UCAC Spanish Music Department

Easter Sunday

2009-05-11T14:50:00.000-07:00

Canta Hispana de le Inglesia Centra de San Jose May 2nd

2009-05-01T08:40:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone should come out and support their local chuch choir!
This Saturday at 4pm the Union City Church Spanish Choir will be singing at the Central Church of San Jose for an annual sing-spiration called

Canta Hispana de la Inglesia Central de San Jose. This is an Annual event that has been around since 1990.
Location - 77 N. 5th St. San Jose, Ca 95112
Time - 4pm-7p
Featuring - The Union City Spanish Choir, Luis Lenzi, Santa Rosa
Bro. Octavio Espinoza, Jose Vargas, Jeanette Sanabria.
See you all Saturday!
Choir dont forget to pick up your new robes TONIGHT!!!!!!

Venid Fieles Todos - Spanish Choral

2009-01-03T10:07:00.000-08:00

Spanish Choir Video Clips

2009-01-03T10:03:00.000-08:00

Here are some Clips of the spanish choir singing at the 2008 Christmas Concert.

Happy new year 2009!!!!!

2009-01-03T09:43:00.001-08:00

May your new year be better then your last. Happy new year everyone

and may God Bless you all.

~luis

k, time to sing an old scottish song written by Robert Burns in 1788, cause really, does anything else come to mind when the new year arrives? yeah, didn't think so.

k, lets go,

todo's! (everyone)

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind ?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and days of o' lang syne ?

k, let me translate the scottish, days of o'lang syne can be translated "days gone by."

see, ya learned something today, way to start off the new year!

Merry Christmas to All

2008-12-25T17:21:00.000-08:00

I would like personally wish everyone this year a very Merry Christmas.

~luis.

Where you greeted at the door?

2008-12-25T17:14:00.000-08:00

Where you greeted at the door? I hope so. One of the things I believe is very important is that we (the church/music dept.) make the saint (church) and the visitor alike feel like they are important. Last year our praise team where our greeters, this year since we had more people so we included the choir as part of the greeters.

Christmas Left Overs. lol. extra pictures....

2008-12-23T10:16:00.000-08:00

Musicians

2008-12-18T17:09:00.000-08:00

Thank you to keyboardist "Speail-T" a.k.a. Todd Valenti and his brother guitarist "Special-Kay" a.k.a Kyle Valenti. Their willingness to help and be a blessing to the ministry, friendship, and musicianship has been greatly appreciated over this last year. It was a great pleasure to work with them during this years Christmas concert.

Here they are, the hardest working guys in church business.

Well, actually I know these guys have a good work ethic when it comes towards their music so when I started planing this concert the music side of it was the least of my worries.

The local band was comprised of Isai Golindo on drums. This kid has come a long ways. Now I know he wont admit it, and others just wouldn't have taken the time to do it but I honestly think he is better because we worked with him over the last two years bugging him about his time (friend of god, ring any bells) and in general giving him a lot of dirty looks. I give this guy a lot of credit for his maturity and growth as a young person and as musician.

The other band member of the local congregation is Larry Martinez. He has been here since the start of the spanish ministry. If you ask anybody thats been here a while to describe this guy in one work, i know "faithful" would be at the top of the list. And thats exactly what he has proven himself to be. Any church would be more then happy to have this guy on their team and this church is very blessed to have him. And thank you emma for letting him come out and play. lol.

Coronado de Gloria

2008-12-18T17:00:00.000-08:00

One of the hardest areas in my life that I have had to learn to except is that of change.....

however not all change is bad, and the change that I have noticed in the praise team has been a good one.

Bro. Daniel G.

Your ability to lead in worship has come a long way. And the youth group wouldn't be what it is today without you involved. Thank you for all your help and faithfulness to the praise team and choir. And for agreeing to do the play, Im pretty sure after you said yes you had second thoughts on it, but I'm glad you followed through, it was a great success.
Sis. Letti,

who knew when you came up to me and Bro. Zeke about singing (I can only Imagine) that you would turn out to be one of our strongest soprano's on the praise team. Thanks for always being willing sing on short notice.

