My Musical Musings Blog | BetsyLeeBaileyMusic.com - The Music of Betsy Lee Bailey

Do They Remember Every Song They Wrote

10/1/2026

John Williams

A couple of weeks ago I attended an orchestra concert featuring music of John Williams. The concert was entirely John Williams music. Of course, both concerts were sold out because of how popular his music is. But I can't help wonder, does a prolific composer such as John Williams who has lived a long and productive life ever FORGET SOME OF HIS MUSIC?

At the concert, I did not recognize some of the pieces. They were from movies I never saw. But the music was just as good whether it was written for less popular or even not so great movies. I was glad to hear those pieces.

Yet, I still wonder, if the great maestro at age 94, actually remembers every piece he has ever written. Or maybe there are some works he would rather forget. Who knows...

I have been going through my files of music in an attempt to try to organize them better. I have come across pieces I wrote long enough ago that I really did not remember them. After reacquainting myself with them, I started to remember them. I even had brief memories about how they came about, but they were mostly fleeting.

Somebody asked me once how many songs I have written. My answer was, "I have no idea." So many of my songs and arrangements were quick solutions to urgent needs. Somebody needed a transition or modulation or an introduction or a transposition. And in order to make the changes "artistic" in my estimation, I had to get creative. The result was new and different from the original, enough so that it could qualify as something unique. Sure, those modifications were not exactly original pieces, and yet in a sense, they were. So should they count in the totals of how many songs I have written? I don't know.

Wolgang Amadeus Mozart

The Wasatch Chorale in Provo Utah is preparing to sing the Mozart Requiem in a few weeks. That got me thinking back to when I sang it the first time with the Harford Chorale in Maryland. At that time I was struggling with needing a good finish for a hymn arrangement I was writing. It needed to be a little flashy even though it was written for an inexperienced, small SAB Church chorus.

Naturally, I borrowed a bit from Mozart and gave my little arrangement a fun
"Hosanna" ending similar to one of the movements in the Requiem. Now I cannot sing the Mozart Requiem without remembering my plagiarizing moment at the end of "All Glory, Laud, and Honor" SAB.

And, of course, I wonder if Mozart remembered all of his writings...

Sharing Something Entertaining

9/25/2026

Last Monday I was asked to speak at an Empty Nesters get-together. I had never been asked to speak at a meeting like this before and was very unsure about what I could say. The lady that asked me to speak actually invited me to sing. But I wasn't feeling up to doing a recital, and a lot of the music I write is for different types of performing groups. But, I was always taught to try to share what will be entertaining for the audience.

So, after mulling it over, I decided to tell about how I became a composer. And since it was not feasible to bring a 30 voice choir, an orchestra, a children's theater troupe, or even an accompanist, I opted to play a few of the videos I made for my YouTube Channel and tell how those songs came to be. I looked through the videos I had and settled on six that I thought had the most entertaining backstories.

My sister Bonnie came with me for technical support. She hooked her laptop up to the big screen monitor in the room at the church and proceeded to do a sound check. Well, the sound came through, but the video didn't. I was so nervous that she wouldn't get it to work. Those videos were my entire presentation.

By 7:00 pm, the people were in their seats ready to learn about why these two strange ladies were at their meeting. The host called the meeting to order and asked the lady who knew me to go ahead and give an introduction. As she was talking, my sister was still scrambling to get the connections to work.

Finally, they asked me to begin. I started off with a bit about my haphazard path to becoming a composer. Then I looked at Bonnie and she said that she thought everything was fixed. So I introduced the first video which was a song from one of my Children's Theater shows. I told how the song fit in the show and that they would hear four of my granddaughters singing it. "Good Mornin' Sunshine" from "The Tale of Chicken Licken."

Then I spoke about how inspiration for writing songs can come when you least expect it. Two of these songs were "Love at Home" SSAA with 2 Flutes and a sacred vocal solo "Call Upon the Lord."

They were very interested about when I sang with the Tabernacle Choir. So I told them about the time I was asked to write a new song to include in a Birthday gift basket for Pres. Dieter F. Uchtdorf when he was in the First Presidency. Fortunately I was able to share a recording of 27 choir members singing it that I made into a video. "Forget Me Not, O Lord" SATB with text inspired by a talk by Pres. Uchtdorf.

