Meet
the Members of New Song
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Name:
Ron
NewSong Role: Director
Reason for creating NewSong:
To glorify God through song and create a holy
worship process to share with others. Hopefully
through our music people will see the wonder
of God and move just a little bit closer to
Him! "Sing to the Lord a new song, for he
has done marvelous things . . ." Psalm 98:
1
First Singing experience:
That's a long time ago! How about my first
directing experience . . . at the Church of
the Brethren in San Diego. It was the '60's
and the church was offering sanctuary for
Vietnam War resisters. Very interesting.
Favorite Scripture:
During my first camping trip as a Boy Scout,
I was pretty miserable on the first night.
It was cold and rainy up in the Cuyamaca Mountains.
I was feeling quite sad and lonely sitting
in a little pup tent. Boy Scouts have to always
"Be Prepared", and so, of course, I had my
Bible along with me. Feeling very insecure
I pulled out my Bible and randomly opened
it. In the dim light of my flashlight, my
eyes fell on the verse below. An indescribable
peace immediately swept over me. It was truly
a "God Thing". I consider it to be my moment
of accepting Christ into my life as my Lord
and Savior!
"Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed,
for I am your God. I will strengthen you,
I will help you . . .Isaiah 41:10
Favorite NewSong Moment:
When each member shared their prayers and
concerns after a marvelous musical rehearsal.
eMail
Ron
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Name:
Youngwon Park
NewSong Role: Pianist (Range:
A2 to c5)
Reason for joining NewSong:
If I compress down all the reasons for joining
New Song into one sentence, "God led me to do
so."
First performing experience:
"first experience"---> I started playing the
piano at the age of 6. (I persuaded my father
for almost a year even when he was sleeping
at night, then I received my first piano for
my 6th birthday.)
"first performing experience" ---> Playing at
a competition in my early teens. It was a great
experience - going up on the stage and playing
for a full house.
Favorite Scripture:
Matthew 13:32 (The Parable of the Mustard Seed)
"It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it
grows up, it is the biggest of all plants. It
becomes a tree, so that birds come and make
their nests in its branches."
----> My wish is to be the smallest seed of
all in this world. I believe that God has already
been watering me to grow up just like the Mustard
Seed in the scripture. Perhaps it will take
a long time, but no matter how long it would
take to become a full grown tree, I know that
God has a special plan and is training me to
become the best tree I ever can be.
Favorite NewSong Moment:
Watching New Song members rehearsing a week
before concerts. You wouldn't believe how joyful
& radiant each individual looks when they sing.
Other thoughts:
It's good to be reassured every moment that
God has a plan for every one of us.
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Name:
Barbara
Vocal Part: Alto
Reason for joining NewSong:
When Ron came to me and asked me to join, I
was flattered as I have long admired him as
a choral director. I appreciated his vision
for New Song and wanted to be part of it.
First Singing experience:
When I was in 2nd grade I sang in front of a
school assembly along with a recording of Burl
Ives singing , "Frog -a-went- a'courtin' ".
When I heard the applause, I was hooked!
Favorite Scripture:
"Greater is He who is in me. Than he who is
in the world."
When my husband and I were dating, we had many
obstacles to overcome before we married. He
shared this scripture with me often and it has
given me encouragement many times in my life
since.
Favorite NewSong Moment:
As of right now, the first time we sang "Breathe"
as our prayer to the Lord. It gave me chills.
Other thoughts:
The power of music is awesome. When we combine
it with prayer and worship its effect on us
and others can sometimes not even be put into
words. That is my dream for New Song;that our
music will reach those for Christ that may not
have been reached any other way.
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Name:
Bart
Vocal Part: Tenor
Reason for joining NewSong:
While hearing New Song in concert, I knew it
was a group I wanted to be a part of. I had
never been so inspired by music.
First Singing experience:
While in 4th grade I sang "What Child is This"
as a Christmas solo. That's back when 1st tenor
sounded like a bass to me.
Favorite Scripture:
I Corinthians 13:11; "When I was a child, I
spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I
thought as a child. But when I became a man,
I put away childish things." Because reality
bites, but it's still reality, and it must be
dealt with.
Other thoughts:
My undergraduate degree was in theatre, as such
I have participated in some of the most inspiring
plays ever written. None of them impacted or
motivated me as much as New Song's music. |
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Name:
Barry
Vocal Part: Bass
Reason for joining NewSong:
I love to sing! God gave me this gift and I
love to PRAISE Him with it!
First Singing experience:
1980: Singing the full-blown Handel's Messiah
with the U.C. Davis Choir.
