Music is such an intrinsic part of our services that I thought we would highlight some of the Unity Music Volunteers and guest musicians who give of their time, talent, and treasure throughout the year. While these volunteers and guest musicians vary widely in experience, training, and style, each is committed to service and brings a deep love of music to Unity of Roanoke Valley each week.

Please join with me, Rev. Luz Lecour, and the Board in acknowledging them. I am so grateful for the opportunity to make music with them all!

Keep a Song in Your Heart,

Janice

(Scroll down to see our musicians!)

About Brandon Davis

Beloved local musician Brandon Davis is a uilleann and highland pipes player. He has been playing the pipes since the late 1980s and has played across the US and in Ireland.

Every Monday night for the last 14 years, he has been hosting a group of local Irish musicians who get together for a jam session at Big Lick Brewing Company. Brandon is a founding member of the Star City Céilí Band and has played with Celtic Caterpillar and others.

About Jim Webb

Jim Webb plays the Celtic flute and whistle at the weekly Roanoke Irish Session at Big Lick Brewing Co. He also played with the Celtic band Celtic Crew in the Asheville, NC area, which specialized in traditional Celtic or Irish tunes (jigs, reels, airs).

He has developed playing in this style since the mid 1990s. Before that, his background was classical and baroque flute. Jim began playing the flute at 10 years of age and was first flute in the University of Richmond Concert Band while attending the university. He was an original founding member of the Celtic Knot ensemble in Waynesville, NC.

About David Overstreet

David Overstreet is a longtime spiritual seeker who believes in awakening, healing, and the inner Divine Presence within us all. His journey has taken him from some very dark places to a life grounded in gratitude, service, and joy. Through meditation, inner work, recovery, and a whole lot of grace, he’s learned how the Law of Mind Action shapes everything we experience.

David has been part of Unity for several years, is on the ministerial path, works as Reverend Luz’s assistant, and has served as a Prayer Chaplain and on the Board of Directors.

He brings a deep love for spiritual exploration, synchronicity, music, and the everyday miracles he calls “God winks.” He’s passionate about helping others remember who they truly are and step into their power with love, humor, honesty, and compassion.

About Faye Cooley

Faye has been involved in music all her life. She began piano lessons at age 6 and was always involved in singing in church choirs, school choirs, college touring choir (Mars Hill College), and choral societies wherever she lived. Born in Roanoke, she has lived in Arlington, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Drakes Branch, and Waynesboro before returning to Roanoke in 1985. She has worked as an administrative assistant for most of her life across many different businesses, finally retiring in 2008 from UVA Roanoke Center.

She sang with the Justin Lawrie Chorale in Arlington. She performed at various locations in the area, but especially enjoyed it when the ladies from the chorale were invited to sing with the Army Chorus and later the Air Force Singing Sergeants at the annual Cherry Blossom Festivals in Washington, DC. In Drakes Branch, she played for Sunday services at both the Presbyterian and Methodist churches, which met every other Sunday. In Waynesboro, she sang with the Waynesboro Choral Society and even soloed in several concerts. She played dinner music on weekends at several restaurants, and she also played keyboards with The Robsons for various dances, weddings, bar mitzvahs, and festivals. She accompanied many church choirs of different age groups over the years.

Once back in Roanoke, she sang in several church choirs, played for Kiwanis Club luncheons, and eventually came to Unity of Roanoke Valley as a pianist. She served at URV for about 18 years, when there were 2 Sunday services and choir rehearsals on Thursday nights. She especially loved playing hymn arrangements with jazz overtones.

She and her husband, Michael, were married for 39 years until his fatal automobile accident in 2004. Her sons, Patrick and Ted, are both musical. Ted plays multiple instruments, and he regularly plays old-time music for fun with groups. He has played at Unity of Roaoke Valley several times.

About Cody Branham

Cody Branham has a deep passion for music, live production, and serving others through his skills. With a background in live events, conferences, broadcast, and audio engineering, he has spent years working behind the scenes to help create meaningful experiences for audiences and congregations alike. He attended college for Music Production, Recording Engineering, and Music Business. Outside of Unity of Roanoke Valley, Cody works in the live production industry and has been involved with conferences, concerts, sports broadcasts, and large-scale events. In 2025, he served as the stage manager and monitor engineer for the headlining act at Bonnaroo, a performance that was streamed worldwide on Hulu.

Cody is also an active musician with over 22 years of experience and currently plays bass for an up-and-coming metal band that tours the East Coast and Midwest, headlining concerts and festivals. Performing continues to fuel his passion for music and live performance.

For Cody, volunteering in production at URV is about more than running sound or operating equipment. It’s about helping remove distractions so people can focus on the message and the moment. Music and live production have always been powerful tools in his life, bringing people together and creating environments where emotion, reflection, and spirit can connect.

He believes that when production is done well, it supports the experience without drawing attention to itself. Whether mixing audio, supporting the team, or solving technical challenges, Cody enjoys using his knowledge of music and production to serve the community at Unity of Roanoke Valley. He is also Samantha Branham's husband!

About Barbara Martin

Barbara began playing music in the 3rd grade when she took up the clarinet in the school band. In the 5th grade, a friend had a piano and showed her how to read bass clef. Her parents were shocked when she started playing the piano at a party they were hosting. This led to moving a huge old player piano from her grandparents' farm to her garage, where she would practice every day. When she was 13, Barbara's parents bought her a piano, and she started taking lessons.

Barbara describes what happened from there: My trajectory as a classical pianist came to an abrupt stop when my brother and I bought a guitar. I taught myself how to play, immersing myself in the music of Joni Mitchell and Bob Dylan, and started writing my own songs.

Barbara's current bio goes like this:

Chanteuse, girl-next-door, and perceptive poet all rolled into one, the Washington Post calls Barbara Martin’s music “… as American in style as it is universal in emotional intelligence."

Her music solidly reflects the greats of traditional jazz, never forgetting the blues, while relating to the world today. Based in the peaceful Shenandoah Valley, she stands out for her skillful songcraft and solid guitar chops. Her performances seamlessly cross genres, reflecting her unique blend of styles.

About Rosie Maloney

Rosie Maloney is originally from Carrboro, North Carolina. She has been playing violin for 12 years, ever since joining the school orchestra in 6th grade. Besides classical and orchestral music, Rosie loves playing Irish fiddle music. She is inspired to stay involved in music by the friends and community that come along with it.

Currently, Rosie is a biological engineer specializing in microbiology research at Novonesis in Salem. When I asked her to describe her work there, she explained:

I help de-risk the scale-up of microbial fermentations from lab to production, specifically focusing on downstream steps like concentrating and drying the microbial product.

Since moving to Roanoke a year ago for her position at Novonesis, Rosie has become a regular at weekly Irish music sessions and also recently joined the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra's new Community Ensemble. Outside of music, Rosie enjoys rock climbing, working part-time at River Rock climbing gym in Roanoke, and climbing outside most weekends. When the weather is bad, Rosie also enjoys reading books and learning French and German.

About Samantha Branham

Samantha Branham enjoys serving behind the scenes and helping to create a smooth, welcoming experience during services at Unity of Roanoke Valley. She volunteers by running presentation slides during services, helping ensure that lyrics, messages, and visuals are clear and easy for the congregation to follow.

Outside of URV, Samantha works as a Sales & Marketing Coordinator and enjoys using creativity in both her professional and personal life. She has a passion for crafting, crocheting, and creating thoughtful handmade gifts for friends and family.

For Samantha, volunteering is a way to quietly contribute to something meaningful and support the URV community. She enjoys being part of a team that helps create an environment where people can focus on the message, music, and connection with others. She is also Cody Branham's wife!

About Skip Brown

Skip began enjoying music at age 8 when he saved up and bought a 45 rpm record player. Each week, he would work to earn enough to buy a new 45! By age 9, with a record collection exceeding 50, he knew music was an important part of his life. At age 15, his high school Rock Band recorded at Columbia 7th Avenue Studios in NYC, and he never looked back. He built Final Track Studios 45 years ago, and it is now his ‘Day Job’.

Fun Facts about Skip:

Last year, he received 3 Grammy Submissions, the first in four decades.
He teaches studio engineering at two colleges.
He engineers at numerous venues.
He has backed up Michael Bolton on tour.

When reflecting on the role of music at Unity of Roanoke Valley, Skip explained it this way: "Music and Unity of Roanoke Valley are a perfect combination, as words alone often don't carry the message. Adding music stimulates more pathways than just words alone. As a performer, you can see this when you watch the audience (or congregation) respond to the song."

Check out Final Track Studios here!

Hello, everyone!

Our wonderful Good Friday service was truly inspiring, both musically and spiritually. After the service, many of you asked about the songs featured. I chose music that represented the final words of Jesus in a modern, surprising way, in hopes that it would support the metaphysical interpretation that Rev. Luz presented in her original program. Here is the YouTube playlist (and more) so you can enjoy them again!

Keep a song in your heart,

Janice

About Celia McCormick

I've always loved to sing. Growing up, I sang in church choirs and my high school choir, and a small folk singing group in the 1960's. Admittedly, I'm not a strong singer, but I love to be part of a chorus. One of my most spiritual experiences was singing with my high school choir at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. The acoustics were magnificent, and the feeling of oneness overcame us all. It's a joy to sing with the Unity Singers. The songs and chants we sing are inspiring, and through practice and rehearsals, the lyrics get stuck in my head, nurturing calm meditation and peace of mind long after the songs have been sung.

