Music Notes From the Director of Music

Dr. Henry Sgrecci  

February 12, 2012

This Sunday's service is complimented with wonderful piano music from Barbara Wing. Felix Mendelssohn composed eight volumes of Lieder Ohne Worte, "Songs Without Words." The piano had become a fixture in many nineteenth century European households and because Mendelssohn's piano "songs" were accessible to pianists of varying degrees of ability, they became extremely popular. The rolling arpeggios and pleasing melody will no doubt be familiar to many.  American composer William Bolcom was awarded the 1998 Pulitzer Prize in music for his "Twelve Etudes" for Piano. His Graceful Ghost Rag is not only a delightfully full-textured work of contrasting moods, but is also one of the few works to have had a steam boat named after it (docked in Jefferson, Texas). Mendelssohn's Duetto, composed in 1836, is another work from his "Songs Without Words." Its title makes reference to the two melodies within the work, which represent two singers in dialogue with each other. He composed the work soon after meeting his wife. The Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg was known as a champion of his country's music. He drew inspiration not only from the beloved folk tunes of his country, but also from images of the picturesque countryside. His work, To Spring, creates images of birds rejoicing in the glories of a sunny, verdant day.

Special thanks to pianist, Barbara Wing, and the enchanting music she has provided during this Sunday's service. Cedar Lane Choir members are grateful for Barbara's assistance as they have traveled to Paint Branch Unitarian Universalist Church to sing in that church's morning service.          

You won't want to miss the fabulous "Christylez" concert coming up on Saturday, February 18, at 7:30 PM. Christylez (pronounced Chris-styles) is a Grammy nominated Hip Hop artist who was born and raised in Southeast, Washington, DC. He combines the African djimbe drum, the guitar, spoons, and his own "human beat box" to foster the art of storytelling through song. Having sung at the Smithsonian Folklore Festival, the Kennedy Center, and the National Cathedral, Christylez is a not only a leading proponent of multi cultural relations, but also one who can touch the very young and the very young at heart (who may happen to have silver hair). Admission is free,so gather up the kids and grand kids and get here early to find a seat for the one and only "Christylez."

Calendar

Please visit the church calendar here. 

Environmental Task Force    

On Valentine's Day   

Tip #1: Choose responsible blooms.

Conventional flowers can have 50 times more pesticides on them than is legal to have on food. That's just one reason to go with organic flowers, which are grown without pesticides. Look for the VeriFlora seal or go to OrganicBouquet.com, a carbon-neutral company that not only sells pesticide-free flowers but also gives their workers in underdeveloped countries zero-interest loans, healthcare, and education...

 Click here to continue and for more updated Green Tips!

Beyond the Church

Around the Church

Plan to attend Cedar Lane's Passport to Adventure Auction on Saturday evening, March 24.  Donations to are now being accepted (online or with paper.)  Bids are now being accepted online for a week at Jane Barton's Sea Colony cottage (at Bethany Beach) during Montgomery County Schools spring break April 4-8. The bidding will close on Feb. 24th and the winner will be announced on Feb. 26th. For more information, please stop by the auction table in the lounge on Sunday or go to www.cedarlane.org. 

LAST CALL:  Interested in heading Cedar Lane's Seder this year?

Currently we do not have anyone to organize and run the event and will not be able to host the dinner if no one steps forward. The RE department will be able to contribute up to $200 towards the event. If anyone is passionate about having and a church-wide Seder this year as we have done in the past and are willing to organize the event, please contact Sara Davidson at sdavidson@cedarlane.org.

In This Together from CLARITY*  

Currently CLUUC offers these small groups:  connection circles, dinner discussion groups, and several support groups (p-flag, aging, l  iving with cancer, and living with mental illness).  Affinity groups, sponsored by the Membership Services Committee (MSC), are now another option.  They form around common interests or background.  Examples are Buddhist practice and study, Jewish ethnicity, LGBT, or being a young adult; these are sometimes called identity groups.  Others might form around an activity like going to the theater or biking.  They are self-organizing, self-directed, self-funded if funds are required, and on-going.  

Join.  If you would like to join one of these groups (currently in the forming stage) send an email to the contact person or give them a call.

Create.  If you are interested in forming a new group or have questions please write to Cedar Lane's membership coordinator, Andy Streich, astreich@cedarlane.org.  Affinity groups have no fees and can use church facilities for meetings.  Your group must have a contact person and be responsible for communicating with its members.  Andy will periodically publish affinity group information in the newsletter so the congregation is aware of what is available and how to get involved.  He may also be able to help with other ways of attracting like-minded people to your group.  Our intention is to be as flexible as possible as we launch groups and adjust as we learn how best to support them.