Deliver Us Concert Review

This last weekend has been busy and amazing! The long awaited Deliver Us Concert was Friday and Saturday night. I had heard how amazing this concert would be, and it lived up to it's hype. To make the moment even sweeter, it was my youngest son's first concert. He loved performing. And he was so proud to be like his dad and brothers. 

Some of my personal favorites were the opening number Deliver Us, Build An Ark, Dry Bones, When you Believe, and a beautiful arrangement of Come, Come Ye Saints by Brett Stewart. Really every song was wonderfully done. And my favorite favorite was Felix Mendelssohn's Elijah. John Huntington portrayed him in their oratorio. He was the absolute star of the show!!! 

The opening song was strong and powerful. I especially loved the orchestra part. Music and text was by Stephen Schwartz and it was arranged my Brett Stewart. I was moved to tears. I don't think I reflect as much as I should on the hardship of being a slave in Egypt. The song was filled with emotion and I was better able to imagine what a trial that might be. I know they were slaves but this piece made it come alive for me. I know our dear Jewish friends spend time during Passover reflecting the four ways this night is different from other nights. I think the people of Moses' day appreciate when we remember them, their sacrifice, and their faith. The solos were touching and sweet. I also thought about the heart ache it must have been to have your new baby killed just to make a people less strong. My heart breaks for those sweet families. I know if my sweet daughter had been born during that time I would have been crushed. I am so thankful for the plan of happiness and the hope it brings.

 The Build An Ark song sounded like a heavenly choir. Gandalf sings in the children's choir and my heart swelled when I saw him. He was up there singing his heart out. He loves the music. And even though it can be hard for him to focus having Asperger's he is thriving in this program. I think they do a great job with being understanding yet firm. He rises to the occasion. I could tell he especially loved singing in the oratorio Elijah. He was watching Professor Stewart and singing his heart out. I love how this program is building his confidence, increasing his testimony, and nurturing his love for good music. 

Yoda and Draco sang Dry Bones. I posted a picture from the Friday concert and had heard from others that there was a 'dry bones dance'. I don't know how I missed that. I made the boys show me Saturday morning. Yoda danced and told me, "Do you see how I am not hitting anyone with my elbows??" He was so proud of himself. 

The dance was SO adorable Saturday night! I couldn't take my eyes off of Yoda! He did so great! Singing, watching Professor Stewart, dancing, and following directions. I am so proud of him!!!

Draco did great too. But I did notice a furrowed brow. Apparently he was looking for me.

I love that my boys could sing in this wonderful concert hall. 

Friday night I dropped the boys off for their call time. Baby girl and I waited to see dad. He left early for work that morning and would be home when she was already asleep. I saw him before she did and snapped some pictures when she saw him coming. She loves him so much.

I had to come back Friday night to give Draco his insulin for dinner so we stayed in the area. Baby girl wanted to see the temple. It was wonderful to spend and hour and a half walking the grounds and visiting the Visitors Center. She loves the statue of Jesus Christ. I love how much she loves temples. This is the temple where her great grandparents were married many years ago. It is dear to our family. 

(Have I mentioned she is getting stronger and standing more. And we are even getting steps in there!!!)

Those of you in California, this concert is a must see!!! You will be blown away with the Oratorio. John Huntington is perfect for this performance!!! Seeing him and hearing this powerful music stirs your soul. It is amazing how music can create such a feeling, an emotion. I'm sure Elijah was happy with his performance. I found out that the same year Felix felt inspired to write this piece was the same year we believe Elijah visited Joseph Smith in the Kirkland Temple and restored the sealing power on the earth fulfilling the prophecy in Malachi, 

 All the soloists were lovely. I love the movement and emotion from the choir. Their portrayal of the children of Israel was powerful. I feel like I can't even explain how amazing this performance was. You will just have to see it for yourself.

Some of our friends in Orange County miss watching my husband. He really gets into it. It's why he's in the front. That, and because he is handsome. (They call them the money beets) He told me some of the sopranos he didn't know had to come tell him how much they enjoy watching him from across the hall. That was so sweet of them. I know I really missed seeing the youth I love so dearly perform. I wish I could be there next Wednesday! And my amazing friend Alex who plays the bassoon! I missed spotting her in the orchestra. But those of you who love watching Grady will forget all about him when you see John perform!

Grady was kind enough to share his favorite part of the concert.

