I did something different tonight–I joined a community choir. One of my colleagues formed a community choir, and I pledged to join the bass section. My wife wasn’t too happy that I made the commitment, although I know she will be in the audience when we put on some community performances next spring. Choir practice started last week, but I was unavailable. I went tonight for the first time, but I’m not sure whether or not to continue. Part of me says I shouldn’t do it, because I’m already overcommitted, and time is precious. Choir practice is scheduled for two hours every Tuesday night. Another part of me is urging me to do something different for a change. This definitely is different!
Joining a choir hearkens back to my youth, when I regularly participated in high school and church choirs. When I was in high school, I starred in a couple of school musicals. After high school, I kept up the hobby by singing in church choirs, but my interest gradually faded. Singing in a choir requires a high degree of discipline and commitment that I did not have when I was younger. I still don’t know if I have what it takes to stay committed to this endeavor. I haven’t read sheet music in years, and reading the music elicited feelings akin to getting back on a bicycle years after the last ride (I haven’t ridden in years either). I had forgotten what it was like to sing with discipline, which is a far cry from free-spirited, entertaining karaoke. The songs we sang tonight are very old medleys penned by the likes of Bach and Mozart, among others. They require a strong grasp of range, melody, rhythm, and harmony. Nevertheless, I enjoyed reliving the way I used to practice singing. Whether I’ll enjoy it week in and week out remains to be seen. Like a classroom, choir practice will retrain me in a discipline that disappeared from my life years ago. In the end, I think it will be well worth the effort, because I will be part of what I think will be an amazing choir. My colleague, the choir director, is also a music instructor and has directed many, many choirs. He is autocratic and will drive us to excel like a drill sargeant, which is exactly what we need. I also look forward to meeting many new friends, Korean and American, who share the same passion for singing. Together, we shall make beautiful music.
Blog Notes: I spoke to my sister this weekend. She said that my grandma’s condition has stabilized. The operation was very traumatic to her system. She is a very strong lady, and I am hopeful that she will heal, even at 94 years old. We moved our return trip to the U.S. up to May, increasing the chance I will see her again.
you lucky guy, do what you favor. as a youngman I can’t pile out any time to do what i really like to do.
Glad to hear your Grandmother is doing better. Also, congrats on the write up in the magazine. I think that staying in the choir will definately be worth it. I think we working people spend so much time trying to do all the serious and important stuff for other people that we often lose sight of little hobbies and/or creative outlets that are just for ourselves. Don’t you think so?