Forest of the Plains

I have been a member of at least one choir for as long as I can remember. I was usually involved with both school and church choirs when they were available for my age group. I also grew up in a church that really emphasized music.

If you ask a Mennonite to name the most important aspect of worship, the answer will most likely involve song. A capella 4-part harmony. You just can't beat it!

Last year I had to take a break from church choir and that was really difficult. This year John and I both were happy to return to choir. Our choir is your typical Mennonite choir mix - some music professionals, some who can barely read music, everyone who enjoys singing. I think John is the youngest member, and the oldest one is near 80. There are usually about 40 people. We have a lot of fun and often function as a support group, too.

I often marvel about the difference between Adult Choir and School Choir. In school, people watch the conductor and at least *act* ashamed if caught whispering in the back row. In Adult Choir, whole sections of people are talking and laughing out loud while another section is trying to practice, and the conductor is openly challenged. (Don't you want to take that a bit faster? I don't like that high note, let's change it! Are you sure you want us to sing this song?) While it takes a firm hand to keep a School Choir on track, it takes every skill imaginable plus some luck and prayer to keep an Adult Choir going!

Our choir has needed more than "some" luck and prayer the past four months. At least three choir members have spent time in the hospital, one of them was in the hospital for two months. And our director has had medical issues that necessitated a temporary leave from choir directing. Our accompanist filled in as the director, and another choir member filled in at the piano. Choir has gone late several times as we stayed to make posters for hospital rooms, sign cards, and participate in an anointing service for our members.

We're on break right now, and start practicing again in a couple weeks. We'll start up with temporary director #2 and the regular accompanist. All our members are out of the hospital, if not physically able to sing yet.

Things are looking up! But, there is still a void in choir until Marcene comes back. She has an unknown road of healing ahead of her and no one knows how long it will take to travel. We all miss her wit and smile. It will be a blessing when she is able to lead us again.