With the imminent shutdown of Google Reader, I’ve been chewing my fingernails off trying to figure out how I’ll ever replace it. Reader has become a pillar in my lifestyle. I use it for virtually all of the news that I consume. I follow my favorite blogs, deals sites, and podcasts all through Google Reader’s RSS functionality. It seems that many people who follow this blog are using it for the same purpose. Any die-hard Reader user has probably already seen everyone’s recommendations on a replacement: from Feedly to Pulse. I’m not sold on any of these thus far, so I’m wondering if anyone out there feels the same way. Below is a survey that I’d like anyone who reads this blog to answer. It’s only one question, so I hope even the “lurkers” out there will take a few seconds to add their input. If you’d like to add more context to your answer, please do so in the comments below. I need to know what direction to go in order to not lose the people that are following Piano Animato through RSS only, and this will help me understand my audience better.
How do you follow Piano Animato?
Posted: May 8, 2013 in GeneralTags: blog, follow, google reader, rss
Podcast: Interview with Molly Ijames
Posted: May 6, 2013 in PodcastTags: choral, ijames, interview, lorenz, molly, molly ijames, music, podcast, publishing, soundforth
Molly Ijames has been with Soundforth Publishing (now owned by Lorenz) since 2006. She’s a relative newcomer to the world of sacred music publishing, but she has quickly made a mark on it. In this podcast, we talk about her background, the current state of church music, and some of what goes on when a composer submits a work to be published. Find the link to listen to the podcast below. Read the rest of this entry »
I want to know who’s reading this blog. Would you do me a big favor and choose an answer in the poll below? It will only take a second, and I’d like for everyone to do this if possible. Even if you’re normally just a “lurker” that doesn’t comment here on Piano Animato, I want to know who this blog is reaching. If you’d like to elaborate, please do so in the comments below.
This will help me as Piano Animato continues to grow in scale and scope. Also, if you care to share, I’d like to know what you want to see more of on this blog. It seems that lots of readers come for reviews that I’ve written, but is there something else you want to see more of? Let me know in the comments. Thanks for helping! Read the rest of this entry »
Winner of “Awake, my Soul” drawing
Posted: April 22, 2013 in GeneralTags: collections, contest, piano, reba snyder
Congratulations to Lori Supernaw! Lori was chosen at random from all of the entries received over the past week. If you still haven’t checked out the review, go here to read it and consider picking up a copy of Reba’s new piano solo collection. Thanks to all those that helped spread the word!
Review, Interview, Contest: “Awake, My Soul” by Reba Snyder
Posted: April 15, 2013 in Piano Collections, ReviewsTags: awake my soul, collection, contest, hymns, music, new, piano, podcast, reba snyder, reviews, solo
Reba Snyder is a name you may not recognize. She’s been a mostly behind-the-scenes member of two evangelistic teams for the past eight years. Accompanying, playing the “invisible” prelude/postlude music, arranging, and quietly underscoring invitations all make up a sampling of what she’s done since graduating from Bob Jones University in 2004 with a degree in church music.
Now she’s making a move into the solo realm by releasing her first self-published book of piano arrangements. “Awake my Soul” is a collection of nine traditional hymns set in her distinct style. I’ve played several of Reba’s arrangements, but they have all been written as vocal accompaniments. This is the first time I’ve seen her songs arranged for solo piano. Read on for my thoughts on her book as well as a podcast with Reba. Plus, you can enter to win a copy of her new book. Read the rest of this entry »
Easter Sunday at ORBC
Posted: March 31, 2013 in GeneralTags: piano, music, performance, choral, ORBC, duet, trumpet, easter, solo performance, Faye López, Mark López, god of heaven, heather sorenson, tom fettke, the wilds
As a pianist, I had a busy Easter at the keys. I accompanied for four different songs of varying styles. It was a great service, and we had an excellent turnout. Of course, this is one of a handful of services each year that people will attend even if just to get someone off their back. That being said, the crowd at ORBC today seemed enthusiastic in their worship of the risen Savior. Read the rest of this entry »
American Idol?
Posted: March 20, 2013 in GeneralTags: american idol, east tennessee, janelle arthur, oliver springs
Janelle Arthur, a girl from Oliver Springs, TN will compete tonight in one of the final rounds of American Idol. I live adjacent to Oliver Springs, and let me tell you…it is a small town. Its most recent claim to fame was having a chunk of the movie “October Sky” filmed there. All along the main road through the town business, school and church have marquees are proudly cheering Janelle on and reminding people to vote. There are a few things that bug me about this. Read the rest of this entry »
Review, podcast and contest with Dave Mincy
Posted: March 18, 2013 in Interviews, Podcast, ReviewsTags: dave mincy, interview, music, piano, podcast, reviews, sheet music, teaching
An acquaintance of mine, Dave Mincy, has recently begun offering up a new series of arrangements on his site mincymedia.com. If you visit his blog now, you’ll find new sacred arrangements meant for student pianists. There’s no shortage of hymns arranged for students to be found at your local music store, so is there any reason to buy some of these offered individually by Dave? Read on to find out… Read the rest of this entry »
Choral performance: “Rescue the Perishing” by David Schwoebel
Posted: February 20, 2013 in Choral, PerformanceTags: choral, music, ORBC, performance
Anyone familiar with the original tune to this hymn will realize how inappropriate it is. The march-like major key does not fit with lyrics like “Snatch them in pity from sin and the grave” and “Though they are slighting Him, still He is waiting.” Most of the text would be more fitting paired with a minor key or a tune that lends itself to a softer, more emotional feel. A few years back, I found a modern rendition of “Rescue the Perishing.” To me, this new tune fits with the original text perfectly. Read on to learn more about this arrangement by David Schwoebel. Read the rest of this entry »
Winner of the “Looking Up” contest
Posted: February 18, 2013 in GeneralTags: contest, dvd, greg, howlett, looking, up
Congratulations to Gordon Acree who has been chosen at random to receive a copy of Greg Howlett’s live concert recording “Looking Up.” I’ll be getting in touch with him about taking delivery of the DVD. Thanks to those who shared the article to enter the contest.



