Every Newsie Shufflin'

I think it's been clear that I love musicals! I've grown up with them and they are something I thoroughly enjoy. One of these musicals is the Newsies! It's such a fun one! The point of this blog is creativity and there are definitely some very creative people out there. Music has changed dramatically over the years and today there is a huge focus on hip-hop and pop. So here's where the creativity comes in...

Take a dance in a classic musical such as Newsies and realize that the moves in the dance are almost completely in sync with a song that's a top hit on the radio. Who would have thought? Check out this awesome video:

What Do You Think?

I firmly believe that music has influence in each and every one of our lives. I've focused on my opinion this whole blog and was curious what others thought. I asked some friends and family what music means to them and how it's made an impact in their life. Many of them noted how easy it is to connect with music but I think that music also helps us connect with each other. I hope you find this enjoyable and that you can relate with these thoughts as well.

"I grew up around music. My brothers are in a barbershop quartet together. I remember us getting together and singing around the piano. I was in orchestra and musicals when I was younger. I think the biggest thing is that it gave us a sense of unity. It brings my family closer together. I also love soundtracks. Oftentimes they are so epic like Harry Potter or Star Wars. Music makes your heart soar."
Julianna Pace

"Music always brings up past memories. There's just some songs that whenever you listen to them you'll always think of the same experience, like a high school dance or something you did with your friends."
Beth Calderwood

"Music is easy to relate to, I can always find something that explains how I feel. It also affects my mood."
Tyler Shaw

"Hymns have honestly changed my life. Especially this year. Every time I go tunnel singing or the choir sings in Sacrament I cry every time because the spirit is so strong. Especially when we sing about Christ"
Cole Gardner

"Music can impact how I feel a lot. Through music (if it's good) I can feel the spirit easily. I am usually always listening to some type of music because it just makes me excited and happy"
Kara Barton

"I feel that certain, wholesome music is a form of worship that brings and helps me to feel the spirit while teaching gospel lessons"
Ben Harvey

"Music is a powerful memory making tool. Music can transport you to whatever memory you associate with it. It evokes emotions in all different levels. It's amazing how our emotions can change with a song. You can go from feeling sad to super excited."
Becki Blackner

"Music is one of the most important things in my life, it helps me to relieve frustrations, I mean there are no laws against abusing pianos, and it is just so large in my life, there aren't a whole lot of moments that music not being played around me"
Koa Fisher

"Music has been a huge part of my life ever since I can remember. My parents and grandparents instilled the love of music in me as it filled our home and brought us together in so many different ways. I played the violin, viola, and piano when I was younger and I have continued to develop my piano skills as best I can. I also love to sing and have participated in choirs whenever I have the opportunity. I turn to music in all aspects of my life, whether I'm happy, upset, excited, sad, etc. Music is a powerful thing and I believe it can change people's lives. Music is especially powerful when it is accompanied with the spirit. I love the hymns and various church music we have access to. They definitely touch my spirit and strengthen my testimony when I listen. I am so grateful for the influence and presence of music in my life."
Greta Lybbert

Jump, Jive, an' Wail!

No one can pull off the jazzy, clean-cut look as well as BYU's male a capella group, Vocal Point.

 

I became familiar with Vocal Point when they competed on NBC's Sing Off. Such a fun show and definitely a favorite after watching American Idol for so many years. And it meant so much more because these guys were representing MY school! It's fun to make connections and to see them on campus occasionally. It's kind of like seeing a celebrity haha! I watched the show every week and always cheered them on. You could really tell that the whole audience loved them and they always did phenomenal performances. But above their musical abilities, they also stayed true to their faith and were an example to the millions of viewers across America. They didn't give in to the pressures of the media and were able to help share the gospel and the light that they have just by using their talents. That's really what this blog is all about and Vocal Point is the perfect example. There was an article in LDS Living about Vocal Point that I really suggest reading. It explains their experience while on the show and it's so cool to see how all their hard work really paid off even though they didn't end up winning the competition. Here's the link:

http://ldsliving.com/story/67263-behind-the-scenes-with-vocal-point 

Last October, I had the opportunity to go to a Vocal Point performance during Parent's Weekend at BYU. I absolutely LOVED it! They are so amazing and really know how to put on a show. Each individual member contributes so much to the group and they all blend so well together. It was definitely a highlight of my semester. They sing so many great, wholesome songs and I look forward to all they do in the future as they continue to progress and be an example, to share with the rest of the world what we believe.