About Krystine Smith of Euterpea Fantasy Flute

Krystine is a multi-instrumentalist and performer specializing in classical flute, low flutes, Native American flutes, penny whistles, and bamboo flutes. You might also find her playing guitar, piano, ukulele, or other instruments that catch her eye! Krystine showcases her love for history, fantasy, and nature, whether playing traditional tunes, standard flute repertoire, or creating her own music. As a Board Certified Music Therapist, Krystine also lectures regularly about the role of music in health and wellbeing and offers private Music Therapy through her practice, Peak Music and Wellness, LLC.

After serving as a flutist in the United States Marine Corps (2007-2011), Krystine studied Music Therapy at the University of Miami (BM, 2017) and Saint Mary of the Woods (MA, 2019).

You can find her at Renaissance Faires and other venues across the East Coast as Euterpea Fantasy Flute. Krystine has two albums of original music available on all streaming apps. She will be playing a variety of pieces using flute, alto flute, and bass flute this Sunday, accompanied by Janice Cusano.

Learn more about Krystine here: https://krystinesmithflute.com

About The Sessions Band

This is what happens when a group of recording studio session players is invited to do a live gig. Forty years ago, when taking the stage at a large event, the MC asked, What do you guys do? One of the band members answered back, We are session players. The MC then turned to the audience and unexpectedly announced the group as The Sessions Band. Well, too late to change it at that point, so the name stuck. One time, they were announced as: If a classic rock band married the Dave Matthews Band, this band would be their child! Decades of musical experience really shine within The Sessions Band!

About Bob Grubel

Bob Grubel is a vocalist, lyricist, and keyboardist with multiple CDs (Bob will be giving away some CDs on Sunday!) and a book (I Always Dreamed of Flying: A Songwriter's Autobiography - available at Inner Journey!) under his belt. Growing up in upstate New York, he started singing at the age of four. He took piano lessons at 6, sang in school choruses from elementary school onward, and wrote his first song at 18. Bob is also a certified massage therapist and an avid gardener. He’s lived in Floyd for more than 30 years and was a founding member of Grace Note, a local trio that performed (mostly) Grubel’s songs for 25 years. After three decades of performing, writing, and producing music, Bob says, “I just do the best I can. “I’m more patient with letting the lyrics evolve and hearing where the keys want to go.” Listen to Divinity's Way from the CD Rivers from the Sun - Bob will be playing this song on Sunday!

About Joy Tru

Joy Tru is a song leader, performer, looping artist, singer/songwriter, and voice teacher. She leads a form of community singing called circlesinging, in which she leads groups in song, rhythm, play, movement, and body percussion games that allow people to connect with each other, their bodies, their spirits, and the earth. She leads a monthly group called Star City Circlesinging and also leads a bi-monthly event called Vocal Playtime with Joy. You can learn more on her website: joytru.com

About Maddie Wurth

Maddie's love of singing began at an early age. Introduced to a variety of music by her parents while growing up, she obsessed over watching Disney productions such as Cinderella and enjoyed her classical ballet lessons. Her love for Disney musicals is immortalized in home videos where she is often seen diving into frame, singing scales from The Little Mermaid whenever the camera was rolling.

Maddie began auditioning for local musicals in the 2nd grade. For her elementary school's production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, she remembers singing Castle on a Cloud from Les Misérables at her audition, with her back to everyone due to nerves. She was not only cast as Snow White, but the directors added Castle on a Cloud at the end of the show, tailoring the lyrics to fit the Snow White story.

Two years later, at only 9, she auditioned for the Showtimer's production of Annie with the song Colors of the Wind from Disney’s Pocahontas. Standing alone on the stage, planning to sing a cappella, she forgot the words and asked her mom to come up and help her. The like-minded children sitting in the theatre, waiting to audition, started the song as a group for her, letting her continue on her own. She finds it hard to believe it was 30 years ago last November that she played Annie in that production, red wig and all!

Maddie describes these early music events as all-encompassing, and they solidified her desire to continue to pursue musical theatre. Her experiences led her to forming friendships, meeting mentors, and marveling at the magical energy that can be felt from the audience when performing.

About Kirsten Osborne

Kirsten Osborne has played the harp since she was nine years old. Her parents, Rick and Colleen Carrell, were long-time Unity of Roanoke Valley members, and she grew up playing for her URV family. Her early experiences playing in this community shaped her love for music. She later studied harp at the North Carolina School of the Arts and Indiana University, developing both her technical skill and expressive style.

Kirsten has performed with the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra and has appeared on stage with Art Garfunkel, bringing a blend of classical training and contemporary experience to her playing. She teaches private harp lessons and previously recorded a flute-and-harp CD as half of the Alla Prima Duo.

In addition to her musical work, Kirsten is a full-time therapist. She values the harp’s ability to help create a peaceful, reflective environment and enjoys sharing music that supports a sense of ease, connection, and presence within the community.

About Marc Silva

I don’t play music by choice. It is something I have to do. Playing bass, percussion, or the didgeridoo just happens to be the way I manifest and let the vibration known as music flow through me. I grew up just slightly southwest of Chicago—the home of the blues—in a little town called Los Angeles. Although I received a college degree in Art, I have spent most of my working life in engineering. I loved music from an early age, but it was the Beatles that made me want to play, and playing music turned out to be a great way to meet girls. This worked out well because I met the love of my life, Debi, while playing in a band. Through Debi, I started studying A Course in Miracles, which became an essential part of my spiritual life. It only took me 40 years or so to get to Roanoke, but I’m glad I finally made it. Since coming to Roanoke, I have been welcomed into the Unity of Roanoke Valley family. I’ve been blessed to contribute to the music ministry, to speak at church services, and to facilitate A Course in Miracles study group for almost 30 years.

About Marian McConnell

My mantra is to be a "CAN-DO-IT CONDUIT" ... letting the Spirit muse flow through me with art and music. Music has always been a huge part of me; a way to connect with others in a unique way, and a source of healing and hope. Being part of the Allelu Singers, a folk group at our church in Cleveland, Ohio, from 1968 to 1971, inspired me to learn to play the guitar. I moved to Roanoke, VA, in 1989 as a single parent with my daughter, Molly, and we started attending Unity of Roanoke Valley around 1990. I met Dano, who has an incredible voice and is an outstanding performer; it was music that brought us together. We got married in 1993 at URV. I taught Sunday School and shared music. I was also the Chair & Booking Agent for 3rd Street Coffeehouse for over 20 years, and a member of the Southwest Virginia Songwriters Association. Dano and I made a CD of all original music featuring local musicians, titled Land of My Dreams. I've also been in a duo with Randy Walker, and then in a trio with Randy and Lisa Angell as Like the Moon. Both groups played at Unity of Roanoke Valley.

While I have offered special music as a solo act, in 2023, I was thrilled to make music with Velvet Moock and Tammy Mulkey. We were excited about how well we clicked, which led to the birth of 3 Feathers. (The first time we played together at URV, I found 3 yellow feathers on the ground outside; we took that as a sign!) Lily, my emotional support dog, accompanies me with her unconditional love. We love being a part of the Unity community!

About Stephanie Robinson

I've enjoyed sharing my talents as a music volunteer with Unity of Roanoke Valley. I've worked with Mixed Chorus Voices (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass) and the Ladies Ensemble, singing many types of music genres, including Liturgical Music, Folk /Traditional Music, Pop/Rock Music, and Spiritual Music.

Leaning into music, your understanding and growth are always expanded by the Master Teacher Director. The engaged practice will always leave you knowing a mantra or prayer that enriches your spiritual growth with wisdom and joy.

Something interesting about music is that it shares the same focus as meditation. It stays anchored on the breath. When listening, you will see and feel the waves or lines of the music. When singing, your breath will merge with the wind to manifest a wonderful sound to share with this grand universe.

Bowing With Gratitude,

Stephanie Robinson

About Marc Baskind

Marc Baskind was raised in the heart of the Mississippi Delta (Greenville) and influenced by jazz, blues, and classics. He started ukulele at 7, guitar at 11, and majored in Tuba, leaving him in love with almost every genre of music. Marc toured with Hamilton, Joe Frank, and Reynolds in 1984 and has been in the studio with such names as Vassar Clements. He currently has guitar, bass, and vocal tracks on six CDs, and three of his co-writes have been recorded. His new CD, Marc With A "C", features a variety of genres. Marc plays with multiple groups, from rock, jazz, blues, beach, to country/bluegrass, as well as solo acts, duos, and trios. Marc teaches guitar and ear training.

With Marc's unique and varied music styles, he has become a favorite entertainer for many venues across SW Virginia, Tennessee and West Virginia and regularly makes appearances at festivals, popular restaurants and clubs in the area. In addition to being blessed by his amazing talents in music, we at Unity are also blessed as well with his humility, kindness, and beautiful energy.

About Clarissa Rae

Clarissa Rae has been walking a path of healing and spiritual service for many years. Guided by her mission to inspire peace and deep inner connection, she offers a vibrant blend of holistic healing arts to the community, including massage, energy work, sound healing, and ecstatic dance. Guided and uplifted by a variety of spiritual traditions, she is now answering a longtime call to ministry and participating in pre-ministerial courses through the Unity Worldwide Spiritual Institute. Music has long been one of the ways she ministers - for Clarissa, music can be meditation, prayer, and Divine connection.

Classically trained in voice and violin, and shaped by years of ballet and theatre, Clarissa later discovered a creative home in intuitive, improvised sound. She has sung in vocal-improv groups, trained as a circlesinging facilitator, taught voice-healing workshops, and led sound-based ritual using the shamanic drum, rattle, crystal pyramid, singing bowls, and harmonium. In her healing sessions, she channels angelic frequencies and shares indigenous medicine songs. Whether offering a transformative musical prayer, accompanying a friend in song, or leading chants for the community, she delights in letting Spirit move through her in the form of music.

