Tyra Orgill and Sander MorrisonFifteen-year-old Tyra Orgill and Sander Morrison have once again combined their instrumental genius to create a harmonious melody of two inspirational songs – Homeward Bound as written by Marta Keen and the LDS hymn Come, Come Ye Saints. With the help of their friend and mentor, Jason Lyle Black, they have created a musical story with a powerful message that although we may face struggles in life, there is still hope as we remain positive and reach for better things.

Originally the song was set as an arrangement of Homeward Bound, but Sander decided to incorporate the hymn as part of the song. They worked together for many long hours writing this melody, and the result of combining the two songs is something magnificent and beautiful. A quote by Corrie Ten Boom, which they both like amplifies the message of the video. Corrie said, “Child, it is not as much what happens, but how we take it that is important. God is watching to see whether we allow the problems to defeat us, or whether we will go through them in His strength, being made stronger for the next problem and ultimately for the end battle. .. everything that happens to us in life is training for the work we will do next.”

Tyra OrgillTyra Orgill and Sander Morrison met in their school’s orchestra class where they discovered that they have similar tastes and styles for music. They began playing impromptu music together for their classmates on various occasions, as well as, for other school and Church events. They have been working together on arranging several songs over the past six months and have many other projects in the works. They have adopted the name “Enliven” which stems from their desire to “enliven” other souls and their desire to inspire others through their music.

Tyra has been playing the piano since she was seven years old and began composing original music at the age of 12. Sander has been playing the cello for two years. Both play multiple instruments. Tyra also plays the harp, organ, and a little violin, flute, and guitar. Sander also plays the piano and the guitar. Great musicians such as The Piano Guys, Rachmaninoff, Bogdan Ota, Chopin and others inspired them to begin playing music.

Sander MorrisonSander always has LOVED music! As a child, he would dance and bop to any rhythm he heard. At age 11 he received a guitar and started lessons along with his parents. He surpassed his parents’ musical talent and theory skills within about one month. When he entered the seventh grade, he decided to join the orchestra. Unsure which instrument he wanted to learn to play, he went to an “instrument petting zoo” held at his school. When he saw the cello, his face lit up, and he instantly knew that was the instrument that he wanted to learn to play next. He always enjoyed watching and was inspired by The Piano Guys, especially Steven Sharp Nelson, which he feels has had a huge impact on his choice of the cello. That day Sander and his mother went to the nearest local music store and picked out a cello.

He decided that he would pay for it himself. He earned the payments by doing such things as helping neighbors in their yards, babysitting, and cleaning up garbage after concerts. All the while he enjoyed practicing every day. Because of his love for music and the enjoyment that he gets from it, he never had to be told to practice.

During the 2014 Christmas season, Sander’s local Church congregation needed a special musical number. Sander’s mother who is terrified of playing the piano in front of others timidly agreed with the stipulation that Sander would accompany her on the cello. As there was no cello part written for the piece, he helped his mother out by composing a cello part. Following that experience, he began writing many other compositions.

Both Tyra Orgill and Sander Morrison believe that part of their mission in life is to create music that stirs hearts and helps people feel closer to God.

 

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