Barbershop Contest and Piccolo Spoleto Concert

It's been a rollercoaster of emotions these past couple of months. We're singing better and better. But this was the hardest contest I've ever sung. You can see it here: Charleston Sound Chorus - R9 Contest Set - May 2026  https://youtu.be/BPOCX887LMI 

Not only did I injure myself the day before, but our beloved bass section leader, Hannah Harris, died a week before contest. You can listen to David's speech and our song here: Charleston Sound Chorus - R9 Show of Champions -https://youtu.be/VSdJKGjUR5w  

Mary and Hannah

Only one of our quartets sang: Encore Quartet - R9 Contest Set -https://youtu.be/SvPZ6909-RI and they sang so beautifully. Hannah's quartet, Put a Ring on It (they sang at Dagny and Ian's wedding reception) had to withdraw. Alas, I missed all the quartet competitions because I fell in the shower and did the splits, tearing my hamstring. But God is so good--Michael came down with me and was able to care for me. In addition, our chorus has a physical therapist, a nurse, and a nurse practitioner, who are able to assess and give good advice. And many faithful women who prayed over me. Praise Him!!! I was able to procure a wheelchair and rehearse with my chorus and sing.

Below, our coaching with the Queens of Harmony, Dynasty Quartet, and another Queen, Gina Baker earlier in the year.

I had no idea that my fortune could turn in an instant... but what a reminder to stay in a state of grace.  

But I had help--so many graces were poured out on me. We'd been praying the world's oldest novena since Ascension Thursday, to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit and for their fruits to be manifested in us.

We sang. We touched hearts. We learned we could do this even through heartbreak and pain. Hannah would be proud. We placed 3rd overall and 2nd in our division. All glory to God! 

It is so hard to understand why all this is happening, but we trust in God's perfect will for our lives. I truly believe and live Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." 

I had planned to go to Chicago for the Catholic Writing Conference and then to my father's memorial, but I cannot risk further injury. So I'm staying home and resting in the Lord. I find myself crying out of the blue--it reminds me a little of having mild post-partum depression. But my heart is grateful--for having this time to rest and heal, for family and friends closeby, for pictures and videos of Hannah singing. Please pray for her and her family. May God have mercy on her soul, bring her to heaven, and may she welcome us with the choirs of angels when it's our turn to go to our eternal home.

As I rest with my kitties (purrfect therapy), I run through my music for Piccolo Spoleto concert and Guest Night. Today is Pentecost Sunday. Come Holy Spirit! Come!