Tag: fun

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The joy of ensemble

We’re having more and more fun in our ensemble rehearsals and when we sing for Sunday service.

The wonderful thing is how — bit by bit — everyone is getting the hang of really listening and feeling and tuning into the whole group.

What a difference when we’re able to come in all together, shape the phrases all together, and feel the dynamic ups and downs without having to spend a lot of time talking about it.

We’re simply doing it together because we’re feeling it together — as a group. And it makes my heart soooo happy. 🥰

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Friends & fondue

Our annual Christmas fondue dinner happened early this year since we’ll be in Switzerland for most of the holiday.

It was the usual great fun but now I’ve got to get to bed; we start rehearsing bright and early tomorrow morning!

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A fun and joy-filled night

Yesterday’s concert was quite the success. We had a good turnout; our performance was received with great enthusiasm; and we almost sold out of the CDs we brought.

But more importantly, many people shared how they felt uplifted by the vibration and consciousness of the music and our singing, and how important it is that we offer this uplifted consciousness in today’s world.

For us, THIS is the only success that really matters. Well, that and the tremendous joy of sharing our wonderful music with an audience of receptive souls.

What a fun and joy-filled night!

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Photo shoot success

Ramesha and Barbara

With plans proceeding full speed ahead for the launch of a new Christmas album with the Joy Singers, it was time to get serious about a photo shoot.

So, today was the day, with Barbara Bingham, our photographer extraordinaire, guiding us every step of the way.

It was grueling, at slightly over three hours, but also great fun. And — for once — I even remembered to take some pics to document the process.

Ramesha, Barbara, and Satyana
Prashad and Barbara
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A fun family lunch

L-R: Me, Brian, Dad, Cathy

I had a very enjoyable lunch with Dad and two of my siblings on Saturday.

I’m not the greatest selfie-taker, but (for once!) I actually like how this turned out.

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Another day in the studio

Ramesha, Satyana, and Mike laughing uncontrollably

We had hoped to finish up the Christmas album today, but — as is often the case when recording — it all took longer than anticipated.

So, we’ve got one more session scheduled for later this week, and that really should do it.

Of course, we always manage to have quite a bit of fun in the process. Prashad might look innocent, but he’s the one who had everyone cracking up!

Prashad looking innocent
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Choir is back…and dancing!

For the first time in months…

…all our music team members were back from our various travels and present at tonight’s rehearsal.

…the full choir was back at it, with everybody ready to dive into preparations for Spiritual Renewal Week.

The ensemble has actually been meeting and holding down the fort throughout the weeks when Ramesha and I (and also Dambara) were off traveling, but it was great to be back with them again.

And to make things extra fun, Pavani led us in dancing the Horah, in order to get the right unified feel for Swami’s song, “A New Tomorrow.”

It was a great rehearsal. 😊

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A day filled with satsang

A definition of satsang that I like is: “the act of gathering with like-minded, uplifting people, especially those on a spiritual path.”

So, today was most definitely a day filled with satsang — from start to finish.

First off was the monthly staff meeting of our Ananda Worldwide outreach ministries. Led by Jyotish and Devi, it’s always deeply inspiring to hear the reports from the various departments.

Next was our weekly music team meeting — always fun, but today was particularly interesting as we explored new directions for our YouTube presence.

There was time in the afternoon to actually get some of my own work done, but the evening was spent at the Ananda Meditation Retreat — sharing about Ananda Music with the current Living Discipleship group.

A satisfying day filled to the brim with one joyous satsang after another.

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More and more satisfying

That’s how I’m feeling about our ensemble rehearsals!

We’re listening more to one another. We’re maintaining the energy and holding our pitch. We’re consistently conveying the meaning of the lyrics. We’re going deeper into the consciousness of every song.

Sometimes it feels like hard work, but at the same time, we’re having so much FUN!

This is one of the moments that I really, really love my job.

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Clang, clang, clang!

Today I made the delightful discovery that Voctave has recorded “The Trolley Song” — one of my absolute most favorite songs of all time!

My first introduction to this song was on my Dad’s recording of the Dave Brubeck Quartet, featuring Paul Desmond on alto saxophone. I was in high school and saxophone was my main instrument at the time. So, Paul Desmond was basically my hero, but more than that was simply how the song made me feel. It’s just so buoyant and happy.

It wasn’t until many years later that I saw the movie, “Meet Me in St. Louis,” and finally heard the original version of the song, sung by Judy Garland. I found it to be just as buoyant and happy as ever.

Which brings me back to Voctave. In addition to the buoyant and happy song itself, I love the over-the-top fun and creativity they brought to their version.