Metropolitan Music Ministries FROM THE PAST CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, Martha Iley FROM THE PRESIDENT, Diann Back A Publication of Metropolitan Music Ministries, Inc. MAY 2016 “He calls His own sheep by name”… John 10:3 The Significance of the Voice Singing plays a big part in our ministry. Even with all the wonderful existing musical instruments, the human voice, to me, is the most amazing. Each individual voice is unique. Once I wrote a research paper on THE VOICEPRINT. Who knew that modern science has produced a device, similar to the fingerprint analysis, that can record speech patterns, including those developed in earliest years? A local hospital, I am told, plays “Brahms Lullaby” throughout all areas when a baby is born. How appropriate to celebrate new life with music! Mothers seem to know instinctively how marvelous it is to sing and rock the infants. I remember singing to all of my four children from the day they were born. See “Martha Iley,” continued on Page 2 As my dad was just about to pass away, the hospice nurse turned to me and said, “Talk to him. Hearing is the last thing to go.” I did exactly as I was instructed. I told my dad that he was the best dad anyone could ever have. I don’t know how much he heard, but I said the heart-felt words anyway. Over the years, I tried to show him how much I loved him by always remembering his birthday, Fathers’ Day, and other special dates. But as he grew frail with age, I realized he needed more than cards, phone calls and presents. He needed to be hugged and touched. Dad lit up when the grandchildren sat on his lap and gave him hugs and kisses. He always welcomed me home with a hug and sent me back to my home with a one. Along with a lot of childhood memories, the thoughts of those hugs filled my mind as I whispered goodbye in my dad’s ear shortly before he died. See “Diann Back,” continued on Page 2 Although intermittent drizzle soaked Charlotte streets, the gray mist failed to dampen the enthusiasm of the young musicians competing in the 2016 MMM Scholarship Auditions on April 2, 2016, at St. John’s Baptist Church. While each student showed poise and proficiency in his or her discipline, three outstanding artists were granted scholarships carrying a $1,500 award. Each recipient has been invited to perform for the MMM Annual Service on September 25, 2016, at Providence Baptist Church. The Cheryl Iley Lindstrom Church Music Scholarship in Piano was awarded to Madison Blake, a student of Dr. Joseph Di Piazza of UNC-Greensboro and the daughter of Jon and Julie Blake of Fayetteville, NC. Madison is a junior at UNC-G, a Minerva Scholar and First Place winner of the 2014 Thirty-Sixth and 2015 Thirty- Seventh Annual Sharyn Edwards Piano Competitions. Madison also serves as the accompanist for Cross Creek Presbyterian Church in Fayetteville. In her essay Madison writes, “My plan is that whatever I end up doing in life, I will always use the gift of music to glorify God and bless other people. ….”play skillfully with a loud noise!”…Psalm 33:33. See “Audition Day,” continued on Page 3 Weather Fails to Dampen Audition Day, By Lisa Honeycutt
Transcript
Metropolitan
Music
Ministries
FROM THE PAST CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, Martha Iley FROM THE PRESIDENT, Diann Back
A Publication of Metropolitan Music Ministries, Inc. MAY 2016
“He calls His own sheep by name”… John 10:3 The Significance of the Voice Singing plays a big part in our ministry. Even with all the wonderful existing musical instruments, the human voice, to me, is the most amazing. Each individual voice is unique. Once I wrote a research paper on THE VOICEPRINT. Who knew that modern science has produced a device, similar to the fingerprint analysis, that can record speech patterns, including those developed in earliest years? A local hospital, I am told, plays “Brahms Lullaby” throughout all areas when a baby is born. How appropriate to celebrate new life with music! Mothers seem to know instinctively how marvelous it is to sing and rock the infants. I remember singing to all of my four children from the day they were born.
