Notes from the Cantor

2012-01-22T07:54:00.001-08:00

Looking forward to singing one of my favorite psalm settings by David Lee this morning-Unto the Hills will I Lift up My Eyes.

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Accepting New Members for Ensemble Germerika

2012-01-20T12:53:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for a church choir to get involved in, January and February are good months to join the Germerikan Ensemble. There is no audition. Just be able to commit to our rehearsal schedule (see below). If you have to go out of town once or twice that's okay. Just let us know before hand. If you have any questions, or want to join, e-mail Cantor Fahlman at NicoleGeniene@yahoo.com.

Ensemble Germerika is the core group of musicians and singers at St. Matthew's. During the spring season of 2012 we will sing for the first services of each month and on Easter. Our primary purpose is to lead the congregational singing.

January 15th 12:30-1:00 p.m.

Rehearsals Resume for Winter/Spring Season

January 22nd 12:15-1:00 p.m.
January 29th 12:30-1:00 p.m.

February 5th 10:00-10:45 a.m.
Sing/Play for the Bilingual Service at 11:00 a.m.

February 12th 12:30-1:00 p.m.
February 19th 12:15-1:00 p.m. (Transfiguration Sunday)

February 26th 12:30-1:00 p.m.
Last day to join before Easter.

March 4th 10:00-10:45 p.m.
Sing/Play for the Bilingual Service at 11:00 a.m.

March 11th 12:30-1:00 p.m.
March 18th 12:15-1:00 p.m.
March 25th 12:30-1:00 p.m.

April 1st 10:00-10:45 a.m.
Sing/Play for the Bilingual Service at 11:00 a.m.

April 8th 10:30-10:45 EASTER!!!
Sing/Play for English Easter Service??? Call would be 8:45 a.m.
Quick Warm-up Downstairs with Volunteer Assistant Leader to sing/play for German Easter Service at 11:00 a.m.

April 15th 12:15-1:00 p.m.
April 22nd 12:30-1:00 p.m.
April 29th 12:15-1:00 p.m.

May 6th 10:00-10:45
Sing/Play for the Bilingual Service at 11:00 a.m

Upcoming Concerts at St. Matthew's Lutheran

2012-01-19T14:08:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Concert

Featuring the Damenchor and Liederkranz

of the German Singing Societies

February 11, 2012 at 2 p.m.

Admission: $12 in advance and $15 at the door

Pure Imagination

Golden Gate Men's Chorus

Saturday April 28th at 8 p.m.

Sunday, April 29th at 3 p.m.

Tuesday, May 1st at 8 p.m.

Admission: TBA

Not all performers of concerts given at St. Matthew's are members of the church and might not reflect the beliefs or values of the Lutheran Church.

Prelude to a New Year!

2012-01-07T15:15:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

The twelve days of Christmas have come and gone and I'm at it again with a new podcast especially for the new year with 12 Short Preludes for 2012!

This time I used a different browser to do my uploading. It has been a huge learning experience, but I'm learning my way around the Podbean! These also are available for free download. If you are new at listening to Bach preludes I would recommend starting with No. 2, 4 and 8. They aren't all as repetitive as the first one! Some are quite easy to follow, but 2, 4, and 8 have been the first pieces I've often used when introducing the short preludes to piano students (though not in that order).

Podcast Powered By Podbean

Whence Comes This Rush of Wings by J.C. Daquin played by N. Fahlman

2011-12-24T09:28:00.001-08:00

The first one I uploaded was Whence Comes This Rush of Wings, but there are others included in this player for your enjoyment and free download (at least until January 7th!-the end of our 12 day holiday).

Podcast Powered By Podbean

Weihnachts Ensemble Rehearsal Reminder

2011-12-01T22:20:00.000-08:00

This is just a reminder to those of you who might be interested in participating in our Weihnacht Ensemble that we will be having rehearsals soon! The Weihnachts Ensemble will be primarily focused on leading the hymns for the congregational singing. If you haven't confirmed with me that you wish to be included please do so A.S.A.P. preferably by this weekend and no later than Tuesday (this is actually an extended deadline!).

If your instrument is not a C instrument I need to know that NOW even if you still aren't sure of your commitment. I will probably have some transposing to do UNLESS someone has full ensemble arrangements for each of these hymns and can get them to me pronto. For those of you with higher pitched C instruments and who might wish to start practicing, the hymns we will be singing are in the hymnal and are as follows:

45 Herbei, o ihr Glaub'gen (O Come All Ye Faithful)

30 Es ist ein Ros entsprungen (Lo, how a rose)

24 Vom Himmel hoch da komm ich her (From Heaven Above to Earth I Come)

48 Kommet, ihr Hirten, ihr Manner und Fraun

35 Nun singet und seid froh (Good Christian Friends Rejoice)

44 O du frohliche, o du selige (O How Joyfully)
Stille Nacht

I've copied and pasted the rehearsal schedule from the schedule page below:

December 11th 12:15-1:00 p.m.
    VERY IMPORTANT: Christmas Rehearsal: Germerikan Ensemble with Weihnacht Ensemble

December 18th 12:30-1:00 p.m.
    VERY IMPORTANT: Christmas Rehearsal: Germerikan Ensemble with Weihnacht Ensemble

December 24th
    Core Team Ensemble Germerika “Dress” Rehearsal 1:00-2:00 p.m.
    Dinner Break: 3:00-4:10 p.m.
    4:11-6:15 Tune-up SING/PLAY FOR GERMAN CHRISTMAS SERVICE!!!

Yesterday, I had a meeting with Pastor Resseler, Council President Dr. Bremer and Church Secretary Elizabeth with regard to the Christmas services, so preparations are certainly in motion. My core group, the Germerikan Ensemble, has been practicing on a weekly basis and is almost ready to present the Gloria from Cantata No. 140 by J.S. Bach. Gary and I will be reviewing solos and interludes during the coming few weeks. The amazing Broedel Violin/Cello Duo has also agreed to take command of the tune-up and gathering time and will also be featured during prelude and interlude selections.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Nicole Hankemeier-Fahlman
Music Director
NicoleGeniene@yahoo.com

Reminder

2011-11-26T20:22:00.001-08:00

We are making a switch to bilingual services only, at least until a permanent pastor is found. Therefore, starting November 27th, we will have one service at 11 a.m. and there will be no English only services for the remainder of the interim period.

