Video Promo for Ashburn Stake Messiah Sing Along

Watch this awesome video for the Ashburn Stake Messiah Sing Along.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOYp74MoUVo&feature=youtu.be

Announcement Frederick Stake Christmas Celebration

You're invited to a community Christmas Celebration celebrating the Birth of our Savior Jesus Christ in Word and Song, Sunday, December 18th at 7pm.  It's hosted by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Mt Airy and Damascus Wards, 7255 Ridge Road, Mt. Airy, MD 21771. There will be light refreshments to follow.

Announcement Ashburn Stake Messiah Sing Along

The Ashburn Stake is holding their Messiah Sing-Along on December 18.

Announcement for Annapolis Stake Christmas Fireside

The Annapolis Stake is holding its Stake Christmas Fireside this Saturday at 7:00pm at the Annapolis Stake Center.

Flyer
Poster

Schedule for Festival of Lights

The schedule for the Festival of Lights at the Washington DC Temple Visitor Center is online.  Click here to download a copy.

Here is a listing of the performances:

Schedule of Nightly Musical Performances
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016–SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2017

DECEMBER
1 Thursday Potomac River Suzuki Strings 7 & 8:30 p.m.
2 Friday Chinese Potomac Children’s Choir 7 & 8:30 p.m.
3 Saturday The Young Columbians—Singers & Dancers 7 & 8:30 p.m.
4 Sunday Melinda Baird & Shaundra Baird Culatta—Pianist & Violinist 6:30 p.m.
First Presidency Devotional Broadcast from Salt Lake City 8:00 p.m.
5 Monday Bells of Mt. Vernon—Hand Bell Choir 7 & 8:30 p.m.
6 Tuesday Suzuki Association of the Greater Washington Area Flutists 7 & 8:30 p.m.
7 Wednesday Los Parranderos—Puerto Rican Christmas 7 & 8:30 p.m.
8 Thursday Lords & Ladies of McDonough High School—Madrigal Choir 7 & 8:30 p.m.
9 Friday Capital Carillon Bell Choir 7 & 8:30 p.m.
10 Saturday Mormon Choir of Washington D.C. 7 & 8:30 p.m.
11 Sunday Washington D.C. Temple Orchestra 7 & 8:30 p.m.
12 Monday Janelle C. Parker—Singer—The Three Levels of Christmas 7 & 8:30 p.m.
13 Tuesday A Calypso Christmas—with D.C. Temple Orchestra percussionists 7 & 8:30 p.m.
14 Wednesday Olney Concert Band 7 & 8:30 p.m.
15 Thursday Bernadette & Winston Charles & Special Guests—Glorify His Name 7 & 8:30 p.m.
16 Friday Sundwall Family—Singers 7 & 8:30 p.m.
17 Saturday Gina Ling Chinese Dance Chamber 7 & 8:30 p.m.
18 Sunday Todd Thatcher & Tony Favero—Vocalist & Pianist 7 & 8:30 p.m.
19 Monday Sandra Turley—Singer & Performer 7 & 8:30 p.m.
20 Tuesday Trifecta—A Holiday Jazz Trio 7 & 8:30 p.m.
21 Wednesday Harbor City Music Company—Sweet Adelines Show Chorus 7 & 8:30 p.m.
22 Thursday Polynesian Community—Singers & Dancers 7 & 8:30 p.m.
23 Friday The Olney Big Band—directed by Dr. Robert Tennyson 7 & 8:30 p.m.
24 Saturday Washington D.C. South Missionaries & Institute Choir 7 & 8:30 p.m.
25 Sunday Washington D.C. Temple Visitors’ Center Sister Missionaries 7 & 8:30 p.m.
26 Monday Christmas in Japanese Style—Fun, Gifted Japanese Musicians 7 & 8:30 p.m.
27 Tuesday Jessica & Katelyn Lyons—Violinists Extraordinaire 7 & 8:30 p.m.
28 Wednesday Pickwick Players—Singers 7 & 8:30 p.m.
29 Thursday Baxter Family—A Bluegrass Christmas 7 & 8:30 p.m.
30 Friday McLean Stake Hand Bell Choir 7 & 8:30 p.m.
31 Saturday Carla Ririe Dance—International Dance Academy 7 & 8:30 p.m.

JANUARY
1 Sunday Marvin Goldstein & Vanessa Joy—Pianist & Vocalist 7:00 p.m.

Announcement for Mormon Choir of Washington Concerts

The Mormon Choir of Greater Washington will be presenting Christmas concerts on December 10 and 11.

