For about 20 years I have sung in a local chorus. Mostly classical music - usually a Mass in the fall (I've gotten very good at Latin) and lighter stuff in the winter and spring. Since I love to sing, but have an awful shyness about singing in public - the chorus is a perfect way for me to do what I like to do yet not faint from shyness and fear of public expressionism. Our director is amazingly creative and always challenges us to learn more, do different stuff, expand our repertoire. We've sung in Boston a few times - on our own and also with the local Russian chorus (that was my favorite). We recorded a CD of Amy Beach's Grand Mass in E flat (not a best seller, but a great stocking stuffer for friends and family). Here is one picture of me actually singing in a concert - I think I'm in the top row - third one in.
We rehearse on Monday nights and it's tough to get there. For the past few years, I haven't sung much and I realize how much I miss it. Singing is a great stress reducer, and I know I need to reduce my stress - so I'm going this year - at least to rehearsals. The concert is always on the Sunday before Thanksgiving and that's a tough time for me - we usually go to Florida for Thanksgiving week and its crazy to miss the weekend. I'm also in charge of the tickets and the chorus information booklet - but those are tiny chores.
So that's my singing story - not terribly exciting and sometimes one more thing to keep up with. But I love it, I really do and going again this year is helping me cope with all the recent changes and upsets.
12 comments:
I can understand your stage fright. I play guitar and love to play at jams and rehearsals but hate to perform. It does take you away from anything in your life except the performance. I hope you do it so you can relax and have some fun.
That's one more wonderful facet of you ;)
I'm glad you have this to be a part of.♥
you are lucky to have a good singing voice, which you must have inherited from your opera singing MOm!! I agree that singing is a great stress releasor and I very much wish I could carry a tune. As it is I have to sing when alone only. Smile. Good that you are doing this for you.
I had no idea you were also musical. Ya learn something new about people everyday. Sounds like you handled your problems at work very well, I'm proud of you. That was the adult and professional thing to do. I'm surrounded by baby's at my job..."she hurt my feelings" and "he said this" and blah, blah, blah. I get so tired of it.
What a lovely thing to do for yourself Mim. I'm so impressed with all of your talents, your family must be so proud of you.
That is a great shot of you doing one of the things you love so well!
xoxo
lori
Actually, I am NOT surprised that you are a singer! You have a lot of your Mum's artistic genes. Are you a soprano like her?
Singing IS a wonderful stress reducer.... it releases all those powerful emotions - joy and even sadness.... but conveying it in a chorus is something much more...to be many and sing as one is such an evocative experience....
I used to sing in one - but haven't for many years.... still, I can sing along (sotto voce) during rehearsals with the Opera Chorus... and of course, sing "solo" during my bath..or just hiking in the Presidio.
Love,
♥ Robin ♥
I am happy to know you have this other talent and that it brings you such pleasure. My DH sings too and so very very well. And he shares your shyness of singing in public. I wonder if he could do a chorus? But don't think there are many who sing his type of song: Sea Shanti, Irish drinking songs, cowboy music?
LOL But he's good.
Keep singing as I agree it's a great stress reducer, even listening is.
I have forever wanted to be in a choir. The problem is I can't sing. I really am unable to hold a tune...my family, all musical, are amazed at how funny I sound (at Christmas I don't hold back, I sing all the old tunes, and crack my family up each time). So I'm really glad shyness didn't hold you back from singing. Music is such a strong stress reducer! Good going, Mim!!
That is amazing. Amazing because you have never said anything and it is so wonderful!! Good for you to enjoy so much.
How fun! I used to sing in the chorus in high school, but since then I only sing in the car! Bravo to you for doing this. Everyone needs to have some sort of fun outlet and this "sounds" perfect.
Singing is so much fun! I've been singing in a choir for over 12 years now and still I love doing it. And like you say: it reduces stress - it really does!
i imagine singing masses must feel very holy. i can't carry a tune, i wish i could, but i love to sing, often in my car. i'm glad you sing, mim
i recognized you right away. in two seconds. i think it's because i love you.
♥
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