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About This Author
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La Bene Vita
I am a professional musician  , worship leader , small business owner , songwriter , aspiring author and freelance nonfiction writer with a chemical engineering degree .
But that's just my resume.
My profile of qualifications is only one of the ways in which I am unique. Here I chronicle my personal and professional goals and my efforts to achieve them. Occasionally I fail. Mostly, I take daily baby steps toward all my long-term goals. Much like the stories I pen, the songs I compose, and the businesses I run, I am always a work in progress.
December 19, 2014 at 9:50am December 19, 2014 at 9:50am
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This one is my gift to all of you.  The song was originally by sung Judy Garland in "Meet Me in St. Louie". Whenever I sing a Christmas set list, I close with this song, featuring simple solo vocals and acoustic guitar.
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Let your heart be light
From now on, our troubles will be out of sight
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Make the yuletide gay
From now on, our troubles will be far away
Here we are, as in olden days
Happy golden days of yore
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us once more
Through the years we all will be together
If the fates allow
Hang a shining star upon the highest bow
And have yourself a merry little Christmas now
Enjoy.
Cheers,
Michelle
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December 19, 2014 at 9:47am December 19, 2014 at 9:47am
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This is a simple arrangement of Rudolph played on a lead guitar, an acoustic guitar, and some quiet percussion. But the best part of the song is the extra verse at the end, where the reindeer actually apologize to poor Rudy.
Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer
Had a very shiny nose
And if you ever saw it
You would even say it glows
All of the other reindeer
Used to laugh and call him names
They never let poor Rudolph
Join in any reindeer games
Then one foggy Christmas eve
Santa came to say:
"Rudolph with your nose so bright
Won't you guide my sleigh tonight?"
Then how the reindeer loved him
As they shouted out with glee
"Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer
you'll go down in history."
Well Rudolph he didn't go for that
He said "I see through your silly games"
How could you look me in the face
When only yesterday you called me names?
Well all of the other reindeers, man,
well they sure did feel ashamed,
"Rudolph you know we're sorry,
we're truly gonna try to change."
Enjoy:
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December 19, 2014 at 9:40am December 19, 2014 at 9:40am
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Chick rock! This three-sister band is awesome to watch at a live concert, because they rotate instruments and all play everything with equal proficiency. They use a lot of synthesizer to create the orchestral sound in addition to the drums, driving rock guitar, bass, and amazing vocal harmonies. I love how the piece alternates from calm to crazy and back to calm, such as the riffs at 1:34, 1:55, etc. They're queens of incredible harmonies, like the floating descant at 2:00 and the rich alto at 2:37. Then there's a gorgeous delicate section starting around 3:23 that kicks back in with a crescendo and steady quarter-beat fill on the floor tom around 3:35.
O Holy Night
O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Savior's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appear'd and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! O, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born,
Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother,
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever,
His power and glory evermore proclaim.
Fall on your knees! O, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born,
O night divine, O night, Oh night Divine.
Enjoy:
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December 17, 2014 at 2:48pm December 17, 2014 at 2:48pm
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Continuing the "Hallelujah" theme from yesterday is "A Hallelujah Christmas" by the band Cloverton. This piece is a Christmas arrangement of the classic Leonard Cohen "Hallelujah" best known by the younger generations thanks to the Shrek movie. It features peaceful, soothing piano, electric guitar, cello, and a variety of percussion instruments: bells, timpani, and chimes.
Be captivated. Get chills when the audience joins in. It's breathtaking. 
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December 17, 2014 at 10:29am December 17, 2014 at 10:29am
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The Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah is one of the most well-known and beloved orchestral pieces among fans of classical music. If you ever have the opportunity to see a live performance of the Messiah, know that it's traditional for the audience to stand during the Hallelujah Chorus. The entire work is equally suited to Christmas and Easter.
It's also one of the most fun pieces a choir can sing, because of how the melody passes from part to part, and how everyone gets equal moments to shine, even the altos!  Not to mention how uplifting and inspirational the piece is.
Some traditionalists dislike the Soulful Celebration arrangement of this piece because "you can't mess with perfection" and blah blah blah. Yes, the original sounds like angels singing. But you can't tell me that the additions of trumpets, organ, drums, guitar, bass, and a hand-clappin' gospel choir featuring syncopated rhythms adds nothing to the piece. I my opinion, it breaths new life into an old classic. I've included the original below for comparison. In the original, notice the rustling sound of the audience standing as they recognize the introduction to the piece.
Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah!
For the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth!
The kingdom of this world is become
The Kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ
And He shall reign for ever and ever!
King of Kings, for ever and ever
And Lord of Lords, Hallelujah Hallelujah
For comparison, here is the original Hallelujah Chorus by G. F. Handel:
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December 15, 2014 at 7:26am December 15, 2014 at 7:26am
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What would a "12 Days of "Christmas"" [E] celebration be without "12 Days" by Straight No Chaser? This men's a capella group features witty twists on classic songs, bad choreography, amazing harmonies and gorgeous vocal tone. Watch for cameos of the following songs:
"Santa Claus is Coming to Town"
"Deck the Halls"
"The Boar's Head Carol"
"Carol of the Bells"
"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"
"I Have a Little Dreidel",
...and "Africa" by Toto!
Here's a snippet of the hilarious "Africa" lyrics:
Nine ladies dancing, they were dancing for me
Eight maids-a-milking, they were milking just for me
I had Christmas down in Africa...
Enjoy!
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December 15, 2014 at 7:10am December 15, 2014 at 7:10am
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This foot-tappin', hip-shakin' modern classic featuring the vocal stylings of Mistress of Pop Mariah Carey needs no further introduction. Go ahead and set your player on repeat. You know you want to. 
Enjoy.
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December 13, 2014 at 8:32pm December 13, 2014 at 8:32pm
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This version of "Joy to the World" begins with improvised gospel piano and organ and the gorgeous tone and amazing vocal embellishments of Natalie Grant on the first verse. I especially love the waterfall sound made by the piano at 0:44. After the freestyle introduction, a descending piano progression ending with two steady quarter-note chord hits kick off the upbeat portion of the song, featuring the addition of trumpets, bass, drums, and of course, a gospel choir. There are some fun chord changes throughout that make the arrangement unique compared to the tradition carol; for example, at 1:38. At the beginning of the second verse, around 2:11, there's a dramatic moment when everything drops out on the downbeat and comes back in the syncopated beat.
If you don't find yourself wanting to dance to this one, you're probably dead.
Joy to the World
Joy to the world, the Lord is come
Let earth receive her King
Let every heart prepare Him room
Let heaven and nature sing
He rules the world with truth and grace
He makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness
And wonders of His love
Enjoy:
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December 13, 2014 at 8:05pm December 13, 2014 at 8:05pm
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This version of "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" in blues rock style opens with a deep solo electric guitar riff. After twice through the riff, the guitar is joined by rock organ and drums on a syncopated beat.The vocal embellishments follow the seventh chord progression that is typical of a blues. A gospel choir joins in each refrain, beginning in the first refrain around 1:10. A single backup singer enhances the verses here and there, starting at the end of Verse 2. The lead guitar and organ have wonderful solo moments throughout. There's a neat drama point around 2:41 featuring nearly a capella vocals, with some echo on the vocal processor and just a hint of tinkling on the organ, finishing off with a power moment when the bass guitar kicks a rich sustained note at 2:53. Then the rest of the band kicks back in for the last chorus and outro.
O Come, O Come Emmanuel:
O come, O come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear
O come o come thou wisdom from on high
Through of all things far and nigh
To us the path of knowledge to show
And cause us in her ways to go
Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel
Shall come for thee, O Israel
Enjoy:
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December 12, 2014 at 9:29am December 12, 2014 at 9:29am
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This ain't your traditional drummer boy. This drummer boy boasts a multi-piece drum set featuring everything from the kick drum to the crash cymbal. He's accompanied by driving electric rhythm guitar, a wailing lead guitar solo with tremolo at 1:55, and edgy rock vocals.
The Little Drummer Boy
Come they told me, pa rum pum pum pum
A new born King to see, pa rum pum pum pum
Our finest gifts we bring, pa rum pum pum pum
To lay before the King, pa rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,
So to honor Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
When we come.
Little Baby, pa rum pum pum pum
I am a poor boy too, pa rum pum pum pum
I have no gift to bring, pa rum pum pum pum
That's fit to give the King, pa rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,
Shall I play for you, pa rum pum pum pum,
On my drum?