Christ the King/Totensonntag (9:30 English Service)

2011-11-18T10:25:00.000-08:00

Prelude: Nocturne in B flat minor by F. Chopin (N. Fahlman)
Interlude: Restore us Again by David Lee (N. Fahlman)
Postlude: Nun danket alle Gott by H. W. Stolze (G. Hunt)

Totensonntag (11:00 Deutscher Gottesdienst)

2011-11-18T10:23:00.000-08:00

Prelude: Vater Unser im Himmel Reich by Teleman (G. Hunt)
Interlude: Consolation by F. Liszt (N. Fahlman)
Postlude: Nun Danket Alle Gott by H.W. Stolze (G. Hunt)

22nd Sunday After Pentecost/21. Sonntag Nach Trinitatis

2011-11-12T14:32:00.000-08:00

Prelude (Both Services): Preludes 5-9 (from 12 Kleine Preludien) by J.S. Bach (N. Fahlman)
Interlude (English Service): Eagles Wings by Michael Joncas (N. Fahlman)
Interlude (Deutscher Gottesdienst): Sonata Pathetique Adagio by L.V. Beethoven (N. Fahlman)
Postlude (Both Services): Take My Hand and Lead Me by R. Weinhorst (G. Hunt)

21st Sunday After Pentecost/20. Sonntag nach Trinitatis (Bilingual Service)

2011-11-03T13:38:00.000-07:00

The Oakland Turnverein Gemischter Chor (OTV) under the direction of Conductor Betty Gail Hunt will be joining us for worship to sing the following:

Wir preisen deine Herrlichkeit
Wach auf, mein Herz, und singe
Two Canons
Es tagt, der Sonne Morgenstrahl
Lobe den Herren

Hymn Board for English Service (LBW): 20th Sunday After Pentecost

2011-10-26T13:54:00.001-07:00

Just finished putting the hymns on the board for this weekend.

Hymn Board for German Service (EG): 19. Sonntag nach Trinitatis

2011-10-26T13:52:00.001-07:00

For this Sunday

Tenor Wanted

2011-10-24T09:39:00.000-07:00

Our core ensemble, which usually sings music for unison or two-part choirs, could use another tenor for J.S. Bach's Gloria sei dir gesungen (four part chorale) scheduled for our December first Sunday bilingual service and German Christmas Service. Anyone who is intersted in singing with us, tenor or other voices, should join us for rehearsal on Sundays after the German service (12:15ish to 1 p.m.).

Rehearsal Schedule Link: http://stmatthewssf.blogspot.com/p/ensemble-germerika-and-weihnachts.html

Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost/17. Sonntag Nach Trinitatis

2011-10-15T15:56:00.000-07:00

Prelude: Sinfonias in D Minor, E Major and G Major by J.S. Bach (N. Fahlman)
Interlude: Etude No. 4, Op. 42 by Louis Farrenc (N. Fahlman)
Postlude: Ein feste Burg is unser Gott by Helmut Walcha (G. Hunt)

Pentecost 17/16. Sonntag Nach Trinitatis

2011-10-08T13:54:00.001-07:00

Both services will feature Sinfonias in C Maj, C Min and D Maj as well as Etude No. 3 Op. 49 by Louis Farrenc (N. Fahlman). Each service will conclude with Herr Jesu Christ dich zu uns wend (G. Hunt).

Our Members in Concert!

2011-09-28T11:53:00.000-07:00

16th Sunday After Pentecost/15. Sonntag Nach Trinitatis (Bilingual Service)

2011-09-28T11:52:00.000-07:00

Prelude: Song Without Words by Roy Danielson (N. Fahlman)
Interlude: God Himself is Present arr. N. Fahlman (C. and N. Fahlman)
Interlude: Improvisation for Percussion and Winds (Germerikan Ensemble)
Postlude: Wer nur den lieben Gott läßt walten (Hunt)

Related Link: First Sundays

15th Sunday After Pentecost (9:30 a.m. English Service)

2011-09-24T20:54:00.000-07:00

Interludes will include Bach Sinfonias on the organ as well as a psalm setting by David Lee (N. Fahlman).

14. Sonntag Nach Trinitatis

2011-09-24T20:53:00.000-07:00

Interludes will include a preview of next Saturday's chamber music recital. Expect to hear some Ravel!

English Service for the 14th Sunday After Pentecost

2011-09-16T17:57:00.000-07:00

Prelude: Inventions No. 11-15 (N. Fahlman)
Interlude: To You O Lord I Lift Up My Spirit by David Lee (N. Fahlman)
Postlude: Sonata in G by D. Scarlatti (G. Hunt)

13. Sonntag Nach Trinitatis

2011-09-16T17:56:00.000-07:00

Preludium: Inventions No.11-15 -J.S. Bach (Hunt)
Musikalisches Zwischenspiel: Etude G Dur No. 2 Op. 42 -Louise Farrenc (Fahlman)
Postlude: Sonata D Dur -D. Scarlatti (Hunt)

Annual Outdoor Service and Picnic

2011-09-07T13:54:00.000-07:00

Guest Pastor: Rev. Olaf Baumann

MUSIC

Prelude: Keyboard Improvisations on How Great Thou Art and Amazing Grace by Gary Hunt
Pre-Sermon Interlude: Improvisation Peppered with a Green Bell Ostinato! (Impromptu Ensemble)
Offertory: Sarabande from the Partita for Unaccompanied Flute by J.S. Bach (N. Fahlman)
Postlude: Sonata in D by Scarlatti (Hunt)

OTHER IMPORTANT NOTES

Don't forget, we will be worshipping in the great outdoors on the other side of The Bay this coming Sunday. There will only be one service which will be bilingual. Please note, the service will be at 10:30 instead of 11:00. Avoid the park's entrance fee by arriving on time for worship. We will return to our regular San Francisco location next week.

The service will be held at 3115 Butters Drive, Oakland at the Oakland Nature Friends Resort.

View Larger Map

Upcoming Concerts at St. Matthew's

2011-09-07T13:38:00.001-07:00

Chamber Music Concert

to Benefit the St. Matthew's Building Fund

October 1, 2011

4:30 p.m.

Admission: TBA

Damenchor and Liederkranz

Christmas Concert

December 3, 2011

2 p.m.

Admission: TBA

Golden Gate Men's Chorus

Holiday Concert

December 8, 2011 at 8 p.m.

December 10, 2011 at 8 p.m.

December 11, 2011 at 2 p.m.

Admission TBA

Not everyone participating in the above mentioned concerts attend services at St. Matthew's or are affiliated with the membership of St. Matthew's.

12th Sunday After Pentecost/11. Sonntag Nach Trinitatis (11:00 a.m. Bilingual Service/11:00 Zweisprachiger Gottesdienst)

2011-08-31T13:59:00.000-07:00

Prelude: Come, Thou Almighty King with We Will Glorify Arr. by Carol Tornquist (Fahlman)
Interlude: Improvisation with Green Bells (F and G) (Ensemble Impromtu)
Offertory: Sunday School Classics (C. and N. Fahlman)
Postlude: Ein Feste Burg ist unser Gott by Johann Walter (Hunt)

Related Links:
First Sundays

ENSEMBLE GERMERICA

2011-08-26T12:27:00.001-07:00

Our core worship team will resume regular rehearsals on September 18th at 12:30 p.m. A schedule of rehearsals will be posted in front of the office by the end of August and handed out to group members at the first rehearsals.

In addition to our core ensemble, we are aiming to put a Weihnachts Ensemble together for the annual German service on Christmas Eve which will only have two mandatory rehearsals in December. Sign-ups for this ensemble will begin in September as well.

