Throughout my 40 years on this planet (still coming to grips that I'm 40, but that's for another day), I have been blessed to sing with many different choirs. Growing up, I started singing in the Cherub choir around 4-5 years old and worked my way through all the church choir (and my mom directed most of them). I also sang in school choir, camp choirs, convention choirs and then traveled to Europe during high school with the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp international choir in 1997. For several years in high school and post college I sang with the Midland, MI Choral. In college, I sang with the choir for a year (I played hand bells for most of my 4 years). When I moved to Virginia, I sang in several church choirs and spent several seasons with The Virginia Beach Choral.
There is something magical when voices come together, and though many different parts are sung, the tones, and harmonies can hit you deep in the soul and touch your heart like few things can. Goosebumps form and tears slide down your face when you hear the perfect notes and the most beautiful words ever written.
I never though I would loose the ability to sing with others. Even though I am busy at work and can't sing with every group that I want to, up until 2020, I could at least find time to sing with one group. Choral singing has been a victim of the pandemic and a loss that we probably all feel, but probably don't think about. It's a loss for the singers and those we bring joy too. Singing together brings unity, team work, and a common goal. The result of months of practice is seeing your audience sit in awe and wonder.
When all of this is over and it's safe to sing in a room, I will rejoice and smile, as I can once again join friends, sing various parts, and come together for the magical moments that music brings.
There is a song that we have sung with the Virginia Beach Choral that just gives me shivers when I hear it. It's the perfect combination of lyrics and harmonies that will leave no eye dry in the house. If one person is off, the song doesn't work and the magic is gone. The King singers, (and a few friends) recorded it last year for a virtual choir and it exemplifies everything written above. Please sit back and enjoy "And So It Goes" by Billy Joel arr. Bob Chilcott (I have sung this live and dream of doing it again)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HINNVwddDJU
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