Then, I just had to share our family's Christmas video of "On a Sacred, Still and Silent Night." During the time of COVID we gathered our big family to make a video to submit for an online Christmas Fireside. We got our young grandkids to act out the parts for a Nativity Pageant.

When my friend introduced me, she said that I also wrote picture books for my grandchildren each year. So, I brought a selection of books to show as visual aids. Then I explained that one book was very important to me. It was a picture book about my Aunt Janie Thompson who worked at BYU for years. I didn't read them the story, but I told about how my aunt took student performing groups all over the world. She literally was "The Girl from No Where, Who Went Everywhere." It turned out that many of these "Empty Nesters" remembered Janie and were thrilled to hear her singing her signature song "I've Been Everywhere, Man." (Incidentally, my sisters and I sang back-up on this recording.)

The evening was very fun and I was told was very entertaining!

The Confidence of Youth

9/16/2026

Recently I watched the biopic movie of George M. Cohan, "Yankee Doodle Dandy." One line has stuck with me, for many years. At the point in the movie where the main character young George Cohan is pounding the pavements in New York City trying to sell his show "Little Johnny Jones," George says that "youth needs confidence." Without the courage and confidence of youth, he would have never had the gumption to stumble into his future as a success on Broadway.

Where is that youthful confidence I used to have, I ask myself? I remember those days when Ellis and I were newlyweds, I was fresh out of college, and we were eager to make good. The future looked bright even though we had no clear vision of what lay ahead. We just knew we were equal to whatever challenges were before us.

I believed in that college degree I had worked for, even though it was not in the field I really wanted. My in-laws gave me a beautiful piano as a wedding gift. So, I began teaching piano and voice lessons. In fact, I took any opportunities that came my way. I sang for a lot of private parties, Stake and Ward events, I became the Primary Music lady, and led and/or sang in church and community choirs. I kept being asked to do Musical Theater roles, but playing a lead ingenue character while pregnant just didn't work. Being a director was a better fit while we were growing our family. So I led choirs for Church, Community, and Schools, and even directed some Broadway style Musicals.

Those youthful days were filled with so many opportunities. No wonder I felt so confident.

What happened over the years?

I can't help wondering if not having my constant and best supporter around has made the biggest difference. As long as Ellis was near, we made an unstoppable team. Now, I look around and wonder just how all of the things at the house that he used to take care of are going to get done. And, he used to build all my sets and props for my shows. He was so great at convincing me that anything I wanted to create or do was possible. Plus, he understood computer stuff. If I had trouble, he could help me understand and prevail. It's just not the same without him.

New picture book for 2026

Oh, and I am not as young as I once was. Yeah, there's that.

So, we pivot. When times or needs change, we adapt and find something else to do.

I guess I can celebrate that I finished my latest picture book and got it back from the printers. It's actually a story about my daughter Cami's young family.

Hopefully my grandchildren will like it as Christmas gifts this year.

The Awkward Singing Years

9/6/2026

How do you balance the chorus when one section far outnumbers the others?

When I visited my sister's Youth Stake Conference Chorus rehearsal last week, I was so surprised to see that the boys far outnumbered the girls. In all of my experience, that has never been the case.

The piece they were singing was an SAB arrangement of "Choose the Right." It was written for the situation where there would be very few boys. Another issue she had was that there were quite a few very young men whose voices had not even begun to change. (They were still trebles, for sure, and the jury was still out as to whether they could sing on pitch in any range!) Those little 11-year-olds really wanted to stay with the older boys and try to sing the Baritone part.

In the hopes of trying to get a better balance of the parts --- Soprano, Alto and Baritone --- I suggested that a few of the altos sing soprano and a few of the younger boys move up to sing alto. Once that happened, the balance was better. (However, not all of the little 11-year-olds would venture up to alto territory.) Oh well, enough young men did and they were very good singers and obviously musicians.

