The Magic of Art and Music

The wonderful song “I hope you Dance” says it all.  I send these lyrics to my children, grandchildren, family and friends and those who support me in my music!  Thankyou!

I HOPE YOU DANCE AND ALL YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE.  Julie Dees

                                               I HOPE YOU DANCE

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder.

You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger

May you never take one single breath for granted

God forbid love ever leave you empty-handed

I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean

Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens

Promise me that you’ll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

I hope you dance…I hope you dance

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance

Never settle for the path of least resistance

Livin’ might mean takin’ chances but they’re worth takin’

Lovin’ might be a mistake but it’s worth makin

Don’t let some hell-bent heart leave you bitter

When you come close to sellin’ out reconsider

Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

I hope you dance…..I hope you dance

Time is a wheel in constant motion always rolling us along

Tell me who wants to look back on their years and wonder

Where those years have gone

I HOPE YOU DANCE….I HOPE YOU DANCE

Written by Mark D. Sanders

Artist: LeAnn Womack

I HOPE YOU DANCE……

What a great experience it has been recording this new children’s cd.

I have 5 great children and 4 wonderful grandchildren.  They have inspired me as a mother and grandmother to record this cd.  I dedicated it to them.

I was lucky to work with Disney, licensing their songs for this cd.  We all love the Disney songs.  I tried to pick the songs I felt would touch all ages.  As I recorded I wanted to play the songs in a way that would sooth adults and children as they listened.

I want to thank my Heavenly Father for giving me this gift and talent to play the piano and touch others.

Thank You all of my children, grandchildren, mom and dad, family, friends and neighbors for your love and support in all I do in my music.

Thank you Ken Kruckenberg (Sonic Pathways) for mixing, engineering and mastering this cd.  You have taught me alot  and have been very patient with me!   Thanks for making me sound great!

Thank you my wonderful daughter, Becky Dees for your photography  (Front page)

Thank you Britttani Mitchell  for the phtography  (my picture)

Thank you Michael Gonzales for the graphic art work.  (Solid Marketing) You did a great job!  Look forward to working with you in the future.

                                                         Love to all!   Julie Dees on Keys

It’s that time again for the great show in Peoa, Utah.  Live at the Peoa Park in the beautiful mountains of  Summit County.

The “Two Baritones” will be putting on a great show.  Julie Dees will be  there performing. I hope you can all come and enjoy!

                                           Read a little about the “Two Baritones”

Marty Graybill, Jr.   (Baritone)

Marty discovered the joy of singing by performing his first public solo at age five.  He took his first voice lesson at age seven and has been singing ever since.  Active in special choirs and summer stock throughout his high school and college days.  Marty has continued to perform through the years at various venues such as night clubs, concerts, wedding, churches, special events and firesides.  He also performs with his good friend, Wayne D. Thomas, Jr. as one of the “The Two Baritones”.  Marty is a Realtor in Park City and lives in Peoa with his wife Debbie.

                                                                                                                                                  Wayne D. Thomas Jr.  (Baritone Soloist)

Wayne has always liked to sing as a child, doing solos at Church, also in High School Choirs.  He would sing at his different  jobs and wanted to learn how to use his voice, so not to harm it in any way.. In 1976-77,  he started taking voice lessons in Salt Lake City with Bonnie Robinson.  Wayne moved to Seattle Washington in 1977 and in 1988 found Mr. George Peckham, singer and voice teacher, Seattle’s best!  Mr. Peckham has worked with many groups and individuals.  Such groups as New Deal Rhythm Band,  Heart,  The Heat.  Such individuals as Judy Collins,  Dee Daniels,  Ernestine Anderson, Reilly and Maloney, also Marylee Ruch,  just to name a few.  It has been said that Mr Peckham has taught over 5000 students from 1936-94.

When Mr. Peckham passed away at the age of 90, Wayne then studied with Nancy Nolan a former student of Mr. Peckhams.  She would sing with Steve Allen in a Seattle hot spot when he came to town.  In 1997 Wayne moved back to Peoa Utah and later met Marty Graybill and in 2003 Wayne and Marty put on their first concert at the Park city Community Church.  The name of the concert was “Its a Grand Night for Singing”.

Wayne and Marty have yearly Patriotic Concerts, that they have been performing for the past six years in the Peoa Park.  Wayne and Marty enjoy singing and have fun singing and performing.

