Monday, March 23, 2009

Musical Opportunity

I've been the ward choir director basically since I went to college at age 17 (in other words, going on almost 14 years...) and whereas I have enjoyed this calling - I've never felt especially confident in my ability to do it. Sure I can read music. Sure I can choose choral music. Sure I can teach parts. Sure I can sing. But my hands have never had any formal training. I don't own a baton. I just kind of figured that I know more about music than your average molly mormon, so I always got the calling. This is how I see it - and it's not a bad thing. To be honest, I truly enjoy music. I love to sing. And I like leading the ward choir - I just don't see it as a huge talent or ability that I have. Well, yesterday I had the opportunity to lead our Stake choir practice. Here's some perspective: our ward choir averages 6-10 people per week. The Stake choir? 80-100. Yes, there's a little difference there. I was nervous about the idea of doing it - and even wondered what on earth the real stake choir director was thinking in asking me to substitute for him - but once the practice got started, it went smoothly. In fact, I enjoyed it. It was amazing to be a part of such lovely music-making. I felt like I was spreading my little choir-director-wings for that hour and a half last night. It's fun to see how God helps us to stretch ourselves when we might not think we're able. It was wonderful.

9 comments:

marlene said...

YES...I did buy it - Karson and I watched it for date night on Saturday. The deleted scenes are fun to watch - some I wish they would have kept, others they were smart to let go :) Find yourself some time to sit down and watch, you deserve it!

The new pics of the kids are so cute! I LOVE Keith's spiky hair :)

Anonymous said...

You DO have such a wonderful talent. I am sure that you did fantastic. :)

Carina said...

I'm glad you had such a good experience. I'd love to be ward choir director again--but alas, I was only the director for my freshman year of college. Since then, I've always just been the accompanist, either for the choir or RS or sacrament meeting or any other meeting they needed me for (that last part was only on my mission). I was actually called just a month ago to be the choir pianist, so this should be fun. I'm sure you make a great director!

Anonymous said...

I'm going to email you again regarding my last email and a visit, but let's talk. I can at least give you some pointers from the 3 conducting courses I've taken.

KC

nicole said...

How wonderful! I'm so glad it was a good experience for you. That would have been so intimidating! You are a real talent. :)

Karin said...

So fun!! I love leading choirs, but it can be challenging. I love to feel the Spirit as that wonderful blessing comes!! So glad you enjoyed it!!

Melisa said...

That is wonderful!

Michele said...

That must've been truly a wonderful experience indeed!!!
Good for you!!

Hugs♥

Stefanie said...

You did a great job at stake choir! Not a question why Skip asked you to fill in for him...And having a batton does not make you a super choir director...it's harder to direct using a batton than just your arm...