About KINNFOLK

Husband-and-wife duo Josh and Julie Kinn weave octave mandolin, bodhrán (Irish drum), and smooth vocal harmonies into their Celtic folk music from the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. From sea shanties and working songs to trad tunes and Old-Time favorites, Kinnfolk’s fresh take on classics blends seamlessly with their original compositions. They share stories as enduring as tartan, spinning yarns steeped in Appalachian charm, and enjoying playful banter with the audience. Their shows feel like a kitchen party, where everyone is family, and there’s always room for a dancer.

Since forming Kinnfolk in late 2018, the pair has played at festivals and listening rooms, building a quickly growing following across Canada and the United States. In 2023, Kinnfolk won the Robinson Emerging Artist Showcase, earning them a Main Stage appearance at Canada’s premier Celtic event, the Goderich Celtic Roots Festival. They have been featured on the cover of the largest traditional music magazine in the world — Irish Music Magazine — and named one of the top Celtic folk bands to watch in 2025 by The Irish & Celtic Music Podcast.

In 2022, Kinnfolk received a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts and the City of Roanoke to create a body of work exploring the history, geography, and folk legends of their town. The resulting project, “Star Above the Mountain,” debuted to a live audience on June 30, 2023.

Kinnfolk’s self-titled debut album (2020) received much airplay and launched them into the international Celtic music scene. Their second album, “The Knotted Circle” (2022), was lauded as “authentic…with a subtle contemporary seasoning” by Music Connection Magazine. Now they’ve released “Star Above the Mountain” (2025), their third album, featuring 8 original tracks and two trad favorites. The release will coincide with a 2025 North American tour. As WDBJ7 Television said, they “find community” and “love through Celtic music,” and look forward to meeting more of their audience.

Once you experience their music, you’ll be one of their folk – Kinnfolk!

About Hampton Kier

I H Kier, II, aka “Hampton,” moved to Roanoke, VA, at the age of 8 in 1948. The grandson of a Methodist minister, he spent a lot of time in the church. Of the many tasks he embraced, singing was the one that gave him purpose while following his father’s lead (I H Kier, Sr). He spent 42 years in the Methodist Church before finding Unity.

Hampton has worked in the restaurant industry since 1955. He worked multiple jobs while raising three families, earned several degrees in education, and then found his True “Life Partner” of 39 years. He has been working on a Doctorate in finding The Christ In Everyone.

At present, Hampton is the lead for the Usher and Greeters at Unity of Roanoke Valley, and he deeply enjoys leading congregational songs. Music is one of the many ways to touch the very soul and bring the peace of God to all who hear it.

His mission in Life is to touch as many as possible with the Grace and Love God has bestowed on him.

Singing in the New Year with "The Professor," Bill Stanton!

About Bill Stanton

For 46 years, while teaching English to junior high school and university students, I have been writing and performing songs professionally since the Fall of 1971. I created and nurtured an internationally recognized coffeehouse at Jamestown Community College from 1973 to 1989, and have thrived and been renewed over the years by my contact and collaboration with many kinds of music and musicians. Today, my work with The Southwest Virginia Songwriters Association, my performances at The Third Street Coffeehouse, and my involvement with Unity of Roanoke Valley keep me engaged in a very gratifying time in my life.

For the Love of Christmas Music Experience with Davey Stewards on December 21st

Davey Stewards is a dedicated, compassionate earth worker and musician who has spent most of his adult life building a metaphorical bridge for himself and others to have a closer relationship with their natural resources. Since moving to Roanoke in 2017, Davey has worked for several agriculture-related non-profits and founded two businesses focused on regenerative agriculture - The Harvest Collective LLC and Star City Compost LLC. This passion for earth work became a life mission for Davey when he went on a journey called Pick Up America, where he co-led the nation's only coast-to-coast roadside litter pick-up, spanning 3 years, 3,762 miles, and clearing over 100 tons of litter from the side of the road.

Davey spent his late teens and early twenties exploring his passion for music, playing in rock bands with friends from his youth. This group of friends from Silver Spring, MD, released two EPS and a full-length album under the names Third Pulse and Lonely Are The Brave. Their music was a mash-up of progressive rock, metal, jazz, rap, and punk. The group broke up in 2009 when one member left to attend Berklee College of Music, and Davey left for Pick Up America in 2009. While on the Pick Up America journey, Davey managed to record an EP called under his maiden name, Davey Rogner, which explored his interest in acoustic folk driven by the rhythms of his djembe playing.

Now 40 years old, Davey has been writing songs and learning covers for over 15 years, using only his voice and acoustic guitar. He is a passionate djembé player and has recently been learning to play the handpan. Davey really enjoys learning songs in the "conscious" acoustic rock and reggae genres. Davey has also learned a plethora of kids' songs and has practiced a lot while watching his young children. Davey views his music as a prayer cast out into the world. The singing, guitar playing, and drumming that he does expands his soul and puts him more at peace with the world. He dreams of one day recording a full-length album of the original songs he's been writing for the past 15 years. His original music explores a recurring theme of struggling to find spiritual and physical freedom in a world bound by harmful, destructive paradigms.

A Bluegrass Christmas Music Experience with Velvet Moock, Tammy Mulkey, and Nancy "Nanny Bee" Brown on December 14th

Velvet Moock

I became interested in playing musical instruments around age 8, when my Mom began paying one of my older musical brothers (in the photo) $3 an hour to teach me to play the guitar. He taught me the basics for a couple of years, and then I continued to learn on my own. I’ve played music, off and on, over the last 50+ years, in several bands, including the all-female rock and roll band, HotFlash and the MoodSwings, that included Tammy Mulkey and Nanny Bee (who plays percussion with us sometimes at URV). I’m a graduate of Roanoke College, and I retired from the telecom industry. Retirement has provided me the opportunity to spend lots of time with my life’s passion - gardening! I’m grateful for the opportunity to sing and play music at URV.

Tammy Mulkey

My interest in music began at a very early age, listening to the radio with my father, especially country music stations. He loved music and being continuously exposed to it, I developed a strong liking for it as well. Later in my teens, I moved into rock, soul, and other genres, which inspired me to take a few guitar and banjo lessons to learn the basics. I then practiced on my own daily, knowing that if I wanted to sound decent, it would take discipline and practice. At various points in my life, I played with various bands, which inspired me to keep playing. Although I still work as a full-time Employment Specialist for individuals with disabilities, I manage to make time for a pastime that has always nurtured my soul. I owe it all to my late father, who was a devoted music lover and always told me to dream big about any goal I had in life.

Nancy "Nanny Bee" Brown

I grew up in Bogart, Georgia, and I’ve loved the drums since I was a little thing. I moved to Roanoke in 1979 and have been here ever since. I retired from the Roanoke City Sheriff’s Department. I met my soul sisters (Tammy Mulkey and Velvet Moock) more than 40 years ago. At one of their musical get-togethers, I started banging on a little drum, and I’ve been banging on one ever since. I feel so lucky to know and play with the group.

A Classical Christmas Music Experience with Maddie Wurth on December 7th

Madolyn Smeltzer Wurth

Madolyn Smeltzer Wurth (Maddie) has attended Unity of Roanoke Valley with her family

since 1989. She began singing and performing as a child, participating in local productions

at Showtimers and Mill Mountain Theatre. Maddie studied voice and piano with Angharad Sinclair, former music director at Unity, and she danced with Southwest Virginia Ballet.

Maddie attended Virginia Commonwealth University, where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatre Performance, summa cum laude. After graduation, Maddie moved to Los Angeles to pursue opportunities in film and television. She is a member of the SAG-AFTRA union. Maddie studied accounting at University of California, Los Angeles, and works (now remotely) for a firm in Century City as a forensic accountant. Upon returning to the Roanoke Valley in 2021, Maddie has performed with Attic Productions and the Roanoke Valley Choral Society, for whom she currently serves as president of the board of directors. She very much enjoys singing at URV with Dr. Janice Cusano.

This music was created especially for Unity of Roanoke Valley, inspired by my contemplation of the phrase I Am That, I Am, which appears in one of the meditation songs we occasionally sing during services.

There are many things our ego tells us we are based on what we learn and what others tell us, but who are we really? This playlist was compiled to offer healing through the upcoming holidays, as well as for any other regular day we might stumble and forget. The end of the year is approaching.

Let music be our healer, our warm, grounded guidance. Let it inspire one more brave reach for the higher frequencies. Perhaps a selection or two from this vast worldwide collection can remind us that we are only one thing, and that's always been true. The music will tell you. Thank you, God.

Click here to listen!

Keep a Song in Your Heart,

Janice

New Musician in Our Line Up!

In case you weren't able to catch our February 9th service With Rev. Marc Silva, you may have missed an awesome special music performance by our newest musical member, Davey Stewards.

I am so blessed by Davey's beautiful spirit and incredible talent - we have been in awe of the light he brings to our Music Department. He is wonderful to work with as he keeps peace in his heart no matter what life throws at him; it's really inspiring.

Special music that day included the amazing talents of Velvet Moock on harmonica during Davey's version of Xavier Rudd's beautiful song Follow the Sun. Davey also performed Jason Mraz's Make Love, and ended with one of his own compositions called Divine Energy. Here is the link to the livestream to hear all three songs with lyrics so you can follow along, and here is a recording of the Jason Mraz song for your listening pleasure. I hope you enjoy it!

About Davey

Davey Stewards is a devoted, compassionate earth-worker, husband, father, and musician. Davey played in various music groups in his early and mid-twenties, recording an album and two EPs in that period. However, he has since devoted his life to building up community relationships with ecosystems and food. Now at 39 years old, Davey plays music whenever he can find the time in his busy life as the founder and co-owner of Star City Compost LLC and The Harvest Collective.

