Monday, December 31, 2007

Sheridan Community Chorus 12/30/07 Christmas Cantata

We had a full house last night and the performance was a tremendous success. To everyone involved in the production...
Great job!

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Sheridan Community Chorus 12/30/07 concert

Chorus report time: 6:00 pm
Concert start time: 7:00 pm
Place: Sheridan United Methodist Church
2679 East Main Road Sheridan, NY 14135
Choir members' shuttle service will begin at 5:45 at St. John Bosco parking lot (.5 mile west of our church). Choir members are asked to park their cars in the St. John Bosco parking lot and take the shuttle to our church. This will leave parking spaces available for our visitors. The shuttle service will resume following the concert.
2008 Chorus plans:
Tuesday, January 8, 2008 @ 7:00 pm at Lakeshore Nursing facility.
Sunday, January 13, 2008 @ 3:00 pm at Holy Trinity Church 1032 Central Ave. Dunkirk, NY.
Easter concert: Sunday, March 16, 2008 @ 7:00 pm @ Sheridan United Methodist church.
Patriotic concert: Sunday, June 29, 2008 @ 7:00 pm @ Sheridan United Methodist church.
Patriotic concert: Sunday, 7/13/08 or 7/20/08 @ Cattaraugus Christian camp.
Christmas concert: Sunday, 12/21/08 @ Sheridan United Methodist church.

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

'Twas the Day after Christmas

Twas the day after Christmas, and all through the house, every creature was sleeping, even the mouse.
The toys were all broken, their batteries dead, Santa was passed out with some ice on his head.
Wrapping and ribbons covered the floor, while upstairs the family continued to snore.

And I in my T-shirt, new Reeboks and jeans, went into the kitchen and started to clean.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the sink to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash, tore open the curtains and threw up the sash.
When what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a little white truck with an oversize mirror.
The driver was smiling, so lively and grand, the patch on his jacket said US POST-MAN.
With a handful of bills, he grinned like a fox, then quickly stuffed them into our box.
Bill after bill and still they all came, whistling and counting he called them by name.
Now Macy's, now Sibley's, now Penny’s and Sears, here’s Levitz and Target and Mervyn’s….all here.
To the top of your limit, every store, every mall, now chargeaway, chargeaway, chargeaway all!!
He chuckled and whistled as he finished his work, he filled up the box, then turned with a jerk.
He sprang to his truck and he drove down the road, driving much faster with just half of a load.
Then I heard him exclaim with great holiday cheer,“ENJOY WHAT YOU GOT….YOU”LL BE PAYING ALL YEAR!!”
credit: forwardedfunnies.com
Sheridan Community Chorus Christmas Concert: Sunday,
December 30 @ 7:00 PM
Sheridan United Methodist Church 2679 Route 20 Sheridan, NY 14135

Sheridan Community Chorus Christmas Concert

The Sheridan Community Chorus annual Christmas concert will be Sunday, December 30, 2007 at 7:00 pm at The Sheridan United Methodist Church (2679 East Main Road [Route 20] Sheridan, NY.
This talented chorus will present the fresh, new Christmas musical 'Noel' by David T. Clydesdale. This entertaining cantata includes choir, solos, drama, accompanying video, narration, full orchestral background all under the direction of Bud Lowery.
Come early...invite your friends and neighbors. The concert is free and a free-will offering will be taken. For further information call (716) 934-7734 or tubamanbud@gmail.com

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Christmas credit (Joke)

Why is getting Christmas presents for your kids just like a day at the office?

You do all the work and the fat guy in the suit gets all the credit.

Monday, December 24, 2007

Christmas riddles

What did the reindeer say before launching into his comedy routine?
This will sleigh you.

What do lions sing at Christmas?
Jungle bells!

When is a boat like a pile of snow?
When it's adrift.

What do you call the fear of getting stuck in a chimney?
Santaclaustrophobia

How do snowmen get around?
On their icicles.

Merry Christmas from Bud's World

The Candy Cane Legend

“Look at the Candy cane…What do you see? Stripes that are red…Like blood shed for me.
White for my Savior…Who’s sinless and pure! ‘J’’ is for Jesus… ‘My lord,’ that’s for sure!
Turn it around…and a staff you will see… Jesus my shepherd…Was born for me!”