Bro. Zeke Rios,

this is my go to guy. He is the one that knows all my inner thoughts and brain-storming. Thanks for keeping this praise team, and choir together. You have a real natural ability for leadership and speak with a heart of pastor. (you really need to start preaching)

Sis. Irma

Without you who would be saying "whooooooooo" during all the good moments in praise team/choir practice. Thanks for your willingness to work hard and for teaching choir parts for the Christmas concert.
To Sis. Daniella, Stephanie, and Bro. Jesus Sanchez,....... Thank you guys so much for your effort with this group. There is a lot talent waiting to be developed and used in the church. Im glad you guys where able to sing in this years concert.

Sis. Velma,

K, although you getting up to make copies every time i say dont get up and make copies gets on my nerves and drives me crazy lol. ...., I have to admit the alto section in both praise team and choir would be lost without you. Thanks for always being faithful.

Sis. Liz

You sure did seem comfortable in your dress-y outfit during the play, you don't dress that way a lot do you??? Anyways,..... I really appreciate your help with the youth and what you do in the music department.

Sis. Mary (Marry)

Yes I know I have been spelling your name wrong now for close to two years......but to spell it correctly now would just feel wierd, maybe even forced. Thank you so much for working with the kids and getting them ready for the concert. This church would really be hurting if they ever lost you. Thanks for everything.

Sis. Carmen

Even when I cant hear you I know you are always willing to move in closer. Thanks for being faithful. Oh yeah, and bringing me food, that fish was really good. .....and burrito's, oh yeah, cant forget that. ...... or that cactus stuff, yeah, keep it coming.

speaking of food,

Sis. Renee,

Banna Bread, I need say no more. I didn't have any homemade cooking this year for thanksgiving. I spent my thanksgiving at a buffet in Bakersfield, thats not my idea of a good time (normally). So when sis. Renee heard the devastating news she went out of her way and baked me bread. Im really glad to you joined the praise team, and no not just cause you made me food, although that was a big part of it. lol. jk.

Bro. Danny Fernandez (from pan-knee-mall)

You have a true gift. I really hope you go far with it. We really missed you at our concert this year.

Gloria - UCAC Spanish Choir

2008-12-17T10:57:00.001-08:00

What can I say about this group of people. They are hard working, very committed to the ministry, and all around good group of people to work with. (now if i can only get them to show up to practice on time, it will be great) This group really came together and stepped it up for this concert. It was a pleasure watching the growth and development of this group take place over the last 9 or 10 months. Thats not even a year ago!

So thank you to all that were a part of this concert. Thank you to all singers, musicians, decorators, church members, reception planners, clean up crews, youth department, and all church ministers and staff. Without all of you this could not have been made possible. But most of all I thank God.

The Lord is Good.

His Mercy endureth forever.

For this, I am grateful.

Children's Choir

2008-12-17T10:29:00.001-08:00

Thank you to Sis. Mary Rios for all her help with the Nino's (kids) this year. I know ever year she is always extremely busy but is always willing to work hard to make things happen. The spanish ministry wouldn't be the same without her.

MC

2008-12-16T11:53:00.001-08:00

You know, it really wouldn't be a true UCAC Spanish Christmas Concert without Bro. Albert MC-ing throughout the concert. . Thank you bro. Albert for all your help again this year.

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

2008-12-16T11:45:00.000-08:00

I Believe that this night I was most proud of my new tie, but the song went over well too, for that I am grateful. Since I was the one in charge and am the one writing this blog I will not proceed to thank myself. lol.

Junior Choir

2008-12-16T11:36:00.000-08:00

Thank You To Sis. Liz for taking charge of not only helping out with praise team, choir, youth drama, choral, but also directing the junior choir.

UCAC Spanish Choral

2008-12-15T13:56:00.001-08:00

This year I had my heart set on doing some more traditional Christmas music. While looking for material I picked up an old english hymnal and basically took the parts and adapted it to fit the spanish lyrics. We sang Venid Fieles Todos also known as Oh Come All Ye Faithful without any musical accompaniment. I felt like that out of all the songs we sang that night, musically this was probably the most honest piece of the set. I say this only because everything was so exposed. The choral really came through and did a fantastic job.

