Little Sparks

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We are excited to announce that our Season 5 preview episode is here! Listen in to hear the theme of the upcoming season, what we’re most excited for, some super exciting updates on the podcast and more! Trust us, you definitely don't want to miss this!

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Here we are at the end of Season 4! We're taking some time to reflect on our favorite moments from Season 4, as well as the big life changes we've each been experiencing between the beginning and end of this season. This has been such an incredible fourth season, and we're so grateful to have had such wonderful guests and fantastic conversations. We will be back later this year with Season 5 – stay tuned for more on that soon!

What we're listening to:
Cecilia: Firebird and Petrouchka suites by Igor Stravinsky, Daphnis et Chloe Suite no. 2 by Maurice Ravel
Tara: Lost at Sea from the Finding Dory soundtrack by Thomas Newman

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Join Tara as she discusses pride versus stewardship, and the distinction that lies between them!

What we're listening to:
Tara: This fun playlist

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After an unexpected, short hiatus, we're back! Today, we're sharing our own career stories and how the Lord helped us to both surrender to His Will, and rejoice in it.

What we're listening to:
Cecilia: Fountains of Rome and Pines of Rome – Ottorino Resphigi
Tara: Better With Time – Emily Scott Robinson

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How do we define success, and what does success look like when we focus on what God wants, instead of the world? Tara's discussing these questions in today's bonus mini-episode through the perspective of her own struggles and dreams. 

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Throughout music history, we can find numerous Catholic composers who were devoted to their faith. Today, we're chatting about the lives and examples of just three of these composers. We're covering Franz Liszt's inspiring reversion story as he journeyed from living a playboy life to taking minor orders,  Antonin Dvorak's devotion to God through his music and his family life, and Anton Bruckner's unwavering  dedication to doing God's will in spite of the opinions of others.

What we're listening to:
Tara: To Morning, by Gabriel Jackson
Cecilia: Wachet Auf, by J.S. Bach

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Andddd we've got a special bonus episode today on the Little Sparks podcast! Cecilia's talking about the purpose of Lent (hint: it's not to see who's the best Catholic), exploring definitions of intimacy and how they apply to learning a piece of music as well as to developing a relationship with another person, and suggesting a few practical ways to grow in intimacy with Christ. 

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This week, we're thrilled to be chatting with Patrick O'Connell, a music educator and conductor located in Massachusetts. We had a great conversation about his role as a music educator, balancing a career in music with the vocation of marriage and family life, and being a witness to the faith – even when it's difficult. Patrick's got a lot of great wisdom to share, and we had an awesome time recording this episode!

What we're listening to:  
Cecilia: "Miracle of Miracles" from Fiddler on the Roof
Tara: Thy Strong Word
Patrick: The High Kings

Patrick's bio: Since completing his undergraduate and graduate music studies, at Ithaca College and Yale University respectively, Patrick O’Connell has enjoyed an active musical life in the Capital and Tri-State Region of Vermont, New York and Massachusetts. Patrick has an active performing schedule with the Berkshire Symphony, Glens Falls Symphony Orchestras, Berkshire Opera Festival. He has performed with the Albany Symphony, Vermont Symphony, Boston Chamber Orchestra, Capital Repertory Theatre, Proctor's Theater, and Williamstown Theatre Festival. In addition, Patrick is an enthusiastic music educator who believes music is an essential aspect of a well-rounded education and the living of a full life for all people, regardless of age. In fact, he has worked with students of all ages who desire to make music a priority in their life. Patrick has had the privilege of teaching elementary string orchestra for 10 years in New York State, directing the wind ensemble at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, coaching sectionals with the Empire State Youth Orchestra, and teaching music at the collegiate level (College of Saint Rose, Union College, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the Ithaca College Summer Music Academy). He currently teaches middle and high school orchestra at Mount Greylock School in Williamstown, MA. He is also the director of the Southern Vermont Sinfonia, a youth/community ensemble which welcomes students of all ages, from elementary through retirement age.

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Introducing Season 4's saint feature! In today's episode, we're chatting about Bl. Dina Belanger, a Canadian religious sister who attended a conservatory in New York to study piano prior to entering religious life. The order she entered was a teaching order of religious sisters, and her assignment was to teach music in one of their schools. 

Bl. Dina’s story is an amazing example of how Jesus desires to use our talents at His service. Even when we think certain talents might not be of any use in the path we feel called to, Jesus might have some surprises up His sleeve! 

What we're listening to:
Tara:
Cecilia:

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Today we're chatting about a musical profession that we've never had a chance to talk about before here: music therapy!

Senior music therapy major Amelia Glikin sat down with us to chat about music therapy, and what unfolded along the way was her beautiful story of her return to the Catholic faith, and a moving conversation about how music therapy affirms the dignity of life in every circumstance. We loved having Amelia on the show, and we're so excited to introduce you to her!

Short bio: Amelia Glikin is originally from Towson, MD and is currently in her final semester of coursework studying Music Therapy at the University of Louisville in Louisville, KY. She loves anything and everything related to choir and is blessed especially to be a member of the University of Louisville Cardinal Singers. Amelia also is passionate about the tradition of sacred music and works as a section leader and cantor at the Cathedral of the Assumption in Louisville. Amelia loves to share the joy of music and its ability to build and strengthen communities of all kinds.