Singers and instrumentalists who are interested in either ensemble should contact Cantor Nicole Fahlman at NicoleGeniene@yahoo.com. There are no auditions (some instrumental parts may be given out on a first come first serve basis) but if you would like to make a placement appointment to sing or play for her ahead of time, she would be glad to hear you.

(Core Worship Ensemble)

Rehearsal Schedule

2011-2012

September 18th 12:15-1:00 p.m.
September 25th 12:30-1:00 p.m.

October 2nd 10:00-10:45
Sing/Play for Bilingual Service 11:00-12:00

October 9th 12:30-1:00 p.m.
October 16th 12:15-1:00 p.m.
October 23rd 12:30-1:00 p.m.
October 30th 12:15-1:00 p.m.

November 6th ERNTE DANKFEST

The O.T.V. will lead. Ensemble Germerika will NOT sing or play but it would be good to be here early to help the Frauenverein with the odds and ends of hosting. Please be here by 10:00 a.m.

November 13th 12:15-1:00 p.m.
November 20th 12:30-1:00 p.m.
November 27th 12:15-1:00 p.m.

December 4th 10:00-10:45
    Sing/Play for Bilingual Service 11:00-12:00
    First Sunday of Advent!!!

December 11th 12:15-1:00 p.m.
    VERY IMPORTANT: Christmas Rehearsal with Weihnacht Ensemble

December 18th 12:30-1:00 p.m.
    VERY IMPORTANT: Christmas Rehearsal with Weihnacht Ensemble

December 24th
    Core Team “Dress” Rehearsal 1:00-2:00 p.m.
    Dinner Break: 3:00-4:30 p.m.
    4:30-5:30 SING/PLAY FOR GERMAN CHRISTMAS SERVICE!!!

January 15th 12:30-1:00 p.m.

Rehearsals Resume for Winter/Spring Season

January 22nd 12:15-1:00 p.m.
January 29th 12:30-1:00 p.m.

February 5th 10:00-10:45 a.m.
Sing/Play for the Bilingual Service at 11:00 a.m.

February 12th 12:30-1:00 p.m.
February 19th 12:15-1:00 p.m. (Transfiguration Sunday)
February 26th 12:30-1:00 p.m.

March 4th 10:00-10:45 p.m.
Sing/Play for the Bilingual Service at 11:00 a.m.

March 11th 12:30-1:00 p.m.
March 18th 12:15-1:00 p.m.
March 25th 12:30-1:00 p.m.

April 1st 10:00-10:45 a.m.
Sing/Play for the Bilingual Service at 11:00 a.m.

April 8th 10:30-10:45 EASTER!!!
Sing/Play for English Easter Service??? Call would be 8:45 a.m.
Quick Warm-up Downstairs with Volunteer Assistant Leader to sing/play for German Easter Service at 11:00 a.m.

April 15th 12:15-1:00 p.m.
April 22nd 12:30-1:00 p.m.
April 29th 12:15-1:00 p.m.

May 6th 10:00-10:45
Sing/Play for the Bilingual Service at 11:00 a.m.

Altar Guild

2011-08-24T12:55:00.000-07:00

If you are interested in helping with any of the following elements of worship please contact Mrs. Karp in the church office Wednesday or Friday 415-863-6371 or one of the helpers in church:

Paraments
Flowers
Candles
Hymn Board
Placing Hymnals back in the pews.
Preparing Communion Ware
Opening sacristy on Sunday mornings

11th Sunday After Pentecost (9:30 English)

2011-08-24T11:21:00.000-07:00

Prelude: Inventions No. 7-11 by J.S. Bach (Fahlman)
Interlude: Vindicate Me! (Psalm 26) (Fahlman)
Postlude: E flat Major Prelude by J.S. Bach (Hunt)

10. Sonntag nach Trinitatis (11 a.m. Deutsch)

2011-08-24T11:20:00.000-07:00

Preludium: No. 13 Fis Dur Preludium Wohltemperierte Klavier -J.S. Bach (Hunt)
Musikalisches Zwischenspiel: Etude G Moll No. 1 Op. 42 -Louise Farrenc (Fahlman)
Postlude: No. 8 Dis Moll Preludium Wohltemperierte Klavier-J.S. Bach (Hunt)

10th Sunday After Pentecost

2011-08-19T19:23:00.000-07:00

Prelude (Both Services): Variations on Herr Jesu Christ dich zu uns Wend by J. Walter (Hunt)

Interlude (English Service): Psalm 138 by David Lee (Fahlman)
Interlude (German Service): Invention No. 6 by J.S. Bach (Fahlman)

Postlude (Both Services): Variations on Machs Mit Mir by J. Walter (Hunt)

9th Sunday after Pentecost

2011-08-13T09:40:00.000-07:00

Interlude music for both services:

Prelude: Inventions No. 1-4 by J.S. Bach (Fahlman)

Interlude: Invention No. 5 by J.S. Bach (Fahlman)

Postlude: Variations on Herr Jesu Christ dich zu uns wend by J. Walter (Hunt)

Guest Preacher for both services: Olaf Baumann

Smelling the roses part 3

2011-08-10T18:40:00.001-07:00

Don't know who left these on the altar steps but I found them not to far from the musicians' space when I arrived to rehearse. So lovely!

Smelling the roses part 2

2011-08-10T11:11:00.001-07:00

Time out to smell the roses!

2011-08-10T11:09:00.001-07:00

Eighth Sunday after Pentecost/7. Sonntag nach Trinitatis (Bilingual Service)

2011-08-05T15:56:00.000-07:00

Prelude: I Will Bless Thee, O Lord/Great is the Lord arr. by Carol Tornquist (Fahlman)

Pre-Sermon Interlude: Improvisation with Handbells (Ensemble Impromptu)

Postlude: Psalm 150 by Benedetto Marcello (Hunt)

Sixth Sunday After Pentecost (July 24, 2011)

2011-07-22T13:55:00.000-07:00

Music for both services will be as follows:

Prelude: Schubert Impromput No. 2 in A Flat Major Op. posth. 142 (D 935) (Fahlman)

Interlude: Sinfonia No. 2 in C Minor by J.S. Bach (Fahlman)

Postlude: Ach wie nichtig, Ach wie flüchtig by Georg Böhm (Hunt)

Fifth Sunday After Pentecost (July 17, 2011)

2011-07-13T12:59:00.000-07:00

Interludes for both services are as follows:

Prelude: Prière by Joseph Jongen (Hunt)

Interlude: Sinfonia (C Dur) by J.S. Bach (Fahlman)

Postlude: Pedal Etude by J.S. Bach (Hunt)

Core Worship Team and Weihnachts Ensembles!

2011-07-11T12:28:00.000-07:00

In addition to our core ensemble, we are aiming to put a Weihnachts Ensemble together for the annual German service on Christmas Eve which will only have two mandatory rehearsals in December. Sign-ups for this ensemble will begin in September as well.

Singers and instrumentalists who are interested in either ensemble should contact Cantor Nicole Fahlman at 415-469-8553 or NicoleGeniene@yahoo.com. There are no auditions but if you would like to make a placement appointment to sing or play for her ahead of time, she would be glad to hear you.