Mary nodded, pa rum pum pum pum
The ox and lamb kept time, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my drum for Him, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my best for Him, pa rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,
Then He smiled at me, pa rum pum pum pum
Me and my drum.
Enjoy.
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December 10, 2014 at 10:29am December 10, 2014 at 10:29am
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After yesterday claiming to pick songs for the music first, the lyrics of my Day 2 entry actually weigh heavily in its selection. But it still comes back to the music. The delicate piano and melody evoke imagery of the tiny, fragile baby in the manger, and the overall arrangement emulates the powerful simplicity of the birth of Christ. At first glance, the song is only a lullaby, just like the Savior's birth is only a humble beginning. On reflection, both are so much more.
The song is "Welcome to Our World" by Chris Rice.
What you'll hear:
1. Pretty, delicate piano.
2. A single, gentle voice on a simple melody throughout. No pop flips or other frills. No harmony.
3. Strings added in verse 2 for dynamic interest, but still very simple.
4. A bit of a of a percussive moment for the strings at 1:20, the most complicated part of the song.
5. A modulation (key change) in verse 4 for more dynamic interest.
6. In the last verse, strings mostly drop out so that the song ends as simply as it started.
Welcome to Our World
Tears are falling, hearts are breaking
How we need to hear from God
You've been promised, we've been waiting
Welcome Holy Child, welcome Holy Child
Hope that you don't mind our manger
How I wish we would have known
But long-awaited Holy Stranger,
Make Yourself at home, please make Yourself at home
Bring Your peace into our violence
Bid our hungry souls be filled
Word now breaking Heaven's silence
Welcome to our world, welcome to our world
Fragile fingers sent to heal us
Tender brow prepared for thorn
Tiny heart whose blood will save us
Unto us is born, unto us is born
So wrap our injured flesh around You
Breath our air and walk our sod
Rob our sin and make us holy
Perfect Son of God, perfect Son of God
Welcome to our world.
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December 9, 2014 at 9:12am December 9, 2014 at 9:12am
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I wrote this in a forum post for "Monthly Writing Accountability Challenge" , and then decided it was worth republishing in my blog. Mostly for the writing credit. 
I'm barely keeping up with everything. When you stretch yourself to the max, inevitably, something new crops up. Yesterday, I was ready to quit all my writing projects, because everything else is more urgent. I define "urgency" by "people relying on me." Since my failure to meet writing goals only affects myself, but all my other commitments affect other people, writing falls to the bottom of the list. And before you cry "take care of yourself, too!" I have to be fair and point out that writing was at the top of the list for two straight months. I let other things go in the meantime, and now I have catching up to do.
But looking at my goals and progress against them, I'm not doing too bad. Today, I completed "Day 1: "God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen" by Jars of Clay" for "12 Days of "Christmas"" [E] and "I Write in December-January-February" [E]. I have to complete a review now, but I'll do that, because the writer is relying on me. So it's urgent.
Status of my goals:
1. Editing. More than halfway there on 12/9. I'm likely to meet this one.
2. Promo. Already blew the goal out of the water. I hang out on social media, and people post things on my wall all the time, so this is like a self-completing goal anyway. I should make it bigger next month.
3. Reading. I should start giving myself credit for articles because I read those all the time. Right now, I'm sitting at 0 versus a points goal of 9,300. I do have a vacation at the end of the month, so I'm hoping to crank this one out all at once.
4. Reviewing. About halfway. Looking good.
5. Writing. Bleh. 6,700 versus a points goal of 30,000. If I fail at any goals, this is the most likely failure.
I just can't stress myself out over it. The other things going on. I always forget how busy December is:
 I'm a church worship/music leader, and December is Advent (hello?!) - lots of music this time of the year.
End of the year, and we're generating music school budgets for 2015.
Holiday marketing at the music school, at which I have failed miserably this year.
Winter Recitals Dec 19, 20, 21 and Jan 3, 4.
I haven't even thought about Christmas shopping until someone mentioned it in scroll recently.