As Red Skelton one said,  “It I can bring a smile to someones face or  joy to their heart and laughter to their voice, then my day has been complete”.  That is how Wayne and Marty  feel!  They love to share there little bit of talent with others.                                                                                                                                                                

Wayne and Marty”s keyboard man  is Rodger  Calder.  He is very talented and brings  much to their performances!

Thank you Marty, Wayne and Rodger for including me in your wonderful concerts in July at the Peoa Park in Utah!

                                                    Julie Dees on Keys

This story is about Gary Russel, a gentleman, songwriter & singer. I met Gary  about 5 years ago, he  encouraged me to record my first Cd.

I recorded a inspirational cd 2 years ago (Hope, Dream & Believe.  This cd has gone out to many of the elderly, hospice, families of sick children and those who need a little hope!  Gary wrote and sang 3 songs on this cd.   (When Will a Rainbow Smile on Me,  Hope Is The Miracle, and You Gotta Hope!)

 I am in the process of starting a new Foundation (The Gift of Music)  The profits from all sales on this Cd and my other 2 cd for the next 2 months will be donated to this Foundation.  The foundation will place keyboards and other instruments into the hands of Children and Adults who are in the hospital for long periods of time.  The Foundation will also be used in other area to help, give hope, and  give back the music!    Thank You Gary for adding to this Hope Cd and giving of yourself to others.  Luv ya!  Julie                                                                                                                                                          

                                     HERE IS GARY SNEDDON RUSSELS STORY

WHAT MUSIC HAS MEANT TO ME:                                                                  When the question arose regarding what music has meant to me and its impact on and in my life I took time to reflect and ponder those thoughts.  I guess that through that processing and ponderance I came to these conclusions.

I have always found it easy to express my thoughts or feeling in story form through a song.  I was introduced and surrounded by music because my father was an avid listener of the big  band music.  I believe in retrospect he found comfort and solace in the words and music and whether by osmosis or just observation of a loved one I think he found not only pleasure but release or understanding in a way, for the events in his life.  This rubbed off on me and so I found a way in music or a song to express myself.

I don’t think I wrote many songs before I began to wonder where they came from or why it was so easy for me to transfer my thoughts into music.  I was going through changes in my life and it may not seem hard to write a song about experiences but what about writing a song about something or someone you have never known or experienced.  That is what lead me to seek the answer I eventually came to know, understand and accept as my gift or talent.

That understanding to me was my connection to a higher power.  I was inspired by thought or experience to write out those thoughts and in story form a song to be formed and written believing that my experiences or thoughts were being guided by something or someone out side of myself.  I could relax, enjoy and feel free to allow my thoughts to flow without having to struggle with any form of confinement because it was going to happen or not regardless of anything or any outside influence or conformity.  This probably all sounds a little far fetched or vague but it simply worked for me and I was in touch, in my own way, with the power outside of me to believe I was a tool in His hand as the pen was in mine.  Simply put, I have never questioned the process to this day.  It is simple, it is easy and it is Devine.  I know of no other way to put it and it comforts me to know He is there for and with me and I am in touch with my creator.  I walk in peace because of Him, his Son and the Holy Spirit.  It is the greatest peace one can know.

What it has meant in my life I cannot measure or fully comprehend.  I can only relate the experiences that have filled my life because of God and Music.  First, the feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction at finding a way to put a different view to the subjects of life.  What did He want me to say or allow someone else to hear in the words and melody He inspired me to write.  That is personal and fulfilling to me as a person and to my soul.

The people who have expressed joy, sadness, pleasure, humor or a human emotion in something I wrote that He gave me is gratifying to me.  I in turn hope it accomplished the message I was allowed to share.

The people that music has allowed me to share the gift, the talent, the satisfaction and accomplishment with is alone stirring to me.  Without the music I would never have been exposed to the people along the path that music led me to take.

I am going to name drop here, not for the sake of anything but sharing and defining the statement I just made.  I was allowed to circulate in the company of other people who were touched by and inspired through our creator to know what I have learned.  Willie Nelson,  Tony Bennet,  Johny Cash,  Barbara Mandrel,  Dolly Parton,  Janie Frike,  Jerry Jeff Walker (wrote Mr. BoJangles),  Charlie Daniels,  Don Gibson,  Ann Murray, Dottie West,  George Jones,   June Carter,  Mother Mabel Carter, Lynn Anderson,  and countless musicians and performer who like myself did not reach the notoriety  or financial status of those I just mentioned.  My point being only that I was exposed to these people because of music, and nothing else I know of would have put me in their company.