Check out his website to connect with Davey and learn more about his revolutionary composting enterprise.

Keep a song in your heart,

Janice

Hello, everyone!

I have a special treat for you this Sunday! Two Scales are our guest musicians. These two incredibly talented individuals will fill our service with lively and uplifting music - you don't want to miss them! Reminder - we're having our Annual Meeting after the service.

Keep a Song in your heart,

Janice

About Two Scales

Two Scales is a multi-instrumental duo (Chloe & Stewart Scales) that plays a variety of folk, bluegrass, Celtic, and classical music. We believe in crafting a unique sound and keeping the artists and songs from decades ago and even hundreds of years back alive. Hailing from opposite ends of the state of Virginia, Chloé and Stewart met in 2012 at the Floyd Country Store, brought together by a shared interest in the music of southwest Virginia. Chloé is a classically trained cellist exploring traditional music; Stewart is a self-taught bluegrass banjo, guitar, and bass player. Together, they play a variety of styles, but folk and bluegrass are favorite genres.

I created a Gratitude playlist of many of the musical selections heard during services this Fall to help keep you close to Spirit during your Thanksgiving festivities. It's so true that it's impossible to be in a bad mood while you're singing and dancing! I'm so grateful to all the Unity Musicians and the sound team for working together to bring beautiful and inspiring music to our congregation each week!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Keep a Song in your heart,

Janice

Hello, URV family!

We're excited to share the soul-filled music of Eddie Watkins Jr, who will be coming to URV in October! Check eNews for more information about his concert!

Here are the two songs from Eddie Watkins Jr:

The Garden

Gratitude is Medicine

Keep a Song in your heart,

Janice

Hello everyone,

A bit about last Sunday's music ... I thought you might like to see the composer, David Hicken, playing the piece I played for you. Click here to listen!

Keep a Song in Your Heart,

Janice

This piece has been lovingly created to open you to the sanctuary and bliss that have and always will be available to you through the immortal bodhisattva Kuan Yin, goddess of compassion and mercy. Hear, feel and receive the grace of the Universal Mother through this music.

- David Hickens

Do you need some feel-good music to sing to in between our musical services? Denise Rosier's sing-along playlist was in my inbox today, and I had to pass it along.

Denise has created a special section on her YouTube channel where you can find 12 easy-to-follow lyric videos of her most requested inspirational sing-alongs. She suggests you play one daily as part of your spiritual practice or use them for your in-house or livestream services.

Click here to check it out and let me know which one is your favorite!!!!

Keep a Song in Your Heart,

Janice

You're Invited!

Come on out for this delightful concert that's sure to put a spring in your step!

See you there!

Keep a Song in Your Heart, Janice

I'd like to introduce Sandra Smeltzer, the amazing woman who is creating the liturgical dance* for our Easter Service at 11:00 am on March 31st! It's been a joy to work with Sandra in creating something new this year - we are truly lucky to have her professionalism, dedication, and beautiful talents as she works with some of our own members on this year's celebratory service! She and her dancers, Misty Vickers, Rhonda Banner, and Maddie Wurth, have been rehearsing nonstop this month, and it promises to be an uplifting experience you won't want to miss!

Sandra's professional background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Ballet Pedagogy from Virginia Intermont College and a Master of Arts in Dance from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. Formerly, she held the position of Assistant Professor of Dance at Virginia Tech, as well as Washington and Lee University. Sandra owned New Castle School of Dance and The Dance Centre of Southwest Virginia. Ms. Smeltzer is also former Associate Director of the Southwest Virginia Ballet Company.

Keep a Song in Your Heart,

Janice

* Liturgical Dance, or sacred dance, is spirit-led movement, both choreographed and spontaneous, that is a form of prayer and communion with God. Historically, liturgical dance has been an important part of cultures and religions around the world and is even found in the Bible. It can be found on many platforms outside of the church, including schools, weddings, public festivals, and the theatre.

A musical highlight in last week's Palm Sunday service was the song Goin' Up Yonder by Walter Hawkins. For a deep dive into the origins of this song, here is the original recording as sung by his Love Center Choir on the 1975 album, Love Alive.

One of gospel music's most legendary figures, Bishop Walter Hawkins, is one of the most beloved figures in contemporary Gospel Music today. Besides founding the Love Center Church in Oakland, California, in 1972 and, a few years later, the Love Center Choir, he created one of the most prolific and outstanding catalogs of hit gospel recordings and published songs. Here is a wonderful documentary that delves into his 30-plus-year career as a minister and musician.

In an interview for his Kennedy Center bio, Bishop Hawkins explained the far-reaching spiritual impact of music: "Early on, I thought my ministry and my music were apart from each other. But now I see they work hand-in-hand", he observed. "I can go a lot of places with my music that I can't go as a pastor and vice versa."

Sometimes, a song is birthed from a composer's creative imagination with the indescribable power of universal appeal that transcends the boundaries of religion, ethnicity, or tastes and speaks to people worldwide. While we have performed this song at Unity during the Easter season, choirs of all ages and ethnicities worldwide program this song throughout the year for all kinds of occasions. That's quite notable as many "Easter" themed pieces wouldn't work at other times during the year.

Special thanks to my Unity Singers for their beautiful, heartfelt performance, which featured our own Hampton Kier, David Overstreet, and Stephanie Robinson as soloists. We loved gifting the congregation with the message within Hawkin's choral arrangement.

Keep a Song in Your Heart,

Janice

This past Sunday, March 17th, was FULL of lilting and uplifting Celtic music! Our youth were actively involved in all aspects of the service and enjoyed an interactive storytime that showed us all how special we are, each in our own way. Afterwards, we celebrated with lots of Irish green and a delicious mashed potato bar!

Our warmest thanks to the esteemed artists and guest musicians pictured from left to right: Brandon Davis on Uilleann Pipes, Georgianne Vecellio on Bodhran, and Jim Webb on Celtic Flute. That's our own Trish Webb behind them!

Keep a song in your heart,

Janice

Keep a Song in Your Heart,

Janice

Louis Landon is a Steinway artist and prolific composer.

He composed the Namaste piece I played this past Sunday, March 3rd, after Rev. Marc Silva's talk with the same title.

Enjoy the Namaste music video here.

Louis Landon's logo, Piano for Peace, immediately drew me in!

His mission is directly in line with mine - to create music that calls attention to the present moment and to create a more loving and peaceful world by writing, recording, and performing music from the heart.

Click here if you'd like to treat yourself to exploring more of his beautiful piano compositions.

Keep a Song in Your Heart,

Janice

Song of the Week

Many of you have reached out about the songs after a Sunday service. I will highlight a song from a previous service each week - enjoy!

From the February 18th service - Click here to listen!

If I Were Brave by Jana Stanfield (2005)

Lyrics (condensed)

What would I do if I knew that I could not fail?

If I believed, would the wind always fill up my sail?

How far would I go?

What could I achieve trusting the hero in me?

If I were brave, I'd walk the razor's edge (if I were brave)

Where fools and dreamers dare to tread

I'd never lose faith (never lose faith) even when losing my way

What step would I take today if I were brave?

What would I do today if I were brave?

What would I do today if I were brave? (If I were brave)

What would I do today if I were brave?

What if we're all meant to do what we secretly dream?

What would you ask if you knew you could have anything?

Like the mighty oak sleeps in the heart of a seed

Are there miracles in you and me?

If I refuse to listen to the voice of fear

Would the voice of courage whisper in my ear?

What would I do today if I were brave?

Keep a Song in Your Heart,

Janice

I hope you’re proud of yourself for the times you’ve said ‘yes,’ when all it meant was extra work for you and was seemingly helpful only to someone else.

As I think with anticipation about Rev. Luz's talk on living in sacred service coming up this Sunday, I remember one of my heroes, Mr. Rogers, and all he contributed to children and adults alike.

I've always loved and admired his spirit, his songs, and his lessons, so I thought I'd share a few of my favorites with you today!

If you could only sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet; how important you can be to the people you may never even dream of. There is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person.

This is Just the Day

We live in a world in which we need to share responsibility. It’s easy to say ‘It’s not my child, not my community, not my world, not my problem.’ Then there are those who see the need and respond. I consider those people my heroes.

I Like To Take My Time

Anyone who does anything to help a child in his life is a hero.

Keep a Song in Your Heart,

Janice

The Spookiest Christmas Carol

We can all probably agree that Carol of the Bells is one of America’s most famous Christmas carols. You probably remember it from the 1990 movie Home Alone, where John William’s arrangement is heard in the scene when Kevin leaves the church. Click here to listen.

I think it has something to do with the epic four-note ostinato motif, often perceived as haunting and mysterious. It might also have something to do with the fact that this carol wasn't composed in the US - actually, it wasn't even written as a Christmas song!

"Carol of the Bells" started as a 1904 Ukrainian folk chant named "Щедрик (Ščedrik)" that told of the coming New Year, which pre-Christian Ukraine celebrated in April.

Click here to listen to Katie Melua and the Gori Women's Choir performing the original 1914 Ukrainian Shchedryk (The Little Swallow).

It's absolutely ethereal. The Ukrainian lyrics describe a swallow flying into a household to sing of wealth that will come with the following spring.

Щедрик, щедрик, щедрівочка,

Прилетіла ластівочка,

Стала собі щебетати ...

Bountiful evening, bountiful evening, a New Year's carol;

A little swallow flew into the household

and started to twitter ...

The composer, Mykola Leontovych, was born in Ukraine into a family of Orthodox priests. His birthday was a few weeks ago, December 13th. His father, grandfather, and great-grandfather were village priests, but he broke with tradition and became a musician after completing seminary in 1899. Leontovych was not only a composer, choral conductor, and renowned teacher, but he was also a civic activist who supported Ukraine's political independence. He specialized in a cappella choral music, church music, and elaborately arranged folk music.

