You may be studying computer science at a university, working a nine to five desk job, or interning somewhere really cool, but back in high school, you were a vocal star. A choral star to be precise. This is something no one can ever take away from you.
No matter where life takes you, we can all thank choir for teaching us a thing or two about sight reading and always bringing a pencil to class. But there are many more traits and characteristics that you will carry throughout your life thanks to high school choir. Whether you like it or not, choral singing made an impact on your life. Here are eight things that won't let you forget it:
1. You know how to work a one-size-fits-all black floor-length dress.
Although you may never have to wear that gaudy piece of fabric again, you still hold onto it just in case the occasion may arise for you to get back on those risers to perform yet another rendition of “America the Beautiful.”
2. Vocal warm-ups still haunt your dreams.
You live with the irrational fear that your vowels will never be tall enough, your section will never be able to blend and the sopranos will always be too loud.
3. While driving, you harmonize to every song on the radio.
It can be certain that Rihanna and Fall Out Boy have never had as good a back-up singer. Someone riding shotgun? Well they better gosh-darn know how to hold down that melody so you are free to add as many zesty intervals as need be.
4. You know a wide array of famous poems, Latin hymns and jazz standards.
This is a given. Thankfully now you have the knowledge to dominate “Music and Lyrics” trivia night at your local dive bar.
5. You know not to lock your knees. Ever.
This was key to every performance, otherwise you risked falling off the bleachers mid-song onto the gym floor. This would be a real embarrassment to your director and all 10 members of the audience who came to see your concert.
6. Let’s face it: you think Eric Whitacre is hot.
Don’t even try and hide it. Not only is he your favorite composer, but over the years you have developed a preference for his demi-god-like luscious blonde hair and on-point 5 o’clock shadow.
7. You can speak some Italian (as long as the conversation is about tempo or volume).
Forte, allegro, mezzo-piano, crescendo... You might as well be fluent.
8. You still have no idea where your soft palate is and probably never will.
Just know that wherever you are and wherever the soft palate is, it should probably be lifted.
So thanks, high school choir, for making sure I'm always prepared for a spontaneous in-car concert and a bunch of other weird stuff that I may never need to know ever again.