L-O-V-E

Not every song is a long song, but majority of songs talk about relationships or interactions with other people. I think it's just human nature and there's no denying that we are influenced by the people around us every day. I think I've said before that sometimes music says words we couldn't say ourselves and finds ways to express our deepest feelings. There is a universal need to be love and be loved. Music is all about emotion and to me, love is one of the greatest emotions we have. Time and time again, fabulous songs have been written and I know that both men and women alike rely on these love songs to define their relationships and share something with those they love.

Younger people might listen to something like Taylor Swift's Love Story, David Archuleta's Crush, David Guetta's Without You, or Bruno Mars' Just the Way You Are.

Older people to Natalie Cole's This Will Be (An Everlasting Love), Elvis' Love Me Tender, Frank Sinatra's The Way You Look Tonight, or Whitney Houston's I Will Always Love You.


I also think that country artists write great love songs. A couple of my favorites include:
I Love You This Big - Adam Stanton
I Love You - Martina McBride
Love Like Crazy - Lee Brice
I Do (Cherish You) - Mark Wills
My Best Friend - Tim McGraw

Gotta love 'em! Love can change a life and I know there will continue to be great love songs written as long as time goes on.

The Perfect Accompaniment

One of my favorite kinds of music is movie soundtracks. I said this once at EFY, and everyone just kinda looked at me funny. But I'm sure everyone has listened to movie soundtracks! Yes, some of them are only instrumental but that can always be nice too. I know I've already focused on Disney but those are some of the best ones!
Some of my favorites include:

Truly movies wouldn't be the same without the soundtracks and it provides so much good music to choose from! I'm sure some people don't think twice about the music but it has always been a highlight for me and I would encourage you to pay more attention to it too! You never know when you'll find something amazing :)

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Of course I'm talking about the Christmas season! Arguably the best songs out there are Christmas songs. Yes, we only listen to them once a year but everyone knows the words to Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Silent Night. It's quite remarkable that one time of year can bring so many people together to celebrate, enjoy each other's company, serve those around us, and celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. I love everything about Christmastime and look forward to it constantly! However, I do wait to break out the tunes until after Thanksgiving. It's tempting but I truly believe that there is a season for everything and that they should not interfere with each other!

Christmas music can take on many forms. There are the songs that a great for teaching little kids, ones that are inspirational and stress the idea of giving, religious ones that emphasize Christ and the true meaning of Christmas, great songs for caroling, romantic Christmas ones, and funny, happy ones. I love that such a wide range of songs that encompass such a great topic!

Some of my favorites include:
Mary Did You Know?
Silver Bells
Angels We Have Hear on High
The Christmas Shoes

I'm Proud to be an American

The Star Spangled Banner was written by Francis Scott Key in 1814 during the War of 1812. One interesting fact I learned was that it did not become our National Anthem until 1931, more than 100 years after it was written! The tune of the Star Spangled Banner was a popular British song by John Stafford Smith and has a range of one and a half octaves which makes it pretty difficult to sing.  I associate this song with sporting events. Before the start of every game, the song is sung, usually by someone who has a very talented voice. Out of respect, all spectators put their hand over their hearts and it's usually pretty quiet until the end when everyone cheers. I think it's so cool that we have a song to inspire nationalism and patriotism within our country. We are so lucky to live in such a wonderful place and I'm grateful for our forefathers and for all those today who give up so much to protect our freedom.