This is what we will sing

After much careful deliberation, the executive music committee -- Mom and me -- has come to the following decision regarding the Sunday performance. We will sing Hymn #339, "My Country 'Tis of Thee". I know the harmonies are more "interesting" in America the Beautiful, but that's actually the main reason we settled on this one. Since we're only going to run through it once or twice, I want something simple enough that everyone will be able to sing it well. I also decided that we should have a pianist to help us out, for the same reason. Mom is going to ask JoAnne if she would like to do it. After all, she's practically part of the family too. If for some reason JoAnne can't do it, Mindy has said she's willing to give it a shot.

Here is the arrangement we're going to sing. We will be doing the music as it is printed in the hymnbook, so hopefully everyone should already have the music, or at least have access to see it. You can get it online at the Church's website if nothing else. For the first verse, the men will sing in unison. The second verse will be the women, in two-part harmony (soprano and alto). The third verse will be everyone singing in four-part harmony, and the fourth verse will continue the four-part, plus the pianist will add to the music on that fourth verse. Each verse will also progressively get just a little bit louder.

We're going to have only one opportunity to practice this together, on Saturday evening. Once things get a little more defined and as the reunion gets closer, Mom and Dad can set a specific time if necessary. Therefore, please go ahead and practice ahead of time so that you are familiar with the music.

We tentatively divided out the parts this way. Sopranos: Mom, Trina, Tawnia, Emily, Brooke, and Bryan. Altos: Laurel, Michelle, Amanda, Mindy, and Clarissa. Tenors: Dad, Eric, Jared, and Jeremy. Basses: Adam and Nathan. If anyone would feel more comfortable on a different part from what you have here, just let me know.