That’s an awesome question. It’s something I’ve always done since I can remember. I stopped to really think about that question. Because if I could choose one that that I do (play piano, organ, trumpet or sing) what would it be? I’d sing.
My dad played choral music regularly growing up. That was my first exposure. He was also a pastor. So I grew up literally next door to the church and music was a huge part of that. But why did I sing?
For me, singing has a powerful and emotional connection. I’m fascinated in looking at that connection. Why, earlier this summer, did I tear up in church when we sang a hymn that probably most people didn’t know? Because it was one of the first hymns where I sang a verse in German. My family sang it for my grandparents’ 50th wedding anniversary service. I was 7. That was a huge impact in my life.
All through childhood, I sang in choirs, and there were lots of songs that I connected with, but it was when I got to high school that my love and passion for singing kicked in big time. My freshman year of high school, I was in our madrigal choir (I ended up singing all 4 years in it) and was in my first musical (Guys and Dolls). But it was the spring concert, where we sang excerpts from Mozart’s Requiem that just took a hold of me.
The thought of the mystery and the story behind Mozart’s Requiem, along with the thought that Mozart was composing this (in his mind) for his own funeral was powerful! And the music is dramatic, powerful and beautiful!
But then, my sophomore year, we sang my most favorite piece. “Alleluia” by Randall Thompson. I’ll do a deeper dive into this piece in another post down the road, but it only has 2 words. Alleluia and Amen. That’s it. An almost 6 minute piece with 2 words? How can such a simple text be so beautiful? It’s all in the music. Now, back then I loved the piece because it featured a low D, and as a bass that could rumble that out with no problem, it was my favorite. Now, I understand the true depth and beauty of this piece.
There have been plenty of pieces throughout my years that I’ve loved singing and that’s furthered the depth and passion for me to sing. For about 19 years, I didn’t sing as much, and I became focused on helping others sing, whether that was as a teacher or choir director. I do love that opportunity and I use the experience and training that I’ve had as a singer to help others. I’ve gotten back into singing more, and have been reminded of why I love it so much.
So why do I sing? Singing is emotional. It’s powerful. It connects. It’s something that I believe God created me to do. And I get to use that to help and encourage others, whether that is through my own singing or through my teaching.
