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For years, Jen handled her numerous efforts at arranging music by hand – writing notes on music staff paper. Scott finally rewarded her by buying a music writing program for the computer. With that program in place in January, the Music Stage of Tour de Pusey 2001 was off with a bang. Jen learned the music notation software quickly and was able to put it to use in arranging instrumental scores for Women at the Well, a musical presentation by Kenneth Cope and Randy Kartchner. Jen remembered Randy K. from her days in BYU music theory classes and called him and asked him for the instrumental scores. Randy sent what he had – handwritten! During February, Jen put those handwritten scores in printed form and created some additional orchestral parts by listening to the CD and put together a production with soloists, an orchestra and chorus. In March, with the help of some very good friends and the talents of some very fine musicians, Women at the Well was presented for the stake women's conference, with Jenifer “at the baton” directing the whole thing. After hearing the production, the stake president asked if for it to be performed again for a special event for the whole stake. Thankfully, almost all of the participants worked out their schedules and Women at the Well was presented for a second time on the evening of Easter Sunday. At Jenifer's urging, Scott pulled out the clarinet and joined an orchestra for a series of three Christmas concerts in the Denver area. The orchestra was formed to accompany the Colorado Mormon Chorale's performance of a newly composed Christmas cantata, My Precious Son, written by the director of the chorale, Jerry Vander Does. Although it was a bit of a challenge, Scott handled this part of the Music Stage like a pro. Not to be outdone by the parents, each of the Pusey kids held their own during the grueling Music Stage of Tour de Pusey 2001. Lizzie pushed through the first half of the stage playing the flute and piano and pulled in strong during the second half with participation in choir and guitar at West Middle School. Harrison and Will started nearly every day of the Music Stage with faithful practicing on the piano. In June, Harrison and Will joined Lizzie in a well-performed piano recital. In a grueling “time trial” during the Music Stage, William became the first member of our family to perform a vocal solo in sacrament meeting at church! He did a great job. Read more about his view on this experience here. With 2001 rapidly coming to a close, Jen put on a big kick down the home stretch of the Music Stage. Jen joined the Denver Stake Choir in an interfaith concert with the Chancel Choir of the University Park United Methodist Church. The concert was a big success and everyone is talking about making it an annual tradition. As a final push to the finish line of the Music Stage, Jen put together the Willow Creek Ward Christmas Program with music by the ward choir, a few vocal soloists, some instrumental soloists and some brief narration to tie it all together. To Jenifer's relief, more singers showed up for the actual program than had been present at any rehearsal. True to form, our “termite” choir came out when we needed them most. |
