Category Archives: Local Events

Palm Sunday Music

Posted by MaryO on

Every Palm Sunday, without fail, my father’s church choir in Connecticut sang this.  I still know it nearly by heart.

This hymn for Palm Sunday was originally written in French as “Les rameaux” originally published in 1864 by French art collector, operatic baritone and composer Jean-Baptiste Fauré (1830–1914).

Jean-Baptiste Fauré should not be confused with French composer, organist, pianist and teacher Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924) who composed a world-famous Requiem and other works.

An early English translation “Palm-Branches” was published by Oliver Ditson Co., Boston in “Gems of English Song” 1875. A number of other English translations have been made, and it has proved surprisingly difficult to identify the translators. One version is sometimes credited to Harrison Millard (1830-1895) – but other sources say he was simply an arranger.

I think, as a choir, we didn’t sound quite this good

Other Palm Sunday Music:

We sang this at Pender one year at the 9:00 traditional service, but without quite as much ceremony, and in English.

This looks like fun – “Jerusalem, lift up your gates and sing!”  Hosanna in the Highest to your King!  Note that one person is playing a duet with himself.

Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13, commonly known as Sonata Pathétique

Posted by MaryO on

During the Offering at Pender UMC’s Traditional Service on January 9, 2022, we were treated to Ludwig van Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13, commonly known as Sonata Pathétique played by Liz Eunji Sellers .

View the entire service

Ludwig van Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13, commonly known as Sonata Pathétique, was written in 1798 when the composer was 27 years old, and was published in 1799. It has remained one of his most celebrated compositions.Beethoven dedicated the work to his friend Prince Karl von Lichnowsky. Although commonly thought to be one of the few works to be named by the composer himself, it was actually named Grande sonate pathétique (to Beethoven’s liking) by the publisher, who was impressed by the sonata’s tragic sonorities.

Liz played the second movement – Adagio cantabile (above)

This movement exemplifies the expressive Adagio style of many slow movements in the classical period. The famous cantabile melody is played three times, always in A♭ major, separated by two modulating episodes; the movement is thus a simple rondo rather than the sonata form more common for movements of this seriousness. The first episode is set in F minor (the relative minor of A♭ major), further modulating to E♭ major before returning to the main theme. The second episode begins in A♭ minor and modulates to E major. With the final return of the main theme, the accompaniment becomes richer and takes on the triplet rhythm of the second episode. There is a brief coda.

Under His Wings

Posted by MaryO on
Pan Am Flight 103 Memorial Cairn

On December 21 at 1:30PM, the Pender UMC Choir traditionally sang for the Pan Am Flight 103 (Lockerbie) Memorial Service at Arlington National Cemetery.

One of the songs we sang at this service – “Under His Wings” – was composed in memory of the victims.  It can be heard in the videos below.

On June 20, 2022, a Memorial Concert was held for long-time choir member, Diane Martini. The Pender Sanctuary Choir and the former Master Chorale of Washington sang several of Diane’s favorites, including Under His Wings.

 

A few years ago was the 25th anniversary of the Pan Am Flight 103 bombing. A C-Span video of the anniversary event

http://www.c-span.org/video/?316910-1/pan-flight-103-25th-anniversary-memorial-service

Another video from the anniversary year:

For full remarks about the anniversary service, including speaker’s notes, please see https://www.victimsofpanamflight103.org/events/2013/arlington

Here’s a timeline of the terrible event on December 21, 1988:

Extraordinary Response Pan Am 103

Join the Fun — Support Mrs. O’Connor and Pender’s Handbell Ringers!

Posted by MaryO on

On November 14–15, Pender’s Carillon and Joy Ringers, directed by Brian Stevenson, will attend a local Handbell Festival alongside ten other handbell choirs for an unforgettable weekend of music.

🎵 Mrs. O’Connor will be performing in the final concert, and you’re invited to come hear the magic live at the free final concert on Saturday, November 15 at 2:30 PM!

✨ This festival, led by renowned composer and conductor Jason Krug, will fill the room with incredible energy and sound — imagine dozens of ringers creating beautiful harmonies together!

Bring your family and friends for an afternoon of breathtaking music, joyful community, and plenty of smiles. Let’s fill the audience with O’Connor Studio families and cheer on these amazing musicians! 💛

It’s going to be a spectacular experience you won’t want to miss!

Grace UMC
9750 Wellington Road
Manassas, VA 20110

Washington Folk Festival 2025

Posted by MaryO on

 

MaryO will be playing sekunda with the Washington Balalaika Orchestra!

