Snow Day!

Those words were music to my ears as a kid. We'd all come down to the kitchen and feel the wood stove kicking in, gather around the table and wait to hear if radio announcer Bob Steele would call out our school's name. Once we knew for sure, I don't recall ever going back to bed, maybe in my teenage years, but before that, we were out the door having a blast in the snow asap. I'm so grateful I grew up in a time when life was simpler. When you had a day off, you could play or read and maybe watch a little TV.Living in the country..it was all about the great outdoors.

Once we were out the door, it was time to figure out creative ways on how to entertain ourselves. There was the usual sledding or tobogganing down the hill over the big, beautiful man made pond that graced our back yard, or we'd build snowmen, snow forts, and sculptures. We also did a lot of shoveling and helping neighbors dig out. I don't think we ever complained. Later, back at the cozy farmhouse, we'd have hot chocolate or whatever goody our mother was cooking.

I especially loved walking in the woods on our huge property by myself. There is something so peaceful about snow. I think being among the trees and wildlife spawned my love for photography. I've always had a vivid imagination and could picture creatures and spirits peeking out behind the mighty spruce and pine trees.

What a great time to be a kid. It sure made me appreciate the little things in life.

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....