I have met hundreds of people while performing my music that I might never been exposed to other wise in this life.  I have had the privilege of making someones day, inspiring someone to press on, bring a smile to their face and a laugh or humor in their life and cause someone to ponder.  What else could I have done in this life whereby I could touch or be touched by so many.

My music is my life, my joy, my frustration, my satisfaction, my leveler, my way to communicate and it fulfills my soul.  When you can say that about anything I think you have said a mouthful.  Music is the universal language that can stir a human being to be whatever they and God wants them to be – it did me.                       Gary Russell Sneddon

Your can find Gary on Facebook, and U-tube.

Jessie Powell sent me his very touching and inspiring story.  He tells of how music has saved his life.  He has found peace and is helping others thru his music talents.

Thank You Jessie for sharing your story!

               ********************************************************************

“I always remember being able to play the piano.  As a child I would sit beside my mother on the piano bench at church and watch her play.  She began to teach me piano when I was six years old.  She always told me I was a  wonderful child, but a reckless piano student. I wanted to play the Boogie-woogie instead of Mary had a Little Lamb.

After seeing my enthusiasm for playing the piano, she began to write the letters just above my piano notes and to her amazement I began to play difficult pieces of music.  After about a year I no longer needed those letters wrote above my notes. 

I began as a church pianist at the ripe old age of eight.  Into my teenage years I vered away from God and also my true self.  I gave into peer pressure and ended up dropping out of high school.  I eventually had a severe nervous breakdown.  I remained in bed for three months.  I barely ate, only enough to keep me alive.  My parents worried and prayed that I would again find happiness.  That evening their prayers were answered in a  most unusual way.  I felt compelled to sit down at my piano and play.  I opened up my hymnal and began to play “The Old Rugged Cross”.  I will never forget how God spoke to me through those lyrics.  I remember myself  thinking that here I am rendered incapable by such small things and yet Jesus bore the weight of all the world. In my mind I could picture him walking up Calvary’s hill with my sin on his shoulders.  I couldn’t believe that Jesus loved me so much that he would endure the worst death imaginable so that I might be able to know God through him.  I am proud to say that with the Lord’s help I made a speedy recovery.

I still continue to serve as the church pianist and sometime organist at Bowlin Baptist Church in Sallis, Mississippi.  Had it not been for my mother and fathers prayers, That Beautiful song, my little wellington piano, and above all Jesus Christ I believe I would have ended up taking my own life a long time ago.

I have been playing the piano for thirteen years now and have since become a piano teacher.  I now teach a small group of teenagers how to play and find Jesus in their music and in every aspect of life.

Jessie Powell

I am blessed to have one of the greatest mothers ever!   Mom taught me so many important lesson in life, how to work hard, cook, clean, run a home. Mom encouraged me in my piano practicing and many years of piano lessons. She taught me to appreciate good music.  But most of all she taught me to love and serve God!  Mom I love you!

                          *********************************************

             This poem was written to my mother from my sister Heather

The leaf strewn, carpet path dares us to follow it into the unknown.

If only capturing our imagination with childlike wonder..

“It’s up ahead,” the children cry, as they race towards what

they know, without a doubt, is an adventure.

Running as fast as their little legs will carry them, filled

with excitement.  Our childhood–racing towards each

new experience, viewing the new as exciting.

Of does it speak to the older child, who holds back a little?

Dreaming of holding her sweethearts hand……slowly

dazing upward.

Noticing the sun glistening through the yellow leaves,

so softly dancing in the wind.

Feeling afloat, encircled in love, secure that happiness

will always be because of the hand she holds.

Or the MOTHER.

Tired with lives worries–a house, a job, children, a husband…

Oh how she loves them all–but this place, could she stay?

Feeling the meadow scented of fall, the smell of wet leaves

carried in the breeze.

Bathing her face in the sunlight and cool air, refreshing her

spirit.

The beauty causing her heart to swell.

Knowing by now that life isn’t always beautiful, but even

the darkest night is followed by day.

She takes everything in, holding on to the serenity

and peace.

The OLDER women.

Quietly knowing where the path goes.

No urgency to follow, no sweethearts hand to hold,

for now he’s only in her heart.

No children to protect.  Her house is simple now.  Her

warm smile tells it all.

She sees the beauty which encompasses time.

time that has past, now are memories.