Favorite Scripture:
Several, but I'm always in awe of John 3:16
-
"For GOD so loved the WORLD that He GAVE His
only Son, that whoever believes in Him should
not perish but have ETERNAL LIFE"!!!!
Favorite NewSong Moments:
Singing "All Rise"!
Talking about the Lord's ever-present Love before
singing "Sinner Man".
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Name:
Beth
Vocal Part: Soprano
Reason for joining NewSong:
Opporunity for personal growth both musically
and spiritually.
First Singing experience:
Singing in the elementary school choir at church.
Favorite Scripture:
John 3:16. I believe this sums up God's commitment
to each and every one of us.
Favorite NewSong Moment:
Feeling so welcome coming in as a new member
of an already established and extremely talented
group.
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Name:
Brad
Vocal Part: Tenor
Reason for joining NewSong:
Ron approached me after a rehearsal for the
Chula Vista Community Chorale about a small,
Christian a capella group he directed. I have
been involved in various praise teams as a bass
guitar player since college, and felt that this
was an opportunity to continue that type of
music-led worship with my voice. I sang with
Ron starting with the Bonita Vista Junior High
Boys Choir all the way through the Bonita Vista
High School Music Machine and continued singing
in college in the UCLA Chorale and Chamber Singers
with Dr. Donald Neuen. I hope to use my prior
vocal and praise team experience to glorify
God and bring others closer to Him in New Song.
First Singing experience:
The Bonita Vista Junior High Boys Choir. I thank
my sister, Beth, and my Mom for encouraging
me to join choir instead of taking woodshop!
Favorite Scripture:
"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.
Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves
be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Galatians
5:1 This verse clearly expresses the freedom
from the impossible law of the old Testament
that Christians have because of the grace of
Jesus Christ. At the same time, it emphasizes
that because we are free from the law, the only
thing that counts is faith expressing itself
through love.
Favorite NewSong Moment:
Stumbling though the scat beginning of Unbelievable
Friend at my first rehearsal and being supported
and reassured by the other members that they
had all been there before.
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Name:
Hank
Vocal Part: Bass
Reason for joining NewSong:
To Be a part of this dedicated Christian musical
group, "My Kind of Music!' A thrill to participate
in this biblical message outreach.
First Singing experience:
K-16 school choruses. Joined my first church
choir at age 12 and continued throughout adulthood.
Favorite Scripture:
The Messianic 23rd Psalm. The Lord has watched
over me all these years: childhood scrapes,
Naval Aviator, instructing handicapped children.
Goodness and mercy HAS followed me all the days
of my life!
Favorite NewSong Moment:
The first time I heard 'Breathe' at a concert,
chills ran up and down my spine!
Other thoughts:
Music has always been an important part of my
life, Mother was a skilled piano teacher. I
have enjoyed all types of musical venues: men's
quartets, small groups, 100+ college chorales,
1976 Billy Graham Crusade Mass Choir, presently
14 year member of the Southwestern College Concert
Choir and South Bay Community Chorale under
Ron Bolles. New Song has renewed my encounter
with God through musical excellence.
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Name:
Jan
Vocal Part: Soprano
Reason for joining NewSong:
I was honored to join New Song as an inaugural
member; it was an opportunity I simply could
not resist!
First Singing experience:
I have been singing since I was a child and
to sing with New Song is like immersing myself
in prayer.
Other thoughts:
Each song fills my heart with joy; every chance
to sing with my New Song family lifts my spirit.
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Name:
Jeff
Vocal Part: Bass
Reason for joining NewSong:
Chance to work with Ron Bolles, to be challenged
with quality music, and to join friends in praising
our Lord.
First Singing experience:
Sing Along With Mitch? Lots of singing in the
family. First choir was the high school choir
at Rolling Hills United Methodist Church in
Los Angeles.
Favorite Scripture:
I love the Psalms, especially those by David.
His faith is like the rock he so often refers
to.
Favorite NewSong Moment:
At the first practice when I heard how well
everbody could sing.
Other thoughts:
New Song is quickly becoming my favorite event
of the week. Thank you, all, for welcoming me.
I look forward to our many performances together.
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Name:
Joe
Vocal Part:Tenor
Reason for joining NewSong:
Joining New song was a God send. I was looking
for a music group where I could experience and
share God's gift of music. I love to sing, especially
singing worship. At first I was intimidated
by the thought of joining New Song because of
the obvious talent that was present, especially
since I am not a strong music reader. I am glad
I stuck with the decision to join. It is now
something I look forward to going to every week.
First Singing experience:
I started singing when I was about 4. I was
in a boys choir in our church - a Catholic church.