Sorry guys, its been a few years since I have this whole directing thing. (where was jason anyways??)

And thanks to sis. Velma again for creating out lyric binders. Not sure what they are really called but i thought they looked great, matched with the decorations, and gave everything a more traditional feel.

Intermission

2008-12-15T11:08:00.003-08:00

Thank you to Pastor Adam Lopez for allowing us to put on another Christmas production as well as being a continual support to the music department.

Thank you goes out to Bro. Rick Rameriez for his help and support of the spanish music department.

What can I say, this is my group. They have been my learning experience now for two years. It hasn't been without its hard and frustrating times, but it sure has been fun seeing the growth that has developed in all the praise team members.

Youth Drama

2008-12-15T10:32:00.000-08:00

In many ways this year was a year of first for the UC spanish ministry. It held its first preaching conference, formed our first spanish choir, and started doing drama and skits. This year for the concert I wanted to do something different other than just a concert. I approached Bro. Jack Gillespie and Sis. Elizabeth Pizano about doing a short 25 min. Christmas drama/skit with the youth groug. And with some apprehension they agreed. And Im so glad that they did. I know it was a lot of hard work but it was a great success. Thank you so much to all the youth and those that helped the youth in this production.

Ven A Morar

2008-12-15T10:05:00.000-08:00

Im not sure what I was thinking but I know the praise team, choir, and musicians are pretty used to this look from me by now. : )

Thank you again to Bro. Arnulfo Cedillo who closed out the concert with a short message.

All About the Souls

2008-12-15T00:06:00.001-08:00

The purpose of our concert was and has always been intended to be a means of outreach to the community. We did our best to take advantage of the season to create an event and environment to get souls into the church. And that night there was a great move of God. It was really wonderful to see many of the first time visitors come down to the alter and experience God for the first time.

Children's Church!

2008-12-14T23:47:00.000-08:00

Kids are kids, and well right before the concert started, they acted like kids. Here is the proof!

Decorations

2008-12-14T23:30:00.001-08:00

UC spanish ministry would like to recognize Bro. Eli Rios and his wife Sis. Darlene for their contribution and hard work with the concert decorations. We would like to thank them for supporting and working along side the spanish ministry in preparing and promotion of the concert. We(I) are very much grateful.

Also we would like to recognize Sis. Velma Hernandez for being the go to person for the spanish ministries part in the decoration. I know she spent many long hours at the church getting things ready for us. So a big thank you goes out to her.

Dec 13th @ 6pm - Its that Time of the Year Again!

2008-12-09T10:21:00.000-08:00

ITs That Time of the Year Again to Celebrate the Birth of our Lord

Jesus Christ.

Be there to Celebrate with the Union City Apostolic Church Spanish Ministry as we

Present our 2nd Annual Christmas Concert

Alabanza Navidena

December 13, 2008 @ 6pm.

Come and join us as we present Christ in Song, Drama, and Fellowship.

Admission is Free so we will see you there.

A picture is worth a Thousand words......kinda.

2008-12-09T09:28:00.001-08:00

Alabanza Navidena Postcard Flyers

2008-11-20T14:05:00.000-08:00

Thank you To All that Helped in Contributing to the Design of this card. Couldn't have done it without you.

Remembering Sis. Julie James Nov. 22, 1961 ~ Nov. 14, 2008

2008-11-20T13:44:00.000-08:00

Sis. Julie was a faithful choir member of not only the english choir but the spanish as well. This posting is done in her memory because she will be missed but we also rejoice in her reward.

Julie James of Fremont passed away peacefully at home. Julie lived most of her life in the Fremont area where she attended school and worked for many years at Kaiser Permanente Hospital. Julie was an active member of the Union City Apostolic Church Choir and as of this year a member of the UCAC Spanish Choir where she enjoyed singing, participating in the church activities, and spending time with the many friends she made over the years. The funeral service was held Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2008 at 1:30pm at The Chapel of the Chimes Memorial Park and Funeral Home.