Many years ago, a candy maker wanted to make a candy cane at Christmas time that would serve as witness to his Christian faith. He wanted to incorporate several symbols for the birth, ministry and death of Jesus. He began with a stick of pure white hard candy; white to symbolize the Virgin Birth and the sinless nature of Jesus; hard to symbolize the solid rock, the foundation of the church; firmness to represent the promise of God.

The candy maker made the candy in the form of a “J” to represent the name of Jesus, who came to earth as our Savior. He thought it could also represent the staff of the Good Shepherd, with which He reached down into the ditches of the world to lift out the fallen lambs that, like all sheep, have gone astray.

Thinking that the candy was somewhat plain, the candy maker stained it with red stripes. He used three small stripes to show the stripes of the scourging Jesus received and by which we are all healed. The large red stripe was for the Promise of eternal life. Unfortunately, the candy became known as a candy cane – a meaningless decoration seen at Christmas time. But the true meaning is still there for those who have eyes to see and ears to hear.

Christmas Trivia:

What popular children's cracker was introduced in 1902 as a Christmas ornament?
The National Biscuit Company introduced the ‘Barnum’s Animal Cracker’ and box. The box, as it does today, had a string designed so that the box could be hung as a Christmas ornament.
In 1939 Robert May created what Christmas figure as a Christmas promotion for Montgomery Ward department store in Chicago?
Rudolph the Red Noised Reindeer.
In the 1920’s what world wide beverage company adopted the Santa Claus figures for a winter advertising promotion?
The Coca-Cola Company used Santa Claus to promote the idea that a soft drink was a winter beverage as well as a summer beverage.
Who was the first United States ambassador to Mexico?
Joel Poinsett the developer of the popular Christmas Poinsettia flowers.
What popular Christmas candy had its debut and was given out by a choirmaster in 1670 to quiet the noisy children?
The candy cane.
Which American President banned the Christmas Tree from being displayed in the White House?
The environmentalist President Teddy Roosevelt.
In what year did Coca-Cola hire Haddon Sundblom to illustrate Santa Claus dressed in the red Santa Claus suit and Santa Claus hat trimmed in white fur that helped standardize the image of the gift-bringer in the eyes of America?
Haddon Sunblom was hired to illustrate Santa Claus in 1931 and drew Santa Claus

History of the Carols

Merry Christmas From Bud’s History of the Carols

‘O Holy Night’ (1847) Words / music (Adam-Dwight )

Adolphe Adam, whose ballet Giselle remains a mainstay of most world-class dance companies, is equally famous for his Christmas song ‘O Holy Night,’ so universally loved and so frequently sung that many assume it to be a folksong or carol.
Having composed the melody, Adam requested some suitable lyrics from his poet friend Cappeau de Roquemaure, who based his poem on the Christmas story. So enamored was the Parisian public of its first performance in 1847, that Adam was hailed as the composer of the day, despite the fact that some clergy found his melody too passionate, too lacking in Christian humility, and for a time sought to ban its use.
Popular everywhere in France, ‘Cantique de Noel’ (its original French title) was hardly known elsewhere until about 1916, when the legendary Italian tenor Enrico Caruso made a recording that spread its fame throughout the world. English lyrics were added by the distinguished American clergyman John Sullivan Dwight.

Christmas Day in History…

1939 – Montgomery Ward stores introduced ‘Rudolph’ the 9th reindeer
1923 – 1st electrically lit Christmas tree was displayed in the White House
1884 – Layne Hall of Silver Creek, NY was born (He would become
“The oldest legally licensed driver in U.S. history” at 105 years of age)
1818 - 1st U.S. performance of Handel’s ‘Messiah’ premiered in Boston, Mass.
1818 – The 1st time ‘Silent Night’ was sung (Austria)
1776 – George Washington crossed the Delaware River
1492 - Columbus' ship Santa Maria docked at Dominican Republic 1223 - St. Francis of Assisi assembled 1st Nativity scene (Greccio, Italy)

Ref. BuffaloHistory Cyberhymnal TimelinesOfHistory SilverCreek.com DmarieCapsule RDM

Saturday, December 22, 2007

Wrong Email Address (Joke)