I've been singing ever since, both sacred and
secular songs. I fell in love with praise worship
when my family began attending Paseo Del Rey
in 1993. Michiko Lohorn was their music Director
and I loved their music - it was worshipful
and brought me to the Lord.
Favorite Scripture:
I heard Doctor Dobson one afternoon on my way
home from work, and he was talking about problems
and troubles - that if you present them to the
Lord, He will give you answers. Dr. Dobson shared
that in the Bible it says ..."And it came to
pass. . ." It doesn't say "And it came to stay".
So that is my favorite passage - to know that
in God it will come to pass because He already
knows.
Favorite NewSong Moment:
My first concert at Chula Vista Presbyterian
Church... I was nervous but as soon as I heard
the first note, we were off and I relaxed. Also
rehearsals are great. Ron (Bolles) pushes without
being pushy, extracting excellence from the
singers.
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Name:
Juan
Vocal Part: Tenor
Reason for joining NewSong:
Ron had approached me after a rehearsal with
the South Bay Community Chorale, and asked me
if I was interested in joining a special acapella
group. He then asked me if I was a Christian,
and I told him that I was born and raised Catholic,
and as far as I understood, we Catholics are
Christians since we are followers of Christ.
Ron gave me some literature explaining the goals
of New Song and a CD with music that New Song
was learning to sing. I told him, after reading
the literature and the goals of New Song, that
I was interested, but much depended on the time
commitment, my health status, and my limited
abilities at reading music. After listening
to the CD, I was intrigued, and so I went to
my first rehearsal on Janury 9th, 2003, and
was very warmly welcomed into the group. I felt
like I had found something for which I had been
searching. I am glad I took the risk.
First Singing experience:
Probably in utero- my mother was a 3-octave
lyric soprano who had studied at La Scala in
Milan, Italy, and who had the most beautiful
female singing voice I have ever heard. She
was always singing, especially in church, and
she taught me that when one sings, one prays
twice. She was very instrumental in developing
my love of music and of praising God through
song. My first recollection of singing was when
I was in first grade. My older sister, younger
brother and I were watching the classic Christmas
animation special, The Little Drummer Boy on
Christmas Eve, and we were all singing the theme
song together. I have sung many times since,
including professionally with the San Diego
Opera Chorus. I enjoy singing, especially music
that has the power to enlighten and enliven
others, as well as myself.
Favorite Scripture:
Matthew 28: 18-20; "I have been given all authority
in Heaven and Earth. Therefore, go and make
disciples in all the nations, baptizing them
in the name of the Father and the Son and the
Holy Spirit, and then teach these new disciples
to obey all the commands I have given you; and
BE SURE OF THIS- THAT I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS,
EVEN TO THE END OF THE WORLD." I believe that
this is one of our greatest vocations, to reach
out to others and to teach them about God, not
just through our words , but more importantly
through our actions. The last line of this scripture
has brought me great comfort so far throughout
my life's journey.
Favorite NewSong Moment:
I haven't been involved very long with this
group, but I really enjoy the sincere compassion
that each member has demonstrated, especially
after rehearsals when offering prayers and petitions
for others' needs. So far, in my one time experience
of singing with the group, I was spiritually
moved when we sang "BREATHE" with the Bonita
Weslyan Church Community.
Other thoughts:
I think I've already typed/e-mailed too much,
but at the risk of being verbose, I can only
add that life has taught me not to believe in
coincidences any more, and I feel that God has
led me to New Song for a reason.
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Name:
Keri
Vocal Part: Soprano
Reason for joining NewSong:
I needed a something solid in my life, something
that would help me further my personal relationship
with God and this is it!
First Singing experience:
My first singing experience was with the children's
choir at First So. Baptist Church Imperial Beach.
I sang a solo and soon after that my parents
threw me in a performing arts school.
Favorite Scripture:
Though you have not seen him, you love him;
and even though you do not see him now, you
believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible
and glorious joy. 1 Peter 1:8.
Faith is believing without a shadow of a doubt;
God is real.
Favorite NewSong Moment:
Watching Ron being overcome by the Holy Spirit
while directing, nothing beats that.
Other thoughts:
"Love is like oxygen. Love is a many splendor
thing, love lift us up where we belong, all
you need is love! The greatest thing you'll
ever learn is just to love and be loved in return."
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Name:
Lauren L.
Vocal Part: Soprano
Reason for joining NewSong:
To have a fantastic experience! Both musically
and spiritually!
First Singing experience:
My mother pulled out a video of me at age 3
1/2 singing "Jesus loves me, this I know...".
