Singing is one of the most powerful forms of expression humans have. Aside from violence, slam poetry, dance, or sports, song captivates the mind and soul in both the recipients and those singing. It can be an expression of raw emotion or worship; of love or hate.
I have always liked singing, and in my time at Whitworth, I have grown to love it. With almost three semesters of Men's Chorus under my belt, I have developed a love for choral music and performance. There is something surreal about the blending of voices in an ensemble that exudes power, passion, and raw beauty. Hanging on to the last note of a concert in an auditorium filled with darkness and the flicker of candles, to set it free and let it dissipate in the audience is like being suspended, free of time and space.
It has been my honor to be in the Men's Chorus and participate in a team of singers. The definition of an ensemble is "a group coming together to produce a single effect" (Dr. Hafso). This is why I like to think the choir as a team. All members come together to play a very delicate and intricate part in making a moving and artistic final result. All members must perform in lock step with one another, sing on key with proper vowel shape, and know the music impeccably. The result of all these elements coming together is a beautiful and unique sound that has a magical, if not spiritual quality.
Every song has a different meaning for any given individual. Some people are touched by a certain Christmas song their mother sang to them, and some are brought back to childhood by an old poem put to music. My voice instructor always emphasizes the point of finding the meaning behind a song and using that emotion to tell the audience a story. Good vocal performance conveys not only the sound, but the emotion behind the words; the progression of events. Whether it be a love ballad or mournful goodbye, each song contains within it the potential to touch the heart of any listener.
Everything I have outlined above adds to my love of singing, whether it be solo performance or choral performance. Having the ability to raise goosebumps in the audience and bathe them with wash of sound is my gift to those who listen. In terms of worship, I spent one evening with the Jubilation Dance class at Whitworth, and decided that although dancing is a form of worship for those that choose it, it is not for me. Rather, I prefer to give my voice to God in both church and choral music. Through song, I can give my emotion, energy, and talent to my audience and my God.