The Gallaghers, a couple from Minneapolis, decided to go to Florida during the icy winter. They planned to stay at the same hotel where they spent their honeymoon 20 years earlier. Both husband and wife had hectic schedules and it was difficult to coordinate their travel schedules. The husband left Minnesota and flew to Florida on Thursday while his wife planned to fly down the day after.
Mr. Gallagher checked into the hotel and decided to send an email to his wife. But in typing he accidentally left out one letter in her email address. Without realizing his error, he sent the email.
Meanwhile, in Houston, the widow Gallager returned home from her husband's funeral. He had been a minister of many years, and was called home to glory following a sudden heart attack.
The widow decided to check her email, expecting messages from relatives and friends. After reading the first message, she fainted. The widow's son rushed into the room, found his mother on the floor, and saw the computer screen which read:
To: My Loving Wife
Subject: I've Arrived Date: February 5, 2004 I know you're surprised to hear from me. It’s amazing—they have computers here now and you can send emails to loved ones. I've just arrived and have been checked in. Everything has been prepared for your arrival tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing you then! Hope your journey is as uneventful as mine was.
Love, Harry
P.S. Sure is hot down here!

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Sheridan Community Chorus Schedule

Upcoming concerts:
Sunday, December 30, 2007 @ 7:00 PM at Sheridan United Methodist Church
2679 East Main Road (2679 Route 20) Sheridan, NY (716) 672-2048 [Pastor Molly Golando]

Tuesday, January 8, 2008 @ 7:00 PM at Lakeshore Nursing Facility
845 Routes 5 & 20 Irving, NY 14081 (716) 951-7032 [Activities Director: Marilee]

Sunday, January 13, 2008 @ 6:00 PM at Holy Trinity R.C. Church
1020 Central Avenue Dunkirk, NY 14048 [Father David B.]
Report Time for all concerts is one hour before concert time.

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Some Santa Ho-Ho-s and No-No's

TO: MALL SANTAS
FROM: MANAGEMENT
Welcome aboard in your new role as one of "Santa's Helpers." Please review the following guidelines carefully, so that the mall and its patrons can have a happy, healthy and non-litigious holiday season.
1.) As you've no doubt heard, "Ho Ho Ho" is no longer considered an acceptable holiday greeting, having been deemed potentially offensive to women and gardeners. The substitute "Ha Ha Ha" has also been banned, as it is possibly damaging to a child's self-esteem. Also, Santas overheard saying "Merry Christmas" will be summarily removed from the premises. Instead, we recommend you listen attentively to the children, nod, and affect a blank stare devoid of any emotion, particularly fear. They can sense fear.
2.) Please keep in mind that not all children believe in Santa Claus or celebrate Christmas. However, please make no attempt to determine this based on physical cues, such as yarmulkes or "Proud Jehovah's Witness" T-shirts, as this would be considered profiling. If you have any questions, please consult the mall's attorney, who will be standing behind the fake snowman.
3.) Plump Santas are no longer considered "jolly." Instead, they serve as a bleak reminder of our nation's struggle with obesity and are a poor role model to our increasingly overweight and inactive children. Please make every effort to appear slim and fit, and to encourage children to leave you celery and soy products rather than cookies and hot chocolate on Christmas Eve. Also, please note that smoking is permitted in the break room only.
4.) Please do not promise children that Santa will bring them anything in particular, as promising a gift that the parents cannot afford or do not approve of could result in a lengthy and expensive lawsuit. Be pleasant but non-committal. If the child is persistent, try to distract him with one of the celery sticks we now give out in lieu of candy canes; if that doesn't work, send him behind the snowman to speak to the attorney.
5.) It has been deemed inappropriate, and a serious legal risk, to have children sitting on a strange bearded man's lap. This year the children will sit on a stool, separated from you by a sheet of soundproof Plexiglas. This also serves the purpose of keeping you from being able to hear their gift requests (see No. 4).
6.) The concept of elves has been determined to be offensive to a host of protected groups, including little people, pointy-eared people and people with high squeaky voices. However, so as to give you the support you need, we are looking at several possible replacements. Right now we're leaning toward attorneys. We're sure that if you follow these simple guidelines you will succeed in making the children's visits with Santa as unremarkable and non-offensive as possible.
Welcome aboard the team here at the mall, and have a merry ... a happy ... Oh, whatever.


