As my third spring production with Milligan's Women's Chorale draws closer, I began reflecting on my 18 years of experience in choirs. I have learned both musical and everyday skills that would beat any minimum wage job on my resume. Below are some things that I have learned by being in choir after so many years.
1. Sight reading.
This is a more practical skill learned from frequent choir participation. Somehow we train our brains to read words we have never seen before and sing the correct notes with those words at the same time. It's like magic. Until you stumble on one note and the whole thing falls apart...but you'll fix that later.
2. Following directions exactly is important.
The conductor holds the power. He or she can control the volume, articulation, cut off and breathing pattern with the wave of a hand. In order to participate in all of this, you have to keep your eye on him or her constantly, obeying each command. If you do not follow the conductor's lead perfectly, you might end up with an impromptu solo, and no one wants that.
3. Controlling my voice.
Breathing also falls into this category. Knowing how to control your voice means knowing how to control people's perceptions of what you are saying. How do you want to relay your message? What tone do you want to use? How can you best express this emotion? The answers can be found when you learn to take authority over your own body and voice.
4. Music brings people together.
I know it sounds cheesy, but it's true. Even if you speak a different language from someone else, you can communicate emotion through music. Studying music gives you the opportunity to learn about other cultures and time periods. Singing a song based off of a hymn from the 19th century connects you to everyone else who has ever sang that hymn. You are essentially worshiping with centuries of Christians. The honor is overwhelming.
5. How to be a part of something bigger than myself.
I originally had these thoughts listed as several separate points, but I realized they could all be summed into one. Being in a choir my entire life has taught me teamwork. I have learned how to communicate and get along with different types of people in order to make music with them. I have learned how to listen intently and to blend my voice with those around me. It isn't about being the loudest singer—it's about being a part of one voice. I have learned how to be a team player. If that means changing voice parts four times in one semester to support my team, then that is what I will do.
I couldn't have made it this far without my various choir families. Although there have been moments of frustration and songs I did not particularly like, being a part of a choir for the past 18 years has taught me so much. I don't regret a single measure of it.
