Singing Your Story

After Nicole, the Event Manager at Big Door, gave the introductions, a super cute girl named Tiffany Alvord started a presentation called "Singing Your Story".  She has 11, 264, 942 youtube subscribers and has put out three albums.  I really enjoyed her presentation and will be reporting on that tomorrow.

Tiffany is a 22 year old girl who started posting her cover songs as well as original songs on youtube when she was 15.  She said a pivotal time in her career came when she decided to define what her vision was for her music.  She seeks to "Inspire others to find happiness and purpose".  What a great goal!  I was so impressed.  Click on the link below to see some of her work.

Minutes to Spare

Traveling from out of state, to go to the "Big Door" songwriting conference, was not easy for me as I really can't stand driving long distance, but I made it to the conference with a few minutes to spare.  Lucky me I had to go to the bathroom once I got there and the bathrooms happened to be directly behind the presentation.  I had to wait behind the MC (who, of course, was being videotaped), and did not make it back to my seat until she had competed the introductions.  I was happy to find a seat next to an amazing, very genuine up and coming young artist named Whitney Lusk.  If you would like to take a look at some of her work click on the link below.  I was so impressed with her artistry as well as her sincere, down-to-earth personality, that I wanted to make her the focus of today's post.

It is late and I really must get to bed, but I plan to write more posts, in the coming days, to fill in the details of the conference so please continue to stay tuned.  :)

"Big Door Weekend"

I just attended another song writing conference this weekend.  This time I went to Provo, Utah to a place called "Big Door"(http://www.bigdoornetwork.com/talent-booking/).  I learned so much from the presenters as well as a personal feedback session from some professionals in the music business.  Songwriting conferences are so incredibly helpful to the art of songwriting!!!  Overall, I am just really excited and motivated about putting more effort into all of the musical opportunities I have dabbled in, including this blog.  Stay tuned for more posts.

Here is to happy songwriting.  :)

Sad Tale

My best friend lost her son in an accident last month.  He was hit by a car while being pushed by his mother in a stroller.  My heart has broken in two for her and her grief.  In my desire to comfort her I arranged this song.  I hope you enjoy it.  The song is called "Lead Kindly Light".

3-year old Austin Strasser

https://soundcloud.com/catrinabaum-yahoo-com/lead-kindly-light

Nearer My God to Thee

I just moved and am still unpacking boxes, but wanted to let you all know of my latest adventures.  One song that I just arranged for a friend to play at her violin recital is on sound cloud if you would like to check it out.  The violinist is Lauren Kettle.  She is a senior in high school.  I had a great time working with her.  She is such a fantastic musician as well as one of the sweetest girls I have ever met.  :)

Nearer My God to Thee

Violin played by Lauren Kettle

Piano played by Catrina Baum

https://soundcloud.com/stream

Thousand Years

I put together this video to celebrate National Adoption month.  The song is Thousand Years by Christina Perri covered by the trio I sing with, One Horizon.  I arranged the piano, violin and vocal harmonies.  I hope you like it.  Can you tell what well know song is being played by the violin???  Please comment below if you have any guesses and I will tell you if you are right.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lhb6kx0kz_k

"Glorious" Cover Video Contest

Wow!!!  I just had another music rush this week as I decided to just "go for it" when I found out about a youtube music video contest with the song "Glorious" from the Meet the Mormons.  I arranged a three part harmony of the song and then put together a youtube video of me singing the song in less than 5 days.  I have never walked out in the open, through a bunch of trees singing my own musical arrangement before.  Can I tell you how weird that was.  But I did it!!!  WOO HOO!!!  Who needs theme parks when I've got adventures in sharing my music with the world.  If you would like to check it out click on the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lomC7hcCkA

I would also like to give a shout out to my 11 year old son who helped with video taping of this "Glorious" music video using only a sony cybershot (point and shoot). He captured the footage used in this video in less than 30 minutes, came up with the ideas of how to angle the camera and where I should walk, touching the trees and nature... EVERYTHING!!!! One of my favorite parts of the video footage that he captured was the gust of wind that picked up for about 5 seconds. It was the only wind we had throughout the whole time we were filming. I don't think we could have timed it better. The wind rushing through my hair totally matched the lyrics of the song perfectly. I feel like it was the Lord letting me know he was with Dallin and I as we worked on this project and he was pleased with our efforts. That is the reason I put together this music in the first place, I really felt like it was important for me to try to contribute something to this beautiful collection of cover songs that were meant to uplift and bring people closer to Christ.