Credit: Peter Chianca

Monday, December 17, 2007

The Politically Correct 12 Days of C*****mas

On the 12th day of the Eurocentrically-imposed midwinter festival, my potential acquaintance gave to me,
TWELVE males reclaiming their inner warrior through ritual drumming.
ELEVEN pipers piping (plus the 18 member pit orchestra made up of members in good standing of the Musicians Equity Union as called for in their union contract even though they will not be asked to play a note...)
TEN melanin-deprived, testosterone-poisoned scions of the patriarchal ruling class system leaping,
NINE persons engaged in rhythmic self-expression,
EIGHT economically-disadvantaged female persons stealing milk products from enslaved Bovine Americans,
SEVEN endangered swans swimming on federally-protected wetlands,
SIX enslaved fowl-Americans producing stolen, nonhuman animal products,
FIVE golden symbols of culturally-sanctioned enforced domestic incarceration, (NOTE: after a member of the Animal Liberation Front threatened to throw red paint at my computer, the calling birds, French hens and partridge have been reintroduced to their native habitat. To avoid further animal American enslavement, the remaining gift package has been revised.) FOUR hours of recorded whale songs,
THREE deconstructionist poets,
TWO Sierra Club calendars printed on recycled, processed tree carcasses,
and a Spotted Owl activist chained to an old-growth pear tree.
[Credit: Bob Martin]
Happy RamaHanuKwanzMas!

Bud's World

Christmas Tunes

“The Chipmunk Song”
This is a song, which is dusted off every year for the Christmas season. Ross Bagdasarian was a novelty writer in a non-novelty world. Making a living as a quirky songwriter, Ross had one major triumph…he had written the wacky hit, ‘Come Onna my House’ for Rosemary Clooney in 1951. He was later pushed to the other side of the recording booth to the position of recording engineer. Bagdasarian loved the dials, the buttons; the little gauges and lights. He truly got a kick out of playing with the technology of recording. By deliberately recording on the slowest speed possible on his reel-to-reel tape machine, he found he could sing normally, and sound like a freak on helium if he sped-up the recording to normal speed on playback. Using this novelty voice as the background singers for the chorus, he recorded ‘Witchdoctor’ and hit the top of the charts in 1958. With the same recording technique, he created the Chipmunks and their hapless manager, Dave. The character ‘Alvin’ was based on his son who drove him crazy with very complicated questions. The Chipmunk Song, released for the Christmas season of 1958, sold 5 million copies that year and the Chipmunk Song received two Grammy Awards in 1958: “Best Comedy Performance” and “Best Recording for Children.”

From the Choir Loft

Our upcoming 12/30/07 Christmas concert is the culmination of 6 months of planning and rehearsing by our chorus. Over 200 people have helped us in one way or another. The choir members, the drama members, secretaries, those who have helped with church decoration, dancers, construction, logistics, promotion, coaching, accompanists, our families, etc. It would be impossible to thank everyone! Please support our many efforts by attending 12/30/07 at 7:00 PM! You are our promotion department! Please invite your friends or relatives to attend.

History of Christmas Toys
1952
Banking on the idea that children like to play with their food, Hasbro introduced “Mr. Potato Head.”
George Lerner of New York City invented and patented Mr. Potato Head based on an earlier toy called “make a face” that used a real potato. A year after his appearance, Mr. Potato Head was introduced to the future “Mrs. Potato Head” and a short time later, were married.
“Mr. Potato Head” was the first children’s toy to be advertised on TV.

Today in history
December 16

1973 - O. J. Simpson became the 1st NFL player to rush 2,000 yards in one season
1972 – The Miami Dolphins became the 1st undefeated NFL team (14-0-0)
1966 – The Beatles released ‘Everywhere its Christmas’ in the UK
1944 – During WW II, “The Battle of the Bulge” began in Belgium
1901 – “The Tale of Peter Rabbit,” by Beatrix Potter, was printed for the 1st time
1773 – The Boston Tea Party took place

Church office: (716) 672-2048, Bud: (716) 934-7734, email: tubamanbud@gmail.com
www.frombudsworld.blogspot.com

