Last April, I had the honor of conducting a special multi-generational, ecumenical choral festival in Mystic, CT. We premiered a new composition of mine entitled “All God’s Children” for SATB with children’s choir and narrator.
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At the time, certainly none of us could have imagined the grievous event that recently occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School in nearby Newtown, CT. I recently received this email message from my festival host, Michael Noonan.
Well, as I ponder this tragic event that happened in our state at Sandy Hook Elem. in Newtown, CT (about 1 and 1/2 hours from here), I could not help but think of your new anthem you wrote for our festival—“All God’s Children.“ How poignant those words are, and the tune just keeps ringing in my head.
I just wanted you to know that those words and music have given me comfort as I mourn all those who lost their lives [that] Friday. I hope Alfred Publishing promotes that anthem as a source of comfort. As I listened to President Obama speak, he used those words of scripture you selected for that anthem in the narration, “Let the little children come to me.”
It is said that music touches us like nothing else, and can help us heal. It moves me greatly that this piece might bring some comfort to those who are in need.
I have chosen to donate my royalties from this piece to the United Way of Western Connecticut’s Sandy Hook School Support Fund (see below). And I’m proud that Alfred Music Publishing has chosen to match my donation. Perhaps your choir may also choose to perform this choral as part of a special tribute or event in the future, honoring those who were lost or celebrating the children in your congregation. Or perhaps your church will take up a special offering in memory of those who are gone or who are grieving the loss of a loved one.
Sandy Hook School Support Fund
c/o Newtown Savings Bank
39 Main Street, Newtown CT 06470
United Way of Western Connecticut [(203) 792-5330] is committed to providing support and resources where and when they become identified and needed. As people from our area and beyond respond to this heartbreaking tragedy, they are turning to United Way looking for ways to help. In response, United Way of Western Connecticut in partnership with Newtown Savings Bank has created the ‘Sandy Hook School Support Fund’ that will be able to provide support services to the families and community that has been affected.
For more information or to make online donations, visit:
https://newtown.uwwesternct.org/
In peace,
Sally K. Albrecht
Alfred Music Blog 