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At age almost 83  I remember so vividly the third Early American Moravian Music Festival held at Salem College in Winston Salem June 1955.  The weather was extremely hot, and without air conditioning in Memorial Hall, conductor Thor Johnson's face and shirt, as well as our own, were awash in sweat.   Nevermind.   The orchestra and chorus rehearsed, resulting in a glorious sound.  I especially made a note in my program that when we performed the Edward Leinbach "Hosanna" on Sunday afternoon, we were to use a slower tempo and make it a meaningful experience.  Something to think about.  These COVID days without congregational singing have made us realize that the hymns and anthems of the church we have absorbed from infancy are the heart of our worship, their texts are our prayers and the source of our comfort and strength.  So Happy Anniversary MMF!!!  Sarah Tesch Salzwedel

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I remember the performance by all the trombones on Saturday morning during the 2009 Conference held at Belmont Abbey. It was a unique experience. More people should play trombones in all sizes! Best wishes on this anniversary year.     Karen Hite Jacob, Belmont Abbey College

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Come, let us sing the song of songs, with hearts and voices swell the strain! (James Montgomery, 1841) The Moravian Music Foundation has been singing the Lord's song heartily and with rejoicing for the past 65 years. I am extremely blessed and so proud to have been able to be part of that journey. May the Foundation's song continue for - not just 65 - but 365 more! Happy Birthday, MMF! (Gwyn Michel)

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Happy Birthday Moravian Music Foundation. You (staff and supporters) have introduced me to so much since I met you. My faith has been strengthened through the music you have shared. Some of that music was created sung by our church founders and you have cared for it all these years.. Some was written by friends with whom I share life, and you have promoted it and given me opportunity to sing it. Many blessings, Hank Naisby

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Forty years ago the Lititz Moravian Senior Choir, Trombone Choir, and members of a chamber ensemble traveled to Winston-Salem to give a concert celebrating the Moravian Music Foundation's 25th Anniversary. It was a joyous occasion which remains firm in memory. In the intervening years I've had the great honor and pleasure of working closely with Nola and other members of the staff, of singing in a number of Festivals and a European concert tour, of consulting and editing a few of the tens of thousands of music manuscripts held by the MMF. The blessings of those experiences have greatly enriched my life. Now it gives me great pleasure to say Happy 65th Anniversary! You are a cultural treasure. May your good work continue for another 65 years and beyond.

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Some 200 years ago, Salem, NC's Aufseher Collegium advised a brother desiring to start his new business:  "Know that a small, humble beginning always rewards itself better in the end than a large, boastful undertaking."

Our beloved Moravian Music Foundation (MMF) had just such a humble beginning three score and a quarter ago, and today benefits its countless stakeholders, clients, and worldwide friends with untold rewards.  It is a unique, sublimely successful, and enduringly appealing critical mass of artifacts, stories, performances, and lovingly shared experiences that stands alone, truly, in the greater world of musicology.

I must add that much of the Foundation's great legacy is due to the brilliance, dedication, expertise, and exceptionally positive vision of Executive Director Nola Reed Knouse.  Kudos to her in particular.

Happy birthday, Most Magnificent Factor in the quality of life we all enjoy in your presence!
Bill Hinman
whc100@triad.rr.com

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...make music in your heart to the Lord.  Ephesians 5:19

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Happy 65th Birthday, Moravian Music Foundation!!  "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!"  Psalm 150:6  -Becky Lepore

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Oops - that “anonymous” post about Eastman was me! Guess I failed to pay attention to the directions! - Nola Knouse

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When I first started my graduate studies at the Eastman School of Music, in my first meeting with my advisor, he said, “You’re from Winston-Salem? That’s where the Moravian Music  Foundation is, right?” I said, “Well yes...” I knew it was there, but didn’t really know anything else — and me a lifelong Moravian! Shame on me!

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My nearly 6 years on staff at MMF has been a joy, especially for the opportunity to work with talented, knowledgeable, and nice people (trustees, volunteers, staff). My main reason for wanting this job was to be able to work with Nola R. Knouse!  -Erik

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Unless you sign up for Padlet, your post will be listed as anonymous, so feel free to add your name.

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To celebrate MMF's anniversary, we invite you to write on this wall with messages to MMF, memories of MMF events, share anecdotes, post photos, etc. Click the 3 dots for all the options.