There is a laughter of God, let’s laugh it, There is a song of the Universe, let’s sing it,
There is a hymn of praise, let’s praise it, There is a joy, a beauty, There is a deep, abiding peace;
let’s experience it.
-
Ernest Holmes
What are New Thought Vocals?
Let’s just say I combined two terms to describe what I do, as well as to be clear about what I don’t do!
I am a former music student (University of Vermont, College of Voice) and have been singing since my first music teachers in pre-school taught me a happy tune. Further humorous reference to the song “Beauty School Drop-Out” has been ruled out due to negative content!
My first recollection of a “Presence” is in all-day rehearsals with the Vermont All-State choir. Raised with neither religion nor spirituality, this feeling has become forever etched in my memory as my first spiritual experience.
A trusty Alto for most of my life, I “rehearsed” the gutsy, soulful stuff in the safety of my bedroom or car. Not since High School had I performed as a contemporary lead singer on stage. Yet that part of me wasn’t satisfied with choral work alone. In 1998, I returned to this style of work with the loving support of Carole Zinavage and Emily Shane, formerly of “Synaptic Gap”.
In 2000 at Asilomar, in California, I showed up for conference choir rehearsals under the direction of Karen Drucker and Daniel Nahmod and was hooked on a brand new style of ensemble work! At every subsequent conference I attended, until such choirs were no longer assembled, I was there.
Trained, licensed and ordained as a Practitioner and Minister of Religious Science (also known as the Science of Mind), I am part of the New Thought movement. Just as I choose to speak in affirmative, positive and present terms, so I choose to sing, celebrating the Truth and Love present everywhere.
Whether leading congregational songs a cappella, delivering a ballad on stage, whooping it up with a large ensemble, or guiding retreat attendees in a chant, singing has found its rightful place in my ministry.
My first pulpit, The Wisdom Center, in Black Mountain, North Carolina, was nick-named “The First Church of the Karaoke”. I give thanks to instrumentalists everywhere, without whom I’d still be singing along with CD’s, and to “my sweet Ricky B” for his accompaniment on vibes.
Just complete and send the email form and I’ll be in touch to talk accompaniment, tracks or a cappella songs and chants for your group.
Love your enthusiasm! That is why our youth program is so blessed.
Your guidance and love have enriched my life in ways that I cannot even begin to describe.
Music of:
David Ault, Rickie Byars Beckwith, Karen Drucker, Jack Fowler, Jan Garrett, J D Martin, Daniel Nahmod, Jana Stanfield and others, with accompaniment of your musicians, Rick Brugger or tracks.