Fourth Sunday After Pentecost

2011-07-08T09:49:00.000-07:00

Interludes for the 9:30 English Service and 11:00 German Service are listed as follows:

Prelude: Impromptu No. 3 in G-flat Major Op. 90 (D. 899) by F. Schubert (Fahlman)

Interlude: Invention No. 15 in B Minor by J.S. Bach (Fahlman)

Postlude: Prelude and Fugue by J.S. Bach (Hunt)

Third Sunday after Pentecost: Bilingual Service

2011-06-29T07:51:00.000-07:00

Prelude: Impromptu in A flat Major Op. 90 (D.899) (N. Fahlman)

Interlude #1: Improvisation with Handbells (Junior Ensemble Germerika)

Interlude #2: Sunday School Classics (C. and N. Fahlman)

Postlude: TBA (Hunt)

Why I blog....

2011-06-28T13:00:00.000-07:00

Blogger twittered the following:

Blogger Blogger

Do you have a blog post about why or how you started blogging? If so, please share! #bloggerasks

My response: I do now! Just for them I've copied and pasted a page of my blog to a post.

Musicians spend a lot of time thinking about sounds and how to organize those sounds in meaningful ways. Often, those wordless tones take up a lot of space in my mind. It is easy to get so caught up in the beauty of music that the ablity to organize thought with words is forgotten. Even though I sing I'm often thinking about other things in addition to the words. There is so much that goes into performing a word--breathing, toning, concentrating, expressing, etc.

If NOTES FROM THE CANTOR has been of help to you in ANY way, whether it be staying in touch with the rest of our community if you are a shut in, figuring out where to attend church on a Sunday morning, causing you to make a donation, etc. Would you please send me an e-mail or a note and let me know what you gained from reading it? Thank you! NicoleGeniene@yahoo.com OR Cantor Nicole Fahlman, St. Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church, 3281 16th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103.

Bach and Pachelbel for the 2nd Sunday after Pentecost

2011-06-23T10:47:00.000-07:00

Both services will feature the following:

Preludes: Twelve Short Preludes by J.S. Bach a.k.a. 12 Kleine Praeludien (N. Fahlman on organ)

Interlude: Invention No. 14 (B-flat Major) (N. Fahlman on organ)

Postlude: Fugue in D by Pachelbel (G. Hunt on organ)

Trinity Sunday/Trinitatis

2011-06-15T15:16:00.000-07:00

We will be borrowing from the Irish St. Patrick for our special music selection at both services with I Bind Unto Myself This Day based on St. Patrick's Breastplate by St. Patrick himself. To learn more about the hymn's history click on the link below.

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/s/t/stpatric.htm

Other selections to compliment the feast day will be Nocturne by Irish composer, John Field, played by Nicole Fahlman as well as a hymn prelude and postlude on Allein Gott in der Höh' sei Ehr by J.S. Bach played by Gary Hunt.

Earth, Wind and Fire

2011-06-08T15:07:00.000-07:00

Our Pentecost celebration will be interspersed with improvisational meditations on the elements:

Earth: Piano/Handbells (Hunt/Fahlman)
Wind: Flute/Piano/Organ (Fahlman/Hunt)
Fire: Vocal/Piano (Fahlman/Hunt)

First Sundays of Summer

2011-05-31T09:41:00.000-07:00

Summer is often full of surprises.

We don't always know who is going to be in town and ready to share their gift of music or preaching, but we look forward to the spontaneity. One thing that can be guaranteed as a regular feature of our bilingual services (the 11 a.m. services held on the first Sunday of each month) will be an opportunity for young people to participate in a mid-service improvisation featuring colored hand bells and non-pitched rhythm instruments. During Easter we use orange and yellow bells (C and D) as liturgical gold. In the Sundays after Pentecost we will gravitate toward the F and G pitches (light green and dark green). Anyone with a horn is welcome to bring it for making a long and loud sound (like a shofar) as the offerings are brought forward.

Holy Week and Easter Services

2011-04-14T10:39:00.000-07:00

English Holy Week Services:

Last year, those who attended the English services composed a variation on the hymn Go to Dark Gethsemane without realizing it. Their pattern of attendance was recently graphed on a musical staff and lo and behold the first couple of phrases have a peculiar likeness to the old hymn! The variation will be featured during the psalm interludes for Palm Sunday. Other selections by Arthur Sullivan and Henry Parker are also in the works for Holy Week.

German Holy Week Services:

You can’t be a German Lutheran without knowing Bach, so there will be Bach for organ, piano and vocal solos at each of our services. The choir is also preparing a canon by Praetorious to resurrect the Hallelujahs. If anyone wants to bring a trumpet or a shofar to sound when the offering is presented on Easter they will be most welcome. As always on festive occasions, the youth will be provided with instruments during the improvisational times.

Heads up for Summer Worship Music "Planning"

2011-04-14T10:38:00.000-07:00

May 15, 2011 at 12:15 p.m. is on the music team’s calendar. Instrumentalists and singers with project ideas they would like to see incorporated into the worship schedule should attend. We cannot guarantee that every idea will fit into the summer, but we hope that the invitation will stir up the creative juices and refresh our ministry.
Related Link: Spring Worship Team Calendar

Reminder: "Last Call" for Easter Sunday musical project "applications"

2011-03-11T13:58:00.000-08:00

This is just to remind those musicians who are interested in participating in either of the Easter services at St. Matthew's Lutheran that they should be in touch with me by this Sunday, March 13, 2011. I previously posted on the calendar (see Worship Team Calendar) that there would be no singers rehearsal this weekend. It was left open so that I could be available after the German service to meet with any musicians or singers who would like to meet with me and discuss getting involved in worship. This would be a good time to play or sing for me in person as well. If you or someone you know is interested, please pass this information on.

Bach Preludes and Sinfonias with Keyboardist Nicole Hankemeier-Fahlman

2011-03-04T15:06:00.000-08:00

Lent is upon us and with it six weeks of short Bach Preludes (BWV 933-938) but this year paired with Sinfonias in corresponding keys during the pre-sermon musical interlude (one for each week). While Lent doesn't officially start until Ash Wednesday, Mrs. Fahlman will start the series on Transfiguration Sunday in order to leave room for other music during Holy Week.

March 6 (Transfiguration): Prelude and Sinfonia in C Major (Bilingual Service at 11 a.m.)
March 13: Prelude and Sinfonia in D Major (9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.)
March 20: Prelude and Sinfonia in E Major (9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.)
March 27: Prelude and Sinfonia in C Minor (9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.)
April 3: Prelude and Sinfonia in D Minor (Bilingual Service at 11 a.m.)
April 10: Prelude and Sinfonia in E Minor (9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.)

Getting Goofy with Liturgical Colors

2011-03-04T14:47:00.000-08:00

During February, we restarted our after pre-school hand bell club after several months of not having one and got goofy with green, literally! We worked with the green F and G bells, sang about high and low notes, note names and the waltz rhythm before practicing balloon ballet with green balloons and Bach preludes. The only green balloons I could find had the Disney character Goofy on the front! G is for Goofy and good times!

