Christmas Contata

Behold
The Moment

The Word Of God

As the songwriter and composer of “Behold…The Moment,” this cantata started with a simple melody that I wrote in my childhood. The melody stayed with me throughout my life. Somewhere along the line, I revisited the melody and developed a song. As I played the melody, lyrics naturally coincided with the music. The lyrics were the words from “The Lord’s Prayer.” The song became, “The Lord’s Prayer Anthem.” As I read the bible, (especially the book of John,) I was motivated to write more music. A new song happened, and the song became: “The Word of God.”

King Herod’s Reign

Thinking about the birth of Christ, the idea came to write a cantata about the His birth and the brutality of King Herod’s reign. Here’s where the idea came about to write: “Behold…The Moment.” The thing is: Reading about the birth of Christ is intense. Thinking about how King Herod heard that a new King was born, Herod felt threatened and decided to kill every child two years of age or younger. Why? Herod wanted to ensure the destruction of this newly born King to remain the King of Judea. The destruction of all the children two years of age or younger became known as the massacre of innocence.

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Born This Christmas Day

“Born This Christmas Day”, the second song within the cantata, begins with a beautiful angelic melody that flows throughout the song; counteracted with a distortion guitar and drum beat that symbolize Herod in the distance. Herod is angry as he paces in his castle. You will hear Herod’s voice in a song called “I’m The Only King!” Listen, as said, this cantata is intense! If you listen carefully to the story that surrounds the birth of Christ, you will be in tears as you listen to “Lamentari.”

Personalization

One of the things that makes this cantata special is that there is an opportunity for Ministers, Pastors, Lay Readers and Faith based leaders to participate in “Behold…The Moment.” Power of 3 Publishing will record your messages, mix and master your messages into the cantata so that the cantata becomes personalized with your inspirational words. Churches are empowered to share the cantata because you will be part of the cantata. Now is the time to: “Behold…The Moment.” Share your cantata with your membership. Our purpose is to tell the story of Christ’s birth and help churches with fundraising objectives. Power of 3 Publishing is here for you. Let’s celebrate and praise God together for the benefit of your church.

Musicians

Allison Jeanes

Vocalist (mezzo soprano) & Flute

Allison is blessed to be able to spend her life doing something she loves. She is currently a music teacher here on Long Island, as well as a working musician who performs in liturgical settings (she is a Cantor and St. Lawrence the Martyr in Sayville), performs with her acoustic rock group “Three’s Accompany,” and performs with “House of the Red Hart,” an 8 person a Capella ensemble specializing in medieval and Renaissance music. She received her B.A. in both theatrical performance and vocal performance (specializing in both opera and Jazz) from Hartwick College, and received her Master’s in Music Education from Hofstra University. Thank you!

Dawn-Marie Sinisi Feiler

Lyricist and co-writer of the “New Christmas Hymn: Behold Our King”

Dawn-Marie’s love of Christ and sharing her faith was instilled in her from any early age, being raised within the tenets of the Roman Catholic Church’s Marriage Encounter movement. Influenced by an education from Dominican Sisters and Franciscan Brothers, her dedication to spreading the Good News became her life’s mission. Divine Intervention and a faith like mindedness with Frank Grasso created a musical faith journey that has resulted in a musical partnership for sharing the faith and God’s word with others.  

Gary Lorentzson.

Baritone

Classically trained.   Repertoire Opera and Broadway music.

Joseph Mankowski

Vocalist (tenor)

Joseph received a Bachelor of Music Degree from the Catholic University of America. He is currently the Director of Music at St. Lawrence R C Church in Sayville, NY, and a freelance musician and actor. Among his many projects, he is the lead singer of the classic rock party band, “Rock Island Sound.”

Ken Gesseck

Musician

KEN, WAS born and raised in Sayville, NY; currently lives with his wife Janet of 35 years in Islip, NY. Music was all around Ken growing up as he listened to his parents’ music ranging from the 50’s & 60’s to Classical and Broadway. A “closet guitar player” for many years it wasn’t until he got involved with the Islip Methodist Church that he helped organize a praise band there. Currently, he manages his own acoustic folk rock band “Three’s Accompany” and collaborates with friends from his home church as well as other churches in the area. Ken is appreciative and grateful for all those who helped nurture his musical path; from his parents and wife to the current members of his band with whom he has the pleasure of performing.

Pastor Jessica Taormina

Pastor

Pastor Jessica Taormina is the Pastor at the New Covenant Church found at 757 Bellmore Avenue in East Meadow, NY. The church office # is 516.489.1600. Jessica considers herself an amateur singer for the Lord. Pastor Jess is a mezzo soprano and a co-lyrist on the song, “Born For You.” Pastor Jess is also the narration of Mary in “Behold…The Moment”

Tommy Wu

Bass

Tommy Wu was raised in Bay Shore, NY and began playing the double bass at eight years old. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Music Education from SUNY Fredonia and studied with Dr. Harry Jacobson. Tommy also holds a Master’s degree in Double Bass Performance from Stony Brook University. Remaining at Stony Brook, he is currently pursuing a DMA degree under the guidance of Blake Hinson, member of the New York Philharmonic. Tommy is actively performing with several Long Island-based ensembles such as The Island Symphony, South Shore Symphony, and The New Inlet Chamber Orchestra. His unique performance experiences include opera, Latin Jazz ensemble, Carnegie Hall performances, video game music, live radio performances, and bass quartet. Tommy also collaborates with musicians in other styles of music, such as jazz, rock, and bluegrass. He was awarded a Fellowship in the LIU Post Chamber Festival and the National Music Festival (Maryland). Aside from playing bass, Tommy holds the positions of Fellow at the Perlman Music Program, String Teacher at D’addario Foundation, Teacher at the Music Academy of Garden City, Private Double Bass Teacher at The Stony Brook School, Coach at the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra, and Chamber Music Coach of the Young Artists Program at Stony Brook University. He is also one of the founding members of the Instrument Petting Zoo program established by Staller Center for the Arts. He is a proud PC gamer.