On top of all that, there's the usual staff meetings at work and church. I'd *like* to find a new gig, but since that only affects me, it's at the bottom of the list. Then there's all the little things, like decorating the studio, hiring another part-time receptionist, implementing the teams idea at work, cultivating relationships with clients and employees, keeping up with email, revamping the school website, learning how to use a new kind of laptop. And I took on the church website again, because I'm a suckerone of the pastors left and I'm trying to help out the other one... ain't nobody got time for that!
In years past, when I complained about how busy I was in December, I pledged to get back into writing in January. But that never happens, either. January is just as busy or busier. Which is why I need to finish my NaNo novel this month, while it's in my head. Because if I don't, it will be gone.
*deep breath*
I need a nap. Another nap.
Cheers,
Michelle |
December 9, 2014 at 8:19am December 9, 2014 at 8:19am
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In a site full of writers, it shouldn't surprise me that the majority of participants in "12 Days of "Christmas"" [E] are selecting songs based on and writing about lyrics. But I'm a musician first, and my selections are all based first on the music. Where appropriate, I'll give a nod to the lyrics as well.
My first choice is "God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen" by Jars of Clay.
Here's what you'll hear:
1. A gorgeous classical guitar riff that carries steadily throughout the piece.
2. Rich baritone vocals on the lead line, beginning with verse 1, "God rest ye, merry gentlemen, let nothing you dismay..."
3. A mournful violin and ting on the TRIANGLE (your fave preschool instrument used in real, published music) kicking off Verse 2.
4. An incredibly unique chord progression created by the vocal harmonies of a high tenor through the second verse.
5. The most awesome bass walk of all time at 1:29. It's even better than "Let It Be" which is arguably the most famous bass walk of all time.
6. A wistful classical guitar and violin duet around 1:35, joined by a clarinet at 1:40 and cello at 1:47. CHILLS.
7. Another ting on the triangle at 2:12. Oh yeah, baby. Eat your heart out, Jimmy Fallon.
8. Clever vocal "percussion" on beats 2,3,4 throughout the third verse.
9. The haunting clarinet soaring over the violin, cello, guitar, and vocal awesomeness until the last note.
Since I'm a writer too, I can't ignore the lyrics. Could you ask for a more poetic proclamation of the birth of Christ? Excepting, of course, the nagging sexism, which I would be remiss not to mention. But this arrangement is so musically compelling that it remains one of my top twelve favorites, and I just like to pretend us women should also let nothing us dismay. We are all saved from Satan's pow'r when we've gone astray, regardless of our gender.
God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen
God rest ye, merry gentlemen, let nothing you dismay!
Remember Christ, the Savior, was born on Christmas Day
To save us all from Satan's pow'r when we had gone astray.
O, tidings of comfort and joy!
From God our Heaven'ly Father, a blessed angel came
And unto certain shepherds, brought tidings of the same:
How that in Bethlehem was born the Son of God by name.
O, tidings of comfort and joy!
Cheers,
Michelle
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December 9, 2014 at 7:44am December 9, 2014 at 7:44am © Copyright 2025 Brandiwyn🎶Prep starts 10/1! (UN: tuozzo at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
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Thanks for sharing!
Even better if she can whistle to the tune of Mozart or something. 
Comment • View 4 comments 
, also known as Michelle Tuesday, is a musician, educator and writer hailing from Columbus, Ohio.![Merit Badge in Music
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To a dear friend whose talent for writing music is sensational. May you have a fabulous New Year, (((Brandi)))!!! *^*Kiss*^*
Big hugs,
Sherri *^*Heart*^*](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/badges/genre-Music-1050.gif)
![Merit Badge in Organization
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I don't know how you do it, but I assume there's magic involved *^*Bigsmile*^* I have really enjoyed this month of planning and preparation for NaNoWriMo and I love how organized it all is. Thank you for hosting a great challenge and for your dedication to helping so many of us prepare with confidence and trepidation for National Novel Writing Month (known to sane folks as 'November' *^*Laugh*^*) at your [Link To Item #1474311]](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/badges/general-Organization-1150.gif)
![Merit Badge in Leadership
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For your hard work, commitment, talent and innovation in running the October NaNoWriMo Preparation each year, which helps many of us get our scattered thoughts together for November's novel-writing. And also because this badge has ducks on it.](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/badges/general-Leadership.gif)
