As I am sure I have mentioned (probably more than once – sorry!) we are extremely busy at the moment, partly because of the new centre and partly because more kids need us, which is great. However, when Saturday arrives it does leave me with that running on empty feeling after 6 long days of admin, phone calls, planning and tutoring. But in spite of this, or perhaps because of it, when I was invited to a weekend concert by the mother of one our kids who would be singing in it, I jumped at the chance, I think more for the change of scenery than anything else! I got far more than that though.
The concert was held at Walford Girls School, and was the final in a series of concerts for youth choirs. Jed, our student, is in the Australian Youth Choir. I sat with Jed’s mum and grandma in the front row. Jed appeared on stage, angelic, in a blue and yellow robe. We could see his eyes search the 400-strong audience for a friendly face. The beam on Jed’s face when he saw me sitting next to his mum was priceless. And then singing began. It wasn’t long before I was smiling too!
Some of you will know that one of my hobbies is singing in the Tutti Choir, a mixed abilities choir based out of Minda. Singing is one of my great joys, whether I am singing or listening, and within minutes the simple pleasure of hearing young voices joined in choreographed unison had completely taken me out of myself. If I closed my eyes I was transported back to every cathedral, church and concert hall that I had visited to hear a choir. It is a difficult feeling to describe, but for me it is so moving that it often moves me to tears (which can be a little embarrassing when you are in mixed company and also trying to hold a conversation!).
Singing for young children is a wonderful experience. If they are engaged early enough, before self-consciousness and peer pressure can interfere, it can provide them a way to express themselves, boost their self-esteem, gain a wider appreciation of music, and achieve in something completely different to sport or school. Like our centre, the best choirs provide an environment that is safe and supportive as well as inclusive. It is an introduction to another part of life that, like travelling or the arts, will make them more rounded as people and more open to new experiences. It encourages self-discipline, better communication and inter-personal skills and a strong sense of teamwork and community.
For all of these reasons, and after weeks and months of work excuses, I will be returning to my choir this week, leaving the centre in the capable hands of our tutors. I will admit to being a bit of a ‘show pony’, and enjoy getting up on stage in the limelight. But, more than this, I miss the sheer pleasure of joining my voice with others and creating something that is bigger than all of us. Practice is enjoyable enough, but when you join with the audience in concert and share a piece of music, well, it is hard for me to imagine anything else that gives as much pleasure.
I would encourage all of you to seek out a concert near you in the run up to Christmas. Take your kids, drag them if need be. You will be amazed at the transformation in them when the singing starts, especially the young ones. You are of course welcome to attend the Tutti Christmas concert on Sunday 15th December in Norwood and give me a wave and an encouraging smile!