History of Christmas Carols

‘Carol of the Bells’
Despite the lack of bells in the historical references of the early church, there existed a legend that at the very moment when Jesus was born, all the bells in the village of Bethlehem pealed together in one joyous cacophony of sound.
Perhaps this legend is the basis of a carol from the Ukraine, titled Schedryk.’ It was discovered and arranged by Mykola Dmytrovich Leontovich, a Russian composer who was born in 1877 and eventually taught music and singing in Ukrainian schools.
A student choir from the University of Kiev first performed his version of this catchy folk tune in December 1916. It was a part of the Ukrainian National Chorus repertoire during its 1,000-plus concert tour around Europe and the Americas. It was introduced to American audiences on October 5, 1921 at Carnegie Hall.
A recording of ‘Carol of the Bells’ on a 1958 best-selling Harry Simeone Choir holiday album further broadened the song’s appeal.
You will hear this song tonight during the Christmas cantata: ‘Noel.’ You will hear a piece titled: ‘Ring Those Bells Medley,’ which includes ‘Carol of the Bells.’

Meanwhile…1958…49 years ago…in the United States…

President: Dwight D. Eisenhower…V.P.: Richard Nixon
Bread: .19¢/loaf, Milk: .25¢/qt., Gas: .30¢/gal., Stamp: 4¢
Best picture: ‘Gigi’ Best Actor: David Niven
TV shows: Burns & Allen, Perry Mason, I Love Lucy, Gunsmoke, Leave it to Beaver
The Harry Simeone Chorale recorded the Fred Waring song: ‘Little Drummer Boy’
Al and Jerry Lapin founded The International House of Pancakes (IHOP) in California
The Barbie doll patented by Mattel. Ruth Handler (designer) named it after her daughter
Binney & Smith (Crayola crayons) introduced the 64-count Crayola crayon box
McDonald’s hit the 100 million sold mark
Legos building blocks were introduced
Wham-O began selling the Hula-Hoop
Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward were married
The Buffalo Evening News’ cartoonist, Bruce M. Shanks, won The Pulitzer Prize

Ref. HymnHistories Cyberhymnal WebEdelic DMarie TanBible Wikipedia BuffaloHistory.com

Christmas cantata

I hope you received word that our Christmas musical was postponed last night (12/16).
We had to make the decision early enough to contact the media in order to get the word out to the prospective audience; and we had to contact all those involved in the musical itself. I hope you didn't make an unnecessary trip in some pretty rough road conditions.
Diane and I were on the phones most of the afternoon. Thanks Diane!
We will present the musical in Sheridan on Sunday, December 30, 2007 @ 7:00 PM at Sheridan United Methodist church. Pray for good weather!
We will have choir rehearsal on Tuesday 12/18 @ 6:45 PM - 7:15 PM and chorus rehearsal from 7:15 -8:30 PM.
See you then...
Bud
ps for all of you wondering how our TubaChristmas went on Saturday (12/17) @ Kleinhans...there were 87 of us playing Christmas carols!

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Sheridan Community Chorus

The Christmas cantata for tonight has been postponed.
We will be performing it on Sunday, December 30, 2007 at Sheridan United Methodist Church at 7:00 PM.

Sheridan Community Chorus

Christmas Cantata still on for tonight!
Report time: 6:00 PM on the platform for warm-up/sound check.
Concert time: 7:00 PM (we should begin the cantata by 7:09 PM).
The cantata should end by 8:14 PM.
A reception will immediately follow.
I will try to keep updated Chorus information on this blog.
I played with 86 other tuba players at Kleinhans last night for "TubaChristmas."
Fun stuff!
Bud: cell: 785-8341 / home: 934-7734 / church: 672-2048

Saturday, December 15, 2007

Area weather forecast as of 12/15 ...

Today...Mostly cloudy. A chance of snow this afternoon. Cold with highs in the upper 20s. East winds 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 40 percent. Tonight...Snow in the evening...Then snow with a chance of sleet after midnight. Snow and sleet accumulation 3 to 5 inches. Windy with lows around 20. East winds 15 to 30 mph. Chance of precipitation near 100 percent. Sunday...Snow and sleet in the morning...Then snow and blowing snow in the afternoon. Snow May be heavy at Times in the morning. Additional snow and sleet accumulation 4 to 7 inches. Highs in the upper 20s. East winds 15 to 25 mph...Becoming south 10 to 20 mph. Chance of precipitation near 100 percent. Sunday Night...Steady snow and blowing snow in the evening...Then snow likely after midnight. Windy with lows around 20. West winds 20 to 30 mph... Becoming northwest. Chance of snow near 100 percent.
****The weather forecast is always predicated and dependent upon the will of God****

Friday, December 14, 2007

The Sheridan Community Chorus 12/16 Christmas Cantata

Sunday, December 16, 2007 at 7:00 PM at Sheridan United Methodist Church we will be singing the wonderful Christmas musical 'Noel.'
If there is a need to cancel the concert due to inclement weather, I will post it on this blog.
You can call the church office: (716) 672-2048 or
my cell: (716) 785-8341 or home: (716) 934-7734
Pray for a great, powerful presentation.

