Music – Page 3 – Valerie's Voice

Vintage Bands and Meals

One of the smaller groups playing in the Vintage Band Festival.

The Vintage Band Festival came to Northfield so we went downtown to Bridge Square and listened to several of the bands play and entertain us. It was a wonderful Minnesota summer day with blue skies, low humidity and a cool breeze. We found a spot in the shade, set up our chairs, and had a delightful afternoon listening to good music.

A good turn out for the Vintage Band Festival.

Some people brought their own shade to the festival.

That evening, for dinner, we had a “vintage-style” meal. We dusted off our 1980’s bright yellow fondue pot, bought a can of sterno, cut up meat, and boiled chicken broth (a healthier alternative to the peanut oil we used to use). We questioned our good judgment since it had been a long time since we made fondue but the meal turned out well and we had a delightful evening, outside on the deck, enjoying a wonderful Minnesota summer evening.

Playing Piano

I took piano lessons as a child and played for several years. I also learned how to play an organ, and my folks bought one for our family, but then it mostly sat idle. For a short time I took piano lessons as an adult, but it was still hard to find time to practice. It’s not like riding a bike…I forgot a lot.

Our Kimball, spinet piano; circa 1940’s?

When our sons were younger we wanted them to have a general music background so we had them take two years of piano. However, after two years they could choose to keep taking lessons or not. One did, one didn’t. We bought a used spinet piano at the Schmidt’s annual piano sale (with the little money we received from my grandfather’s inheritance-it wasn’t much but we bought a piano) and we still have this piano in our house. I play and practice a little (very little!) and when my son comes home he usually sits down to play. I enjoy listening to him play.

What I have really enjoyed the past few years is playing duets with a friend. She’s a piano teacher so she plays the more advanced part and I play the easier part, and it works! We both enjoy our time together and laugh a lot…while making music. We look forward to playing together and we hope to find more opportunity to do so now that I’m retired.

She has a beautiful, grand piano and we practice at her house most of the time. And when she goes out of town I “water her piano!” Who knew…some pianos have humidifiers and they need to be filled with water every few weeks…so instead of watering plants I water a piano!

Light Dawns, Hope Blooms

Another successful Christmas Festival happened at St. Olaf College over the weekend – complete with live streaming – it’s the 105th year. A sprinkling of white snow made the campus look “Christmasy” on Sunday. This year’s theme, Light Dawns, Hope Blooms, was reflected in the music and set design. Five choirs and an amazing orchestra, all current students, sing and play their hearts out and it’s beautiful service to begin the Advent season, with hope.

The song Stay With Us was especially meaningful to me this year, and the choir’s signature piece, Beautiful Savior, always concludes the concert as the choirs spill into the aisles and sing in “surround” sound. Their voices fill the auditorium with sweet, sweet music.

Beautiful Savior,
Lord of the nations,
Son of God and Son of Man!
Glory and honor,
Praise, adoration,
Now and forevermore be thine!

~Gesangbuch, Minister, 1677 trans. Joseph H, Seiss

There are four performances. I have been the ticket coordinator for twelve years. Every year it’s like a jigsaw puzzle and when it’s over, and 11,748 people have been seated, I sigh and call it a Christmas Miracle.

Three stunning Christmas trees displayed in the student center, Buntrock Commons, create a welcoming and festive atmosphere. A Scandinavian Buffet, complete with Lutefisk and Lefse, is offered in the ballroom to add a another special touch for Christmas Festival at this college of Norwegian heritage, rooted in the Christian tradition.