Can we talk?

Choir Practice

         I'm not a natural when it comes to music. I can't sightread. I learned to play a wind instrument, not a piano; so I can only read one line of notes at a time, in fact, one note at a time. A pianist can see a whole chord over two staffs at one time. I can't. I don't have perfect pitch. Tell me to sing middle C and I probably won't come close.

         But I like to sing. I learn the notes in solitary, with a keyboard, or a piano if I can find one. I pick out the notes, not in rhythm because I'm not fast enough. I learn what note to go to, then I work out the rhythm, and try to connect it to words. It's hard work, actually. Then I still have to practice with the group, and not be overwhelmed by the other parts.

         And over so quickly. Once you learn it, if you do a performance, it's over and gone. But somehow it's so worth the effort. Otherwise, why would so many people work at it? It's not just the performance, the success, or just getting through it. It's the process, the struggle, the getting there.

         I like the discipline. You have one individual following the rules-the written music-and following directions, "softly", "crescendo", etc.You have a group, working together, following a director, breathing together, blending their voices or their instruments. In a band or a choir, you must have team work. The discipline, the uniqueness, the teamwork all come together to make something beautiful.