One of the most moving parts for me as a singer, is when Elijah is pleading for God to send us rain again. As he asks God to "look down on us from Heaven... and send us relief." As a choir we echo his prayer and sweetly sing, "open the Heavens and send us relief! Help, help thy servant now, O God!'

I think of our Prophet today, as he prays for us and how we can help us feel the relief the Atonement brings.

Then as the song gets more distressing, we sorrow even more and mourn, "help, send thy servant help, O God!" As I read of the illness and medical needs of Elder Perry and Elder Scott, I could not help but say that same prayer in earnest for their welfare and well being. Singing in "Deliver Us" has helped be better understand and better love the Prophets and Apostles in their divine mission.

This is a concert you don't want to miss!! Go see it this Wednesday. 

Deliver Us

Buy Tickets Here

 

 

This is my little Yoda. I love this boy. He has the biggest heart. He adores his baby sister and wants to do everything like his big brothers. He is so excited to finally be in choir with his brothers and dad. He loves singing and he loves Professor Stewart. I love hearing him sing in his room when he is playing. I love that he is learning about good music and developing a joy for singing. I love that he is around teachers who are passionate about music. And about teaching good music to children.

 

If you are in Southern California, Utah, Dallas Texas or Mesa, Arizona you need to attend a concert. The concert in Arizona is on the 24th and 25th of April. And it will be Yoda's first concert.A couple of weeks ago was attire check. I had a couple minutes to snap pictures at school before we went to practice. Yoda looks so grown up. He loved wearing his choir clothes. He told me he sang very well at practice that day.

 

My husband is also in the choir. The music sounds amazing. I love hearing him practice! This concert will have music featuring the composer Felix Mendelssohn. This concert is built around the idea that following prophets helps us draw closer to God.  And God helps to deliver us from both physical and spiritual bondage. Music for this concert will focus on  Noah, Moses, Ezekiel and finish with Elijah. "It will be visually stunning and musically powerful." according to my handsome husband.

 

 

 

If my husband's description of our concert doesn't make you wanna buy tickets check out these words from Professor Stewart below. I am even more excited for this upcoming concert. I think I want to read and study Elijah before hand.

5 Reasons Why You Need To Get Your Tickets NOW:

 

For months you have been hearing (or reading) us go on about the power and life-changing impact of the upcoming concert, "Deliver Us!"  So what's so great about it?

 

1. For starters, the hair-raising music from the film The Prince of Egypt, including "Deliver Us" and "When you Believe."  It will lift you out of your seat. 

 

2. Do you remember what MCO has done to well-known hymns and anthems like "How Great Thou Art?"  Well, prepare to be marveled by a brand new monumental arrangement of "Come, Come Ye Saints" for combined choirs and symphony orchestra. 

 

3. And how could those kids get any cuter after the tear-jerking "Snowflake" song at Christmas time?  Well, just wait until you see them perform "Ezekiel's Dry Bones!" and "Sing a Rainbow," and "Build an Ark!" 

 

4. Oh, and if you haven't guessed already, there is a big story about Elijah in there somewhere too. And fire descending from the ceiling.  And costumes.  And music and acting that will leave you speechless.  This is one of the greatest stories and pieces of music in the history of the world. 

 

5. Youth Group Ticket Rates?  YES!  We are offering youth group rates (majorly discounted at only $12/person) for organized youth groups to attend at our 5:00 p.m. concert.  Read the advertisement and spread the word!  It's super easy - the leader of the youth group needs to contact Kerinda Van Wagoner at info@ocmco.org to gain approval and receive the youth group code. 

 

Folks - this will be one of the "EPIC" events in MCO's history.  You, your friends, your neighbors, and your entire extended and extra-extended families will sorely regret missing it.  SO DON'T!!!

 

I am so excited that all three of my boys will be in this concert. I can't wait!!!

 

 

Here are my two youngest boys. (Yes we have already fixed Draco's belt by adding another hole.) My oldest may not have wanted to get in these pictures. I am so thankful for this amazing music program that has blessed my family so much. Check out their concerts. I promise you will love it!

 

 

Concert Information

 

Arizona

April 24th and 25th

 

California

April 29th

 

Dallas

March 27th

 

Utah

April 28th

 

 

Also CD's are available for purchase.

 

 

That Easter Morn

 

This is an amazing CD that is perfect for this time of year.