Leontovych's arrangement of Shchedryk (1916) demonstrates his style of layering the performance of a choral song through repetition and timing of segregated elements.

So how did this Ukrainian New Year's song about a bird, written by a graduate of the Russian Orthodox seminary in Kamianets-Podilskyi, become one of America's favorite Christmas carols?

Ukraine gained independence in 1919, a few years after Leontonych composed his choral arrangement of the song. As part of the celebration, the newly formed government sent the Ukrainian National Choir worldwide as its goodwill ambassador. They toured for five years, singing a repertoire of Ukrainian songs. Leontovych's song Щедрик was a part of this program.

The song Shchedryk was catapulted to international fame after being performed in Carnegie Hall in 1922. Tragically though, the year before, Mykola Leontovych was assassinated by an undercover Soviet agent in his hometown. He was only 43. (The truth about his death immerged after the collapse of the Soviet Union.)

After hearing the song in Carnegie Hall, Peter Wilhousky (who worked for Radio NBC and was of Ukrainian descent) published the new arrangement in English under the name Carol of the Bells in 1936. That same year, the premiere occurred at a national music teachers' convention in the old Madison Square Gardens. Nearly 20,000 music teachers heard a choir of 1500 children from all over the country perform it in unison. They were stunned by the song. The new lyrics shifted the chant's meaning, and it became a Christmas standard here in the U.S. Leontonych's music became his legacy and continues to be heard to this day all over the world.

As for this carol being spooky, well, you'd be surprised how often it's described that way. Amidst hundreds of arrangements in different languages and countries - there are many dark and mysterious versions - it sparks my imagination!

I leave you with one of my favorite versions that’s not spooky. It’s from the Virtuosic Christmas album and features pianist Jarrod Radnich. All I can say is WOW. I think Franz Liszt would have approved. This arrangement will undoubtedly breathe new life into an old standard - be sure you’re sitting down for this one!

Keep a Song in Your Heart,

Janice

The ancient Christmas song The Cherry Tree Carol tells the story of Joseph's emotional angst as he struggled to understand how Mary could be with child and yet never have been with him or any other man. Historically, during those times, that would have been a serious issue between the parents of Jesus. Even if you include Bible stories only symbolically or metaphorically in your spiritual practice, it's fascinating to study the history depicting how this family crisis played out through this beautiful carol.

While the tune dates to medieval England, the story can be traced back to the 12th-century early Christian communities of the Middle East, where it has been found in Aramaic, the language of Jesus. A version of it was discovered in the Appalachian Mountains and is now included in the major anthologies of North American folk music by Alan Lomax and Cecil Sharp, which is where I found it!

As a bit of background, keep in mind that the news of Mary's pregnancy would have set off a five-alarm disruption in their relationship. Joseph would have felt personally betrayed by Mary, and women were killed for even the suspicion of infidelity during those times.

So as the song/story goes, the two pause in their travels in an orchard. Mary asks Joseph to pick her some blood-red cherries because she's with child. He responds bitterly: "No way! Let the father of the child pick cherries for you!". Jesus, in the womb, commanded the tree to "bend thy branches and refresh my mother with thy fruit" when she grows faint.

In some versions, when Joseph witnesses the magical fruit tree bowing down, he apologizes for his rudeness immediately. In other versions, he continues to wrestle with his anger for some time, accusing Mary of lying about her angel visitation, and he even dismisses an angel who later appears to reassure him of the miracle! Eventually, he can see beyond his anger and assumptions and humbly apologizes to Mary.

Here is The Cherry Tree Carol recorded by Sting as part of his 2009 "A Winter's Night Concert" at Durham Cathedral in England.

And here is Judy Collins' pristine and exquisite performance during her Christmas concert at the Biltmore in 1996.

We rarely hear this carol, but it is indeed a treasure - I hope you enjoy it!

Keep A Song in Your Heart,

Janice

The Birth of Jesus: A Children's Christmas Play

It's that time of year again!

Please join Rev. Luz and all the rest of us this Sunday for the 2023 version of our annual YFM Christmas Pageant featuring Aurora Landry and special musician Jimmie Landry playing some tunes of the season.

I took these pictures of last year's pageant, and Google Photos created a cheery animation for you! Enjoy in joy and ...

Keep a Song in Your Heart,

Janice

This week, I'm offering a little more info about one of the songs, Fragile, from last Sunday's service, when we welcomed Arlene Prieto who helped us with emotions. Here is the original!

Sting wrote Fragile after the assassination of Salvadoran Archbishop Óscar Romero in 1980. He was struck by the tragedy of a man who had dedicated his life to helping others, only to lose his life in the process. Sting (who was the frontman, songwriter, and bassist for the UK band The Police) performed this at the 2016 Nobel Peace Prize concert.

At the core, the song expresses so poignantly the fragility of life and urges us to cherish every moment that we are given. It's become one of the most iconic and timeless songs worldwide as it reminds us of the interconnectedness of all people all over the globe. This poignant, almost hypnotic song urges us to remember that even though we may come from different backgrounds and have different beliefs and ideologies, we are all fragile human beings who are prone to making mistakes and experiencing pain.

As Unity is a worldwide institution, I'd like to take a moment to make a global musical connection and mention the Persian musician Farhad Besharati, who recorded this version of Fragile and dedicated it to Sting. Originally from Tehran, he was forced to flee Iran after the Islamic revolution forbade him to pursue his music. Farhad is a virtuoso Kanun (qanun) player known for fusing traditional Persian music with contemporary flair. The Kanun is a rare Persian instrument that is very difficult to play.

Click here for Farhad's dedication to Sting and notice that the Kanun looks very much like an autoharp, often used in Appalachian folk music, but sounds more like a cross between a mandolin and the Greek balalaika, with 78 strings and 30 notes. Please do enjoy!

Keep A Song in Your Heart,

Janice

You Are Invited!

Come on out for the first Christmas concert in the Valley! I'll be accompanying on piano, and Maddie Wurth is singing in this group. Join us for a lovely evening - you will likely see many familiar faces! Admission is free, and donations for all these hard-working musicians are most welcome!

A Jolly Holiday Concert

Monday, December 4th, 2023

7:00 pm

First Evangelical Presbyterian Church

2101 South Jefferson Street

Roanoke VA 24014

Oyaheya is one of those call-and-response congregation songs you can really sink your spirit into. Hearing you all sing it with me this past Sunday makes me so glad I decided to bring it out of the dusty COVID-19 storage bin this month!

Rickie Byars, the acclaimed and beloved singer-songwriter in New Thought/inspirational music and founder/director of the world-renowned Agape International Choir, wrote this song in 2000 with her then-husband, Michael Beckwith.

Oyaheya is a word Agape Durango describes as having been derived from the Ancient Ones of Mesa Verde. According to many sources, the word means "Praise the Spirit." The "Ancient Ones" are also called the Ancestral Pueblo people (formerly called the Anasazi) - a society comprised of some 26 tribes who built entire villages in the sides of cliffs in southwestern Colorado. Click here to explore more.

In case you may be unfamiliar with this musician, here is Rickie Byars singing her song live at Mile High Church, a New Thought church in Lakewood, Colorado.

And here is a wonderful recording of the song with all the verses! Listen to how engaging the call-response section is! The song can be found on her year 2000 CD entitled In the Land of I Am, which is a really wonderful CD! Check out the album here! Can't wait to sing this song again with you!

Interesting tidbit for all you West Wing fans out there - this song was used on the West Wing episode called "Undecideds."

REMINDER all you songbirds!

Come Sing With Us Thanksgiving Jamboree rehearsals start this week! It's not too late to join us!

Practice Sessions

Thursday, November 9th, 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm-ish @ URV Sanctuary
Thursday, November 16th, 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm-ish @ URV Sanctuary

Performance

Sunday, November 19th @ URV
Call time is 10:00 am for sound check

No experience is necessary and all are welcome! Please email me for the recordings and lyric sheets!

Remember, music is a kind of magic everyone can access - why deprive yourself of it? Plus! Have you noticed it's really not possible to be depressed when you're singing? Hope to see you there and meanwhile ...

Keep a Song in Your Heart,

Janice

A quick note of thanks to Azurae and the Redfeather Medicine Singers for a wonderful service last Sunday! I really enjoyed and appreciated working with them and thought I'd share my experience with you.

The group maintained a grounded vibe and were supportive of each other - nine women supporting each other ... so lovely to experience. Each performed in their own way with a heartfelt, authentic expression. The song and the message was always the most important thing and it was clear to me they loved their songs and were devoted to sharing them. From the moment they stepped into the church I experienced a peaceful harmony and focus on beauty, as was evident in their dress, and preparedness.

Thank you Azurae for setting the tone for an effective presentation and for sharing your singers and traditions with us!

Keep a Song in Your Heart, Janice

Magic is essentially the higher understanding of nature.

The Redfeather Medicine Singers with Azurae Windwalker will offer an American Indian Spiritual message and music at Unity of Roanoke Valley on Sunday, October 15th. It is a special Indigenous Peoples Day celebration. The Redfeather Medicine Singers have been together for nearly 20 years, singing and drumming at Local Colors, Women's Indigenous Drum Fests, Amethyst Center ceremonies, Churches, Schools, and Eco-friendly events. Their mission is to honor our Native American Ancestors and culture, bring personal and planetary healing, and promote uplifting Mother Earth to health.

The Redfeathers sing traditional Native language songs and modern spiritual Mother Earth themed music, many from Denean's album, Fire Prayer. Denean was a member of Unity of Nashville.