Announcement for Annandale Stake Messiah Sing Along

This year the Annandale/DC Stake Messiah Sing Along will be held in the Annandale Stake Center on December 4 from 6:30pm to 7:45pm.  The address is located at 3900 Howard Street, Annandale, VA 22003.  Afterwards, those wishing to attend the First Presidency's Christmas Devotional can view the broadcast beginning at 8:00pm.

Announcement for Interfaith Christmas Concert

Interfaith Christmas Concert

Come join the Centreville, VA Stake in welcoming other faiths to join together with us in sharing our faith in Christ at the Christmas season through this uplifting hymn sing. Choirs from several churches will be performing. Felipe Dominguez and Valerie Harris will be providing the organ accompaniment for the congregational hymn sing. This is an opportunity to develop understanding and goodwill amongst our faiths by celebrating our commonality of worship through music. Let’s celebrate what unites us – music, faith and joy! It will be held on Sunday, December 4, 2016 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the stake center chapel. At 7:30 p.m., we will share refreshments and then watch the First Presidency Christmas Devotional broadcast at 8:00 p.m. Please invite friends and neighbors to join you in singing Christmas carols together at this event. This is a great event for inviting your non-member or less active friends. The Centreville VA Stake Center is located at 14150 Upperridge Drive, Centreville, VA 20121.

For more information, contact Valerie Harris at valerie_f_harris@yahoo.com.

Download the flyer and invitation here.

Report on Conducting Workshop

The Washington DC Stake Conducting Workshop took place from 9am to 12pm on Saturday, September 24, 2016, at the Washington DC Stake Center.  The workshop was sponsored by the Washington DC Stake but an open invitation was issued to any interested attendees from surrounding stake.  Attendance by stake resulted in the following distribution.

3, Annandale VA

6, Ashburn VA

2, Centreville VA

1, McLean VA

2, Mount Vernon VA

24, Washington DC

2, Winchester VA

To begin the workshop, President James Baird, Washington DC Stake President, conducted an opening exercises in the chapel.  President Baird related his vision and testimony about the importance of music in our spiritual growth in the gospel by sharing some of his personal experiences with music.  Sister Baird followed by sharing her testimony and then dismissed the participants to the sessions after informing them about logistics.

Classes were held in the Relief Society Room and the Multipurpose Room.  Two parallel sessions were held with two hour-long workshops per session.  Our four qualified instructors were Melinda Baird (Washington DC Stake, Rockville Ward), Rebecca Green (Washington DC Stake, Kensington Ward), David Hardin (Annandale VA Stake, Fairfax Ward), and Helen Horton (Washington DC Stake, Kensington Ward).  The two pianists who served as accompanists during each session were Paul Andreason (Washington DC Stake, Rockville Ward) and Robyn Rowley (Washington DC Stake, Kensington Ward).

The presenters were kind to share their handouts online.  The outlines are available for download in the Music Directors Tab on the DC LDS Music Resources website at http://dcldsmusic.blogspot.com/.  The titles of the four workshops were as follows:

Advanced Music Conducting, Rebecca Green

Beginning Music Conducting, Melinda Baird

Conducting Presence, Helen Horton

Conducting Choirs, David Hardin

Including the instructors and accompanists, a total of 40 people participated in the workshop.  26 attendees registered online beforehand, and 14 attendees were walk-ins.  Of the registered attendees, 5 identified themselves as novice music conductors, 6 as intermediate, and 8 as advanced.

After the sessions, the participants ate some prepared lunch as they mingled and shared notes.  Overall, everyone felt that the workshop was successfully and should be repeated in the future.  A survey was given, in which some additional topics and suggestions for improvement were recommended for future workshops.  We are grateful to Melinda Baird and the instructors for preparing fine presentations and for serving as the organizing committee for the workshop.  We look forward to having you in a future conducting workshop.

Invitation to join Washington D.C. Temple Orchestra

The Washington D.C. Temple Orchestra knows that this area generates a huge turnaround of residents, many of whom are very talented but also may not be aware of the orchestra’s quarterly performances at the Visitors’ Center. That being said, we would like to invite musicians in the DC Metropolitan area to join us for our two upcoming concerts and possibly as a full time musician. If anyone is interested, please email: washingtondctempleorchestra@gmail.com for dates, music, rehearsal locations, times, membership, etc.

Please forward this to your stake email listings to get the invite out there, thanks.

Harvey Droke

Correct Address for BYU Auditions

The address for the BYU auditions, fireside, and master class was listed incorrectly on the poster.  The location is still the Washington DC Stake Center, but the correct address is

10000 Stoneybrook Drive
Kensington, MD 20895

If you have shared the poster with anyone else, please send this correct to them.  Thank you.

