17 September 2014
One of my old violin pieces
I grew up in a very musical family. It was never a question of whether or not I would play an instrument, it was which one would I choose. I also loved singing but was forced to choose between chorus and orchestra when I got to middle school...
In high school, I could have auditioned for chorus but my shyness kept me from trying. I auditioned for orchestra festivals all throughout school but there is something about singing…being a lone voice in front of other people. It still scares me. Being in the church choir is a blessing because there were no auditions!
I got involved with the staff choir while I was on Iona. It was one of my favourite parts of the week. It was usually a really small group and we would practice, without music, late on a Saturday afternoon and perform during the welcome service that evening…sometimes 20 minutes later. It was pretty exhilarating. Music was all around me during my time on Iona. You could be sitting near the music director in the refectory and be asked to join in on the music that evening. I remember sitting on the steps in the Abbey at Christmastime, listening to a rehearsal of “What Child Is This,” and then found myself singing with the group on Christmas Eve. Pretty cool :)
I really missed being a part of a musical group when I got back from Scotland, so when I started going to church down here in Louisiana I took the opportunity to join the choir and I’m so glad I did! Music is such a healing force. Choir rehearsal and Sunday service is one of the few forms of community I have since finishing culinary school. Raising a joyful noise is more precious than most understand. Even singing in my car or when I clean or cook is transforming.
Right now I am thinking about pushing my comfort zone and taking some voice lessons over the coming months. Let my voice be heard.
My Mom recently ran into my former violin teacher and told her I’d brought my violin down here. Her response was happy because she said I’d always had a lot of music in me. That made me smile. I have scared myself and played my violin at one service this past year…I need to practice that more, too…but that’s another story…
XO
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