A Family that Sings Together!

Jane (me) and Adelaide

William Clayton, my great, great grandfather didn't realize how far reaching his musical talents would extend, passing down from generation to generation, when he wrote the lyrics to the hymn, "Come, Come Ye Saints" in 1846. This well known LDS hymn signifies the difficulties and faith involved in the Mormon migration to the west. Besides writing song lyrics, poems and hymns, he directed a small band that comforted the Saints on the pioneer trail, a small orchestra and a number of choirs, and started the first theatrical playhouse after the pioneers arrived in Utah. And his flair for the dramatic and his musical talent has passed down to my children and grandchildren.

Brooklyn - Madison - Jacquelynn

It warms my heart seeing this same love for music, directing and performance coming out in my grandchildren now, as it did with my own children. From Adelaide, Madison, and Kelli Jo playing the piano, Nolan on violin and Calvin on trumpet - to most all of my grandchildren showing great promise with singing and performing.

Nolan had a solo (surprise to his parents in the audience) in the school Christmas program a few years back, Calvin filled in as soloist when I had bronchitis at this baptism singing "I Am a Child of God", to Jane singing "Part of Your World" from Little Mermaid. (That covers Ben & Cooper's family.) Angela's girls all show great promise with singing and performing, and are not shy about involving themselves with every talent show opportunity they can find. And luckily they live near "uncle Kim" so they can take full advantage of developing those performing talents with Clayton Production Studio's there in Salt Lake City, especially Madison. Now Zoey is showing her love for singing with doing her first recital with confidence. And Siri, dressed from head-to-toe in PINK, sings whenever and wherever she is. I love it. Their singing and instrumental playing is "music to my ears!"

Plato said, "Music is a moral law.  It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything."  I know that my life would never be what it is today without music. My grandfather Clayton taught me piano when I was seven (7) years old, followed by my grandmother when he died. My father taught me cello, I studied organ in the Salt Lake City tabernacle there on Temple Square with Frank W. Asper, and studied voice for fifteen years with the late (and great) Blanche Christensen. Music has been a way of life for me from performing to teaching to directing choirs. And seeing my grandchildren showing that same love as I have for music is wonderful. A big "thank you" to great, great grandpa William Clayton for literally "setting the stage" for his family to perform and follow.  There's nothing better.

Calvin singing at his baptism

Madison and Kelli Jo

Madison ready for performance!

Siri decked out!

Madison