 

 

 

Some of these items are affiliated links. You are welcomed to buy from anywhere. But I don't mind if you buy them from here. I only share items I really like or use. Thanks for your support!

 

 

Favorite Things

I wanted to share a few of my favorite things today. It's always nice to share things that make us happy. The lesson in my women's church group was about sharing the gospel from this talk. She started by explaining we share things because we love others and we love sharing things we love. She then shared some delicious chocolate treats. I love how she likened sharing the gospel with other things she loves. It was a yummy object lesson.

1. Hydro Flask Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle 
 

When we first decided to move from beautiful Orange County to Arizona my dear friend Karen told me about these water bottles. We ordered two and I LOVE them!!! I was sold when she told me she went on a hike and accidentally left one in the car. They came back hours later and it was still ice cold.

These water bottles are a life saver in Arizona. They don't have condensation on the sides so they are great for everything. They don't leave water marks. They don't get water on your projects or phone. We ordered the wide mouth lid which is super handy. And they are easy to clean. The only thing to watch out for is if your absentmindedly throw it in your purse. The wide mouth lid isn't double insulated so there is some condensation there. I just make sure it have it upright in my purse and the problem is solved. This will be perfect for when I am pregnant again and wake up at 3:00 am wanting ice cold water. Where ever you are I am sure you will love this water bottle. I'm sure glad Karen told me about them!



2. Spotify Web Player

My hubby shared this treasure with me. On your computer you can create playlists from tons of music. And it's FREE!

I love that I can build playlists of what I want to listen to. And I can make sure every song is appropriate for my kids to hear. It's been fun to see what songs and bands they like. ( The ending song from Big Hero 6 is currently their favorite right now) I probably listen to my Musical Playlist the most these days, though I still need to remove Lovely Ladies. Sometimes we will play a game where we guess what musical it comes from. A little tricky since Julie Andrews sings in a couple of them.

And it gets better. They have an app and you can listen from it for free as well. You choose the playlist and it has to be in shuffle mode. There is a Premium service with a fee that gives you perks where you can listen without shuffle mode. I love this app, but I have to make sure I use it where I have free internet access so I don't overuse my data.

Listening to Spofity makes cleaning my house and sewing more fun! Life is better with music.



3. Younique Mascara

This is my favorite mascara ever!!! Seriously! My cousin sells it and I bought some last fall. It is the best! My eyelashes are dark which is nice but they aren't long.  I dream of longer lashes!!! It makes the biggest difference. I love using this mascara on the days I wear make up. It makes my lashes look thicker and longer. And right now I have a girlfriends who is having a party. All the funds raised are going to help her with her medical expenses. It's only $30. So pretty much your eyelashes will look amazing and you get to help an amazing person. It's a win-win!




4. Brooklyn Nine Nine

It's my favorite new show. Okay, it isn't that new. We started watching it in 2013. My husband heard about it (Gosh I am so thankful for him!). Who doesn't love Andy Sandberg? Of course we had to give his show a try. We instantly loved it. The characters are hilarious and lovable! It's not unusual to laugh our loud while watching this show. It's also available on Hulu. If you haven't already you should check this show out. Especially now that Parks & Rec is over!!! :(




5. Percy Jackson and the Overdrive app

Gandalf read these books years ago. I meant to read them as well, but time gets away. We decided to plan a Percy Jackson birthday party for Gandalf so I knew I need to read these books to prepare. Last weekend we listened to the audio book. The reader did an AMAZING job. These books are so clever and funny. Draco was cracking up in the back seat. (He wanted me to read it to him so the audio book was perfect!) We are planning to watch the movie soon. I am really looking forward to the rest of these books. I know Yoda and baby girl will love them as well when they get older. So if you, like me, haven't gotten around it, do it! You'll be glad you did.

One of my many friends named Julie told me about the Overdrive app. It connects to your local library with your library card number. I love having access to wonderful audio books. Instead of having your kids watch TV have them listen to a great book. I can only read about 1 chapter out loud at a time. I love putting down legoes or getting out coloring books and having my kids listen to books. Or even follow along if you have a copy. There are so many wonderful books that we need to read.

What are your favorite things these days?


Some of these items are affiliated links. You are welcomed to buy from anywhere. But I don't mind if you buy them from here. I only share items I really like or use. Thanks for your support!