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Motivation

People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing—that's why we recommend it daily.
-Zig Ziglar

Sheridan Community Chorus

We are cancelling tonight's (12/13/07) chorus rehearsal because of inclement weather.
You all sounded great on Tuesday...see you Sunday @ 6:00 PM.

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Sheridan Community Chorus in concert (12/16)

The Sheridan Community Chorus will be in concert on Sunday, December 16, 2007 at Sheridan United Methodist church (2679 East Main Road [Route 20] in Sheridan, NY 14135).
For further information contact Bud: 716.934.7734 or tubamanbud@gmail
or click on the "comments" icon here on the blog.

Monday, December 10, 2007

Receive Sheridan Community Chorus schedule updates

Give us your email address or your mailing address and we will keep you updated as to the schedule of the Sheridan Community Chorus.
Send us an email to tubamanbud@gmail.com
or leave a message on this blog by clicking on the "comments" icon.

Saturday, December 8, 2007

Bud's World

'Rudolph the red-nosed Reindeer'

Ad-man Robert L. May created ‘Rudolph’ in 1939. He wrote a whimsical little story and circulated it at Christmas time in pamphlet form among the Montgomery Ward mail-order department. Ten years later, composer Johnny Marks composed a musical setting, and ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’ burst onto the holiday scene in Gene Autry’s hugely successful recording. The whole story of ‘Rudolf’ appeared, out of nowhere, in 1939. The Santas at Montgomery Ward stores gave away 2.4 million copies of the booklet entitled ‘Rudolf the Red-Nose Reindeer.’ May, who worked in the advertising department at Montgomery Ward, wrote the story, and Denver Gillen illustrated the booklet. Robert May was rather sickly, shy and introverted as a child and he loosely based the Rudolph character on his childhood feelings of alienation from children his own age. The original name of the red-nosed reindeer was to be Rollo, but executives didn’t like that name, or the other suggested name of Reginald. The name Rudolf came from May’s young daughter!
[As a side note to this story: Robert May’s wife passed away from a long and terminal illness about the same time he created Rudolph. Since he had created Rudolph as a Montgomery Ward employee, the company held the copyright to all royalties received from the story. Deeply in debt from all the medical bills resulting from his wife’s illness, May persuaded Montgomery Ward’s corporate president, Sewell Avery, to turn the copyright over to him in January 1947.
With the rights in hand, May’s financial security was assured.]

From the Choir Loft
This afternoon at 3:00, we will be singing our Christmas musical, ‘Noel’ at St. Joe’s Roman Catholic Church (1451 Payne Ave. in North Tonawanda). It is a special honor for me since this is Father Louis Dolinic’s church. Father Louis is one of my very favorite people, and a very talented organist! If you’d like to join us, a large group is meeting in our church parking lot to car-pool up to North Tonawanda. They will be leaving the church at 12:30 and will be returning after the concert. If you'd like to join us, you are more than welcome. We can use your support!

History of Christmas Toys
In 1949, Ole Christiansen, a Danish toy maker, began to manufacture toy blocks with a new twist. Christiansen created a plastic brick that can be locked together in different configurations…The Lego, which comes from the Danish ‘leg godt,’ meaning “play well” was born. The world's children spend 5 billion hours a year playing with LEGO bricks. The Lego Blocks fit together in 102,981,500 different ways! (For those of us from N.T., that’s almost 103 million!)

