Music History Exam

Today was the day of the big exam. I had studied last night with a few friends, read the glossary terms a gabillion times, and thoroughly devoured Grout. I went to bed at 10 and slept without the dreams that have been traipsing through my night hours since arrival.

Bright and early, my eyes fly open. Good thing this test is in the morning, even if it isn't until 10. I do two loads of laundry. I am slow about my breakfast of cantaloupe and strawberries, no tea. I have acquired two roommates last night, and they are early risers too. We share shower times.
I look at my notes. No point in doing more studying. It is still only 9am, but I decide to wander over early and perhaps do a bit of practicing while I wait. Outside the dorm, I notice the little bonfire ampitheater, its three wooden crosses and little benches surrounding a blackened pit. I decide to sit on a bench for a bit and pray. The area is tucked beside the chapel of Christ Triumphant and Augsburg and Wittenberg dorms (can you tell this is a Lutheran campus?). I wonder how many lives have made important decisions circled about a crackling fire. I remember summer camp and evening devotions around campfires.

But there are wasps circling about, so I move on. I enter Siebert Hall, and hear singing. But wait, its Saturday! Who is singing on Saturday - and with guitars no less! I wander closer to the dining area, and to my surprise, suddenly encounter hundreds of nuns, seated at tables, singing. It is devotional. It is wonderful. A treat. I stand in the doorway, listening, watching. They are mostly older women, intent on the service. One woman notices me, and tiptoes over.

"Are you part of this?" she asks.

"No," I respond. "I am here for the Master of Church Music program. I have a test this morning."

"Oh. What is your test about?" she asks.

"Music history."

"I see - and the music here drew you in?" I nod. She touches my shoulder gently. "God's blessing on you my dear. God help you with your test."

I am blessed! The singing ends. I head down the hall towards the choral room, slide into an empty practice room, and sing hymns for half an hour, setting aside worries about the test.

Before I realize, I have completed the test (piece of cake) and am headed back to my room for the take home Choral Literature test. I hope the nun's blessing extends to a second test. . .