Nordic

Today was my first rehearsal with Nordic choir, an ensemble of 72. After a week (well, actually 4 months) of callbacks and stress, I was finally and unbelievably there, among others who shared my passion for choir.
Long story short, I was overwhelmed by the amount of engaged participants in the room. Dr. Arnold commanded attention and respect, and we were drawn into his world of vowel shapes and beautiful diction. I loved the way he said in so many words, "I am not Weston Noble. This choir will be different, and I do not wish to compare it to what some of you have known. Let's accept that fact right now." I admire the way that he won't accept less than exellence; we discovered that as we warmed up on do-re-mi-fa-sol and "My country 'tis of thee." "Think of the possibilities," he told us, "if we set our bars high and understand that we can ALWAYS improve." It charged me to know that I was in a room with enormous potential, more than I had perhaps ever experienced, and I will be a part of that for an hour five days a week.
We began with a piece by Z. Randall Stroope, material that had been used in callbacks. It must be for Christmas at Luther or something. When he (finally) asked us to read our own parts, I had to stop singing for a moment. It was unbelievably gorgeous, and a first-time read through like I had never experienced. A high-school performance times 10 on the first go.

"You are the choir I will remember," Dr. Arnold said. I didn't think about it too much, but it's true- we are part of a historical premiere that will be remembered in the choral community for many years to come. I am so blessed to be a part of this.