Ariel Salerno

Software Engineer

Performance Experience: Original Music & Covers as a solo artist “Arieliza” on keys and with a backup band in NYC/Long Island Training: Connecticut College, BA in Musical Theater: Composition, Vocal Performance National Music Theater Institute at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center Private Vocal/Piano/Dance/Acting lessons; Connecticut College Chorale/Jazz Ensemble- Lead Singer; Singer/Songwriter, Dancer, Actor, Stage Presence, Sight-Reading, Music Theory, Piano, Composition; Connecticut College Dance Team Co-Captain Repertoire: Lead Singer/Singer/Songwriter Original Music @Arieliza (Indie/Alt) Classically Trained (Arias/ Ave Maria/ Jazz Standards) Covers Today’s Top 40/ Hits from the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s Arieliza’s original music is on all streaming services including Spotify /Apple Music : @Arieliza Official Artist YouTube Channel : @Arieliza. Instagram /TikTok /Facebook : @Arielizamusic

Dr. Davie Doig

Bayport School of Music

Accomplished musician with more than 50 years of experience as a solo acoustic guitarist available for parties, events and recording. I perform a wide range of musical styles including traditional classical guitar, jazz and contemporary. Having earned a Doctor of Musical arts degree, I own, run and teach private music lessons at the Bayport School of Music (since 1996).

George Formes

Tenor

George is a full-time cantor and guest soloist in New York City and Long Island. He is also a member of a Chamber Group, The Hoffman Players that perform concerts Monthly consisting of Arias and sacred sing. He is proud and honored to be a part of this terrific project with Frank Grasso.

Gerry Ferretti

Gerry Ferretti

Vocalist

Justin Schimmenti

Tenor Vocalist

He plays vocals, bass and guitar in the acoustic cover band “Three’s Accompany” and performs as a solo artist across Long Island. He is a member of the Islip United Methodist Church, where he heads the membership committee and stands on the board of trustees.  Professionally, Justin is an aspiring business analyst and salesforce CRM administrator. Outside of playing music, he enjoys marathon running and leading an active lifestyle.

Matthew Spinks

Violinist/Violist

Matthew Spinks received his bachelor’s in music education from LIU Post, his Masters in Music Education from The University of Florida and is working on his Doctorate at FTC. He is the Orchestra Director and District Coordinator of Music for the Valley Stream UFSD 13, holds a private studio of young musicians and takes part in several organizations such as NYSSMA, NMEA, NAFME, and LISFA. Thank you!

Steven Politi

Professional Triangle Percussionist

Peter Smith 

Music Smith Bohemia

Peter is a touring drummer and session musician. Peter graduated from Stony Brook University with a degree in Business Management and a concentration in Music Business. Peter’s versatility as a musician has proven his ability to work across a wide range of genres.

Connor Thomas

Overpass Records

Founder of Overpass Records, Connor is a Producer and Audio Engineer from New York. Connor graduated from Five Towns College with a degree in Business Management and a concentration in Audio Recording Technology. Although specializing in producing electronic music, Connor has proven his range of talent throughout the “Behold…The Moment” project. Connor recorded, edited, mixed and mastered the “Behold…The Moment” cantata. Visit his website for more information on his services.

Frank Grasso

Songwriter and Composer

As the songwriter and composer of “Behold…The Moment,” this cantata started with a simple melody that I wrote in my childhood.

Jim Engeldrum

Professional Singer

Jim Engeldrum began his professional singing career as the lead singer for a high school band in 1974 and a popular college band, Valhalla, in the late 70's. He developed his public speaking skills during his 30 year career in education. Throughout that time, Jim was an integral member of his church's choir, often singing solos and serving as the narrator of holiday cantatas.

Kayla White.

Singer

I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember. Church is where I got my start and I’ve been singing ever since. Although, my small singing journey is short I’ve never been a part of something so magical and wonderful. “Behold…The Moment” has been a heartwarming experience. 

Michael Shane Scarione

Vocalist

I've been a vocalist for over 20 years. I am the front man for "The Rockin 45's." I enjoy playing in front of a live audience. Music keeps me young.

Philip Ray Gray

Trumpet player

Trumpet player who has played with the USAF Jazz Ambassador in Europe as lead and jazz soloist. He has also played on Broadway for the Billy Joel musical “Movin’ Out.”  In addition, he has performed in over 20 regional musicals in the tri-state metropolitan area.  Mr. Gray has played at Birdland and Carnegie Hall as well as numerous jazz festivals in the United states and abroad.

Richard Brendan O’Neill

Vocalist: Tenor

My name is Richard Brendan O’Neill and my mother, Carol, who was a public- school general music teacher, started me with vocal lessons at an early age. My father, Ronald, was the drama director at Bay Shore High School and his encouragement helped me to develop a love for performing. Earnestly, I began singing in high school where I attended SCMEA All County and was awarded best male soloist at the 1995 Choral Contest in Hershey Park. I pursued singing as an avocation since High School and took private lessons under Ron Meixsell for many years. Private lessons helped me to serve as St. Mark's unofficial cantor throughout the Covid- 19 pandemic. Subsequently, Lynda Moran gave my name to Frank Grasso at a time when Frank needed a tenor for a Christmas cantata called: "Behold the Moment." I am grateful for the experience of working on this cantata and appreciate meeting the best and most accomplished people ever. Thanks to Frank for bringing me on and I hope and pray that  "Behold the Moment" reaches many ears and moves many hearts.