Comments
It was the heart and soul of each singer and
instrumentalist that combined to praise the Lord. I was the happy recipient of
that treasure and feel humbled by that blessing.
Barbara Meiser
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I Listened to this
Christmas piece and it brings back fond memories. Our choir and our music was
amazing.
Barbara Meiser is such an
exceptional pianist and true accompanist. Barb always stayed with the cantor
carried them over and thru any rough spots and placed them gently back on
track.
Barbara Meiser is a genius
and a true gift to St. John the Baptist and our choir for her dedication of
over forty years. St. John’s will never see another music director with the
many gifts Barb shared with all of us.
Besides being an excellent
musician Barb was gifted with a wonderful understanding of Catholic liturgy and
a beautiful singing voice herself, though she rarely used it in order to allow
others to share their gift and many got opportunities they would not have from
any other director. Barb took chances that a few may have questioned but the
majority loved every note.
Barbara Meiser you are a
true gift. I’m proud to have shared this musical experience. Thank you for
being my friend. I remain in awesome wonder of you.
Anne
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The Barbara Meiser Choir is a treasured
memory. It was a close community of exceptionally talented singers,
instrumentalists and even a composer.
As music director, Barb's passion, kindness, and
guidance drew the best from everyone. Her selections came from a wide
variety of music that complimented the liturgy of the Mass. It was truly
one of the highlights of my life.
Barb, we all love you. You inspire us all!
Richard Olsen
Faithful Servant
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As a member of this choir, it is such a treasure
to have a space where the music created can be showcased. Barb has a
masterful talent at picking liturgical music that not only complements
the mass but lifts the soul. Her kind spirit is at the heart of
everything she does! You always know you are in good hands when
accompanied by Barbara. Her piano playing somehow always made the soloist
shine. I am lucky to have had the privilege to be shaped by Barb and
these fellow choir members.
Katy
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The Barbara Meiser Choir was such a blessing to so
many. I miss it and will always cherish my years being a part of
it. Oh, the beautiful music that we made!! The organ, piano, drums,
guitars, flutes, harmonica, and voices -- all praising God. Fond
memories, too, of the food, laughter, and fellowship between Masses on those
long days at the church. Christmas Eve will never be the same.
Thank you to all for the wonderful memories. Blessings to everyone!
Love always,
Sharon Partlo
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I’m eternally grateful Barbara invited me, a
clarinet player, to use my voice to sing praises to God with such a talented
choir group, filled with angel’s voices.
I enjoyed every moment under her guidance, and I’m still amazed how
powerfully we could sing such wonderful music every week, filling our
congregation’s hearts with joy and love.
My family and I always left the church feeling our spirits uplifted at
every service. Barbara not only set the perfect hymn to the readings, but
captured the mood with her musical selections, especially when our nation or
community around us needed the right song to reflect, help us heal, bring us
peace, and guide us closer to God.
Thank you for all of your love, your guidance, and
your music.
Gil Baker
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Thank you, Barbara Meiser, for your dedication and
exceptional leadership in providing years of musical praise. I am
grateful to be able to listen to the beautiful voices and instrumentalists on
the website. Thank you for sharing your God-given musical
talent. Blessings to you all!
Laurie Olsen
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Barb had a sense of the connection of music with
the celebration of the eucharist that not only reflected the sacredness of the
mass but also reflected the diversity and beauty of God's people - music that
fills the spirit with hope and joy, music that we often find ourselves humming
throughout the week as an unconscious offering back to God for his goodness and
mercy to each of us.
Docie
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I moved to Edmond in 1986 and was a little
overwhelmed by the beautiful music that was coming from the choir area.
I got up the nerve to join the choir after a few months and was content to be a
background singer in the alto section. She encouraged me to do a
short solo in our first choir album. I was never a featured
soloist, but was happy to fill in. Barbara was a wonderful
director and pianist. She could do it all, including playing
piano, playing the organ, directing the beautiful choir AND singing!
I feel blessed to have been in her choir and to continue to be her
friend.
Liane
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The Barbara Meiser Choir
Under the DIRECTION of Barbara Meiser
MUSICAL DIRECTION
Barb is the consummate musician! I remember
thinking after being in the choir for about four years that I never heard her
make a mistake on the piano or organ at any Mass!!
SPIRITUAL DIRECTION
Barb thoughtfully chose music that not only
aligned with the liturgical season but would bring out the best for all of the
musicians!
I loved how we ended each rehearsal with prayers
of hope and thanksgiving!
Barb practiced the Word by being open and inviting
to all choir members. Her engaging and friendly personality made everyone
feel they were valued and important! I don’t think any other choir
director could get so many people to sing at all the Masses every weekend!
Thank you, Barbara, for your DIRECTION!
Stephanie Schutt
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I really miss our choir. Barb was our
mentor.
