Cluster Choir

Imagine, if you will, one hundred and thirty singers coming together in one choir. Add in a trumpet and piano, sprinkle a bit of flute and a host of great music, and voila! You have cluster choir.

We began rehearsing at 3 pm for the individual choirs, then the entire group of seven choirs worked on three pieces to sing collectively. We worked from 4 pm to 5:30, honing the pronunciation, making sure the music slowed and sped up in the right places, keeping our dynamics appropriate and our cut offs clean.

The wash of sound from a large choir is wonderful. There is a synergy that happens with so many people involved. The crescendos are amazing - gives you goose bumps. The soft parts are incredible. We sang Craig Courtney's "One Faith, One Hope, One Lord," William Billings "Kittery." (The Lord's Prayer) and "Here's One," a spiritual arranged by Tom Fettke.

Our choir sang "Lamb of God" by Ken Kosche (one of my teachers at Concordia - a delightful piece), and Borning Cry by John Yvlisaker. Each of the other choirs also sang two selections - what a wonderful variety of styles and moods! I soon lost my concerns about things moving along smoothly and simply wrapped up in the music.

This year, our offering went to benefit Aurora House, a new hospice organization on the west side of Rochester. The director and founder came to tell us about her vision becoming a reality. I am happy we were able to share great music and help a worthy cause in the process.

The big plus was that I accomplished a 12 hour day and didn't feel completely undone. Tired, yes. And I will admit that I was a bit shaky conducting the last two pieces. But all in all, a nice stretch for me, and good to know I am able to endure longer days.