Cluster Choir

Hooray and hallelujah! I am not in charge of Cluster Choir this year. In fact, after last year's event, the directors met and decided to make some changes to the flow of events. Now there are two event directors - one for the music and one for the organizational details. Much saner.

All I have to do this year is forward the information about bringing dishes and the who what where's to the choir, and prepare our music (3 songs we have done in the past that might be of interest to other choirs) and the pieces for the whole group to sing (selected by the current director). Sweet.

I was a bit delayed in arriving for the 3pm rehearsal since my PrayerSong rehearsal ended right at 3. As I entered the sanctuary, sound swirled in the air around me as people worked on one of the mass pieces. It's nice to conduct a larger ensemble once in awhile. The wash of sound can be exhilarating. I sat down in a back pew and just listened.

The concert itself probably had more choir members than attendees, but the cause our offering would support - a local hospice - appreciated our efforts. Each choir proudly presented its favorite beloved music - a veritable palate of delectable selections. One could get lost in the beauty of the music and the peace that filled the sanctuary. A lovely evening altogether, though a long and demanding day.

The best part of the evening was hanging out with the choir in our designated space. We had lots of comfy seating, and some were stretched out napping while others chatted quietly. One kind soul went to the local store and procured bottles of drinking water - a much needed resource. I thankfully sipped the cool refreshing liquid, grateful for his thoughtfulness. I was blessed sitting there watching everyone enjoy our time together.

This is family at its best. One singer helping the kids of another singer with their math homework, another kid babysitting, another singer befriending one of our college students. Isn't it great to belong? All of us just hanging out, chilling until the concert. Then each one giving their all to make our part of the concert be the best we can. Its a huge outpouring of time and energy, but we always come away with new music in our ears and a warmth in our hearts. And an offering to help those who need a hand.