We are taking a session break right now, but starting on March 16th, we will begin a Purple Parade theme. If you know any pre-school age children who would like to be involved we will meet around 12:15 or 12:20ish (after the closing circle) near the green couch in front of the church office for about 10-15 minutes.

First Sundays (Archive)

2011-03-03T09:20:00.000-08:00

First Sundays

Back in January 2010, a list was posted with the dates of the next twelve combined services now simply referred to as bilingual services. Here is an updated list which includes services for the first five services of 2011, but this time with a few more enhancements to help those involved in worship and educational planning. Each service has listed its particular place in the season of the church year, a liturgically color coded date, and the readings in English and German from Biblegateway.com.

During the festival seasons our bilingual service features the Germerikan Ensemble (except in January) who will help with leading our liturgy and hymns. Instrumental music will primarily consist of songs and hymns arranged by living (still with us this side of heaven) composers or arrangers.

Children, as always are welcome to sit up front for better viewing.

Dezember/December 5, 2010: 2nd Sunday in Advent

Readings in English
Vorlesungen auf Deutsch
Interludes: Prelude--The Seven Roses of the Thorn Crown by Anthony Shatney; Interlude--Improvisation for Piano and Handbells on A, B and C (Colors of the Season); Postlude--Isaiah 6:3/Jesus We Crown You with Praise arr. by Carol Tornquist

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/l/h/lhowrose.htm

January 2nd, 2011(White): Second Sunday of Christmas

February 6th, 2011: Fifth Sunday after Epiphany

Readings in English
Vorlesungen auf Deutsch
Interludes: Prelude--When Morning Guilds the Skies/We Bring the Sacrifice of Praise arr. Carol Tornquist; Interlude--I Will sing of the Mercies/Ancient of Days arr. by Carol Tornquist; Postlude--Day Star arr. by Don Wyrtzen.

March 6th, 2011 (White): Transfiguration of Our Lord

Readings in English
Vorlesungen auf Deutsch
Interludes: Prelude and Sinfonia in C Major by J.S. Bach, Praise Unending by Lani Smith

April 3rd, 2011: Fourth Sunday in Lent

Readings in English
Vorlesungen auf Deutsch
Interludes: Prelude and Sinfonia in D Minor by J.S. Bach

May 1st, 2011 (White): Second Sunday of Easter

Readings in English
Vorlesungen auf Deutsch
Special Interludes: Four Psalm Interludes by N. Fahlman and Jubilate Deo by Praetorius (Germerikan Ensemble)

2011-02-21T12:16:00.000-08:00

Spent half of the morning browsing the internet for PDFs of Psalm scores. There is a lot to sort through!

The Beauty of Small Groups (9:30 a.m. English Services)

2011-02-18T14:11:00.000-08:00

It took at least a couple of decades for me to realize the importance of being a part of a small church group whether it was to do ministry or to be ministered to. While I've certainly enjoyed worshipping in large congregations, there is something very special about being in a place where everyone might have opportunity to greet you. In a small group it is easier to realize significance in our own voices whether they are soft or loud. Gary Portnoy summed up this "search for significance" when he wrote the theme song to an American sitcom that was popular in the 1980s "Where Everybody Knows Your Name."

The other day I had a discussion with one of St. Matthew's members and she informed me that she likes having lots of space around her when she worships. This was a really helpful discussion, because I'd been thinking about putting ropes up in the back in order to have people sit closer so that they could hear each other. I didn't ask her why she felt this way because that wasn't the course our discussion was on, but I'm now reflecting on my own experience and needs in the realms of holy space. It also reminded me of a choral evaluation I had opportunity to listen in on a number of years ago in which an adjudicator praised a conductor for giving her choir plenty of room to breathe, one of the most important aspects of singing as well as life itself. In my own life I've had to step away from other people or things (big booming pipe organs, electric guitars, drums to name a few) in order to be able to hear my own voice or to help others see when I'm not ready for close physical intimacy. For a lot of people, intellectual, emotional and spiritual closeness must come first.

Many people don't realize that it is in the smaller audiences that musicians, speakers and other public figures hone their performance abilities. I remember one master class discussion about how musicians can become depressed when they put a great deal of rehearsal into one performance only to have a few people show up. Many people get anxious or depressed about performing because they haven't learned how to manage their basket of talent (eggs). In learning to play piano and sing, I kept my eye on certain people and watched how they worked. Some would perform for large audiences, but I was also invited to venues in which the same performers appeared and there were only a handful of people. It was in those spaces that they were able to meet individuals and get to know their names and faces, likes and dislikes. It often didn't matter how big the pieces were that they played or if they put a ton of effort into rehearsal because the best performers continually looked beyond one performance, beyond one type of audience, and beyond one type of venue.

If you are looking for a place where you can maintain a low profile, but still be where everyone knows your name, I highly recommend St. Matthew's 9:30 a.m. English Service.

Just in time for Valentine's Day....

2011-02-11T13:34:00.000-08:00

The Broedel Duo will be returning to play at St. Matthew's this Sunday for the German service. This beautiful couple will be playing two Duettos for Violin and Cello by Johann Sebastian Bach: No. 3 in G Major (BMV 804) as the prelude and No. 4 in A Minor (BMV 805) as the interlude before the Pastor Pielhoop's sermon.

2011-02-11T12:27:00.001-08:00

Just put some links on the calendar page to make it more user friendly.

2011-01-26T18:48:00.001-08:00

Wondering how many times I went up and down the 44 steps to the organ loft today. Good workout!

Spring 2011 Worship Music Team Calendar

2011-01-25T13:39:00.000-08:00

If you are a singer or other type of musician with an interest for taking part in our Easter celebration, January is the time to start getting in touch with and getting to know the rest of the music team. This may sound strange when considering that at times we can appear to be a small church body barely keeping our heads above the water, but over the past year, I’ve come to realize that we’re actually the tip of an ice-burg. St. Matthew’s has some faithful members who are leaders in a rather large network. This becomes more and more evident to me on major feast days as I’ve come to start recognizing more and more faces, learning whose related to who, and how. By the time this is published, the singers will have already started their spring rehearsals. Extra space to plug in special music selections goes fast. Don’t delay! Contact your cantor today!

Nicole Fahlman

Cantor/Music Leader

NicoleGeniene@yahoo.com.

Sunday, January 9, 12:15 Planning Session

Sunday, January 23 12:30-1 p.m. Rehearsal

Sunday, January 30 12:15-1 p.m. Rehearsal

Sunday, February 6, 10:00-10:45 Rehearsal: Be ready to sing/play for worship with newest team members at 11 a.m.