The group's founding members are Diane Elliott, Azurae Windwalker, Penny Best, Kris Powers, and Polly Branch. Our newer members are Gena Palmer, Rachael Cook, and Divya Womack. The Redfeather Medicine Singers are initiated members of the American Indigenous Women's Drum Society. The Redfeathers invite you to participate in singing and drumming along to their fun crowd favorites.

Connect with Azurae on her Facebook page, and click here to listen to one song from Sunday's program!

Keep a song in your heart,

Janice

The flute is one of the most mystical instruments that made a mark on many world cultures. Take Krishna and his legendary flute, or the meditative Iranian and Turkish 'Ney' that inspired the Sufi Rumi to reflect its spiritual message in the opening lines of his historical Masnawi, or the instrument played by the shepherds of Slavic Europe, expressing their innermost realm through it.

We've always included flute in our services here at URV for special music, especially for our special Christmas and Easter services. Menchu Rosal, writing for the website irishflutes.co.uk, beautifully summarizes the role of flutes in the global musical and spiritual landscape:

Flutes are deeply intertwined in various world cultures, symbolizing tranquility, harmony, and communication with the divine.
Traditional folk music relies on genre-specific tunings of flutes, creating authentic sonic textures and regional sounds.
Flutes play a pivotal role in shaping the essence of Classical music and skillfully elicit emotions in its listeners.
Flute improvisation is notable in jazz, contributing to the genre’s uniqueness and unpredictability.

Rumi was also a musician; his favorite instrument was the "ney" or the reed flute. The reed flute is manufactured by cutting a hollow reed to a specific length and cutting out holes. Rick Steves wrote that the hollow reed symbolizes the soul, empty of ego-centered desires and involvements, which becomes a flute filled with spiritual passion to return to its original closeness to God.

As Stephen Poplin gives his talk this Sunday about transformation and the soul's journey, we also welcome Jim Webb and Brandon Davis playing celtic flutes as part of our spiritual journey this week. Jim's transformation from classical flutist found him playing the flute and whistle in Roanoke Irish Sessions (musical evenings) and he is a founding member of the Celtic Knot ensemble in Waynesville NC. Brandon Davis is a uilleann and highland piper and has been playing pipes since the late 1980's across the US and in Ireland. For the last 13 years he has been hosting the local Irish music sessions in Roanoke VA and is a founding member of the Star City Céilí Band.

Join us on Sunday for some wonderful Celtic flute music, and I'll give this week's closing to Rumi:

Stay where you are inside such a pure, hollow note ...

Rumi

I thought I'd tell you a little about the cajón (pronounced in English as "kah-hoon") in case you've noticed a strange box-like percussion instrument during special music lately and have been wondering what it is.

Skip and Randy used the cajón earlier this month during their special music performance on August 27th, and Tammy and Velvet were accompanied by their cajón player Nancy last Sunday.

If you missed either of these services, check out the videos for August 27th and September 17th posted under Sunday Services on the Unity of Roanoke Valley website!

Cajón is the Spanish word for box, crate, or drawer box-shaped percussion instrument made from thin plywood. It's played by slapping the front or rear faces with the hands, fingers, brushes, mallets, or sticks. The cajón is believed to have originated in Peru when enslaved Africans, brought to Peru from Angola, began using fruit crates as percussion instruments. Displaced from their homeland, they substituted cod shipping crates for their native drums.

In Cuba, small dresser drawers were used for the same purpose. The instrument was refined and became an important part of Cuban and Peruvian music. Early usage of the Peruvian cajón was to accompany dances such as the tondero and, eventually, flamenco. Tapping knuckles on wooden tables may be considered a predecessor to the cajón. This instrument is steadily gaining popularity in all types of contemporary music and has become a favorite for "unplugged" sessions, and is often used to accompany the acoustic guitar.

For a further look into the origins and flavor of cajón, here is a small ensemble performing a Tondero in Buenos Aires last year. A Tondero is a Peruvian dance style and rhythm born in the north coast of Peru. Watch for the Peruvian dancer who comes in about 30 seconds into the performance.

What's exciting is that even though this is not considered a "sophisticated" instrument by any means, there are cajón festivals worldwide. As you will see in this video, the cajon's affordability and accessibility inspire people of all kinds to participate joyously in music who are not necessarily formally trained.

Keep a song in your heart, and keep moving!

Janice

Join us this Sunday, September 17th, when Tammy Mulkey and Velvet Moock gift us with three iconic songs on the topic of Dreams, and our very own Jeremy Johnson presents his talk on the function of imagination in dreaming beyond challenges to navigate change. We'd love to see you there!

I won't reveal the song titles here, but I pulled out a quote from each that might illustrate the day's theme. Each passage is from a different song that Tammy and Velvet will sing on Sunday. Maybe you can guess what song it is just from the lyrics!

"All alone in the universe

Sometimes that's how it seems

I get lost in the sadness and the screams

Then I look in the center

Suddenly everything's clear

I find myself in the sunshine and my dreams"

"Why not think about times to come

And not about the things that you've done

If your life was bad to you

Just think what tomorrow will do"

"Oh, my life is changing everyday

In every possible way

And oh, my dreams

It's never quite as it seems

Never quite as it seems."

Keep a song in your heart and keep dreaming!

~ Janice

Our Unity Ladies, Marjie, Stephanie, and Hannah, sang our featured song, Peace, this past Sunday.

Our newest singer was brave enough to jump in and sing even though she's only been attending for one month! During the pandemic in 2020, Hannah brought her lovely voice and husband, A.J., to Roanoke for a change of scenery. Thank you, ladies all, for working with me and for your gift of music!

Here is a beautiful version of this song written by Ed Cash. It's performed here by We the Kingdom from the Peace album, courtesy of Sparrow Records. You just might find yourself adding this to your regular playlist like I did!

Please email me directly at zingaramusic@gmail.com if you'd like to come sing a little with us!

As always, keep a song in your heart!

Janice

I have a special treat for you this week: the music of Denise Rosier!

A little back story: We welcomed Janet Langmeier this past Sunday, and her talk Maximizing Our Capacity for Joy uplifted so many of us. (If you missed our service, hop on to the Unity of Roanoke Valley website and click on Sunday Services at the top of the page - you'll find recorded services there!)

Before the service, Janet and I had an excellent collaborative conversation, and it really helped us both present a cohesive service for you. When she speaks at churches, Janet offers music recordings in case there is no music director. She was very excited to learn we had a live music guest booked for her talk - Barbara Martin.

The songs Janet shared with me are by Denise Rosier, an inspirational singer-songwriter who received the 2023 Grace Note Award from Unity Worldwide Ministries for lifetime achievement in positive and inspirational music. She shares my philosophy exactly, "Inspirational music shouldn't be tied down to a faith path. It should lift us up from the inside out."

To learn more about Denise, please visit her website at https://www.deniserosier.com

Here are the two songs Janet shared with me that she felt went along well with her talk - I hope you enjoy them as much as I did!

Spirit is In This Place

Joy in My Day

Little side note: many of you have asked me why we haven't featured recorded music in our services lately. It's a good question to answer here. When livestreaming and/or recording each week, copyright restrictions prevent our sound team from publishing our videos if we use pre-recorded music. But never fear, I'll try to share this kind of music here when it comes up.

Keep joy and a song in your heart this week.

Janice

This Sunday, August 20th, I am delighted to welcome singer-songwriter Barbara Martin back to URV for special music! Barbara has been a wonderful colleague over the years and a joy to work with. You are missing something special if you've not heard her sing and play her guitar! A Unity of Roanoke Valley favorite, she enchants us every time!

"Chanteuse, girl-next-door and perceptive poet all rolled into one; the Washington Post calls Barbara Martin’s music “… as American in style as it is universal in emotional intelligence.”

Her music solidly reflects the greats of traditional jazz, never forgets the blues, but relates to the world today. Based in the peaceful Shenandoah Valley, her skillful song crafting and solid guitar chops set her apart. Her performances seamlessly cross genres, reflecting her unique blend of styles."

Follow Barbara on Facebook!

Looking forward to seeing you there! And as always...

Keep a Song in Your Heart,

Janice

You are invited!

Our very own Maddie Wurth is starring as Nancy in Attic Production's OLIVER! The musical is being performed at the Geraldine Lawson Performing Arts Center in Fincastle. You are invited to come on out for any of the show dates:

August 17th-20th, 24th-27th, 31st & September 1st-3rd

Thursdays and Fridays @ 7:30 pm

Saturday and Sundays @ 2:30 pm

For tickets, call 540-473-1001 or visit their website for more information!

As always,

Keep a Song in Your Heart,

Janice

Hello, Everyone!

I hear from many of our invited speakers these days what a lovely-sounding congregation we have - and it's true! It's an absolute joy to lead you in song every Sunday; you sound wonderful all together!

Why not Come Sing with Us on Sunday, June 25th - it's Volunteer Appreciation Day! Come sing with us and volunteer yourself for a feel-good musical day while honoring our amazing volunteers!

Join us for 3 carefully selected songs that not only are so universally appealing as icons of contemporary culture that they practically sing themselves but are heartwarming and perfect for honoring all of our incredible volunteers. Tammy and Velvet and possibly some other musicians will be playing guitars and bass for us, and I promise, you don't have to be experienced or able to read music to join us!

Pop me an email at zingaramusic@gmail.com, and I'll send out an informational email that contains the song links and lyrics sheets you can practice with at home, along with the rehearsal times.

Practice sessions will be held in the Sanctuary on:

Thursday, June 15th, 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm-ish
Thursday, June 22nd, 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm-ish
Performance on Sunday, June 25th, during the service: Call time is 10:00 am for sound check.

Wear something purple if you can!

Thanks everyone! Sign up sheet will be on the Music Office door this Sunday - or, just email me.