The Washington Folk Festival returns this year after a one-year hiatus on October 19, 12pm to 9:00pm, with a contra dance from 7:30-9:00pm. Now a one-day event, expect a jam-packed roster full of dancing, storytelling, and music ranging from American to International styles: bluegrass to Celtic, Klezmer to Americana, blues to Zydeco, we cover folk music from around the world! Five stages, hundreds of performers, food trucks, a picnic area, and it’s all free!

Come see such acts as Furia Flamenca, Dede and the Do-Rights, Karpouzi Trio, Urban Artistry, the Sweater Set, Rick Franklin, The Irish Inn Mates, Morris dancers, Mrs. Toretsky’s Nightmare, Slaveya, the Washington Balalaika Orchestra, The Chromatics, Mutual Agreement, The Poor Ellen Smith Band, Trio Sefardi, Little Red and the Renegades, Jillian Matundan, and many more!

Spanish Ballroom 4:00-4:45

Members of the community-based Washington Balalaika Society play a wide variety of music from around the world on authentic folk instruments.

Glen Echo Park
7300 Macarthur Blvd
Glen Echo, MD 20812 United States + Google Map

More information at https://christmasinfairfax.com/event/washington-folk-festival-2025/

 

More Music Opportunities

Posted by MaryO on

Calling All Musicians: Join Pender’s Vibrant Music Ministry!

Are you passionate about music? Do you feel called to share your musical gifts in a community of faith? Pender is seeking talented musicians to join our vibrant Music Ministry team and contribute to our uplifting and spiritually enriching worship services!

What We’re Looking For:

  • Instrumentalists: Whether you shine on the strings, whisper with the woodwinds, or resonate with the brass, we need your skills to fill our sanctuary with harmonious sounds.
  • Vocalists: Sopranos, altos, tenors, and basses—lend your voices to help lead our congregation in song and praise.
  • Handbells: We will teach you to play during our services and special events.

Why Be a Part of the Pender Music Ministry?

  • Community Impact: Through your music, you can touch the hearts of our congregation and inspire joy and contemplation in our weekly gatherings.
  • Spiritual Growth: Participate in a ministry that not only serves others but also nurtures your own faith and connection to the divine.
  • Musical Development: Collaborate with experienced musicians and vocalists that will help you hone your craft and explore new musical opportunities.

Get Involved:

  • Rehearsals: We meet weekly to practice and prepare, ensuring every service is both spiritually and musically fulfilling.
  • Sunday Services: Be a part of our regular worship schedule and special holiday performances that highlight the church calendar.
  • Community Outreach: Occasionally, our music ministry participates in local events and services, expanding our impact beyond the church walls.

If you’re excited about making a joyful noise unto the Lord and enhancing our worship experiences, we would love to hear from you! Contact our Patrick King, our Music Director today to learn more about how you can get involved.

Let your talent soar in a place where music meets ministry, and together, we’ll create beautiful worship experiences that resonate with all who attend. Join us and be a key note in our melody of faith!

Fun with Music

Posted by MaryO on

Step into a world of giggles and song with “Fun “with Music at Pender! This is not just any music class – it’s a journey through sound and imagination designed especially for preschoolers and their favorite grown-ups. Since 2013, Jim and Roberta Pont have been creating a space where tiny toes tap, and little voices echo with joy, crafting a magical musical experience for children from birth to five years old.

Wave ‘hello’ and join us every Monday morning for a delightful 30-minute musical escapade! Our littlest musicians and their families come together at 10 AM to sing, dance, and make friends with tunes. We dive into a treasure trove of stuffed animals and toys, transforming the room into an enchanting stage for our budding performers. With every stuffed lion’s roar or elephant’s trumpet, your child’s imagination will soar!

After the musical fiesta, it’s time for a yummy snack, followed by playtime where kids can explore and make-believe. Meanwhile, moms, dads, grandparents, and caregivers can relish a homemade brunch prepared with love – a perfect chance to mingle and share stories.

Our box of wonders is always brimming with surprises! One day it’s a car zooming around, another day it’s a train chugging along. Flip it over and voilà, it’s a drum or even a rumbling thunder to match the beat of our songs. From ‘The Wheels on the Bus’ to sparkling new Bible-based rhymes, we have tunes that will make your little one’s heart dance with every beat!

Last year, our pint-sized percussionists marched on bubble wrap to the rhythm of a march, popping and hopping with glee. And guess what’s next? A tunnel adventure awaits their curious little eyes and eager hands!

So, if you’re a parent with a playful tot between zero to five, and Monday mornings are open, come and make a splash in our sea of melodies at ‘Melody Mornings’. It’s not just fun; it’s a musical hug for the heart and soul. Can’t wait to sing and swing into a new day of joy with you and your little one!

This class meets every Monday starting September 8, 2025 at 10 am except for school holidays.

Pender UMC is at 12401 Alder Woods Drive, Fairfax, VA, 22033.