November 1st - Praise Team in Studio Recording

2008-11-10T10:21:00.000-08:00

El Sabado, 1 de Noviembre 2008, el equipo de Alabanza tomó parte en una grabación de un proyecto de parte del director de musíca, titulado "No Looking Back." La grabación tomó parte en el estudio de Unión City. Espero tener este proyecto terminado a los principios de Diciembre. Esta grabación es principalmente instrumental con cantos en inglés y español. El equipo de alabanza hizo un trabajo muy bien, aprendieron los cantos rápido. Como el director de musica le quiero dar gracias al equipo de alabanza por haber participado. No estoy terminado con la grabación y ya se escucha muy bien. Grabaron

On Saturday November 1, 2008 the Praise Team took part of a recording project for their Music directors upcoming musical project titled "No looking Back." The recording took place in the studio located within the Union City Apostolic Church. This project is expected to be finished by the beginning of December. This recording is primarily instrumental but will consist of several spanish and english songs containing vocals. The praise Team did an awesome job learning and recording backgrounds for one song in spanish as well as one in english. As the music director let me say thank you to all the praise team members that gave up their saturday morning to participate and help me out. It was and is greatly appreciated. We are not even done with all the recording yet and its already starting to sound great. Lord willing this can open the doors to some greater things musically. If you would like to stay updated with this project you can check out my website at

www.luislenzi.com

Time to teach parts and test out the headset volume.

If you record your tenors once, and then do it about 3 more times, it should sound there are about 8 guys singing.

The choir and praise team know this view of me all to well, always sitting and leaning over the piano while i teach parts.
Francisco checking out to see what's distorting. Not to worry its digital distortion, so you hear it but its not really there?? yeah that didn't make sense to me either.
hummm, why am i so happy?

The hard part of recording is finding a quite place with no noise. So here is Bro. Zeke trying to negotiate just how soon that time of quite would come.

How to record your praise team made simple:

Step one - The first thing we had to record was all three parts at the same time. This is mainly used as reference when we record the parts individually but then it is also placed in the background of the overall mix to help create a fuller sound.
Step 2 - Its best to start off with either sopranos or tenors. We started with tenors because in these songs the tenors carried the lead voice.
Step 3 - The second easiest harmony to hear and to sing is either going to be tenor or soprano because they are either singing 6th below or a 3rd above each-other. K, maybe thats to much information, but after the tenors we recorded soprano's.
4th Step - let the sopranos rest so they can do the alto part. After you have your top and bottom voice you then fill in the rest.
Here I am still working out vocal parts.
Here is Bro. Danny Fernandez, did you know he's from Pan-knee-mall? At least thats what everybody at church here says. lol. Anyways, he was a great help. And next to him, Sis. Irma Mora who is also responsible for many of the pictures you see here on the blog.
Francisco Diaz, yup, this is the man responsible for making it happen and sound good.
This is Sis. Elizabeth, and she is either really having a hard time with her headphones or she is trying the latest in Apostolic hair fashion. Ill let you be the judge.

Spanish Youth Service Saturday NOV. 22nd!

2008-11-07T10:33:00.001-08:00

No tienes que ser un joven para venir al Servicio de los Jovenes, pero si eres un joven, mas bendicion para tí. El proxímo servicio de jovenes es el 22 de Noviembre a las 3p. Bienvenidos todos! www.ucapostolic.org

You don't have to be a Youth to come out to a youth service, but if you are, you're in luck! The UC spanish Youth Group are having their Youth Service on Nov. 22nd @3p. www.ucapostolic.org

Random Pictures

2008-11-07T10:30:00.001-08:00

Aqui hay unas fotos que quiero compartir con todos ustedes.

Here are some random pictures that where sent to me, i thought they are worth sharing.

2nd Annual Spanish Christmas Concert Saturday Dec. 13th

2008-11-06T18:59:00.000-08:00

Este año el Concierto Navideño en español, cantará el coro de Unión City. Tambien participara el Praise Team y drama's departe de los grupos (los Juniors, Jovenes, y Niños.)