As always,

Keep a Song in Your Heart,

Janice

Hello, Everyone!

I've had a barrage of emails requesting information about the Forgiveness song we played right after Rev. Linda's talk this past Sunday. Here it is!

Forgiveness by Matthew West

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1Lu5udXEZI

June is the Month of Singing! We are doing a Come Sing With Us service again on Volunteer Sunday, June 25th - all are welcome! Please save three Thursdays to meet at Unity and practice together from 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm. Remember to send me a note at zingaramusic@gmail.com to request more information and music. Put a brave foot forward and join us for some healing group singing! We had almost 15 singers for Easter, including 6 new people, and it was so much fun! Look for a sign up sheet on my door (door labeled MUSIC on the left as soon as you enter through the purple doors) or, just send me a note so I know to send you to songs!

SPECIAL REQUEST: If you sang with us on Easter and still have a black folder somewhere at home PLEASE BRING IT this Sunday so we can put the new music in. Music folders are kept in the upright file cabinet right inside the door next to my desk!

Thank you - and remember ...

Keep a song in your heart,

Janice

Hello, everyone!

I'm excited to tell you about our music-filled Easter program this year! Our guest speaker is the honorable Rev. Joe Cobb, who will be doing a little singing with a full stage of Unity Singers in addition to his talk. You don't want to miss this inspiring service that also features an original video from our own Bill Stanton. Come for breakfast at 9:00 am, and stay for the Easter egg hunt after the 11:00 am service!

I want to thank all our new singers who were inspired to join us for the first time - it is a wonderful group to work with and I've enjoyed it so much! If you're interested in singing with us next time, please contact me, we'll be gathering again soon!

I also want to thank our Board for all their work during this transitional time. We are all learning so much and helping each other feel supported through the process. A highlight of this week was receiving this lovely Easter candle which I've kept burning on my mantle each day this Holy week. See you Sunday!

Keep a Song in Your Heart,

Janice

It's Not Too Late!

Join us for a friendly song-and-bell gathering this Thursday from 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm. Don't waste a moment worrying or being nervous - come on out and add your energy to our music-minded group! We learn together, smile together, and we welcome you warmly as we prepare a wholehearted Easter service.

If you haven't dropped me a note at zingaramusic@gmail.com to let me know you're coming, go ahead and do that now. We're saving a seat for you!

Keep a song in your heart,

Janice

The Spookiest Christmas Carol

"Carol of the Bells" started as a 1904 Ukrainian folk chant named "Щедрик (Ščedrik)" that told of the coming New Year, which pre-Christian Ukraine celebrated in April.

Click here to listen to Katie Melua and the Gori Women's Choir performing the original 1914 Ukrainian Shchedryk (The Little Swallow).

It's absolutely ethereal. The Ukrainian lyrics describe a swallow flying into a household to sing of wealth that will come with the following spring.

Щедрик, щедрик, щедрівочка,

Прилетіла ластівочка,

Стала собі щебетати ...

Bountiful evening, bountiful evening, a New Year's carol;

A little swallow flew into the household

and started to twitter ...

The composer, Mykola Leontovych, was born in Ukraine into a family of Orthodox priests. His birthday was just last week, December 13th. His father, grandfather, and great-grandfather were village priests, but he broke with tradition and became a musician after completing seminary in 1899. Leontovych was not only a composer, choral conductor, and renowned teacher, but he was also a civic activist who supported Ukraine's political independence. He specialized in a cappella choral music, church music, and elaborately arranged folk music.

Leontovych's arrangement of Shchedryk (1916) demonstrates his style of layering the performance of a choral song through repetition and timing of segregated elements.

So how did this Ukrainian New Year's song about a bird, written by a graduate of the Russian Orthodox seminary in Kamianets-Podilskyi, become one of America's favorite Christmas carols?

Keep a Song in Your Heart,

Janice

In some versions, when Joseph witnesses the magical fruit tree bowing down, he apologizes for his rudeness immediately. In other versions, he continues to wrestle with his anger for some time, even accusing Mary of lying about her angel visitation, and he even dismisses an angel who later appears to reassure him of the miracle! Eventually, he can see beyond his anger and assumptions and humbly apologizes to Mary.

Here is The Cherry Tree Carol recorded by Sting as part of his 2009 "A Winter's Night Concert" at Durham Cathedral in England.

And here is Judy Collins' pristine and exquisite performance during her Christmas concert at the Biltmore in 1996.

We rarely hear this carol, but it is indeed a treasure - I hope you enjoy it!

Keep A Song in Your Heart,

Janice

Peace on Earth

Season’s greetings, everyone!

Like many musicians during the holiday season, I’ve played in quite a few different settings, both sacred and secular. While the focus is on sacred music in the church setting, I love looking for spiritual treasure amongst the musical tinsel.

Look with me for a minute at the Christmas carol I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day sometimes called, Peace on Earth. This carol is in the Unity hymnal and is a glittering gem in the cultural fabric of our country, but we rarely sing it. I think it illustrates a deep spiritual lesson for us all about transitioning through grief and the hope of peace.

The song's lyrics were based on the 1863 autobiographical poem Christmas Bells by American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Once set to music in 1872, this poem became the song we know today as I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day. The words do get rather grim but stay with me for a second because the backstory is where the golden treasure lies.

As the true story goes, several years before writing this poem, Longfellow's personal peace was shaken in 1861 when Fanny Appleton Longfellow, his second wife of 18 years, to whom he was very devoted, was fatally burned in an accidental fire.

Tragically, he tried to save her life by covering her with a small rug but, in his desperation, resorted to putting out the flames with his own body. Longfellow's hands were severely injured, so he missed her funeral, which was held on their 18th wedding anniversary.

A friend wrote of Longfellow's absence:

"I have not seen Longfellow. He has seen no one yet, out of his immediate family. I dread to think of him bereaved of Fanny: she was so perfect a companion of his daily existence and sharer of his glory ... God help them all. The world henceforth will be strangely changed for him."

The poet's journal entries on Christmas Day for the next two years expressed his profound sadness: "How inexplicably sad are all holidays," he wrote, and "A 'merry Christmas' say the children, but there is no more for me."

If that wasn't bad enough, the author's oldest son, Charles Appleton Longfellow, joined the Union Army several years later, but he didn't find out until after the fact. On March 14, 1863, Charles wrote his father from the battlefield: "I have tried hard to resist the temptation of going without your blessing ... but I feel it to be my first duty to do what I can for my country, and I would willingly lay down my life for it if it would be of any good."

Charles was severely wounded in the Battle of New Hope Church, Virginia. That year, a widower at only 57, Longfellow's journal remained blank on Christmas day. The bells of Christmas ringing over the battlefields filled him with despair as he watched his son's slow recovery. Verse three of the song describes the situation:

“And in despair I bowed my head./There is no ‘peace on earth’ I said./For hate is storm and mocks the song/of peace on earth, goodwill to men.”

It wasn’t until Christmas Eve the next year (1864) that Longfellow picked up his pen at long last and wrote the poem Christmas Bells on December 24th, thus gifting us with a miraculous demonstration of spiritual healing. As set to music in verse four:

“Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:/ ‘God is not dead nor does He sleep.’/The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,/with peace on earth, goodwill to men” and the carol concludes with the bells carrying renewed hope for peace among us.

Here is a wonderful live performance by Casting Crowns, as seen in a 2008 TBN special. The song can also be found on their Christmas album, Peace On Earth.

I know the Civil War seems like a remote event in history. Still, the fact remains that despite all our technological advancements seemingly designed to bring people together more easily, we are still singing about the hope for peace among humans. Indeed, the inspirational and spiritual lesson in this carol story is relevant now more than ever.

Keep a Song of Peace in Your Heart,

Janice

I've always started the Advent season with It Came Upon the Midnight Clear because I feel the lilting, contemplative melody gently eases us into the Christmas season. But as I studied the text more closely, I was astonished to learn that the historical context for this carol makes it particularly poignant and relevant right now.

Unitarian minister and Harvard Divinity School graduate Edmund H. Sears wrote the poem for this carol, first published in Monthly Religious Magazine in the mid-19th century.

It was later joined with the original tune by Richard Storrs Willis (1819-1900) and published in The United Methodist Hymnal in 1878, where it can be found today as hymn No. 218.

Although Sears considered himself a preacher of "The Divinity of Christ," it is one of the few Christmas carols that doesn't mention the birth of Christ.

Instead, the focus of this carol is on the song of the angels: "Peace on the earth, goodwill to men" (taken from Luke 2:14).

This carol is considered by many to be one of the earliest social gospel hymns to appear in the U.S. Sears wrote his original poem in response to the social strife that plagued the country as the Civil War approached. We don't often sing stanzas two or three, but the words get heavy as he describes the bleak situation.

For example, stanza three begins, "Beneath life's crushing load, whose forms are bending low, Who toil along the climbing way with painful steps and slow ..." The second half of this stanza offers hope that the song of the "blessed angels" who "bend on hovering wings" would soothe the "Babel sounds" of a suffering world ..."

Listen to It Came Upon the Midnight Clear

As Dr. Michael Hawn, professor of Sacred Music at Perkins School of Divinity at Southern Methodist University, wrote in a June 2013 post on the Discipleship Ministries site:

"It is right that we should joyfully sing Hark! The Herald Angels Sing and Joy to the World each Christmas season. But always, there are moments when we realize the message of peace has not yet been fully realized on earth. Then we sing It Came Upon the Midnight Clear, and the power of the Incarnation and the message of the gospel touch us even more deeply."

Keep a Song of Hope in Your Heart,

Janice

Greetings All and a Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving!