Announcement for Stake Youth Music Open House

Dear Wonderful Youth Leaders,

The Washington DC Stake is pleased to invite the youth of your stake to a Youth Music Open House on Friday November 4 and 5.

BYU will conduct live auditions, masterclasses and a fireside. BYU-Idaho, BYU-Hawaii, and Southern Virginia University will have representatives on-hand with more information about their programs.  Even if you have youth who do not plan to be music majors in college, this is an excellent opportunity to meet with representatives, find out more about what is available, and get feed-back.

The schedule is as follows (additional masterclasses may be added):

Friday November 4
3:00-6:00 BYU auditions
7:30 BYU fireside

Saturday November 5
2:00-5:00 Open House (all institutions represented)
3:00-4:00 BYU masterclasses

We strongly encourage registration through the following form:

https://goo.gl/forms/j3ybC79qpXHUkZHu1

Attached is a poster from BYU.  It is a low-res version for e-distribution.  I can send a high-res version if you would like to print and display in your buildings.

Many thanks for your help in getting the word out about this wonderful opportunity for our youth!

Melinda Baird
Washington DC Stake Music Director
202.774.6277

Preliminary Announcement for Stake Youth Music Open House

On November 4-5, 2016, a Stake Youth Music Open House will be held in the Washington DC Stake Center for high school seniors interested in applying for the Music Department at Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah, next year.  BYU will be conducting live auditions, along with a master class and a fireside.  Other LDS Faith-based education programs (SVU, BYU Hawai, BYU Idaho) will also have materials and information about their music programs.  The auditions are for acceptance into the BYU Music Department, but kids who are not yet applying may also perform.

More details to come.  Please reserve the dates and location on your calendar.

Announcement for Little Stream Sings Competition

CALLING ALL SINGERS!  We are looking for singers and songwriters ages 8 and up to showcase their talents in our singing competition on November 12th, 2016.  FREE to enter as a performer.  Family friendly event.  Grand prizes of radio play time on BRITE Radio and 2 hour professional recording studio session.  Panel of judges PLUS audience will be voting - the more people that come to support you, the better your chances to win!  Held at Mid Atlantic Community Church in Gambrills, MD.  Please contact littlesproductionco@gmail.com or visit https://www.facebook.com/littlestreamproductions for more details.

Little Stream Productions is an LDS production company focused on musical events that promote inter-faith experiences and opportunities for Christian musicians.  Our goal is to share our love of and testimonies of Jesus Christ through music as we invite others to come unto Him.

Announcement for Night of Music and Inspiration

Starting this month, the Washington DC Temple Visitor Center will be the location for a series of regional events called "Night of Music and Inspiration."  Everyone is welcome to attend.

The first "Night of Music and Inspiration" will be sponsored by the Washington DC Stake and will be held at 7pm on Sunday, September 25, 2016.  The featured speakers will be Dr. Neal E. Lambert, former mission president and Associate Academic Vice President at BYU, now serving as Institute Director at Southern Virginia University, with his wife Anne Johnson Lambert.  Music will be provided by four generations of Lambert musicians: Anne Lambert, Melinda Lambert Baird, Shaundra Baird Culatta, and Anna Culatta

Please feel free to download and distribute the flyer and to post on bulletin boards.  To download the flyer, click here.

Announcement for DC Stake Conducting Workshop

The Washington DC Stake is hosting a Conducting Workshop on Saturday, September 24, 2016, from 9am to 12pm in the Washington DC Stake Center, 10000 Stoneybrook Drive, Kensington, MD 20895.  This is an opportunity to learn everything from conducting hymns for Priesthood and Relief Society meetings, to creating inspiring ward choirs.  Open to all ages and abilities, beginners and experts. Mingle, eat, and share resources.  For more information or to reserve your spot, contact Melinda Baird, Stake Music Director, 202-774-6277,baird.melinda@gmail.com.

We strongly recommend that participants register through the following form:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScAzAmOzarKEoznEAkT_LH2b6Csmg865QWB3kqp1_EgYbQeUg/viewform?c=0&w=1

Please feel free to download and distribute the flyer and to post on bulletin boards.  To download the flyer, click here.

Announcement for Organ Concert Hymn Sing

On Saturday, August 27, 2016, at 7pm,  Felipe Dominguez will provide an Organ Concert at the Washington DC Stake Center.  Throughout the concert, there will be several opportunities for the audience to join in a Hymn Sing with the organ.

Announcement for Vox Nativa Concert

The Taiwan Vox Nativa Children's Choir will perform in the Washington DC Temple Visitor Center (address is 9900 Stoneybrook Dr. Kensington, MD 20895) at 7pm on Sunday, July 31, 2016.  Seating starts on 6:30pm on a first-come-first-serve basis.  For more information about Vox Nativa, refer to their website or Facebook page.

