Music
is a beautiful gift from God, and no one knew and appreciated
the gift of music more than Judy Lundgren. And she passed her love
of music to many people, of all ages, and encouraged them to
use the gifts they had been given.
Among her many other musical
activities over the years, Judy was a voice teacher at her home in
Salem, NY where she lived with her husband John, and at Adirondack
Community College in Queensbury, NY. Paul and his daughter Jessica
were priviledged to be among the hundreds of Judy's students.
Judy was an accomplished vocalist herself, with a BA in voice performance,
and also was choir director in her church in Salem for many years.
Judy, along with her accompianist Sue Jolly, taught more
than just singing - she taught her students how to laugh and enjoy
life. No matter what troubles they had, her students left their lessons
with a smile. Judy and Sue brought their love for music, and for life,
to each and every lesson, each and every student. (continued below...)
As her 3-year battle with cancer was coming to an end,
Judy made plans and selected the music for her memorial service, which
was held in the United Presbyterian Church in Salem in December 2007.
The closing song, "As Long As I Have Music", by Don Besig and Nancy
Price, was a special song to Judy as it reflected her feelings toward
this wonderful gift. Many of her former students went to the front
of the church and sang this beautiful song in tribute to their beloved
teacher and friend.
Paul was moved by the Lord to record the
music for the song, as a further tribute to Judy, and he invited
Judy's students to come to the studio and record the vocal parts.
Several recording sessions were held, and after several weeks the
song was complete! It is included on Paul's CD, "Now And Again", in
memory of this wonderful lady who used God's gift of music to touch
so many lives in so many wonderful ways!
Pictured above are some
photos from the recording sessions in February 2008, while the photos
to the right are from one of Judy's voice recitals at Adirondack
Community College in December, 2004.
For more info on the CD,
including a list of Judy's students who sang the song, click here.