Sunday, February 13 12:30-1 p.m. Rehearsal

Sunday, February 20 12:15-1 p.m. Rehearsal

Sunday, February 27 12:30-1 p.m. Rehearsal

Sunday, March 6, 10:00-10:45 Rehearsal: sing/play for worship at 11 a.m.
FEAST DAY: Transfiguration

Sunday, March 13, 12:15-1 p.m. NO “REHEARSAL”
MUSICIAN PLACEMENT DAY/Last call for Easter 2011 Special Music Applications

Sunday, March 20, 12:30-1 p.m. Rehearsal

Sunday, March 27, 12:30-1 p.m. Rehearsal

Sunday, April 3, 10:00-10:45 Rehearsal: sing/play for worship at 11 a.m.

Sunday, April 10, 12:30-1 p.m. Rehearsal

Sunday, April 17, 12:30-1 p.m. Rehearsal

Possible April 20 (Wednesday) or April 21 (Thursday) 7:15 p.m. Rehearsal

April 24 EASTER SUNDAY: We WILL Sing/Play
Call Time TBA

Sunday, May 8 10:00-10:45 Rehearsal: sing/play for worship at 11 a.m.

Sunday, May 15, 12:30-1 p.m. Summer Music Team Check In/Planning Session
NO “REHEARSAL”

Sunday May 22, 12:15-1 p.m. Rehearsal

Sunday May 29 Memorial Day Weekend: NO REHEARSAL

Sunday, June 5 10:00-10:45 a.m. Rehearsal: sing/play for worship at 11 a.m.

Easter? Already?

2011-01-20T17:40:00.001-08:00

YES!!! If you are a singer or other type of musician with an interest for taking part in our Easter celebration, now is the time to start getting in touch with and getting to know the rest of the music team. This may sound strange when considering that at times we can appear to be a small church body barely keeping our heads above the water, but over the past year, I’ve come to realize that we’re actually the tip of an ice-burg. St. Matthew’s has some faithful members who are leaders in a rather large network. This becomes more and more evident to me on major feast days as I’ve come to start recognizing more and more faces, learning whose related to who, and how. E-mails were sent out a couple of weeks ago to those who have demonstrated their interest by singing or playing for past celebrations. By the time this is published, the Chorale singers will have already started their spring rehearsals. Extra space to plug in special music selections goes fast. Don’t delay! Contact your cantor today!

Nicole Fahlman

Cantor/Music Leader

NicoleGeniene@yahoo.com.

Sarabande in A Minor for Solo Flute by J.S. Bach, Flautist Nicole Hankemeier-Fahlman

2011-01-18T12:06:00.000-08:00

2011-01-11T11:09:00.001-08:00

I'm choosing my words carefully and slowly.

Back from a break....

2011-01-08T19:14:00.000-08:00

Finally, Christmas Eve Candlelight Services and Christmas Morning Services in More Detail...

2010-12-23T10:35:00.000-08:00

CHRISTMAS EVE

3 p.m. Bilingual Service:
Our Christmas Eve services will start at 3 p.m. with Organist Gary Hunt playing Vom Himmel Hoch in all its glory with variations by Walter, Pachelbel and Böhm. The Vom Himmel Hoch theme will be reiterated later on just befor the sermon by Nicole Fahlman with Bach's take on it--a setting which includes a familiar melodic theme taken from the chorus of a familiar Christmas melody in which the angelic hosts sing Gloria in Excelsis Deo. Carols and hymns will be sung in both English and German. A message will be given especially for the children who will also be encouraged to take part in ringing the red and green handbells (C and G bells) during the offertory improvisation. The service will conclude with the singing of Silent Night/Stille Nacht with candlelight and Mr. Hunt will send us off joyfully with Gerke's Joy to the World!

4:30 German Language Service:
We will be literally pulling out all of the stops during the German language Christmas Eve Service at 4:30. The service will open with soprano aria Öffne dich, mein ganzes Herze from Cantata BWV 61 (Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland) sung by Kantorin Nicole Fahlman. J.S. Bach's Wohl mir, daß ich Jesum habe from Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben (Heart and Mouth and Deed and Life), BWV 147 will be the Chorale Singers four part harmonic debut.

St. Matthew's has recently been blessed by the frequent attendance of the Brödel family who are new to us from Dresden, Germany. Johannes Brödel, plays cello and his wife, Anna-Maria Brödel, plays violin. This husband and wife team will play a major role in the remainder of the special music selections for the evening, which will include an interlude on Joseph, lieber Joseph mein and a selection from The Art of the Fugue (original German: Die Kunst der Fuge), BWV 1080. They will be joined by Violinist Peter Buettner and his daughter Mia Buettner for Pachelbel's Canon in D just prior to the sermon. Expect to hear more from Mr. and Mrs. Brödel during the offertory.

The service of German carols will also include Vom Himmel Hoch featuring organ prelude and interludes by the masters (see 3 p.m. service for details) played by Organist Gary Hunt as well as Stille Nacht sung by candlelight. Mr. Hunt will send the congregation into the night with In deir Ist Freude by Manz.

6 p.m. English Language Service:
Kantorin Nicole Fahlman will open the service with Georg Friedrich Händel's He Shall Feed His Flock/Come Unto Him. Just prior to the sermon she will also sing Gesù bambino by Pietro Yon translated by Frederick H. Martens. Like each of our other candlelight services we will conclude the service with Silent Night. The postlude played by Gary Hunt on the organ will be Gerke's Joy to the World.

GERMAN CHRISTMAS DAY CAROL AND COMMUNION SERVICE AT 11 A.M.

The Freundschaft Liederkranz under the direction of Conductor Erika-Maria Matthes will feature such favorites as Es ist ein Ros entsprungen, Wiehnachtsglocken (H. Sonnet), Hymne and die Nacht (Beethoven) and Heilig, heilig, heilig (F. Schubert). Resident Musicians Kantorin and flutist Nicole Fahlman and Organist/Keyboardist Gary Hunt will present Sonata No. 2 for Flute and Piano by J.S. Bach.

SUNDAY SERVICES DURING CHRISTMAS
Just a reminder that Christmas only begins on December 25th. Contrary to the shopping industry we will be intentionally celebrating with bilingual carols on December 26th and January 2, 2011 at 11 a.m. There will be no 9:30 a.m. services during the 12 Days. Kantorin Nicole Hankemeier-Fahlman will finish out 2010 with firework music. She will play the prelude from Debussy's Suite Pour le Piano prior to the sermon on December 26th.

2010-12-23T07:56:00.001-08:00

Listening to Stile Antico's SONG OF SOLOMON quite often these days.

2010-12-22T22:45:00.001-08:00

Learning a bass part with the hubby. Yes, I sing his part with him up an octave.

2010-12-22T09:11:00.001-08:00

Numerology is fun especially when it has to do with combining one's musical knowledge with one's bible knowledge.

2010-12-22T07:38:00.001-08:00

Less haste more speed.

2010-12-21T21:57:00.001-08:00

Yes, I'm sure I could easily find a gazillion ready piano reductions online, but the observations at the slower pace wouldn't happen.

2010-12-21T21:52:00.001-08:00

Memories of Prof. Woodward's keyboard harmony class have pushed me to make the choral reduction even more pianist friendly.

2010-12-21T16:35:00.001-08:00

Finally, finished the reduction. Hoping it will solve and clear up a few issues.