Summary of 2016 DC Organ Workshop

The March 12, 2016, Washington, D. C. Area BYU Organ Workshop hosted by McLean, VA Stake, was designed as a two-track, 2-1/2 hour event from 9 to 11:30 a.m.

The 89 attendees came from 17 Stakes and identified themselves as follows:

First impression of the organ	31
Some experience but little or no training	44
Experienced, with extensive training	14
Total	89

The four 40-minute presentations by Dr. Don Cook, head of the BYU Organ Department, and by Jonathan Evans, a BYU Organ graduate who resides in McLean, VA Stake, were geared to meet the full range of levels of experience and interest.

Presentations were enhanced by appropriate hand-outs in an attractive folder and by use of a remote camera and screen for the chapel organ. Use of prepared projection material and screen in the Relief Society Room was effective without the need/expense of an additional organ. Specific subjects demonstrated and discussed are on the cover of the attached Workshop folder.

The opening session was conducted by Stake President Robert S. Hall, who made very inspirational remarks. The concluding session featured Dr. Cook's responding to pre-submitted questions and outlining options and opportunities for further progress in organ study. Concluding speaker was Workshop Coordinator Ashley Baker, who serves as Music Advisor on the McLean Stake High Council, who made an excellent summary of the purpose of music in assisting the spirituality of our meetings.

Useful publications were available for perusal on a display table, and pizza with colorful crudités was served at conclusion. Attendees lingered and enjoyed interaction time with both Dr. Cook and Bro. Evans, and with each other.

McLean, VA Stake personnel were most gracious in handling registration and all other arrangements for this event.

Marjorie Volkel

2nd Announcement for WTO/MCW Special Concert: Hymns of the Restoration

The Mormon Choir of Washington DC and the Washington DC Temple Orchestra will jointly perform a concert featuring Hymns of the Restoration, on Sunday, April 24th, at the Washington DC Temple Visitor Center.  This concert provides a narrative of the history of Joseph Smith and the Restoration of the Church.  It is a wonderful way to introduce others to the message of the Restoration.  Please invite your families, friends, neighbors, and colleagues to join you for this special evening of beautiful music.

Click here for .pdf of flier

Announcement for WTO/MCW Hymns Concert

April 24th, Sunday at the Visitors' Center at 7 p.m. The Mormon Choir and the DC Temple Orchestra will jointly perform a concert of hymns. This is a wonderful way to maintain the spirit and invite nonmembers to an evening of beautiful music that provides a narrative of the church's history.

"Queen of the King of Instruments"

Our friend and organist, Marj Volkel, is featured on the LDS Philanthropies web site. This very informative article showcases her musical life and her amazing trip to Utah. The organ workshops in the Mount Vernon Stake in 2013 and in the Washington DC Stake in 2014 are also described on this web page. Since the initial workshop in the Mount Vernon Stake, to date there have been 16 additional workshops, held on both coasts and in many places between, with a total attendance of just under 1800 from 166 stakes. Several more workshops are presently booked for 2016, including Atlanta, GA, Phoenix, AZ, Houston, TX, Riverside and Sacramento, CA, and Anchorage, AK, with more "in the pipeline."

To read the article, type "Marjorie Volkel" in the search box on the LDS Philanthropies web site.

New Date for Organ Workshop

BYU Professor Don Cook will conduct an organ workshop on Saturday, March 12, 2016, from 8:45am to 11:30am.  This will be a parallel track workshop: one for beginners and one for experienced organists.  The workshop will be held at the McLean Chapel (2034 Great Falls Road, Falls Church, VA 22205).  Join in on this great opportunity!

Please register online: https://byuorganists.wordpress.com/dc.  Those who registered for the January workshop will receive an email to confirm the attendance for the March workshop.  So, there is no need for them to register again, but there is no harm if they do.

 Click here for a PDF copy of flyer.

Rescheduling The Organ Workshop

With the threat of impending snow this weekend, the Organ Workshop has been rescheduled for March 12, 2016, at the McLean, VA Stake Center.

REPEAT: the organ workshop will NOT be held this Saturday as originally planned. More details to come.

Organ Workshop

BYU Professor Don Cook will conduct an organ workshop Saturday, January 23, 2016, from 8:45am to 11:30am.  This will be a parallel track workshop: one for beginners and one for experienced organists.  The workshop will be held at the Arlington Chapel (1600 N. Inglewood Street, Arlington, VA 22205). Join in on this great opportunity!

Please register online: https://byuorganists.wordpress.com/dc.

Click here for a PDF copy of flyer.