Today in history
December 9
1793 – Noah Webster established NY’s 1st daily newspaper (‘American Minerva’)
1907 – Christmas seals went on sale for the 1st time in Wilmington, Delaware
1965 – “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” premiered on television

Church office: (716) 672-2048, Bud: (716) 934-7734, email: tubamanbud@gmail.com
www.frombudsworld.blogspot.com

Bud's History of the Carols

“O Little Town of Bethlehem” (1868) pg. 230
Words: Phillips Brooks (1835 – 1893)
Music: Lewis H. Redner (1830 – 1908)

Three years after his return from a trip to the Holy Land in 1865, Philadelphia preacher Phillips Brooks found himself still deeply moved by Bethlehem’s “simplicity and wondrous beauty.” Brooks wrote about his horseback journey from Jerusalem to Bethlehem, where he assisted with the midnight service on Christmas Eve, 1865. “I remember standing in the old church in Bethlehem, close to the spot where Jesus was born, when the whole church was ringing hour after hour with splendid hymns of praise to God. How again and again it seemed as if I could hear voices I knew well, telling each other of the Wonderful Night of the Savior’s birth.”
He penned some lines that he thought captured the serene atmosphere of the place where Jesus was born, and asked the organist of his church, Lewis Redner, if he could compose a melody.
Redner was a wealthy real estate broker as well as the church organist at Holy Trinity Church. Redner struggled with his task day after day, until, waking from a nap on the afternoon of Christmas Eve, he seemed to hear “an angel strain” and was finally inspired to jot down a tune that matched Brooks’ verses perfectly.
That was in 1868, but ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’ did not gain its universal popularity until 1882, when it was published in the new hymnal of the Episcopal Church.

Meanwhile…1868…139 years ago…in the United States…

U. S. President: Andrew Johnson…Vice-President: None
U.S. House of Representatives voted to impeach President Andrew Johnson
Cornell University (Ithaca, NY) was opened
Brigham Young married his 27th and final wife
William Hinds received a patent for the “Candlestick”
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company was formed (Snoopy came later)
Frederick Olmsted was hired to design the City of Buffalo’s public parks

Ref. ThenSingsMySoul Cyberhymnal TimelinesOfHistory SilverCreek.com DmarieCapsule RDM Lego

Friday, December 7, 2007

Sheridan Community Chorus

Schedule for Sunday (12/9/07)
St. Joseph's R.C. church...1451 Payne Ave. North Tonawanda, NY.
Those helping with the set-up at St. Joe's in N. Tonawanda...please meet us in N.T. @ 11:30 am.
Those traveling from Sheridan with the group, please arrive at Sheridan United ready to leave at 12:30 pm
We will warm-up and do a sound check at St. Joe's @ 2:00 pm.
Concert begins @ 3:00 pm.
There will be a reception following the concert.
Please remember concert attire (white/black/Christmas color accessories).
Please remember to bring both choral books ('Noel' & 'The Gift Goes On.')
We will need help tearing down the sound system following the concert.
Thanks for all your help.

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Sheridan Community Chorus

We had a great rehearsal last night! Thanks!
We are rehearsing at S.U.M. on Thursday (12/6/07) @ 7:00 pm.

Plans for concert on Sunday 12/9/07...
Set-up people are planning to arrive at St. Joe's in N.T. at 11:30 am.
Car-pooling people are leaving the S.U.M. parking lot at 12:30 pm.
Warm-up/sound check at St. Joe's in N.T. is 2:00 pm.
Concert at St. Joe's in N.T. is 3:00 pm.
DON'T FORGET TO BRING YOUR BOOKS!

The Story of Two Wolves...

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, "My son, the battle is between two "wolves" inside us all.
One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.
The other is good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence , empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: "Which wolf wins?"
The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Sheridan Community Chorus rehearsal schedule

Only two rehearsals left until our first concert at St. Joe's R.C. church in North Tonawanda (1451 Payne Avenue).
Tonight (12/4/07) @ 7:15 pm - 8:30 pm at Sheridan United Methodist church.
Thursday (12/6/07) @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm at Sheridan United Methodist church.

Remaining rehearsals (all at Sheridan United Methodist church):
12/4 @ 7:15 pm
12/6 @ 7:00 pm
12/11 @ 7:15 pm
12/13 @ 7:00 pm

Monday, December 3, 2007

Bud's World

Christmas Tunes
‘Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!’
One oppressively hot day in July 1945, Jule Styne and Sammy Cahn were in Los Angeles to talk with their publisher, Edwin H. Morris. Their business finished, Cahn suggested that they go to the beach to cool off. But Styne, always businesslike, thought they ought to work a little first. He suggested that they cool off by writing a winter song. Cahn finally agreed and dashed off the beginnings of a lyric; Styne responded with the beginnings of a tune. Before long, ‘Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow’ was finished. Vaughn Monroe’s recording shot to the top of the pop charts during Christmas of 1945.

