“Are You Ready,” showcases more than just sleigh bells and snowflakes.
Todd Syswerda, professor of music composition, songwriting and music technology, wrote a new Christmas song for the Taylor community putting a spotlight on the manger. The song's theme explores the incredible joy of angels announcing Jesus' birth.
This heavenly parade feeling was originally developed approximately five years ago, inspired by a film project Syswerda has been involved with that includes various people around the country.
Syswerda edited his song last summer with contributions from Jonah Atkinson, a former music composition student of his. This enabled the song to grow and change positively.
“The biggest hope is that we would encounter God in a fresh way this Advent season and get ready for Christ to be real in our lives,” Cliff Davis, chapel director and long-time friend of Syswerda, said.
The recording process involved meticulous layering and collaboration. Syswerda has hoped the song will inspire pride in the Taylor community and promote arts collaborations.
The music video is full of various vocal parts, choreography and transitions.
Two days of filming were filled with 20 to 30 student voices being recorded. Syswerda taught the group vocal parts and continued moving vocal pieces around until he had the desired sound.
Syswerda has cherished the moments when he has listened and discovered more about a piece of art. There is a constant revelation in creating, he said.
Although not a typical Christmas song with sleigh bells and snowflakes, it rings with the joy and hope that the angels in heaven are awaiting. Claire Olver, freshman music education major, said. Christmas can be thought of as Santa, cookies and presents, but it really is about Jesus and the amazing miracle of His birth.
“He has interesting things to say, both musically and lyrically,” Davis said. “He loves working with students, and so it’s great to see him collaborate.”
Olver said it was a neat experience working with various people and learning from someone who applied what he taught in class.
“Are You Ready?” mimics a theatrical vibe, starring Gaby Valdez and Austin Cooper singing the lead vocals. The song would fit into a musical number in “Aladdin” or “The Greatest Showman.”
“That's just part of what the role of being a creator (is),” Syswerda said. “You can't make people like what you do. You just have a blast doing it—and I hope that people who do like it just want to share it.”
Syswerda continues to inspire the students and faculty at Taylor. Music creation is often developed through a teacher's lecturing through specific steps, but Syswerda also stepped into it with his students and was an example for them, Olver said.
As Christians, we are responsible for telling the world about Jesus and sharing the joy and excitement in Jesus’ birth, she said. This song works as that opportunity.
“Some people are great artists, but they don’t necessarily help other artists thrive, right?” Davis said. “And some people are great artists, and they help other people thrive and he’s definitely someone who helps people thrive.”