See “Martha Iley,” continued on Page 2
As my dad was just about to pass away, the hospice nurse turned to me and said, “Talk to him. Hearing is the last thing to go.” I did exactly as I was instructed. I
told my dad that he was the best dad anyone could ever have. I don’t know how much he heard, but I said the heart-felt words anyway. Over the years, I tried to show him how much I loved him by always remembering his birthday, Fathers’ Day, and other special dates. But as he grew frail
with age, I realized he needed more than cards, phone calls and presents. He needed to be hugged and touched. Dad lit up when the grandchildren sat on his lap and gave him hugs and kisses. He always welcomed me home with a hug and sent me back to my home with a one. Along with a lot of childhood memories, the thoughts of those hugs filled my mind as I whispered goodbye in my dad’s ear shortly before he died.
See “Diann Back,” continued on Page 2
Although intermittent drizzle soaked Charlotte streets, the gray mist failed to dampen the enthusiasm of the young musicians competing in the 2016 MMM Scholarship Auditions on April 2, 2016, at St. John’s Baptist Church. While each student showed poise and proficiency in his or her discipline, three outstanding artists were granted scholarships carrying a $1,500 award. Each recipient has been invited to perform for the MMM
Annual Service on September 25, 2016, at Providence Baptist Church. The Cheryl Iley Lindstrom Church Music Scholarship in Piano was awarded to Madison Blake, a student of Dr. Joseph Di Piazza of UNC-Greensboro and the daughter of Jon and Julie Blake of Fayetteville, NC. Madison is a junior at UNC-G, a Minerva Scholar and First Place winner of the 2014 Thirty-Sixth and 2015 Thirty-
Seventh Annual Sharyn Edwards Piano Competitions. Madison also serves as the accompanist for Cross Creek Presbyterian Church in Fayetteville. In her essay Madison writes, “My plan is that whatever I end up doing in life, I will always use the gift of music to glorify God and bless other people.….”play skillfully with a loud noise!”…Psalm 33:33.
See “Audition Day,” continued on Page 3
Weather Fails to Dampen Audition Day, By Lisa Honeycutt
News from Metropolitan Music Ministries
Need Your Email If you haven’t checked out our new updated website, please go to www.metromusicministries.org and give us your email address by clicking on Contact Us. In the future we hope to offer an electronic version of the newsletter to those who prefer it.
Diann Back, continued from Page 1 Our MMM volunteers who present musical programs to those who can no longer move about in their familiar worlds know exactly what I mean when I say that people are often hungry for affection and attention. Our volunteers meet men and women, like my dad, on a regular basis. A warm handshake, a gentle touch on the shoulder, or a loving hug often “makes a resident’s day.” The past year has been a good one for MMM. New performance sites were added to our regular outreach schedule, new volunteers came forward to present programs, and new friendships were forged in the process. The contributions of our MMM volunteers to the outreach program goes beyond just sharing their musical talent. It centers on connecting with the residents, caregivers, and staff at each site. To our volunteers, we say, “Thank you for every time you hugged someone.”
Diann P. Back, PhD, President
Martha Iley, continued from Page 1 My granddaughter Kristen was recently in the ER with her 9 week old son. He was being subjected to some painful tests to help diagnose his high fever. She got close and began singing. Immediately the little one’s hysterical sobs stopped. Fortunately, he recovered from the ordeal and the illness nicely. But hearing his mother’s voice comforted him in a special way. A flood of memories about singing come with thoughts of the 32 years of MMM. At one time I provided Bedside Music at a local nursing home. With my guitar or autoharp I visited residents to sing with them. One day I went to Mrs. Phifer’s room and found her hooked up to many machines. Her daughter said, “Mother is in a coma. But why not sing to her anyway?” I began singing “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” and we saw a tear roll down her cheek. She heard! At a different nursing home I missed one of the patients who always attended our Singalong times. After the session I went back to her room. She was nestled back in the cover of her bed, apparently very ill. I said, “Mrs. Mullaney, I have come to sing for you.“ She said, “ Honey, don’t ever stop singing!” I said, “Well, my voice is not as strong or dependable as it was when I was young. “ And she said, “But if you take your voice and add all our little voices, what a Mighty Chorus that would be!” As I left her room, I thought I heard “far trumpets blowing.” In John 10:1-18, Jesus was teaching his disciples and He told the parable of the Shepherd and His Flock. Here are verses 2-4: The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. The watchman opens the gate, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out. When He has brought out all His own, He goes on ahead of them and His sheep follow Him because they know His voice. How wonderful it is to know that even today He cares for each believer and calls us by name!
