Choir geek

Yes, I'll admit it. I am unabashedly a choir nerd. Have been since high school. I always loved the camaraderie that singing in a group, be it large or small, could bring. In high school I sang in a girls ensemble as a freshman and sophomore and the concert choir junior and senior year. I also had the privilege of participating in all South Jersey and All State choruses. Again, super fun! In college, the choral fun continued. After a one year break to attend a wilderness camp, I jumped back into choir, singing in the concert choir, chamber singers and community choir throughout college. I also hired out my services as a soprano "ringer" for two local churches during my years in college. And of course, when I went to grad school, I got to sing in the illustrious Westminster Choir, observing fabulous conductors and singing with seasoned singers was an experience I will always cherish. 

In spring 2002, my last year of college, I was living at home and commuting to my classes during the week. Dad had recently taken over the responsibility of the church choir. I wanted to support him in this undertaking, so I started coming to choir to help him out. I could tell it wasn't his favorite thing in the world to be conducting and he would rather just sing. I think it only took two or three weeks until he asked if I wanted to conduct one piece. Well, one thing led to another and I ended up conducting the choir by the end of the spring. I think Dad was relieved it was off his plate and I found myself enjoying conducting.  This year marks the 10th year I've been conducting choir and this Sunday, our new season kicks off. Below is our beautiful filing cabinets and bins, all organized.   

 When I come to church to organize and listen to music, I usually do most of the work in the church nursery because Kira keeps herself occupied quite nicely!

 I think I have enjoyed conducting for a number of reasons. One, I enjoy interacting with people and getting them excited and inspired about music. Two, conducting really is an opportunity to express your own personal interpretation of the music. Just as a soloist must have a clear vision for how they will sing a solo, so the conductor must have in mind the sound and expression that he/she wants. It is the choirs duty to mimic what their conductor is giving them. Like looking in the mirror. It is this very collaborative process that I love.