join us and reverently take your place among shepherds, Wise Men and heavenly hosts, realizing anew the peace that comes from kneeling before a manger which cradles the Christ.
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