Our weekends are generally filled with music but this weekend, even more so. It started with a chant workshop with Floriani Saturday morning at St. Clare of Assisi. That evening we sang with them at Mass. Every time we have a workshop or coaching session, I am reminded again and again of the basics of good singing--breathing, giving shape to a phrase, carrying over the long notes. I learned a couple of new things: to sing high notes softly and 32nd notes, so prevalent in Indian music (see an explanation of the most common flourishes here: How to sing Gamakas? | VoxGuru ft. Pratibha Sarathy). Floriani gave a free concert on Sunday evening, which we had to miss because we were singing Palestrina's Missa Brevis for Laetare Sunday. Oh, how beautiful to see so many altar boys processing in... Our pastor reminded us to persevere in our Lenten devotions, to be aware of the joy of the Lord. Lent is almost over; it is preparation for resurrection, for freedom, for joy. Rejoice! 
It is extra-special to sing with Michael and Dagny! And the fun continues. Local friends, we are having our barbershop dress rehearsal 7:30 pm at Franke's at Seaside (1500 Franke Dr. in Mt. Pleasant) as we prepare for regional contest this coming weekend in Florida. We also have two quartets competing: Encore and Put a Ring On It. I can't wait to hear their contest sets. We're so stoked, we're singing all the time...while doing housework, driving, in parking lots :)
4 comments:
Blessings for having made it to the (almost) end of Lent. Light at the end of this tunnel is visible
Safe travels to and from Florida! Enjoy your time at the competition.
That's very interesting about the different notes in Indian music. I learned something new today. :) I hope your Florida competition goes well!
Thank you, Mirka. I find that the spiritual warfare is greater after Laetare Sunday.
Carol, thank you. I love singing with these ladies. Competition pushes us to be our very best.
Thank you, Jenni. I used to be able to sing like that as a child because it was in the air, but I've lost that vocal dexterity. As with everything, if you don't use it, you lose it.
Post a Comment