Tuesday, October 25, 2022
Choir school
Be more kind
Click the video image above to hear this week's musical reflection!
SJC Choir School. SJC Youth Choir. These two programs are running concurrently each week with Choir School Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at Dondero Elementary, and SJC Youth Choir running Wednesday afternoons in Thaxter Hall. While these programs are different in personnel and sometimes in their goals, we are running them in parallel through our performance during the Presiding Bishop’s visit in November, after which the Wednesday program will pivot to pageant preparation. It has been remarkable to see these children learning and growing in their musical abilities and confidence already this year.
When we begin each year’s journey in Choir School/Youth Choir, it is so important for us to help students discover their own voice, and the collective voice of the program. What do we sound like now, and how can we work together on our technique, fundamentals, and artistry to maximize our potential? We begin this process by selecting a song mostly sung in unison - together, all on one part.
Last year, that meant “Crowded Table,” a familiar SJC favorite originally performed by The Highwomen. No harmony at all. This year, we chose “Be More Kind,” a song that was new to us, and found small opportunities for some harmonies to be introduced. Were they perfect? No! And that’s ok! We are on a year-long journey during which will continue to strive for perfection and discover excellence, growing to our fullest potential with our annual Culmination Recital, likely taking place on Saturday, April 1st, and our final performance at the Palm Sunday service on Sunday, April 2.
“Be More Kind,” by Frank Turner is a simple piece with a beautiful message. The message of this piece is beautiful: no matter what is going on for you, understand that others are going through their own individual struggles, and though things may seem crazy, we have one true directive: be kind to others. It costs you nothing, and makes all the difference in the world to those with whom you interact. We hope this message will ring true to you and help remind you to choose kindness in your daily lives.