The Sound of Music

I had fun at church choir practice tonight. But I have to say, learning a large quantity of music for Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday and Easter Sunday can be pretty taxing at times. And confusing too! I can never remember which pieces we're singing on which days.

I usually sing the Alto part, but sometimes, our director has me singing up high with the soprano ladies, and other times she tells me to sing an octave higher along with the basses (the guys). Can you believe that?  Given a choice, I definitely prefer to sing in the "girly" section, but I always try to give those boys a run for their money whenever the opportunity presents itself.

Being a self-taught music reader, I know the note names well enough, but singing them on pitch is always a stretch. Learning a new song usually means listening to my part over and over again. I'm sure that drives my hubby nuts (oh, wait...he was nuts when I married him, so I guess nothing's changed).  LOL

I also get to fill in as a handbell ringer once in a while when the director needs a substitute, like when a regular ringer is absent. When we first got handbells at our congregation, I directed the bell choir because we HAD no music director. That experience was rather like the blind leading the blind, but we all learned a lot, and I was proud of the ringers for playing so well during church services. Now we have a musically-trained director, Pastor's wife, and she really knows her stuff!

It's fun to fill in as a ringer, although I normally don't get to see the pieces I'll be helping out on until a few days before a rehearsal. Since I don't want to be a detriment to the regular ringers, I cheat:  I copy the music, then highlight the notes I'm supposed to play. Hey, whatever works, ya know?

Anyway, I think life is a lot more fun and enjoyable with the sound of music in it. Singing, dancing, ringing, listening...all of it makes life just a little bit sweeter.  Have an awesome week, everyone!