Spirituals

Today, my choir job in Hartford resumed after Christmas break. In celebration of Martin Luther King Day we sang some spirituals. There is something about that kind of music that stirs my soul. Our introit was a beautiful arrangement by Fenno Heath of "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child". Fenno is famous for his long history with the Yale Glee Club and one of a handful of directors of that choir. The words are powerful and lots of line and dynamics are required. I'm a very emotional singer and sometimes need to be careful not to let those emotions get out of control. In my opinion, it's all about the text. We really did a beautiful job and sang it at the piano downstairs in the Cathedral,something we don't do very often.

Next, was my favorite of the two spirituals, the wonderful "Aint a That Good News", which we sang from the choir loft.This piece holds great memories for me,having sung it on a choir tour to Ireland in 1994. It's a little tricky, but we finally ironed out the rhythm kinks and rocked it.Our sound was out of this world. It's a high energy piece and our fabulous choirmaster, Jeff Douma, really gives us energy.. Jeff shows his emotions big time when he conducts and he carries us on his back. We are nearly an all professional choir but you still need that leadership.I must add that he is the current director of the Yale Glee Club and a professor of choral conducting at Yale..we are so lucky to have him.

I wish we sang more spirituals..I think they make people feel good, whether you're singing...or listening....