I've been singing as long as I've been speaking!
This is my first musical memory.
Favorite Scripture:
The entire book of Romans! Favorite
NewSong Moment:
Since I haven't been in the group long, I would
have to say....watching the group perform at
the first concert I attended. Everyone seemed
so inspired!!
I'm looking forward to many New Song moments!
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Name:
Lauren W.
Vocal Part: Alto
Reason for joining NewSong:
It's such a blessing and a joy to honor God
with our voices!
First Singing experience:
I remember the thrill when my Puerto Rican friend
Camilia taught me how to sing! (After years
of everyone politely suggesting that I stop!)
She spent one day working with me, teaching
me how to listen and how to shape my throat.
When it finally clicked, I couldn't believe
it was really me singing like that! I haven't
seen Camilia in over 20 years, but I'll never
forget her.
Favorite Scripture:
Phillipians 4:7-9 "Do not be anxious about anything,
but in everything, by prayer and petition, with
thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ
Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true,
whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever
is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if
anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think
about such things...and the God of peace will
be with you."
I also really like Ephesians 5:19-20 "Speak
to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual
songs. Sing and make music in your heart to
the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father
for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus
Christ."
And Psalm 147:1b "How good it is to sing praises
to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise
him!
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Name:
Reina
Vocal Part: Alto
Reason for joining NewSong:
I love to sing for God, praising Him, worshipping
Him, and thanking Him for all the blessings
He's given me.
First Singing experience:
Middle School - Church Cantata (I don't remember
much)
High School - Summer musical at the YMCA
Favorite Scripture:
No temptation has seized you except that which
is common to man. And God is faithful. He will
not let you be tempted beyond which you can
bear. And if you are tempted, He will provide
a way out so that you can stand up under it.
1 Cor. 10:13
Satan knows my weak spot. This scripture, enables
me to send Satan where he belongs....away from
me. |
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Name:
Ryan
Vocal Part: Bass
Reason for joining NewSong:
To sing great music with great people!
First Singing experience:
My brother studied opera before I ever decided
to sing. We were in my front yard on the 4th
of July and I made fun of his operatic voice.
My mother took notice of my potential, and put
me in voice lessons right away!
Favorite Scripture:
Isaiah
Favorite NewSong Moment:
My first concert with the group - trying to
remember where to stand and when, and hold the
music in the freezing cold!
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Name:
Sheryl
Vocal Part: Alto
Reason for joining NewSong:
I had always heard wonderful things from Lauren
about the group. When Ron asked me to consider
joining I was honored but nervous about my skill
level. I knew that joining would be an opportunity
for me to grow and stretch way out of my comfort
zone in my musical ability. I also love the
idea of worship oriented concerts. To sum it
up: I wanted the challenge--knowing I'd be a
better musician for it, and then the chance
to sing under Ron's direction and with such
talented vocalists whose passions are music
and loving God was an opportunity I couldn't
pass up. I'm still nervous, but I'm glad that
I get this chance.
First Singing experience:
My report card from Kindergarten notes that
I enjoy singing and music, but 3rd grade chorus
is the first time I really remember. I loved
learning and singing the songs so much that
I sang them all the time at home. My parents
recorded me on their reel to reel tape player
while I belted out "Happiness is..." with gusto
and a cappella. When I was in high school they
played the tape for me. The heart was there
but the pitch wasn't. It was very embarrassing,
but didn't deter me from my love and pursuit
of music.
Favorite Scripture:
For this season in my life I really like Hebrews
12: 1-2 "Therefore since we are surrounded by
such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw
off everything that hinders and the sin that
so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance
the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes
on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith,
who for the joy set before him endured the cross,
scorning its shame and sat down at the right
hand of the throne of God." There are several
key elements within these verses that speak
to my heart-- throwing off sin, running with
perseverance, and enduring because there is
joy at the end. However, I am particularly encouraged
by the fact that Jesus is the author and perfector
of my faith. I love the idea that Christ is
writing my story. In reality, my life is a book
that others read, and I read it too as I look
back over my life. Now if only I'd stop trying
to take the pen out His hands!
Favorite NewSong Moment:
My first concert with New Song was after two
rehearsals. I had spent hours listening to the
CD of my part trying to learn the music and
memorize the words. The concert was thrilling
first of all because I had done it--learned
the songs and sang them, but mainly because
of the energy within New Song, the response
of the audience, and the pure joy of singing
to honor and praise God.
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New
Song operates as an outreach ministry of
New Hope Community Church
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New
Song operates as an outreach ministry of New Hope Community Church.
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