The Christmas season from the choir loft
As Christian musicians, our main focus is to worship God with our music. God created us for fellowship and with fellowship comes communication. We communicate our thoughts and feelings through our songs. In the Bible, from the time of Moses up until the present time, God has blessed us with powerful, inspired sacred music to worship Him. During this blessed Christmas season let us lift our music in worship to Him. We desire to honor Him for who He is!
“He is the reason for the Season!”

History of Christmas Toys
Crayola Crayons
In the early 1900s, Binney & Smith, a chemical company, began to produce slate pencils and a type of dustless chalk. Company executives, and cousins, Edwin Binney and C. Harold Smith realized that a new wax crayon they had developed to mark crates and boxes in their factory would provide a neater and more affordable alternative to costly imported crayons for American schools. Edwin Binney’s wife, Alice, picked Crayola as the brand name. In 1903, an assortment of affordable, multi-colored crayons was offered to the American public for the first time. The first Crayola crayons came in a box of eight and retailed for a nickel. The eight original colors were black, blue, brown, green, orange, red, violet, and yellow. In the company's 102-year history, over one hundred billion Crayola crayons have been produced. Binney & Smith produce nearly three billion crayons each year—that's about seven million every day. That much paraffin wax and colored pigment is enough to make a crayon thirty-seven feet wide and four hundred and twenty feet long, higher than the Statue of Liberty! Crayola crayons are sold in more than eighty countries and packaged in twelve languages. The average American child uses 730 crayons by his/her tenth birthday. Children ages two through eight spend an average of twenty-eight minutes a day coloring. That equals 6.3 billion hours spent coloring annually! The scent of Crayola crayons is among the twenty most recognizable scents to American adults.

Today in history
December 2
1927 – The 1st Model A Fords were sold for $385
1901 – Gillette patented the 1st disposable razor


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History of Christmas Carols

“Angels We Have Heard on High” (1937) pg. 238
Words: Traditional French Carol (1862)
Music: Arranged [1937] by Edward Shippen Barnes (1881 - 1958)

According to the story of the first Christmas, it was the shepherds tending their flocks near Bethlehem to whom the angels first gave the news of the baby Jesus’ birth. And so, in medieval times shepherds who found themselves minding their little herds in the wintry mountains of southern France on Christmas Eve remembered the story of that first birth and the angels who sang of it.
They called one to the other, each from his own peak, singing the good news as the angels had sung so long ago, until finally the mountaintops themselves rang with a glorious patchwork of echoing voices.
In this favorite carol the music probably comes from a 17th or 18th century French carol, as does the text. But the back-and-forth “Gloria” refrain is probably based on a much older phrase of music, perhaps a bit of plainsong chant from the Church’s earlier days. The “gloria’s” in the chorus mimic the echo sound of the shepherds’ voices as they sang from the mountaintops. The combination of tune and text was not published, so far as we know, until it appeared in a carol collection in 1855. Edward Barnes harmonized it, as we sing it today, in 1937.

Meanwhile…1937…70 years ago…in the United States…
U. S. President: Franklin D. Roosevelt…Vice-President: John Garner
Average prices: Bread: 9¢/loaf, Milk: 12¢/qt., Eggs: 56¢/dozen,
Car: $675, Gas: 20¢/gal. Stamp: 3¢, Average Income: $1,789/year
Best Actor: Spencer Tracy…Favorite songs: ‘The Dipsy Doodle’ by Tommy Dorsey’… ‘The Moon Got in my Eyes’ by Bing Crosby…’Boo Hoo’ by Guy Lombardo
The 1st Santa Claus Training School opened in Albion, NY
Walt Disney’s ‘Snow White & the 7 Dwarfs’ movie was released
The Social Security system began levying taxes on workers’ wages
Cartoon characters Daffy Duck, Elmer Fudd and Petunia Pig debuted
Pierce Arrow Auto Company went out of business after battling out of receivership
Rev. James W. Reis was pastor of Sheridan Methodist Church

Ref. The Sheridan Settler Cyberhymnal RDM TanBible DmarieCapsule WarnerBros