This reminded me of when I spent one term substitute teaching for a Middle School Choral teacher in Maryland. There were very few boys in the youngest chorus class, and a couple of them were still trebles. One boy in particular loved to sing. I held him after class to check his range. He easily had the best voice of all the singers in this group. So I worked to convince him that in order to develop his voice, he should embrace continuing to sing in the treble clef. The stronger he worked his head voice, the easier the transition would be when his voice would inevitably change. He not only agreed to sing in treble clef, he sang soprano!

So many boys in those awkward years of pre-puberty give up singing or they try to sing lower than their natural vocal mechanism will allow. So they end up singing a gravely monotone. My goal in life has been to help convince boys that they can and should learn to use their head voices. That makes such a difference in tone quality and ability to match pitches!

I just wish more chorus conductors would encourage the young male treble singers to embrace singing above middle C!

Choose the Right

8/18/2026

My sister is in charge of providing a Youth Chorus to sing for their Stake Conference in few weeks. She really barely learned of this change just as she was leaving for a week's vacation 8 days ago. The problems are many --- choosing music, getting it approved, setting up rehearsals, advertising the rehearsals, and then negotiating problems with schedules. She has no idea how many Youth will even be in town to come to rehearsals since school is just beginning Fall semester this week. Few will have been in town to hear of any rehearsals if indeed announcements were made last Sunday.

So she came to me to ask if I had a piece that would be recognizable and fairly easy to learn in a couple or even one rehearsal. I suggested "Choose the Right." It is a very recognizable hymn even though the arrangement has some fun differences. It is available for 2-Part Children's Chorus, 2-Part Mixed Chorus, SAB, and SATB. The optional obligato may be played by Flutes or Violins or combinations of C instruments, or with transpositions for B flat clarinets. In other words, "Choose the Right" is very versatile.

Well, I am happy to say that the music was approved. Now she just needs to keep making phone calls to get people to support this project. The other musical number is going to be a "flash mob" of Primary Children. She is still trying to figure out a song that most of the children in the Stake will already know. (This is risky, to be sure. She is not happy about it.)

This arrangement of "Choose the Right" was written specifically for 2-Part Children's Chorus accompanied by piano and double clarinet obligato. It was performed at a Relief Society Music Festival on Temple Square by a combination Young Women and Children's Chorus. Although the tempo was a little too fast for the clarinets, the performance recording I have is quite fun.

This was also a favorite of my Service Missionary Choir. That group was made up of about 20 young men and four young women missionaries. Still, we were able to rearrange who sang which parts and it worked fine. (I was able to get some of my children to sing with us to bolster the parts.)

Just for kicks and giggles, I also arranged "Choose the Right" for Piano 4 hands. The Primo part is for a less experienced player. The Secondo requires a bit more skill. Very fun.

With All the Power of Heart and Tongue

8/10/2026

Many of the Hymns of Praise Christians enjoy singing are from texts that have been around for hundreds of years. I particularly enjoy the writings of Isaac Watts, although some of his texts have not been paired with hymn tunes that match well.

Isaac Watts was a prolific writer of hymn texts living in England from 1674-1748. He was also a theologian and educator. He was one of the first poets to adapt Psalms and Biblical texts into Christian verse suitable for singing in worship services. Some of his more popular texts set to tunes by various composers are:

Joy to the World (based on Psalm 98, tune by an unknown composer using fragments from Handel, first published in England in 1833, popularized by American Lowell Mason)
Come ye that Love the Lord (often sung with the chorus [and titled] "We’re marching to Zion")
O God, Our Help in Ages Past (based on Psalm 90)
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
I Sing the Mighty Power of God (originally entitled Praise for Creation and Providence from Divine Songs Attempted in Easy Language for the Use of Children)
My Shepherd Will Supply My Need (based on Psalm 23)

Another of his hymn texts of praise is "With All the Power of Heart and Tongue." This text is full of exuberance and breathless excitement and praise. So why is it paired with a slow, stately tune in the LDS 1985 Hymnal? There is nothing wrong with the Lowell M. Durham tune. It is very good. But it does not seem to match Isaac Watts' exuberant text. First off, the meter seems wrong. Where the Durham tune is in a "Majestic" 2/2, the lyrics seem to call out to be read/sung in 3/4. Hymns of praise generally have upsweeping phrases that declare hope and love and gratitude. This hymn tune has stately square phrases that generally end in downward motion. Besides that, it is slow!

