Magnificent Holiday Concert!

On December 15^th the GECC presented “Peace in Harmony” to a wonderfully appreciative audience. Divided into sections of Spiritual Peace, Nature’s Peace, Peace Among Men and The Season’s Peace, the music was by turns, soulful, uplifting and always gorgeous. The imagery which accompanied the music was especially moving when coupled with Where Have all the Flowers Gone and the wonderful Come Colours Rise. Jennifer Gaskins (GECC alumna) was guest soloist for the magnificent Dona Nobis Pacem which also included the combined choirs of the GECC as well as alumni, the Dad’s Chorus and guests from the New Classic Singers. If you missed this extraordinary concert, save the date for the spring concert Stories in Song coming up on May 17^th!

I’ve just attended my 20^th High School reunion this past fall, so reminiscing about my years in the Glen Ellyn Children’s Chorus comes natural.  My favorite memories include Orchestra Hall and Ravinia, but not always the concerts.  I remember the bus rides into the city where we laughed and shared jokes.  The Chicago Post Office Building was the cut off point after which no talking was allowed so we could save our voices.

I remember the heat of summer rehearsing at Ravinia and the towel that James Levine used to wipe the sweat from his brow.  We found a clothes pin on a music stand during a Carmina Burana rehearsal, we drew in eyes and fang like teeth and named it Carmina Pirana.  I still have it!

I remember traveling to other countries like Canada, Germany, Scandinavia. In 1982, during the Cold War, we sang Let there be peace on Earth at the East West German Border at an American Army Base where you could see the barbed wire and watch towers in East Germany.

I remember the Tuesday and Thursday afternoons when we gathered for rehearsal and met with friends from other schools and towns.  I remember the Christmas Concerts at Edmund Chapel and the audience Christmas Carol sing along.  But mostly I remember the music that was more beautiful from a whole ensemble than any single one could attain by themselves.   

These days are filled with music and kids.  Carson loves playing instruments in a parade around the house, banging on drums and making up new songs.  In a couple of years, maybe I’ll drive him to rehearsals in Glen Ellyn where he will make his own music memories.

Happy New Year to all our Chorus friends and families!

Our new chorus term is off to a fine start, with new singers beginning in Treble and Concert Choruses, as well as our MEC classes in Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, and the College of DuPage for our youngest members.  Our Music of the Baroque ensemble is now in rehearsal for the Bach St. Matthew Passion performances in March downtown.  All of our main ensembles are digging into new music in preparation for our gala spring concert, “Stories in Song.”  Opera, operetta, and childhood stories set to music are our focus, and we will welcome stage director Geoffrey Edwards to our rehearsals later this spring to work with all three of our twice-a-week ensembles.  It will be a winter/spring full of drama, fun, and great music!

On a personal note, I’ve been reading books about music and the brain – what scientists have been learning about why we respond to music and where in the brain musical learning lies (answer: several places… active participation in music uses both sides of the brain and can strengthen the connection between the two hemispheres).  My current book offers some fascinating case studies about individuals who have had amazing musical experiences, positive and negative, in response to physical injury to the brain.  Look for a copy of Musicophilia, by neurologist Oliver Sachs, if you’re interested. 

He cites remarkable case histories from his own practice which are, forgive the pun, “mind-blowing!”

May you all stay warm in these cold winter months and anticipate the joys of spring to come!