2010-12-21T14:11:00.001-08:00

Inserted final music selections to the three Christmas Eve services yesterday. Now, rearranging accompaniment to better support chorale.

What happened to my favorite links?

2010-12-17T15:28:00.000-08:00

The calendar has been in the process of getting its annual refurbishing. This year it will have its own blog in order to be even better. Links such as the Map to St. Matthew's, Parkmöglichkeiten/Parking, and Frauenverein have been transferred to the new blog.

December 19, 2010

2010-12-17T15:09:00.000-08:00

At the English service, I'll be singing an a capella psalm setting especially for Advent by Marty Haugen and playing Noel by Louis-Claude Daquin on the organ for the German service.

2010-12-10T18:57:00.001-08:00

Expect a little bit of Brahms this Sunday.

2010-12-10T18:33:00.001-08:00

Edited first drafts of Christmas Eve and Christmas day services this week. Looking forward to having strings at the 4:30 Service Dec. 24!

A Couple of Party Pictures

2010-12-10T17:55:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from St. Matthew's Lutheran Church Staff!

From left to right:

Pastor Andreas Pielhoop, Secretary Elizabeth Karp, Kantorin Nicole Fahlman and Organist Gary Hunt.

On the left is our fearless Frauenverein Leader and Choir Member Gerda Beisel

(the very committed member who organized last week's midweek lunch party!)

with Nicole Fahlman

2010-12-09T05:43:00.001-08:00

Testing out mobile blogging and pondering its practicality/possibilities.

Golden Gate Men's Choir: On Yoolis Night

2010-12-07T12:58:00.000-08:00

For more information about the upcoming concert http://www.ggmc.org/

Groups performing at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church may not always reflect the views of its members.

Bilingual Service

2010-12-03T12:00:00.000-08:00

Dezember/December 5, 2010: 2nd Sunday in Advent

Readings in English
Vorlesungen auf Deutsch
Interludes: Prelude--The Seven Roses of the Thorn Crown by Anthony Shatney; Interlude--Improvisation for Piano and Handbells on A, B and C (Colors of the Season); Postlude--Isaiah 6:3/Jesus We Crown You with Praise arr. by Carol Tornquist

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/l/h/lhowrose.htm

Concert Reminders

2010-12-03T11:48:00.001-08:00

The following groups are using St. Matthew's sanctuary for their upcoming concerts. For more information click the links below.

Damenchor/Liederkranz

Golden Gate Men's Chorus

Excerpts from Cantor's Report: What's in Store for the Holidays?

2010-11-22T09:51:00.000-08:00

Cantor’s Report

Submitted November 17, 2010

by Nicole Fahlman

Since we weren’t sure whether or not the council would meet in December and the holidays tend to be busier with extra services, this will be my last report of 2010.

English Services:

We brought back Lutheran Book of Worship Setting II for a couple of feast day celebrations. We will be using this setting through Advent. At Christmas time we will use our traditional carol service since it seemed to work quite well last year and in years past.

German Services:

We will be using the same German Christmas Carol Service Setting as last year.

Bilingual Services:

Since the Christmas season is only two weeks and lots of people like singing carols and Christmas songs, the staff is considering the use of a similar format as the Christmas Eve Family Service for the Sunday services during Christmas.

Choir:

We have been expecting to sing our last bilingual service of the year on December 5th. Two more rehearsals are on the schedule handout which was given to members at rehearsals earlier in the season in case there was interest in singing for Christmas Eve.

Sonata No. 2 in E flat Major for Flute and Piano by J.S. Bach

2010-11-14T07:47:00.000-08:00

November 14, 2010

Both services will feature the entire Sonata No. 2 in E flat Major for Flute and Piano by J. S. Bach
Floutist Nicole Hankemeier-Fahlman
Pianist Gary Hunt
Volkstrauertag
Abendmahl / Communion
09:30 am English
11:00 am Deutsch
12:15 p.m. Chorale Singers Rehearsal

Bilingual Service this Weekend at 11:00 A.M.

2010-11-06T13:11:00.000-07:00

Readings in English: Complementary Series or Semicontinuous Series
Vorlesungen auf Deutsch: Frei oder Semicontinuous
Interludes: Prelude--Holy is the Lord/We Bow Down arr. by Carol Tornquist; Postlude--O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing arr. Marilynn White

DON'T FORGET TO RESET YOUR CLOCK'S!!! You can sleep an extra hour!!!

Reformationstag/Reformation Day

2010-10-26T12:22:00.000-07:00

Abendmahl/Communion

09:30 am English:
Lutheran Book of Worship Service Setting 2 Accompanied by Organist Gary Hunt and led by Cantor Fahlman.

Special music will include:

Impromptu in G flat by F. Schubert (N. Fahlman on piano)
Siciliano for Piano and Organ by G. Faure (N. Fahlman/G. Hunt)

11:00 am Deutsch
Oakland Turnverein Gemischter Chor presents Schubert's Deutsch Messe

NO CHORALE SINGERS REHEARSAL: Meet and Greet OTV

RETURN TO ST. MATTHEW'S HOME PAGE

Music for October 24, 2010

2010-10-22T10:15:00.000-07:00

Abendmahl / Communion
Pre-sermon interlude at both services: Invention No. 5 by J. S. Bach in E Flat Major (N. Fahlman).

09:30 am English: The first part of our service will be accompanied by piano (not including the organ prelude by Gary Hunt). The communion portion will include a soft organ accompaniment beginning with the offertory. This is to accomodate our closing hymn which will be Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus.
11:00 am Deutsch: Accompanied by organ as usual.

12:15 p.m. Chorale Singers rehearsal

Music for October 17, 2010

2010-10-13T17:09:00.000-07:00

Both services will feature selected Inventions by J.S. Bach (Fahlman) during the prelude and interlude time. The postlude will be Bach's Vater Unser (Hunt)

09:30 am English

11:00 am Deutsch:

Will include hymn preludes by Telemann including Ein Feste Burg Ist Unser Gott and Vater Unser Im Himmelreich (Hunt)

12:00 p.m. Chorale Singers rehearsal

October 10, 2010

2010-10-07T17:48:00.000-07:00

Both services will feature the Allegro from Sonata No. 2 in E flat Major for Flute and Piano by J. S. Bach

Nicole Fahlman, Flute
Gary Hunt, Piano

09:30 am English
11:00 am Deutsch

Chorale Singers will rehearse after the service as usual.

What's in store for the October bilingual service?

2010-09-29T13:20:00.000-07:00

Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Readings in English: Complementary Series or Semicontinuous Series
Vorlesungen auf Deutsch: Frei oder Semicontinuous
Interludes: Prelude--Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty/Holy, Holy, Holy (Hosanna) arr. by Carol Tornquist; Interlude--Holy is the Lord/We Bow Down arr. by Carol Tornquist; Postlude--A Mighty Fortress is Our God/Awesome God arr. by Carol Tornquist.
Chorale and Praise Singers will lead the singing.
Survey of the Old Testament led by N. Fahlman after the birthday celebrations during the montly potluck hour.

