• Christmas,  Easter,  Uncategorized,  Vocal Solos

    Without Easter, There’d Be No Christmas

    This song began as a playful challenge from my husband: “Write something with this title.” I’ll admit, I cringed at first — it didn’t feel catchy or inspiring. But sometimes the unexpected prompts open the most meaningful doors. What surprised me is how quickly this piece became one of my favorites. The idea arrived on Easter morning, and despite having no time to spare, the song unfolded and took shape before the week was over. It felt like a small miracle — the kind that reminds you creativity doesn’t always wait for perfect conditions. Sometimes it just insists on being written.

  • Christmas,  Sacred,  Uncategorized,  Vocal Solos

    Away In a Manger

    This recording was originally a piano solo. For maybe the last eight years I’ve sat with it every Christmas and said to myself, “Next year.” The last two years I’ve felt impressed that it wanted to be a vocal solo, and have toyed with that. When the request for member submissions came to send a cover to this particular hymn, I felt like it would work. I sent it to the Church Music Submissions for the Come, Follow Me “member submissions” effort.

  • Christmas,  Sacred,  Vocal Solos

    A Tiny Baby Lay

    This song was several years in the making. Some of the words and markings sat in my scriptures from year to year, calling to me each Christmas. This year (2014) I made the goal to give it to my Savior as a Christmas present. It came quickly. What took time was getting the courage to record it. I hope you like it.

  • Christmas,  Hymn Arrangement,  Organ,  Sacred,  SATB

    I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

    Song background: One of the more exciting pieces I wrote for our choir.  I had heard the voice of one of our Young Men in a stake program and was blown away.  I wanted him to sing with our choir, but he wasn’t all that interested.  I wrote this arrangement with him in mind.  He did amazing.   What is the back story on the arrangement? I’ve always liked the message of this song, but feel the original arrangement is too long. As I was drying my hair one morning, the melody came to me and it fit! Of course, piano accompaniment is just as nice as organ.