These memories her constant companion.

she’s known it all..the anticipation, the love, the

heartache, the loss, and the serenity.

as the leaves fall they now seem to be as time….

changed by the seasons and more beautiful than before.

Soon the last leaf will stop clinging to the tree…

Her journey will be done.

She has no regrets,

Because she knows and understands this path.

where it goes to, what’s at the beginning and the end.

No longing to stay, her smile tell it all.

Peace, gratitude, the loves and lessons of life

she mastered.

A quiet acceptance and humble victory.

To my Mother & Grandmother.  Who taught me the grace

of being a woman and helped me endure and enjoy the

journey.    Heather Ann Holmes  2003

This is a great article written by Scott Simpson.

Scott is a certified Performance and Relationship Coach.

Thank you Scott for reminding us to be excited about  living our hopes & dreams ! 

Ah, to hide in a world of fear.  The security of knowing you are safely protected from the trepidations of the world.  How great is feels to play if safe or is it?  What does life look like in this safe place?  Waking up each day, dragging the body off to work, anticipating the 12:00 lunch hour with overwhelming excitement and dancing with joy as the 5:00 whistle blows to send you home to your castle.  Tonight is very special for the season premiere of all your favorite sitcoms and reality programming begins, a season of pure ecstasy.  The sad part is; this is life.  Do our fears control us, keeping us from teaching someone how to find a new and fabulous job?  Do we worry about our ability to spend time teaching youth about values, commitment and honesty?  Do we fear stepping into our own strengths and desires, taking on a new way of life that challenges us each day? 

It’s often easy to give to others, praise their successes and assist them in creating their dreams.  Where do we stand when it comes to ourselves?  Are you willing to take a stand and say: today, I will take this first step in creating my dream.  Even with your mind running amuck, 100 reasons why it may never happen and your pig viciously screaming in your ear, will you take that one step.  What will it look like if you look at this step as an exciting fabulous learning experience?  Most things worth doing are a little unnerving in the beginning, yet these challenges move us into the next realm of our existence.

The quote from Lou Dozier,  “It’s not fear, its Excitement”, is a change in our thought process.  How do you view the challenges and dreams your encounter?  How might we switch the fear into Excitement?  We will jump in with both feet not always knowing how we will swim to the other side.  We will open our communication and ask for assistance from the world.  We will come from a place of enormous gratitude, abundance and value for the entire world.  We will take that first step, every time, no matter how small, and continue to the next.

For everyone who has challenged themselves and worked on living their dreams, it becomes impossible to go back.  Look at your life in detail.  The moments when we’re not involved in the world’s solutions, are less rewarding and your may be completely bored or lost.  Imagine what it feels like to be excited about life, now we know what we want.  It’s those moments when we engage in life, attack our dreams and become part of the solutions of life that we will radiate our uniqueness in the world.  Its never fear but incredible excitement!

Scott Simpson

Certified Performance Coach

Certified Relationship Coach

NLP Practitioner     435-901-9103

I would like to take this time at Easter to reflect and thank our Heavenly Father for all the blessings he  has given me.  I am so thankful for my Savior Jesus Christ and know that he has made everything possible for all of us.

*Julie Dees*

I found my Savior

I searched for Christ when I was young,

I gazed on statue carved in stone,

And marveled at the sculptor’s skill–

Image of Christ that he had shown.

The artist painted Him with brush,

Musician showed in sweet refrain,

the poet wrote of healing touch,

Impatient youth–I searched in vain.

But now I’m old, at last I’ve found

I’ve known my Savior all along

No need to look on printed page,

No need to listen to the song.

My life has shown me where He is,

Conviction strengthened by the years,

He’s blessed me with the greatest joys,

He’s given comfort for my tears.

Example of perfect life–

A pattern guide for every day,

When weakness threatened falt’ring steps,

His teachings showed the righteous way.

I judged another’s wrongful act–

Recalled Christ once wrote in the sand,

“He without sin, first cast the stone.”

I sought God’s help to understand.

I turned to help a dark-skinned one

Who stood alone from all the others,

I gave to him a welcome voice–

Jesus taught, “All men are brothers.”

I thought of fear in rocking boat

When Jesus stilled the raging storm

And put my arms “round frightened child

to shield the little one from harm.

I learned compassion Jesus showed,

He said, “Arise, be whole again.”

I looked in eyes of pleading sick

and leaned o’er bed to ease their pain.

The Savior pleaded from the cross,

“Forgive, they know not what they do.”

