Ok so this is my blog too... I guess its time for me to write something...
I happened to catch a show on PBS a few years ago called Amasong ... I was totally fascinated by it... made sure I watched every time it was on... it planted the seed for me for what I was looking for by way of community and support... I was still not out to my husband... only barely peaking out for myself... not ready to move yet, but it was like peering out of the closet and watching this community of women caring for each other... looking out for each other... supporting each other ... and making beautiful music together... empowering each other in Indiana of all places!!! come on thats almost like Nebraska!! and it gave me a imagine... a vision that replayed in my head of something I wanted in my life... something I wanted to be part of...
Here it is years later and I AM a part of that vision... I am amongst those women... I am a part of that complex musical instrument by way of singing with/working with/sharing with the women of VR... not only has it filled many needs for me, it has been life changing... given me strength to move and become myself... its hard for me to think of VR and not focus on these more serious things... these effects on my life...
There is a fundamental joy I get from being part of VR... the rush when we nail a song... we hit that part that has been so elusive... when the harmonies are right on... I had the opportunity to stand in front of the chorus this spring season... singing in Dilmano... 6 of us singing the first verse... and then having the entire chorus join in... powerfully... it was incredible... I am jealous that Leora always gets to stand in front of us...
On an everyday level... I love that VR fills my Tuesdays with so much laughter... I seldom leave without a smile on my face...
So what does all of this have to do with GALA Festival? Perhaps it doesn't have anything to do with it other than to totally immerse myself in the chorus experience for a few days in Miami... perhaps it is the prospect of filling a venue 10 times the size of what we are use to ... perhaps it is the desire to be in Miami in July (HAH!! can you say air conditioning?). perhaps it is the power of numbers and community that is felt when you are totally surrounded by people like yourself... not only GLBT's but singers... performers.. other lovers of this endeavor...
All I know is that I AM going... for all I know it will be a once in a lifetime experience for me and I just can't miss it!!
Cheryl, A2
Cheryl is a bisectional member of Voices Rising (used to be a first alto, promoted ;) to second alto) who holds the distinction of traveling the furthest to rehearsal every week. She is also the beloved treasurer of Voices Rising.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Friday, June 6, 2008
Parallel Universes (Universi?)
It's uncanny, really. Voices Rising seems to reflect the goings-on in the world at large. Politics, diplomacy, weather trends (okay, maybe not that one), people breaking into song on (and off) cue. And don't forget the carryings-on of our "hot chicks" contingent! I know, you thought we were all in that contingent. That's so sweet of you. We're not.
Wait, I've gotten off topic.
As mistress (ooh!) of this blog, I have taken it upon myself to put an end, once and for all, to the heated controversy regarding the name of our GALA fundraising thermometer (see the survey above this post, or at the top of the blog if you're reading this well after its posting date). To be blunt, I've had it!
And yet, the question remains: (Leora, are you reading this?) If we trust our esteemed artistic director to teach us how to pronounce "lampeao", "povuchniga" and "when" (hint: it's not "wen"), then what exactly are the obstacles to accepting her pronunciation of Galameter? Is it that terms pertaining to fundraising do not fall under her purview? Or...perhaps...is this a nascent independence uprising? (see?) Inquiring minds want to know.
Whatever the reason, the voting for the appropriate pronunciation, accent, emphasis, whatever you want to call it, of "Galameter" will officially end on Tuesday, June 10. If you haven't voted, and you want to vote, then do it now. If you have voted, no stuffing the ballot box, no observing that cherished American tradition of voting more than once. No chads, no recounts, no contacting the U.S. Supreme Court. Tuesday night, it's over.
In the interest of fair play, a little vowel pronunciation assistance for you (now we know what Leora goes through):
Appropriate announcements and conclusions will be forthcoming. Pom-poms welcome.
Robin
Wait, I've gotten off topic.
As mistress (ooh!) of this blog, I have taken it upon myself to put an end, once and for all, to the heated controversy regarding the name of our GALA fundraising thermometer (see the survey above this post, or at the top of the blog if you're reading this well after its posting date). To be blunt, I've had it!
And yet, the question remains: (Leora, are you reading this?) If we trust our esteemed artistic director to teach us how to pronounce "lampeao", "povuchniga" and "when" (hint: it's not "wen"), then what exactly are the obstacles to accepting her pronunciation of Galameter? Is it that terms pertaining to fundraising do not fall under her purview? Or...perhaps...is this a nascent independence uprising? (see?) Inquiring minds want to know.