I have actually only sung this hymn once at Church. In its current form, it is definitely not on the Top 40's Hits list. I really felt that the text needed a new tune to portray the powerful, upbeat text. This is what I came up with. Several versions are available --- 2-Part, SSA, Duet, SAB, SATB with Organ or Piano. Enjoy!

Hymns of Praise and Thanksgiving

8/2/2026

During our recent trip through southern Utah, we visited Arches National Park. The incredible red rock formations and natural arches were such evidences of God's majesty and power.

Yes, it is still summer, but school in our area is starting up in two weeks. You know what that means...

Families will be back from their vacations and Ward choirs will soon start working on their offerings for the next few months including Thanksgiving and Christmas. Personally, I love the time of Thanksgiving in the Fall. Maybe I am partial to it because I was born on Thanksgiving, but there is nothing more powerful than a great song of praise and thanksgiving.

Hymns of praise are wonderful any time of year, but more especially for Thanksgiving. One of my favorites has been "How Wondrous and Great" SATB. This arrangement was written for my choir alto section who always loved having a section solo. The sopranos also get an obligato. The men seem to like variations in dynamics to show off their power. This arrangement has all of this and more. The pianist gets to go on all kinds of adventures as well. (Have fun!)

The hymn text was written by Henry U. Onderdonk (1789–1858) with music attributed to Joseph Martin Kraus (1756–1792). The music had also once been attributed to Johann Michael Hadyn (younger brother of the more famous Franz Joseph Hadyn who was a major influencer in the Classical Period). In any case, these composers were of the late Classical Period (circa 1800) moving into the Romantic Period (1830-1900). Composers of this transition time were breaking from strict structures and promoting more movement and emotion.

Your choirs will love singing this powerful message of praise and thanksgiving!

Making the Congregation Sing

7/24/2026

John R. Sweney (1837-1899)

John R. Sweney (December 31, 1837 – April 10, 1899) was a band and choral leader who had the reputation of getting the congregation to really sing. Three of his hymns that are included in the current LDS Hymnal really show this. "There Is Sunshine in My Soul Today," "The Lord Is My Light," and "If the Way Be Full of Trial, Weary Not."

John Robson Sweney (December 31, 1837 – April 10, 1899) was an American composer from Pennsylvania. He was a professor of music at the Pennsylvania Military Academy for twenty-five years and collaborated with William J. Kirkpatrick to produce and publish over 1,000 gospel hymn songs and over sixty hymnal books.

Some of his hymns crossed the plains with the Utah Pioneers. I can understand the message of "If the Way Be Full of Trial, Weary Not" to resonate with the early pioneers. My first introduction to this hymn was when the Tabernacle Choir sang it for the special 85th Birthday Celebration of President Thomas S. Monson. Not long after that, my Tenor friend asked me to create a solo version specifically for him to sing, "Weary Not." I have since modified that solo version a little for high voice, "If the Way Be Full of Trial, Weary Not."

I have always enjoyed singing his hymns because of their soaring melodies. Who can resist being happy when singing "There Is Sunshine in My Soul Today?". I also have a cherished memory of my Uncle John Thompson singing "The Lord Is My Light" with his heroic tenor voice. He often said that the best sermons were preached through hymns. So when I was looking to arrange some hymns for solo voice, those two hymns were at the top of my list.

Currently, I lead the congregational singing in my Ward. Whenever I program these hymns, I can tell that the congregation loves to sing them. They look up out of their books, they smile, and they sing from their hearts. I can tell that they really know and love these hymns.

So do I. That's why I included them in my sacred solos collections, The Praiseworthy Singer Vol. 14 and "The Praiseworthy Singer Vol. 15.

Enjoy!

Choosing Hymns

7/20/2026

When I began this calling of leading the hymns for Sacrament Meeting, I decided to choose hymns for three months at a time. Of course I would prefer to be given themes for each meeting, but I found very quickly that would never happen. I was also tasked with introducing the new hymns, but slowly. Our population of mostly older folks in our ward don't look on change kindly.