This Year the UC spanish Christmas concert will feature the Union City Spanish Choir

Praise Team, along with drama's and skits from the kids, juniors, and youth group. Make plans to be there and invite a friend.

UCAC Spanish Praise Team sings at SWBC Oct. 25th

2008-10-30T13:13:00.000-07:00

Primeramente quiero darle la gracia al equipo de alabanza de Unión City por haber acompañado en el evento "Ganando Almas" en Hollister el 23-25 de Octubre. Fue una experiencia inolvidable y de grande bendición. Almas fueron bautisada alli en ese momento come en el día de Pentecostes. Fuimos de bendición y ministramos a muchas almas. Gloria a Dios!

First off, let me give a big shout out and thanks to the UCAC spanish praise team for all there hard work and time that they gave to be out here this day. During the preparation for this event, one of the things that really caught my attention was the The Pentecostals churche's desire to reach the spanish speaking community there in Hollister. Once I heard this, I thought it would be a great opportunity for the praise team to go out and allow themselves to be a blessing beyond the four walls of the local church.

This is a portion of a blog from the Assistant pastor's Blog, Nathaniel Hurst.

Once again there was a massive crew setting up equipment and getting ready for the Party in the Park. Our setting was Calaveras Park. The “party” started at 3:30 pm. We had a tremendous group from Union City Apostolic Church come down and do praise and worship music in Spanish. We were trying to reach an entirely different group of people on Saturday than on Friday night. Everything was done in English and Spanish. When the group from Union City started singing I immediately noticed that our Spanish speaking guests relaxed and some even began to sing along. It wasn’t long until the power of God was so strong in that park that we began to baptize people and they began to get the holy ghost just like Friday night! Once again I was amazed at the hunger for God that was on display! We never provided a single robe on Friday or Saturday. We were baptizing people in their street clothes. They would take off their shoes and socks and make sure their wallets and cell phones were not in their pockets and then we would baptize them. SO AWESOME!! The totals from Saturday were: 34 baptized and 35 receiving the holy ghost. I didn’t think that it could get any better than Friday night but it did.

Bro. David Smith in black, Bro. Matt Maddix in red. And Daniel in the red white and blue.
3 of the 4 people in this picture are from Australia that came all the way to Hollister to take part in Boot Camp, I'll let you figure out which 3 I'm talking about. The girl to the far left said that she felt very comfortable and at home once the praise team started singing because she said she was raised in a spanish church. I thought that was really cool to hear.
Large crowds drawn in by the giveaways, but eventually stayed to check out this Holy Ghost.

Soul Winners Boot Camp Hollister Ca Oct. 23rd-26th 2008

2008-10-30T12:50:00.000-07:00

What is Soul Winners Boot Camp? Good question. Ever wonder how or why it was so simple for people to be converted in the new testament church and today it seems to be very complicated and it takes people forever to be converted and or receive the Holy Ghost?

Well SWBC is a traveling evangelism conference that strips away all the traditional "church" methods of soul winning. It brings back how simple it is to repent, receive the free gift of the Holy Ghost, and to be Baptized in Jesus name. What makes this conference so unique unlike many others, here you actually get to practice what they teach. We actually got to go out and walk the streets of Hollister Ca. and pass out invitations to the church and block party's that where hosted on Friday October 24th, and on Saturday October 25th.
After the day conference, everybody got into groups of 5 and where given maps of Hollister. We then went out door knocking for the next 2 hours inviting people to the free block party where we would be giving out free food, and giveaways. The Pentecostal church took over downtown Hollister with some pretty loud music. They also gave iPod's, money, gift cards, and free food and drinks to over 400 people.
People came as they were and not before long people where lining up to be baptized.
Isai Galindo was part of the house band keeping the groove down. I know that v-drums are not this thing, but he did pretty good on them.
Organ is not my thing, but I was placed in charge of all music for the event. Teaching and working with both musicians and singers. Everything turned out great, it was a lot of work but it was well worth it.