Whatever the reason, the voting for the appropriate pronunciation, accent, emphasis, whatever you want to call it, of "Galameter" will officially end on Tuesday, June 10. If you haven't voted, and you want to vote, then do it now. If you have voted, no stuffing the ballot box, no observing that cherished American tradition of voting more than once. No chads, no recounts, no contacting the U.S. Supreme Court. Tuesday night, it's over.
In the interest of fair play, a little vowel pronunciation assistance for you (now we know what Leora goes through):
Appropriate announcements and conclusions will be forthcoming. Pom-poms welcome.
Robin
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Step Down From the Fence, Ma'am.
I have been dithering, on the fence, unsure if I would brave Miami in July. Isn’t it meltingly hot? Don’t I need a break from rehearsing? Doesn’t my brain need a chance to clear out all of that challenging music? Don’t I have too much “real work” to do? Didn’t I just spend the “break” last summer working on the Voices Rising CD? (“Songs of Wisdom” is the title and it is fantastic. Click here to purchase a copy---or several!).
On the other hand, the pull of my peeps is just too strong. Me? Pass up an opportunity to sing on a giant stage in front of a huge audience? Seriously? I think not.
I received financial assistance from a very generous person in my life that makes it possible for me even to consider going to GALA. Am I lucky or what!
And so, I’ve done it. I’ve gone and purchased my plane ticket. No turning back now, thanks to non-refundable fares. Back to rehearsal. Begin internet shopping for the best deal on sunscreen. Plan work schedule carefully for the next two months.
I would not have this opportunity without the support, financial and otherwise, of a huge community of people. The small shimmer of excitement in my gut is growing by the day. I believe there is a need for lesbian and gay choruses in the world. I believe in the power of art and community. I know we will return to Boston from our adventure this summer energized and full of new ideas, which will in turn move us forward in living our mission.
Jennifer W. is a first alto and has been with the chorus from the start. She has put her faith in assurances that EVERYTHING in Miami is air conditioned.
On the other hand, the pull of my peeps is just too strong. Me? Pass up an opportunity to sing on a giant stage in front of a huge audience? Seriously? I think not.
I received financial assistance from a very generous person in my life that makes it possible for me even to consider going to GALA. Am I lucky or what!
And so, I’ve done it. I’ve gone and purchased my plane ticket. No turning back now, thanks to non-refundable fares. Back to rehearsal. Begin internet shopping for the best deal on sunscreen. Plan work schedule carefully for the next two months.
I would not have this opportunity without the support, financial and otherwise, of a huge community of people. The small shimmer of excitement in my gut is growing by the day. I believe there is a need for lesbian and gay choruses in the world. I believe in the power of art and community. I know we will return to Boston from our adventure this summer energized and full of new ideas, which will in turn move us forward in living our mission.
Jennifer W. is a first alto and has been with the chorus from the start. She has put her faith in assurances that EVERYTHING in Miami is air conditioned.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
It Has Begun!
Our May concerts went well (thanks for asking) and we've all had a chance to breathe and take a week off, so...as of tonight, we are officially in rehearsal for GALA! Yay!
Showing up at rehearsal tonight, I was excited to begin this journey. Although I have been with Voices Rising for a few years now, I was not around at the time of the last GALA in Montreal, so I am especially looking forward to my first GALA Festival.
As I looked around at rehearsal, I kept thinking "Wow, this is a lot of people--we absolutely don't look tiny". I am so happy that so many of our members have been able to find a way to commit to joining us at GALA, including a few that were convinced to join our ranks during or after our recent concerts--you go, girls. A 150-voice chorus we're not, but for a women's chorus making our first appearance there, we're impressive!
Robin is a second alto, the current president of the leadership team of Voices Rising, and the blog manager of this blog. She lives in the burbs and has an 8 year old daughter who does a marvelous and now near-famous imitation of Leora conducting!
Showing up at rehearsal tonight, I was excited to begin this journey. Although I have been with Voices Rising for a few years now, I was not around at the time of the last GALA in Montreal, so I am especially looking forward to my first GALA Festival.
As I looked around at rehearsal, I kept thinking "Wow, this is a lot of people--we absolutely don't look tiny". I am so happy that so many of our members have been able to find a way to commit to joining us at GALA, including a few that were convinced to join our ranks during or after our recent concerts--you go, girls. A 150-voice chorus we're not, but for a women's chorus making our first appearance there, we're impressive!
Robin is a second alto, the current president of the leadership team of Voices Rising, and the blog manager of this blog. She lives in the burbs and has an 8 year old daughter who does a marvelous and now near-famous imitation of Leora conducting!
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