Grace and Peace, Martha Iley
Founders Rebecca C. Echerd Dr. Martha S. Iley Catherine F. Stout Officers of Executive Board Dr. Diann P. Back, President G. Mitchell Hagler, Vice-President Lisa J. Honeycutt, Secretary Barbara B. Falls, Assistant Secretary D. Mac Willet, Treasurer Wilna L. Eury, Assistant Treasurer Lisa J. Honeycutt, Past President Dr. Martha S. Iley, Past Chairman Directors Nancy L. Armstrong Carol J. Clem Norma H. Honeycutt Linda R. Horne Dr. Gregory T. Thompson Martha (Jo) D. Walters
Carole B. Whittington Ginger G. Wyrick Advisors Carol H. Burnett Jane H. Chiseck David M. Hines Dr. Martha S. Iley Rev. Judah L. Jones Patricia C. McKenzie Jean R. Merritt Brenda Porter-DeWitt Richard J. Spangler Ex Officio Directors Leslie H. Miller, Attorney at Law Jill H. Willet Newsletter Editor: Mitchell Hagler Layout: Jane Crutchfield Contributors: Diann Back, Martha Iley, Nancy Armstrong, Debbie Fox, Lisa Honeycutt Addresses: Wilna Eury Website: Carol Clem
MMM 2016 Board of Directors
Grace Notes Metropolitan Music Ministries May 2016 Page 2
The Martha Strawn Iley Church Music Scholarship in Voice was awarded to Baker Lawrimore, a student of Dr. Robert Wells of UNG-Greensboro and son of Jay and Aileen Lawrimore of Asheville. Baker holds a junior academic standing and is a UNCG Cooper Music Scholar. He placed second in NC NATS competitions two consecutive years and has sung with the Greensboro Light Opera and Song. Baker currently serves as a music intern at First Baptist Church of Greensboro where he has gained experience in service playing, choral conducting and vocal music leadership. Associate Pastor of Music and Worship Doug Vancil comments, “He (Baker) is genuinely interested in a challenge and is self-disciplined in personal practice and study….. I am honored to have such a talented and capable student in our ministry…” The Richard VanSciver Church Music Scholarship in Organ was awarded to Mengfei Xu, a student of Dr. Andre Lash of UNC-Greensboro and the daughter of Libo Xu. Mengfei pursues a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in piano performance with a cognate in organ. Originally from Dalian, China, Mengfei earned a BA degree at Xinghai Conservatory of Music in Canton, China. After moving to the U.S., Mengfei worked as assistant organist at First Presbyterian Church Ithaca while pursuing her master’s degree in piano performance at Ithaca College in New York. Mengfei currently serves as organist at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Greensboro. Mengfei writes, “I enjoy working as a church musician very much,
and will continue to strive to provide excellent service ministry, expand my knowledge of organ literature, and enrich worship experience.” Judges for the competition were Robert (Bob) Ivey, retired First Presbyterian Minister of Music and founder of the Ivey Handbell Ringers, and Jacqueline Yost, UNC-Charlotte lecturer in music theory and aural skills and applied instructor in organ. Metropolitan Music Ministries congratulates Amy Mercier on her successful audition for the Cecily Evelyn Forde Scholarship in Music Therapy that carries a $600 award. Amy is the daughter of Armand and Diane Mercier and a student of Katurah Christenbury of Appalachian State University. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Performance (voice) from High Point University and is pursuing a Combined Equivalency/Master of Music Therapy degree at ASU. Amy writes in her essay, “I believe in the power of music to heal and change lives as I have witnessed the emotional strength of music as both the musician and the audience.” The MMM judges were Angela Forde and Carol Clem. As the auditions drew to a close, sunlight streamed through the church’s windows, reflective of the bright talent that filled the sanctuary with spiritual light. MMM congratulates these talented musicians for their academic excellence and their commitment to church music leadership. We look forward to hearing them perform in the fall.
