A beautiful parting gift from the St. John’s congregation. The colors are to remind me of the beautiful stained glass windows which adorn St. John’s and the hummingbird’s delicate grace is a reminder that life is rich, beauty is everywhere, every personal connection has meaning and that laughter is life’s sweetest creation. It will also be a reminder to me of the beauty, love and friendships that transpires when we use music to create community.
Hello All
I was looking for a unique song to share with the Sing Fires of Justice class and stumbled across this song West Virginia My Home by Hazel Dickens. Reding a bit about dickens she was, in addition to being an active bluegrass singer songwriter, she was an activist for womens rights and an advocate for non unionized coal miners.
It has been a little while since I’ve updated my blog and I think its high time I did a little catching up. In doing so I think its also time I share something that might be obvious to some of and it might not, and that is that I’ve been fighting depression for a very long time and only recently have started to come to terms with it enough that I am getting help. It has not been easy. There are days when life feels really dark and loving myself seems absolutely impossible. This has effected my work for years and its time for me to do something about it…for me!
Why am I sharing this? Because in the short time I have been in the Community Music program, all of you have been such a positive energy in my life. I come away from classes feeling like I am somebody with something to offer. There have been times when I walk in I feeling like absolute crap, but by the time I leave, I feel better and just a little more confident. These times together are truly one of the highlights of my week and I am so grateful to everyone of you for the kindness and support you show towards me. I have a long journey ahead of me, but I’m starting to believe I’m worth it.
If there is anything that I am learning from community music it is this: what we do as musicians has a tremendous impact on the world around us. As a community we are not only shaping ourselves, we are shaping each other.
Thank-you from the bottom of my heart.
Mark
Social Capital
What is Social Capital??
Robert Putnam states in his book Bowling Alone that … “Social Capital refers to connections among individuals – social networks and the norms of reciprocity and trustworthiness that arise from them” …
David Halpern’s Book Social Capital looks at the concept from a broader perspective in looking at cross national and cultural difference and how all of this has potential to benefit society more as a whole.
Example of Social Capital in building community through music
In the Context of Community Music, A great example of Social Capital is right on our door step in the form of Inshallah. This group was started as the result of a trip of students and teachers from Waterloo Lutheran Seminary to Israel and Palestine in 2007. The groups mandate is to bridge cross cultures gaps through the singing and telling of people’s stories from across the globe.
This group started off with twenty people in 2007. Since then, it has grown to more than 130 people from a diverse range of cultural and religious background. They come to share their stories through music, and to learn from each other. By doing so, have created a community where all are welcomed, accepted and appreciated, regardless of gender, race, religion, sexual orientation. Inshallah is a prime example of how Social Capital can be used as a tool for bridging gaps and breaking down social barriers in our society.
Yesterday was truly one of the most bittersweet days in my career as a church musician. I played my last service as Director of Music at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Waterloo. The congregation is amalgamating with two other congregations, and yesterday was the final service for St. John’s as a congregation. As of today, they are now Trillium Lutheran Church. These have been six of the happiest years of my life and it was nice to come together one last time to make music with this group of people whom I regarded as a family. Together, with the help from some friends, We sang Johannes Brahms “How Lovely is Thy Dwelling Place”, and John Rutter’s “The Lord Bless You and Keep You”. I can ho
nestly say that I have been so fortunate to have worked with these people. I have grown, not only as a musician, but as a person because of the People at St. John’s and Elevation. I wish them all of God’s blessings for the future.
https://www.facebook.com/mark.himmelman.9/videos/10160899430855537/?t=13
https://www.facebook.com/mark.himmelman.9/videos/10160899452140537/?t=94
Tonight I had what was the second to last rehearsal with my choir at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Waterloo, where I have been Director of Music for the past six years.
As we practiced the Brahms How Lovely is Thy Dwelling-place and John Rutter’s The Lord Bless You and Keep You, So many thoughts were going though my head. Along side of the usual thoughts that goes though director’s head during a rehearsal (clear diction, eyes on me, intonation, dynamics ect), the reality set in that in a little over a week, these people who I have stood in front of week after week, whom I’ve worked with, laughed with, cried with, and made music with these past six years are no longer going to be a regular part of my life.
It really made me realize what an impact these individuals have had on my life. They have not only been a choir to me, They have been a family to me. So often we talk about the impact directors, teachers and mentors have on our lives. However, we often overlook what an impact choristers, students have on the individual who stands in front of them. It really goes to show what a significant role community plays in what we do as musicians.
When Miller decides it’s time for the Human to take a break from the studies!
I’m sure I’m not the only one feeling a tad overwhelmed by the journey ahead. For me I find the biggest challenge thus far is the sheer amount of reading. Now this is to be expected, of course. But for someone like who struggles with reading this is can be a bit of a challenge. Right now I’ve been making my way through the assigned literature, highlights key points as I go along. However it there are any tips anyone out there can offer for effective reading, I would be very greatful.
Cheers
Mark
Hello Friends
I thought that was a splendid first class this evening! I confess I left somewhat overwhelmed thinking we each had to read all that literature in 12 weeks! Thankfully Luke and Nathan clarified on the drive home, as the three of us shared an Uber, we are only individually responsible for 2-3 which is a relief.
So My name is Mark. the name is is derived from the Roman God of war “Mars” and also Mark being the Author of the second Gospel in the New Testament.
I hale from the town of Bridgewater on the South Shore of Nova Scotia. My Family originally settled on the LaHave Islands on the picturesque South Shore in the late 1700’s. They were originally farmers from central Germany, however, where they arrive in the “new” world they had to learn to fish. My Grandfather is the last of that long line of fisherman.
My Principal instrument is organ. I have been a church organist since I was 11 years old and I have been Organist and director of Music at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Waterloo for six wonderful years. The organ has always been my passion in life. I also enjoy cooking and probably from time to time you can expects some culinary treats from the Himmelman kitchen.
I am so excited to be starting this journey in Community Music and am looking forward to getting to know all of you. I know we are all going to become great friends!