Music brought us together

My wife and I met on this day, years ago, through the musical connections we had at the time. It was a powerful moment, because we each had a preconceived notion of what the other would be like – she the “group president” … I the “organist” – and were shocked by the immediate connection.

We were talking last evening about how sharing music is something we have often taken for granted, and how important it is (and what a gift it is) that we share such similar tastes in the music we make and listen to. We listened to several songs by Sting, who has woven through much of our life together. We talked about some of the great choral music experiences we have had and the dreams of music to be made in the future.

I often put music and God in the same category, calling music a gift from God. But, in truth, I think they are one in the same.  Music is miraculous in its creation, and has caused powerful connections and brought love to many.  It can only be divine.

Weekend miscellania

Saturday listing of ongoing events…  Some fall into the “Shameless Self-promotion” category, for which I apologize, but may be enjoyable for weekend web surfing nonetheless.

  • Auditions for adults and children can be scheduled at any time for December Lessons and Carols and Spring 2011 Concert: www.musicatfirst.org
  • Sunday Worship at First Congregational, Bristol, CT is our first Sunday in “summer mode,” featuring our Summer Singers.  Are you a frustrated choral singer and would like to join in?  Join us in the choir loft at 9:00 to sing a simple anthem!

Preparing for a new season

(Yes, this is a bit of a commercial.) Auditions are underway for one of my very favorite things: the First Choristers are a growing group of auditioned singers, from grade 4 through grade 8, who commit to a weekly rehearsal, and then sing alongside adults in concert.  The music they sing is not “children’s choir” music, but full-blown choral music – providing the soprano part for the great works of music we prepare for the December Lessons and Carols Festival at church and, next year, a new Spring concert event. The benefits of this rehearsal and performance time are huge: Along with the music itself, kids get the opportunity to learn how to work together as a team, basics of choral singing and music reading, and how music is such a critical part of our spiritual self.  I’m excited that we already have a number of new children auditioning for this fall season.

In addition to the children’s aspect of our programs, we have offered adults an opportunity to sing with the choir for these special events.  Over the past two years, we have built a core of singers from outside the church membership that have joined with us for Lessons and Carols.  Once again, our upcoming events are open to anyone Grade 9 through adults, by audition.  Teamwork, commitment, and glorious music sung in praise are all hallmarks of singing for these concerts, and any choir member can tell you that the fun and community we share in our rehearsal time is something you’ll find you can’t live without!  Detailed info can be found at www.musicatfirst.org.

Celebrating our musical family

Yesterday we celebrated the end of a truly great choir season at church with a party at the home of two beloved choir members.  The choir is “family” in so many different ways. In fact, in some cases we see each other more than our “real” extended family, and share in more of life’s ups and downs than even the closest in our lives. We get to make music together, which requires great trust in each other. Music is not just a technical thing, but emotional as well, so we also need to feel safe in sharing that in a group setting.  When it works (and in this choir it does!), the result is an amazing group of people, first, and the secondary benefit of awesome music-making.

So, it is with some sadness that we take a break for the summer.  It’s like we’re taking an extended vacation: Yes, it’s fun and necessary, but I’ll sure be glad to be back “home” in the fall!

Weekend miscellania

As mentioned last weekend, I’ll not be doing full blog posts on Saturday-Sunday.  However, I will provide a Saturday listing of upcoming events and other interesting links.  Some will fall into the “Shameless Self-promotion” category, for which I apologize, but may be enjoyable for weekend web surfing nonetheless.

  • Updated Portfolio of my new websites:    Set 1 Set 2
  • Auditions for adults and children can be scheduled at any time for December Lessons and Carols and Spring 2011 Concert: www.musicatfirst.org
  • Sunday Worship at First Congregational, Bristol, CT will include our annual outdoor Memorial Day Service of Remembrance, a dramatic choral setting of “Eternal Father, Strong to Save” and a new (this week!) original piano piece, “Remembrance.”
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