I’d clung to hate for grievous wrong,

Then I forgave, began anew.

One night I pleaded for a life–

God left my little girl with me,

But learned to say, “Thy will be done.”

For Christ had known Gethsemane.

I faced two roads that reached ahead;

My Savior taught that I must pray

and when I knelt in humble prayer

I knew which road to be the way.

I sorrowed at an open grave

And felt the gift Christ had to give,

Why agony upon the cross–

He suffered all that we might live.

Someday I’ll close my book of life,

I’ll know my Savior when we meet;

I’ve searched and found Him while on earth

I’ll know and worship at His feet!

Written by my Grandmother

Louie Selleneit Bangerter

“I count myself in nothing also so happy, As in a soul rememb’ring my good friends.” William Shakespeare-

Iwant to give a special thanks to Skip Daynes and his family at Daynes Music for their friendship and support in my music career!

After traveling to many Piano stores in Utah, I knew the minute I walked into Daynes Music and sat at their pianos, I was in the right place. I bought one of their beautiful Boston Baby Grand Pianos.  I have loved it ever since.  It is high quality, affordable, and what a sound!  It has helped me grow in my abilities as I practice and learn new techniques on the keys. Thank-you Skip for believing in me.  One day I will own one of your Beautifuyl Steinway Pianos!   Julie Dees on Keys

About Skip Daynes: “I am not a musician, even thought I learned to play the clarinet at Uintah Elementary school.  I have always hoped that “music” genes would kick in.  Our family is steeped in musical talent.  My grandfather Royal was a singer and conductor, my great grandfather’s oldest son Joseph was the first Tabernacle organist.  My father could play the piano quite well and yet he did not like  the music business.  Music has been my livelihood.  I have met and sold pianos to many great pianists and noted aristocrats, and have met many famous artist that are now good friends.  Henry Steinway told me that I had sold more Steinway Pianos than anyone he knows.  (He passed away in 2008 September)  Music is therapeutic.  Piano music has been more a part of my life now than ever before.  Maybe I too need the therapy.  I am attempting to get keyboard music back in Utah Elementary schools.  Computers took keyboard, bands and choirs out 20 years ago.  Uplay piano is a school program that I hope will be used in our elementary school computer laboratories.  I hope to learn to play a few songs from my own teaching program before I am 80.  Daynes Music is a wonderful store and has a great reputation.  It is a pleasure for me to come to work and visit with great young families that see the importance of having their children learn the piano.  We all know the benefits but often miss the opportunity.  As you see music has improved my life.”  Skip Daynes

Please visit Daynes Music :  6935 So. State Street, Salt Lake City, Utah  

Website:   www.daynesmusic.com

There is nothing more inspiring to me as a pianist than to have my children, grandchildren, and other young people sit with me at the piano or dance around as I am performing.

When I heard a song written and sung by Alan Fisher and his young granddaughter, I was very touched and wanted to share it with my readers.

Alan, Thankyou  for inspiring me and reminding me thru your music, the importance of family & friends!  God does indeed bless all of us.  Just look into a child’s eyes and you will be inspired!

Please take the time to listen to Alan’s song “I Love Life” at  his web site

www.alanfishermusic.com

 “I Love Life” began as a lullaby.  But as I wrote it, I couldn’t help but think about my granddaughter Morgan.  So my intent changed, and I wrote the song for her.  I wanted to leave her something to remember me by, and to leave an important lesson with her.  The words came first on this one, although it is usually the other way around.  It was so strange.  As I made up the melody I left gaps in it by instinct, and some time later I came up with the idea of having her sing along with me.  When she recorded her voice track I was amazed at how much feeling and expression she put into it.  I hope you like it folks.  From my family to yours.  and I hope God has blessed you as much as he has me.” (Alan Fisher)

Alan was born in Rising Star Texas.  Alan graduated from high school and currently lives in San Antonio with his wife (since 1972) Carol.  Alan is a Vietnam Veteran (Special Forces).  He has two sons and two grandchildren. He has a degree from Texas State University and is a retired high school coach.  He began writing songs 6 years ago and, with the encouragement of family and friends, has now recorded his first album “Family Man”.  Alan’s musical influences are mostly from the country genre.  However, upon listening to Alan’s songs you realize that they are not restricted to any one genre.  “I take pride in writing songs that are different , but most of all I take care to write songs that have  something important to say.  I just hope the people enjoy what they hear.”  Oh, I thing they will Alan, I think they will!