Madison Blake
Baker Lawrimore
Mengfei Xu
Amy Mercier
Grace Notes Metropolitan Music Ministries May 2016 Page 3
Making Good on MMM’s Mission
If anyone doubts that MMM is fulfilling its mission to provide live musical performances to community citizens, then they need look no further than the Regency at Pineville. Residents of this retirement center are the recipients of monthly visits by MMM volunteers. In addition to the 100 plus assisted living residents, the Regency also houses an Alzheimer’s community whose residents join them when MMM volunteers perform. The facility, under the management of New Horizons, is spacious and clean with a library, media room, dining room, lounge areas and courtyard. Activities Director Cathy Taormina is a professional care giver who keeps the monthly calendar filled with “something for everyone” activities. For example, the Adventure Travel Club features a different country each month and the menu, the
music, the appropriate dress—all contribute to residents’ feeling that they have indeed visited that country. MMM brings the sound of music with singing, cello, piano and other instruments. Among those who are regulars include Lisa Honeycutt, Rick Beam, Ron Ellis, Nancy Lucas, Sharon Stricklin, Irene Miller and others. These talented and dedicated musicians engage the residents and prove that music is indeed therapy. While volunteers do “perform” they also get to know the residents by name and select songs and rhythms that keep heads nodding and feet tapping. A real plus of the Regency is that all of the employees are familiar with MMM and look forward to volunteers coming as much as the residents do. Most have long tenure which provides stability for residents. MMM volunteers adhere to the adage that “When words fail, music speaks.” And they gladly share their time and their talents with all of those at the Regency at Pineville.
Wow! When I was asked to write an article about my experience at the homeless shelter the first thing I thought was “I don’t have time.” Then I feel like God spoke to me and said, “Why not? I always have time for you.” I thought it was just a simple invitation to share music at Christmas. It was much, much more. I wasn’t sure what to expect, how I would feel, what to do, how many people would be there, or what would we talk about. I had worked with my church, Pathway Church of Charlotte, many Friday nights to help plate some food for many of the
homeless folks in Charlotte, but this was different. Like I said, I just went to share music because I had been invited thinking I was the one that would be doing the sharing. But no, the men of the homeless shelter were sharing with me. I mingled my way in and found a small comfort zone finding a few people that I was familiar with. As the seasonal Christmas music
began to explode I found so many folks coming in to find a seat and looking for the books that had the words because they wanted to be part of the music. They wanted to sing their praises to God during this time also. As I asked people their names and told them mine and we began to talk about how cold it was outside, we found we had common interests. Just because these folks may not have a home doesn’t mean that they don’t care or want to be cared for. They have families; they have issues; they have trials and tribulations, and yes they have love too. I learned so
much that night and I left with such a warm heart. As we left so many folks stopped us along the way to thank us that we thought about them during this season, much less to take the time out of our schedule to come down and spend time with them. I left with a full heart hoping that I would be invited back next year. If you want to be filled up, take the time out of your schedule to come down to the shelter next time. Who knows, maybe I will see you there. Merry Christmas early!
Christmas at the Shelter, by Debbie Fox Editor’s Note: Each year MMM volunteers share Christmas carols with those at the Men’s Shelter of Charlotte. This past Christmas, twenty seven volunteers including seventeen instrumentalists and ten singers participated following the evening meal at the shelter. Mac Willet organizes the instrumentalists who come from Charlotte and surrounding towns and Dr. Martha Iley directs the orchestra and the singing. First time volunteer Debbie Fox shares her experience in this article.
