Choir: The Musical Glue

Viva Voce: My choir from 2002-2006

If you know me at all, you know that I LOVE to sing. I love the feeling of accomplishment of polishing a piece that seemed impossible when first sightread. I love the anticipation of a performance. I love the camaraderie of a tightknit ensemble. And of course, I love showing off in front of an audience.

In my High School Choir Dress

A Viva Voce performance in 2004

I have been in a variety of singing groups: childrens choirs, church choirs, high school choirs, college choirs, community choirs, and semi-professional choirs. I have been involved in musical theater. I have taken private voice lessons, and at one time I coached a voice student. I have sung at festivals, concerts, funerals, baptisms, Christmas tree lighting ceremonies, sporting events, and in my shower. My most rewarding choir was Viva Voce. I was a part of VV for 5 years, and tearfully left when I moved from SLC to LA. My Thursday nights were the highlight of my week, as I gathered with 40 women who shared the love of music as I did. We were the host choir for The Alliance World Festival of Womens Singing in 2004, which was the happiest memory of my tenure with Viva Voce.

Viva Voce performing "The Wind in the Willows" in 2005

Despite all of my experience, I prefer to not sing solo. I have an okay voice on my own, but I have always been more comfortable with musicians at my side. I sing karaoke on my own, but I that's about the only time you'll see me sing on my own. I joke that my voice is the "glue" of the choir. I sing second alto, tenor in a pinch, and my voice is the one that blends all the other voices together. I'm not fantastic, but I make a group sound fantastic.

Last night, I was invited to a book club/dinner group. We ate at Food 101 in Virginia Highland, which has become my favorite place to eat in Atlanta. The group was so accepting and fun, and I know I'll look forward to more of these girls night outs. One girl I met, Karmelle, is a member of the DeKalb Choral Guild. She told me a little about the group, and forwarded me the website.

I am so tempted to audition. It's been almost three years since I left Viva Voce. I have been missing the presence of a singing group in my life (other than ward choir, of course). I wonder if I can fit it in. I travel often, work full time, have Rosie and her activities in the evening, and fit in my husband in the cracks. DCG rehearses on Monday nights (which is the only consistently free evening of the week, save FHE) I technically could do it...but don't know if now is the time. However, I don't want to be so out of practice that when I DO have time, I'm not prepared for the challenge.

What do you think...audition or wait?