Baroque Keyboard Interludes for Sept. 26th, 2010

2010-09-22T15:39:00.000-07:00

Musical interludes at both services will include Variations on Mach's Mit Mir Gott by J.S. Bach's cousin Johann Walther (Organist Gary Hunt) and Fugue V in D Major from Bach's Well Tempered Clavier Book I (Nicole Fahlman Cantor/Pianist)

Bach Interludes for Flute and Piano: This Sunday!

2010-09-17T14:17:00.000-07:00

Gary (organist) and I (flautist) have been working on Sonata No. 2 for Flute and Piano by J.S. Bach. We've already shared the second movement, Siciliano, but we'll play it again before the sermon at both services. We will also be sharing the third movement, Allegro, for the first time and will use it as the postlude at both services.

We Need to Hear from You!

2010-09-09T13:02:00.000-07:00

If this blog has been of help to you in ANY way, whether it be staying in touch with the rest of our community if you are a shut in, figuring out where to attend church on a Sunday morning, causing you to make a donation, etc. Would you please send me an e-mail or a note and let me know what you gained from reading it? Thank you!

NicoleGeniene@yahoo.com

Cantor Nicole Fahlman
St. Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church
3281 16th Street
San Francisco, CA 94103

Music for Sunday, September 12, 2010

2010-09-09T12:41:00.000-07:00

Don't forget, we will be worshipping in the great outdoors with the rest of creation this coming Sunday across The Bay. We will return to our regular location next week.

The service will be held at 3115 Butters Drive, Oakland at the Oakland Nature Friends Resort.

View Larger Map

Come and find out what kind of counter-melodies God stirs up in the birds in response to the Corrente from Bach's Partita for Unaccompanied Flute.

Music for Sunday, September 5, 2010

2010-09-03T11:42:00.000-07:00

Our bilingual service will feature the Praise Singers and Chorale Singers who will introduce a new Hallelujah and help with leading our liturgy and hymns. Instrumental music will include medley arrangements of contemporary composer and arranger Carol Tornquist listed below:

Prelude: When Morning Gilds the Skies/We Bring the Sacrifice of Praise
Interlude: Take My Life and Let it Be/ Sanctuary
Postlude: A Mighty Fortress/Awesome God

Content Links to Excerpts from Cantor's Report Submitted Aug 25, 2010

2010-08-25T12:48:00.000-07:00

Part I: English Service
Part II: German Service
Part II: Bilingual
Part IV: Worship Resource Room

English Service

2010-08-25T12:42:00.000-07:00

Interludes: Over this past summer, interludes were mostly arrangements by Carol Tornquist from her book, Sunday Morning Blend. Each arrangement combines an old hymn with a new hymn into a medley. Some of the selections have old hymns spiced up with new harmonies or rhythms. Other times, a newer song is put into the style of a Mozart Sonata or hymn. What I like about her book is that it brings the older and younger generations together. It shows the younger ones that the old hymns don't have to be stodgy dirges and the older people that the new hymns don't have to be so edgy. The cover, which is a picture of a steaming cup of coffee, is a reminder to me of Pastor Pielhoop's love for café type fellowship experiences. During the fall my focus will likely shift back to classical in my personal practice time, but expect to hear more of her arrangements throughout the year at the bilingual service.

Children: When children visited the English service, they took advantage of the activity sheets that had been placed in the narthex. They showed them to Pastor and myself after the service. The feedback I got was that the children wanted to come to church. They had drummed with me before. They were brought by their grandparents, were well behaved, and eager to follow along in the service folder and play the drum.

German Service

2010-08-25T12:40:00.000-07:00

Bach seems to stir up the Spirit of Motivation in Gary so we've been using works by Bach and Handel to start our practice sessions before moving to the hymns. Gary and I have been working on all of the movements of Sonata No. 2 by J.S. Bach for flute and piano during our weekly rehearsals.

Bilingual Service

2010-08-25T12:39:00.000-07:00

A lot has happened in the church since Bach and Handel. The Lutheran Church is now experiencing its greatest growth in Africa and with it there has been a transformation in our own musical heritage that we are aiming to grab a hold of. The choir seems to be enthusiastic and looking forward to introducing Halle, Halle, Halle-lu-u-ja, as our newest Gospel Halleluja. It's sooo easy I never had to give them any sheet music and it got my husband drumming! Whoohoo!

Related Links: Praise Singers, Chorale Singers

Worship Arts Resource Room

2010-08-25T12:38:00.000-07:00

In order to access the choir music that was stashed away in one of our storage rooms, I did some rearranging in that room. Now that the music resources have been moved, I will be monitoring them to make sure that a walkway to the music is maintained.

An Introduction to Praise Singers

2010-08-03T11:17:00.000-07:00

Praise Singers is for those singers who are either not quite ready to commit to the Chorale Singers rehearsal schedule or want to work on newer music (1900 and BEYOND!). We meet the first Sunday of each month at 10:15 a.m. except in January. Our aim is to support the congregational singing along with Chorale Singers and help with developing the First Sunday services. Other rehearsals may be scheduled at a later date depending on unforseen circumstances and the needs of the group.

School age children and youth are encouraged to get involved in this group. Rhythm instruments and handbells will be provided for those who are too shy to sing.

Introduction to Chorale Singers

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The Chorale Singers is our main choir. Anyone who is willing to commit to our rehearsal and worship schedule is welcome to join. New members are welcomed year round. We aim to support the congregation in song, lead the liturgy with Praise Singers during the first service of the month, provide descants and harmonies to compliment the hymns and sing at an occasional German Service (TBA). As time permits in our rehearsing we will practice anthems or chorales to provide special music meditations for the congregation.

Members of Chorale Singers who show exceptional dedication will be mentored, equipped and developed for other leadership roles in worship and children's ministry.

Fall Rehearsal Schedule Link

Chorale Singers Fall Rehearsal Schedule

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Below is a tentative rehearsal schedule for the fall. Changes may occur due to unexpected circumstances and needs of the group.

August 8th at 12:15 p.m.
August 15th at 12:00 p.m.
August 22nd at 12:15 p.m.
August 29th at 12:00 p.m.

September 5th at 10:00 a.m.
NO REHEARSAL ON SEPTEMBER 12TH (Picknick)
September 19 at 12:00 p.m.
September 26th at 12:15 p.m.

October 3rd at 10:00 a.m.
October 10th at 12:15 p.m.
October 17th at 12:00 p.m.
October 24th at 12:15 p.m.

NO REHEARSAL ON OCTOBER 31ST (Meet and Greet guest choir Oakland Turnverein Gemister Chor)

November 7th at 10:00 a.m.
November 14th at 12:15 p.m.
November 21st at 12:00 p.m.
November 28th at 12:15 p.m.

December 5th at 10:00 a.m.
December 12th at 12:15 p.m.
December 19th at 12:00 p.m.
NO REHEARSAL ON DECEMBER 26TH (Enjoy the holiday!)

NO REHEARSAL ON JANUARY 2, 2011
Rehearsals resume January 9th at 12:15 p.m.