Every week throughout the school year, Josiah and David, along with a hundred (give or take a few) other choristers who live in or near the Shenandoah Valley, faithfully practice their music four times a week at home, then gather on Monday evenings to rehearse together as the Shenandoah Valley Children's Choir. Their discipline pays off; and as the weeks slip by and concert time approaches, their level of excellence in performing the music rises fantastically.
But that's not the only thing that rises. So does their excitement. :)
I had the pleasure of sitting in for part of their rehearsal this evening; and oh, what a treat! But actually, the real treat is coming on Sunday when all the hours of the young singers' hard work--practicing solfege until they never mistake a "re" for a "mi," tripping over lyrics in foreign languages until their tongues begin to say them smoothly, thinking about time signatures and syncopation and tricky rhythms until the unfamiliar beats become second nature, memorizing not only the words of all their songs but also musical expression and occasional hand motions, and so much more--culminates in a performance that is sure to be breath-taking. (Locals who don't have plans for Sunday afternoon, you are cordially invited to come check us out! More info here.) :)
I am only mother to two of the choristers in the performing choirs; but tonight as I consider the focus and self-discipline and hard work and beauty that characterizes these young people, I can't help but feel a little maternal about all of them.
I am so very proud of every single one of the choristers of the SVCC!!
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