Here is a quote from Nathaniels Blog about the music for the conferences,

Luis Lenzi took care of all of the music! Bro Maddix paid Luis, the band and the praise team the highest compliment they could ever receive. He said that not only were they extremely talented but they were also extremely anointed! I cannot tell you how great that is. Every single musician and singer was under the influence of the holy ghost all weekend long! Now this is not different from the way it normally is at The Pentecostal Church but it went to a new level this weekend. Thank you Luis for all of your help and listening to me gripe and gripe! You are da man.

THE SPOT

2008-10-30T12:37:00.000-07:00

En preparatión para la conferencia "Tiemo de Restauración," el equipo de alabanza fue a cantar al "SPOT" (localizado en 200 North First Street, San Jose.) Es un lugar donde jovens de todas edades escuchan musica cristiana y compañerismo. Es patrocinado por la división Jordan Aid international!

In preparation for TDR, the praise team was invited to be a guest band at the Spot. ( The Spot is a Christian lounge/social gathering place in downtown san jose. The Spot is a division of Jordan International Aid. You can check out their myspace page at http://www.myspace.com/the_jia_spot

Tiempo De Restauracion July 31st - Aug 2nd

2008-08-13T12:34:00.001-07:00

Fotos de la conferencia, "Tiempo de Restauración" Fue la primera conferencia en español en Unión City! Fuimos bendecidos y para el proximo año va haber todavía mas bendición!

Battle of the Choir Robes!

2008-07-21T13:16:00.000-07:00

Every day hard decisions are made here in the Spanish Music Department, but nevertheless choices are made. Bro. Zeke and Pastor Adam give the final say as to the choice of robes the choir will use during "Tiempo De Restauracion"

Green Vs. Gold

Looks like everybody wants to be a part of the choir. Although this robe is being modeled well, sadly this color robe will not be used.

Hay Chohetes! 2008 Firework Booth

2008-07-10T15:56:00.000-07:00

Laugh out Loud! yes, you will spend around 13 dollars for this colorful bad boy, but when you see the blue eyes light up, you will know it was money well spent. The mad dog's where not that bad either, but you will never go wrong with the firework that smiles back.
El Pastor Adam, working the booth. He looks pretty happy about it too. As you can see he is arranging space for the pink diamond firework.
Miguel Fuentes working the parking lot chair placed outside the firework booth.
Sister Letti pointing the way to the lost sinner to come bring their money to "the lords firework booth."

In case you missed the first sign, you where bound to run into the next. Sis. Fuentes and Sis. Rios working hard.

UCAC Spanish Choir April 13, 2008

2008-07-04T13:07:00.000-07:00

The UCAC Spanish Choir held its first rehearsal on Monday March 17, 2008. This picture is of the first sign in sheet. At first we expected there to be anywhere between 15 to 20 people, needless to say we where pleasantly surprised with the turnout.

The Choir sang for the first time on April 13, 2008.
Bro. Zeke had to work overtime leading worship and the choir this day.

Its pretty amazing when you think about what the Lord has done and what He can do, when I first came to this church the congregation size was only about 40 to 50 people.

Christmas Concert 2007

2008-07-04T12:30:00.000-07:00

January of 2007 I am sure nobody thought that by the end of the year we would be inviting people to come listen to us in concert but we did. On December 9, 2007 the UCAC Spanish Praise Team hosted it's first ever Spanish Christmas Concert. This Concert featured the Praise Team, Children's Choir, Bro. Eli Rios, Bro. Aaron Nicholes, and Bro. Gabe Chaparro on tenor saxophone. On many different levels what took place that night was a major accomplishment, but what I believe what was most import is that we had a wonderful alter call at the end of the concert. Even Bishop Lopez said during a ministers meeting that we promoted Jesus throughout the concert.

UCAC Spanish Music Department

2008-06-30T10:50:00.000-07:00

This is the very first posting of the UCAC Spanish Music Department Blog. I have never done a blog before so I'll be learning how to make this look good as I go. However it is my desire to show and share all the work that the Lord is doing through the Spanish congregation here in Union City. As their music director it has been a great privilege and learning experience to work with such hard working and humble people.