Choir Last Brush Up

Last week I gave my choir a light rehearsal and sent them home early. I was concerned that they get enough rest and not fall prey to this bug going around. This week, I will have them sing through the recital pieces they are singing by themselves without the other ensembles joining in to remind them of what we have learned, to fix any little errors, to help them feel like they are ready.

We are low in numbers tonight, but I know this group. They are dependable and will be there for the dress rehearsal and recital. Those who are overwhelmed have already let me know that they will not be joining. I am sad to lose a few singers, but their lives have changed and they are wise to keep their priorities straight.

We sing through our music, and as I suspected, we are in good shape. I take them right up to the last minute of rehearsal time, but I believe they too sense that they sing the music well. In fact, it is possible that we have moved beyond worrying over what note comes next and how to pronounce the words. It is possible that the music is beginning to speak to us, to have internal meaning, to become a natural expression of something deep within us.

That is the appeal of folk music. A melody is sung so often that it becomes part of who we are, it shapes us and - for musicians - more importantly, we shape the music. Imbue it with our hearts, our passion. What better text than the Lord's Prayer for such an endeavor? Can it be that some of this music will stay with us after the concert? Will it continue to be there in our moments of crisis when we need something solid to hang on to?

Surely that is far more important than the recital. To connect with the things of God through the medium of music whereby we may retain that connection to God. That has been my prayer throughout. And not just for the musicians. For the congregation who will attend. That they be touched by God, be drawn into his presence, take away something in their hearts that will bring comfort and assurance for decades.

We shall see.