Hi! It’s Heather The Happy Blogger coming to you from my makeshift office in our condo. It’s not much to look at but it gets the job done and since we’re not in a furnished place, what we have is limited. We might not have a sofa right now but we have each other and Jazz!
Concordia Chamber Choir
One of the benefits of being in Athens for a while is that we get to connect with the community. I was excited to learn about the many choirs here especially since I sang with the Orlando Chorale for 7 years and have been singing ever since I can remember. I found the Concordia Chamber Choir online and auditioned not too long after we settled. The group was founded by Jason Bennett in 2006 and performs mostly a cappella pieces that are traditional with modern elements. I was thrilled to start rehearsing last week and even though the group is small, the sound was mighty! We’re still looking for additional singers and our concert isn’t until early spring so we have time to grow.
I’m happy because this environment not only gives me the chance to get to know people, but I’m also learning more about the town which has high regard for the Arts. For example, tomorrow I get to visit UGA’s (University of Georgia) School of Music to learn choreography for a piece we’re performing called “Bonse Aba” which is popular in Zambia. We’re also going to collaborate with some other choirs for holiday concerts and we’re singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” (which Jason arranged) at an upcoming UGA gymnastics meet. Supposedly, these events sell out so tickets are hard to come by but we’ll be there. Score! Maybe our performance will even be televised…
The music is so uplifting and I got teary the first time I sang some of the pieces. Jason has a real gift when it comes to selecting songs and if he’s not moved, we’re not performing it. He’s also a perfectionist so once showtime arrives, we’ll be exceptional.
I can’t wait for more events (yesterday was only the second rehearsal)! In the meantime, here are some previous performances by Concordia on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/ConcordiaChoir
About Heather Stearns