Albert and Louise
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Anne Keef was the Wedding Coordinator for my
daughter’s wedding in 1993. I told her that I felt disconnected at St. John’s,
and she suggested that I join the choir. I auditioned for Barb that September
and she said I had a “sweet” voice and allowed me to join. What a change in my
life after that! Not only did I sing at most of the masses each weekend but
also volunteered in several ministries at church. Being in Barb’s choir meant
the world to me and I treasure the lasting friendships formed. May God bless all
of Barb’s Choir and especially Barb!
Kay
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Barb was a terrific director and musician while
truly caring for each choir member.
She was able to provide a prayerful musical
environment for St Johns services and also keep the choir challenged with many
artistic/harmonic songs.
We love you Barb and truly miss working with you.
Ray
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Card from Virginia 8-17-23
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Like several of you have described previously, I
was visited by Mary Bickford after Mass who asked me why I wasn't in the
choir! I think Barb made me sing Happy
Birthday to "try out" for the choir!
That was 1992, and I enjoyed singing with
The Barbara Meiser Choir more than I can say! I was so amazed at the music Barbara selected
for the masses and how appropriate they were to the Readings of the day. I hadn't encountered that attention to detail
previously, having sung in other church choirs in OKC and in Albuquerque.
Barbara's ability to play the piano and the organ was truly a gift to all of us
as singers and she made us all sound better by this ability! I will always be grateful to Barbara for
allowing me to join the choir and to so many of you choir members for being
such good, fun, talented friends. I
truly enjoyed the experiences and the friendships shared in this wonderful
group. My THANKS to you all for a
special time indeed. With love to
Barbara for creating such a beautiful, wonderful and supportive environment to
praise God.
Love--jean
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There I was, sitting alone in my regular spot at church
next to the choir. I’d been divorced a few months, I think. Barbara came over and whispered, “Why aren’t
you in the choir? Very surprised, I responded, “ Have you heard me sing?” She
said she had heard me sing as I passed her on the piano going down for
communion. What a blessing to become a member of the choir family! It was just
what my heart needed.
Then there was the music that stirred me to tears
many times. Never being able to master the piano myself, I was amazed at Barb‘s
prowess on not only the piano, but also the organ. And my fellow family members
making all that wonderful noise to the Lord! They were so welcoming to me. I wasn’t a member as long as a lot of you, but I was and am grateful for every
moment, all because of Barbara‘s invitation.
Many thanks, Barb, and lots of love,
Jackie Damiani
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I have tears listening to these precious memories.
I have been at St. John’s since Barb started the choir. I love her.
Cindy Young
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Barbara Meiser is one of the finest musicians I
have ever had the privilege to play with! She is not only an incredible pianist
and organist, but she is an exceptional accompanist, a talent few can do! I
have stood behind her for 42 years as a musician and friend! I have had her
back, both literally and figuratively! Barbara spent countless hours selecting
music that would fit the readings of the weekly Mass! She is loved by her choir
and the parishioners!
Bob Scheer
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We joined St. John’s in 1990 and from the pews
were mesmerized by the music Sunday after Sunday. What Barb did to enhance the liturgy, to
develop a group of committed choir members, and well, “How Can I Keep from Singing!”
There were so many Sunday moments that I will
never forget and so many new friendships forged and Barb, in her quiet
understated way, just kept us going. What we had together was a Barb Blessing
for which I will always be grateful.
Kathy Payne
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My heart is full going down memory lane hearing
these songs inspiring me to listen more carefully to God’s words. The beautiful
music helped me connect more deeply to the messages in the readings and all
parts of the Mass. Barbara thoughtfully selected the music and expertly guided
the choir in performing it and in sharing their wonderful talents. Such a
blessing to our community.
Elizabeth Kastl
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“Easter wouldn’t be the same if Mister Wilson didn’t
sing He’s Alive” said a little boy after Mass on Easter Sunday circa 2017
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We all loved Barb and miss her and all the choir
that used to be St John’s. Thx for sharing all the music too! Blessings.
Nancy Frank
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I Listened to this Christmas piece and it brings
back fond memories. Our choir and our music was amazing.
Barbara Meiser is such an exceptional pianist and
true accompanist. Barb always stayed with the cantor carried them over and thru
any rough spots and placed them gently back on track.
Barbara Meiser is a genius and a true gift to St.
John the Baptist and our choir for her dedication of over forty years. St.
John’s will never see another music director with the many gifts Barb shared
with all of us.
Besides being an excellent musician Barb was
gifted with a wonderful understanding of Catholic liturgy and a beautiful
singing voice herself, though she rarely used it in order to allow others to
share their gift and many got opportunities they would not have from any other
director. Barb took chances that a few may have questioned but the majority
loved every note.
Barbara Meiser you are a true gift. I’m proud to
have shared this musical experience. Thank you for being my friend. I remain in
awesome wonder of you.
Anne