So, I do the best I can choosing the hymns so far in advance by being aware of upcoming events (mission farewells and homecomings, holidays, etc.) days of historical significance (Joseph Smith's martyrdom, Relief Society birthday, etc.), and themes from the Come Follow Me lessons.

Sometimes I am overwhelmed by how apropos certain hymns turn out to be. I have often thought that as long as the hymns are contrasting as to meter, tempi, key relationships, and how they invite all to come unto Christ, my choices should work out fine. But when the hymn choices support the themes of the talks so perfectly they must have been "planned," I am astonished.

We had a young returned missionary report on his mission to Thailand yesterday. He spoke about 10 important points he learned on his mission. What he concluded with was exactly what the closing hymn supported best. He talked about how we can all join in the work of inviting all to come unto Christ. The closing hymn spoke precisely about that.

I chose the hymn "With Faith in Every Footstep" because in Utah, Pioneer Day is this week. Of course, that hymn talks about the marvelous saints who crossed the plains as pioneers with faith in every footstep. But two other verses were more about missionary work and how we are all pioneers in moving that work along.

K. Newell Dayley

What I didn't know was that the composer of that hymn had once lived in our ward. Many people stopped me to say how they remembered when K. Newell Dayley first wrote that hymn and he showed it to different people in the ward. In short, that hymn and its composer were well remembered and loved in this ward. So many people thanked me especially for choosing that hymn.
Pretty great...

Let Out to Pasture

7/14/2026

Carolyn Thompson in about 1940

When my mother moved back to Utah after many years of living all over the United States, she mentioned that she felt like she had been let out to pasture. I suppose after spending 40 years serving in many capacities in the Church and doing a lot of performing and teaching private lessons, she felt less busy. Less utilized. Less noticed for her talents.

True, she was getting older. Her health was not as good as it had been earlier in her life. But she still felt like she had a lot to give.

To put her situation in perspective, as my dad's work moved us to different places all over America following government contracts, Mom was always fussed over and treated almost like a celebrity. She sang like an angel, she could play the piano very well (many times without even having the music in front of her), she had grand ideas for super activites, and she loved people. And when folks learned that she had sung with the Tabernacle Choir, her social status really shot up.

She made close friends wherever she went. Her usual situation was to hold down several music/activities callings in the Wards and Stakes, teach 20-30 music lessons a week, plus manage her large family. Just having one calling leading the hymns for Sacrament meeting seemed like being let out to pasture indeed.

Tom and Carolyn Lee about 2000

My mother Carolyn Thompson Lee was pushing 60 when her galavanting days of moving every couple of years came to an end. My father found a new career teaching Physics and Astronomy at the Utah Valley University. He taught there until he turned 89 (his second 30-year career). My dad was also called as Bishop again when they moved to Utah. My mother however was pretty lost.

She was also back in her sister Janie Thompson's rather considerable shadow. Janie was still performing into her 90s. Janie often gave interviews to authors who wrote books and articles about her. My mother went on Janie's many performing dates to accompany her singing, but she didn't get the accolades or recognition that Janie did.

Then, unfortunately in her 70s, dementia set in. Our mother gradually lost her memory of people and experiences during the last ten years of her life. But through it all, even when she was reduced to her essentials, she was still ever sweet. She'd say, "I don't know your name, but I know I love you."

Her musical memory was still amazing, even when she was in the rest home. We'd go spend time with her, push her around in the wheel chair, and sing songs. She could out-sing any of us and still create lovely harmonies and remember all the lyrics.

She would have turned 97 on her birthday June 28th. Oh, how we all still miss her. Whenever I sing the high notes in a choir now, I feel her encouraging me. Especially hearing "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" sung by the Tabernacle Choir during the 4th of July celebrations, I thought of Mom. I am always so happy to sing those high B flats and think of her Gold Record performance with the Choir back in the 1960s. She'll always be a rock star to me.

Love you, Mom.

The Music of Betsy Lee Bailey copyright 2020