Back to the Chaos

**As I was updating my 2 other blogs today, I realized it's almost been a year since I posted anything over here. Not sure if anyone else still reads this other than me and Phyllis, but that's OK. We enjoy waxing eloquent just for ourselves, I think...:)**

Well, Summer's over and we in the Annapolis Chorale have been back in full speed ahead mode for the past few weeks. After our third year singing the Jewish High Holy Days with Temple Beth Shalom, I think we finally were close to actually being completely comfortable with the music. I really enjoyed singing it this time, and there was only one point where I turned the page and though "Oh *&%$!" I don't think I remember what this sounds like!" As much fun as the HHD are, they are exhausting, and I'm kinda glad they are over on the scheduling front.

In other news, I am now singing alto on some pieces in Chamber Chorus. It's so much fun! The alto line is always more challenging musically, if not vocally. I'm remembering that since the alto part is often filling out the chord, sometimes the line is not melodic. Those are the times that it is harder to keep the pitch up...and I kind of enjoy that challenge. It makes me use my brain.

What I have found extremely funny about singing alto for the Brahms' Requiem is other people's reactions. It is interesting to me that people feel so defined by a particular voice part. "I'm an alto, I can't sing above an E", or more often, "I'm a better singer because I'm a soprano and can sing higher than altos". The real truth is that most people have similar ranges, and their voice part is somewhat determined by the color of their voice. I guess I have an androgenous color to my voice...:) After I moved over to the alto section, a couple of sopranos asked me "What happened?!" as if I had lost the ability to sing high notes or been "demoted". I said, "After my audition, Ernie decided that I should sing alto on some pieces". They continued to look at me confused...and said, "But you sing so well. You should be a soprano." I didn't know what to say to that, other than "Thanks for the compliment. I'm enjoying singing alto. It's a fun challenge. And altos sing well, too." People who create stereotypes for singing parts are really missing the boat, in my opinion. I'm loving switching back and forth...to me it's the best of both worlds. Lovely melodic lines and challenging fun harmony.

Next up for us, the Brahms' Requiem concert. Y'all come!