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The Heritage Choir West and Orchestra are non-audition organizations that allow everyday people to participate in creating music. The group has a short season, meeting once a week from January through April. Since the organization is open to all and has a limited practice schedule, as might be expected, the performance will not always exhibit the absolute precision that is found in professional groups. However, the warmth and sincerity of the performance--sometimes lacking in professionals--provides a counter balance. Additionally, since the objective of the group is to share with everyone--adults and children--performances are usually attended by families. As a result, you will note some extraneous vocalization by little children (who may not have been so excited about attending or have decided to sing along). Thus, this is a family affair. Just sit back, ignore the extra sounds, and be part of the family.
In keeping with this spirit, the actual sheet music is inexpensive and meant for the average choir. Except for The Spirit of Faith that uses a full orchestra, all orchestrations are written for five woodwinds, strings and harp or piano. The arrangements are written so they can be performed with standard piano or organ and/or the addition of as few or as many parts as desired. Any group can have an opportunity for the richer colors by merely adding an instrument or two.
These arrangements and compositions are the products of Roy Rummler and are available through book and music stores and at www.copypackmusic.com. Roy Rummler strongly believes that like poetry and great prose that are more than words, the essence of music is more than notes and rhythm, and that everyone should have the opportunity to experience and share the meanings and feelings of music.
Information about selections on the record are below. You can also click on each title and hear an excerpt. The arrangements on this CD are the same Copypack arrangements as listed on the site. The orchestrations are available, and prices are noted on the order form.
O MY FATHER [8:16 ]
One of the most significant and profound concepts of the gospel is the fatherhood of God and the
belief in the connection of family and an eternal mother. The words of this music also remind
of an existence before we came to earth.
A MOTHER'S LOVE [3:30]
This song acknowledges and expresses our appreciation for the
essential and special entity in the home: mother. In writing this song, I wanted to convey the
simple beauty of the unpretentious love mothers carry and share. The words suggests that we
need to let mothers know how much we appreciation them
IF YOU COULD HIE TO KOLOB [5:01]
The theme of this hymn is focused on a life beyond our earthly experience. It speaks of the understanding of space,
eternity and the light, life and love in the eternal realm.
COME, YE CHILDREN OF THE LORD [2:27]
This rousing anthem is based originally on a Spanish melody that was arranged by Benjamin Carr.
ABIDE WITH ME; ‘TIS EVENTIDE [6:23]
The words and the music of this song form a beautiful bond in an expression of our fears
and need for assistance from a greater being than ourselves–the Savior.
PRAISE TO THE LORD, THE ALMIGHTY [3:46]
Joachim Neander lived a short life, (1650-1680) dying at 30, but made a significant
contribution with this hymn and approximately 60 more. This particular hymn is found
in hymnals in most Christian churches.
COME, COME YE SAINTS [5:09]
Long a favorite of the Mormon people, Come, Come Ye Saints has been cast in many settings. This arrangement starts from the feeling of weariness that was
so often the lot of early pioneers as they struggled. It ends with the determination and strength that the
words of William Clayton so well inspire. The opening solo voice is Chris Kasper.
IF YOU’RE HAPPY [3:56]
This fun children’s song can be heard accompanied by all kinds of “get the wiggles out”
activities like stomping feet and clapping hands. Like so many children’s song, this one has
important messages. One is that we need to be happy not just because it is healthy for us but,
as we have taken the license to add in our version: “it is the gospel plan to be happy.”.
THE SPIRIT OF FAITH [9:13]
This medley of Though Deepening Trials and The Spirit of God was written for a centennial event in Nampa, Idaho.
The long introduction and heavy feel at the beginning represents the considerable effort required of the people to
establish the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in that area. Ultimately, success was theirs as illustrated by the music.
THE SPIRIT OF AMERICA [5:25]
This arrangement is a combination of America the Beautiful and The Spirit of God Like a Fire is Burning.
SING WE NOW AT PARTING [5:07]
Parting is a melancholy event. We appreciate being together, enjoying the closeness and experiencing the love,
and yet we feel the sadness of leaving–at least for a time. But it is
better to have individuals to care about and to have spent the time with, even though there
is a time of parting, than not to have had that blessing. This song is about a parting from
our Heavenly Father and Jesus, and each other, to which we have added a reassurance that
we will be together again “some day.”
GOD BE WITH YOU TILL WE MEET AGAIN [5:22]
This arrangement is based on an event that transpired at a special meeting in Spokane, Washington where thousands of individuals had the opportunity of listening to Gordon B. Hinckley, leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. At the ending of the program, President Hinckley and his wife needed to leave the arena in order to catch a plane. Everyone was asked to stay in their seats so the couple could get out. As they rose to leave, the attendees began to sing this song--quietly at first. Then the organist picked it up and began playing. The singing became stronger. As the beloved couple with a final wave, vanished from sight, the music became softer and ended with the feeling that truly, sometime, somewhere, they would meet again.
Total playing time [ 64:37]]