My Thanksgiving greetings to you include a giant THANK YOU to everyone who participated in our Come Sing With Us Thanksgiving service this past Sunday!! We all thoroughly enjoyed it, and the sound was a WOW as the congregation joined in! So many of you mentioned that the music helped you feel ready for the gratitude of the season.

In case you missed it, you can view the Livestream or, just click on the links below to hear the songs we sang together. Cody got us set up and Tammy Mulkey and Velvet Moock led the singers as they sat in a semi-circle, campfire style. Singing with guitar and bass was a real treat!! If you couldn't join us this time, join us next time - watch for the next announcement in eNews and Facebook! All you need to do then is email me at zingaramusic@gmail.com - no one is excluded who lets me know they'd like to join us!

The way Come Sing With Us works, once you contact me, you receive a welcome note with lyric sheets and YouTube videos of the songs so you can learn on your own time at home. We offered two gathering times to sing through the songs together - they were easy to pick up because they were repetitive and catchy. Our singers added their own harmonies, just like we tend to do while singing to music in the car. There is absolutely no shame in learning music by ear, it's how most of the world does it - even in remote cultures where the music is incredibly complex!

The message of the songs is clear in the lyrics, and many of you commented that you felt it fit Unity. It's not to say we won't ever have the more classical and traditional four-part choral ensemble again - I hope we will - but Spirit is calling us to grow through this transition time. I feel that one of the best things we can do to help weather the uncertainty is to just relax into it and sing together. It's very difficult to feel depressed or anxious while singing. If you call to mind those magical campfire sings we've all experienced, you'll remember that singing together provokes a special bond. So Come Sing With Us next time, and bring a friend! You may find yourself experiencing Unity more deeply!

Here are the songs (see below). I hope they'll help adorn your Thanksgiving table, whatever it looks like, with smiles of gladness and gratitude.

Thanksgiving Song

Mary Chapin Carpenter

Click here to listen!

Thanksgiving Song

Ben Rector

Click here to listen!

**Stay tuned this week for our first Advent service when Marian McConnell gifts us with her beautiful music and stories on the topics of FAITH and HOPE.

Keep a Song in Your Heart,

Janice

So many people wanted the lyrics to our Offertory song this past Sunday; here they are! Sorry, there's no recording, but you could follow along on the live stream!

Janice

Come Sing With Us!

So many of you enjoy the guest musicians we have at Unity each week, but have you ever found yourself wishing you were up there on the platform too? There's no reason why you shouldn't be! I'm excited to invite you to be a part of our Thanksgiving "Come Sing With Us" service on November 20th at 11:00 am - we've got some fantastic music planned!

For Special Music that day, we will be singing two popular, current-day songs by various artists with the same title, Thanksgiving Song. We will be accompanied by our very own Velvet and Tammy on guitars. These are lovely, feel-good songs with a blessed message, are easy to learn, and super fun to sing as a group. Join us! There's nothing to fear, you don't have to wear anything special, and I promise, you don't need to read music!

If this sounds interesting to you, please email me right now before you lose your nerve at zingaramusic@gmail.com. I will send you a friendly welcome note with everything you'll need to participate, including the lyric sheets and video recordings of the songs. All you have to do is listen to the songs at home on your own time and plan to attend our two rehearsal gatherings!

I am providing two rehearsals with Tammy and Velvet playing guitars - Thursday, November 17th at 5:00 pm and Saturday, November 19th at 10:30 am - both at Unity of Roanoke Valley. If you've never had a chance to sing with skilled guitar players, THIS IS YOUR CHANCE - it is SO MUCH FUN. It's a short rehearsal just to run through the songs, make sure everyone is comfortable and pull everything together.

Go ahead and contact me even if you just are curious about the songs or even if you think you have scheduling issues. Send me an email anyway - we can work something out! As always, I am available after this week's Sunday service to talk to you as well.

No worries, there is no obligation to participate (but we wish you would), and there is no limit on the number of people who can participate. I hope you will be brave and join Tammy, Velvet, and me, 'cause we want you to ... Come Sing With Us!!!

Keep a Song In Your Heart,

Janice

Greetings and Happy Mother's Day this Sunday, May 8th!

I've been busy researching the music for our Mother's Day service this Sunday, May 8th, and it's been quite a journey. There is quite a lot of music on this topic, and I had a hard time choosing just one or two, so I created a unique Unity eNews Youtube playlist, especially for us!

Just click on this link, and one right after another, you can listen to 10 amazing songs that I selected about the Mother for your listening pleasure. These songs can be enjoyed in meditation, while washing the dishes, or just in a pensive moment. At Unity, we are always being encouraged to look at things through our metaphysical eyes, and I think these are all songs that lift the mother archetype frequency to a higher level. I think we all have a connection to the Mother, but through the use of tones, instrumentation, voice, and lyrics, some of these songs can transcend the human aspects and create an auditory bridge to the mystical. Music like this, I think, is most definitely food for the soul.

I'll end it here today by sharing one of my favorite descriptions of the Mother - it's written by Caroline Myss:

The Mother is the life-giver, the source of nurturing and nourishment, an unconditional fountain of love, patience, devotion, caring, and unselfish acts. This archetype is the keeper and protector of life, from children to the family to the greater Mother Nature archetype whose province is the Earth and all life. Mother Nature, also known as Gaia, is the Goddess of Life, the caretaker of the living environment of this planet. - Caroline Myss

If there is a woman who has greatly helped you on your spiritual journey, take this day to thank her! And remember ...

Keep a Song in Your Heart,

Janice

Greetings everyone! A giant thank you to all the fantastic musical participants of our Easter Service this past Sunday. Your time and talents made this Easter an extraordinary one indeed! You might have seen some new faces on stage - since I forgot to introduce the groups on Sunday, here they are now:

Unity Ringers (in order from left to right from where they were standing on stage)

Martha Perez

Chelsea Ashe (Chris Camper's daughter)

Maddie Wurth

Pat Eby

Bill Sapp

Chris Camper (Thank you to Chris for leading the traditional chiming of the hour!)

Unity Voices

Stephanie Robinson

Chris Camper

Marjie Ratliff

Pat Eby

Celia McCormick

Paul Blaiklock

Hampton Kier

Johnny Couch

Dawn Jacobs (Special thanks to Dawn for joining us on Palm Sunday!)

It was remarkable that these groups were able to perform together - it has been six years since the bells have been together on Easter and three years for the singers. To celebrate, we had a lovely lunch together following our dress rehearsal. Special thanks to Rev. Rick for making that possible; it was a welcome treat for us after all the years apart!

Some of you also missed our beloved flutist Rebecca Meisel (now Wilson), who usually plays for us on special service days. Unfortunately, she's been having some back problems lately and could not join us this year.

Quick note: many of you asked about the special music after the talk entitled You Raise Me Up performed by the BYU all-male group called Vocal Pointe. Here is the video Diane Strickland referenced!

I'll be taking this coming Sunday off and taking some much-needed time away from church matters this week, so thank you in advance to Jimmie Landry, who will be playing the service on April 24th in my absence. We also welcome Faye Cooley on the crystal bowls for meditation that day. We are so lucky to have so many talented members here at Unity of Roanoke Valley. Please do join us!

Keep A Song in Your Heart,

Janice

I've really enjoyed singing a cappella with you as a group before our meditation this month! We've been singing Morning Prayer: I Will Surrender by Karen Drucker. Sue Frankel shared it with me several years ago, and I really fell in love with it not only for the beautiful mantra-like, repetitious melody but for the message itself.

Listen to the song here. It's a wonderful one to add to your meditation playlist ... a sublime musical prayer to begin your day.

Many of you have heard the term a cappella here and there - it's simply an Italian term translated as "as in the church" used to denote singing without the accompaniment of instruments. So when I sing a song a cappella with you, I purposely don't play the piano. I know it may feel strange at first, but the experience of singing without an instrument is as old as humanity itself. People were singing together even before the emergence of language through the use of vocables (for ex. fa, la, la).

Singing is still the most primal of group activities in other countries, but I think here in the US, group singing is not generally encouraged. It's kind of maddening actually. Think about it, where else do we sing in a group besides church? (And I'm not counting singing Happy Birthday to the table next to you at Texas Roadhouse.) We might, every once in a blue moon, sing around the fire while shrouded in the anonymity of the deep dark of night, only to find we just remember snippets of melodies from long ago. I think it's come to a point now where only the upholstery in our cars experiences our vocal offerings!

It is a profoundly sacred and unifying experience to sing together without accompaniment. It's a dance with breath and silence - two of the most primal elements around. The secret to the unifying element is the ability to maintain the same key of the song for the duration of the song without the aid of an instrument.

It took me many years of teaching to be able to do this myself, but there's no secret to it. It's just plain muscle memory - I promise you everyone can learn it to some degree, including the youngest of children. The body remembers the pitch kinesthetically, just like the body remembers how to ride a bike or hold a fork. And like anything else, the more you do it, the better you are at it.

Singing without the comfort of loud instruments backing you up can leave you feeling quite exposed - believe me, I know some of you may have felt that way! However, once you get over that initial feeling of vulnerability, you can begin to relax into the unique experience of hearing your voice amongst others.

Experiencing your voice simultaneously in the midst of the whole allows you to experiment with placing your attention on the blending, the melding, the adjusting it takes to create something larger than yourself.

It's so exciting when a group sound is developed, and we at Unity of Roanoke Valley do indeed have a beautiful and unique sound when we sing together! It can be a visceral sense of UNITY, of being part of a whole, which is what we're all about, after all!

So, as Spring approaches, let's keep singing together! And while you're at it, join us for the service next week when our guest musicians perform lovely duet arrangements of How Can I Keep from Singing and Down To The River To Pray.

As always,

Keep A Song in Your Heart,

Janice