055 -Expanding Your Talents with Dr. Jane Fjeldsted

We have a treat for you today, friends. Our special guest for this episode is Dr. Jane Fjeldsted, who is currently director of choirs at Westminster College (University) in Salt Lake City. She directs numerous other choirs, and contracts professionally as a singer and conductor for films, video games, operas, concerts, and many other projects. Mary has been singing in her community choir, the Salt Lake Singers for several years, and we feel very lucky to have been able to speak to her.

 

Jane tells us a bit about her life, her “inauspicious start” at BYU, her time with the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, some great advice from Walter Whipple, and her wonderful relationship with her father, Dr. Donald Ripplinger.

 

Jane has had opportunities to sing and impact people all over the world: from her participation in international choir tours with various choirs, some being broadcast to millions of viewers and listeners. To her, it’s more than just the music; she says, “This is my way of expressing my faith,” and that her goal is “to serve God’s children in a way that will enrich their lives.”

 

Jane mentions a course she has taken several times, called Brain by Design, by James Garrett, and a book A Philosophy of Music Education by Bennett Reimer. She also calls herself a “portfolio professional,” who created opportunities for herself which have included creating and directing choirs to perform with The Eagles and with Andrea Bocelli. 

 

Jane’s Better Betty Challenge for us this week is to consider what we teach, and how we help God’s children become what they are intended to be. (Listen to Natalie Sleeth’s “How Will They Know” here, and another favorite, “I’ll Go Where You Want Me To Go” here)

 

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Thank you for listening, Bettys and Jacks. We feel so blessed to be able to share the light and wisdom of this beautiful human, and we hope you can feel her incredible spirit and love. In her words: “I believe more in people than they believe in themselves.” You contribute so much to our ensemble, and like Jane, we are grateful for your countenance and energy. You are wonderful, and we love you more.