The residents enjoyed singing along!
Grace Notes Metropolitan Music Ministries May 2016 Page 4
Irene Miller and Sharon Stricklin
Debbie Fox
Well, I hope you were there but if you missed it, you missed a great show and the opportunity to have donated money to music scholars (by your modest ticket admission)! It seems to me and others that I have spoken to, that this past “Dolce” was one of the best ever. Further, that MMM Board is a work̶a̶bee board. They had that room so attractively arranged, table cloths, candles on all the tables, and what could be sweeter for “Dolce” than candy? Candy treats, free just for sitting in the right chair, it was part of their door prizes but very appropriate for the Valentine season which it just happened to be about that time. As if that wasn’t enough, the Board provided a “Dolce
Buffet” featuring many home-made desserts. Then, our own Judah started the show as the Master of Ceremonies (MC). Judah was like a funny talk radio host, and her husband, Bill Englebreth, managed the sound in that big room. The welcoming audience
could not have heard all that happened without his sound expertise. I believe I counted five microphones, or at least four - that’s what it takes to accommodate that many singer/performers. Johnny Cash was there - well, his impersonator was, but that guy played a harmonica and sang, all while he played his guitar. He (Jim Terrell) was so good!
Everybody knows how gifted and talented Ginger Wyrick is, but this time she accompanied Chris Cameron, and wow! What a combo ̶ Chris sang, “Be My Love” by Mario Lanzo. Oh, how that increased blood pressures; it brought back so many memories. Did you know that Chris is a professional opera singer? The Charlotte Symphony Chorus was very well represented that night; remember they’re the former Oratorio Singers of Charlotte whose name was recently changed to the CSC. That chorus stands alone as one of the premier groups in and around the US, and is the professional chorus of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra (must audition to get in). But from that chorus, Ryan Harris, a wonderful baritone, and his accompanist, the accomplished Dr. Ron Ellis, each thrilled us with music and song, and each was from that chorus. Additionally, Lisa Honeycutt and Carole Whittington, two other CSC beautiful voices, sang for us (part of a trio). The cast of entertainers was wonderful, and it’s too lengthy to tell you about every performer, but Chelsea Boulton was another beautiful individual and vocalist, as well as Greg Miller (a CPCC professor) and Bill Peterson (an astonishing bass), from 14 Strings were a heart throb from the era that touches so many of our hearts. The audience appreciated the talent and loved the sweets. We did also. Hope to see you next time!
MMM ̶ Mmm Mmm GOOD! by Nancy Armstrong
Grace Notes Metropolitan Music Ministries May 2016 Page 5
Judah Jones
Non Profit Organization US POSTAGE
PAID Charlotte, NC
Permit No. 3330
Metropolitan Music Ministries, Inc. PO Box 12736 Charlotte, NC 28220-2736 704-529-1616
Metropolitan
Music
Ministries
“...my servants sing for joy of heart.” Isaiah 65:14
Your contribution to Metropolitan Music Ministries will place you in one of the following levels of support.
Contributions are cumulative within each calendar year.
May we list your name in our Annual Report? ___ Yes ___ No I am interested in volunteer opportunities _____
Any gift to Metropolitan Ministries, Inc., may be made in
Honor or Memory of Family or Friends.
ENCLOSED IS MY GIFT FOR $ Name
Address
City
State Zip
My Phone
My Email
Mail to: Metropolitan Music Ministries
PO Box 12736 Charlotte, NC 28220-2736
ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED
New Board Member MMM welcomes new Board member Jane Chiseck. Jane hails originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, and is a member of Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church. She is a retired customer service representative who enjoys walking, water aerobics, and church related activities. Jane’s husband is deceased. Her
two children are Patty Ledford and Billy Chiseck.
Cumulative Service Report, October 7, 1984—April 30, 2016 Number of Services, Programs, Meetings and Projects 11,914 Number of Times an individual Participated in Ministry Work 36,621 Total Known Audience 485,842
