Comments for Michael's Musings

Comment on A Summer Singers Thank You & Request by Libby Rickett

Libby Rickett — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 03:07:30 +0000

When I was twelve years old, I graduated from R.W. Lindsey Elementary School in Warner Robins, Georgia, and became a Tabor Junior High Tiger. Because I enjoyed drawing, I requested art as my first junior high elective. I never made it to the first art class, though. As it turned out, all the art classes were full. The counseling office found a place for me, instead, in chorus class.

Mildly disappointed, I headed for the chorus trailer and not the art room on the first day of school. Little did I know that Mr. Chapman, the young, enthusiastic chorus teacher I met that day, and the members of the Tabor Junior High School Chorus, would influence my life so profoundly and completely. What a life-altering difference one scheduling change can make!

Mr. Chapman was an excellent chorus teacher. He taught me ear training, solfège, and sight-singing. He introduced me to the likes of Antonio Lotti, Paul Hindemith, and A. Oscar Haugland. I sang my first solos for him: verses from “EresTú,” and “Those Were the Days.” A part in the comedic operetta “Speak up!” Concerts, chorus trips, All-State Chorus. Participation in chorus somehow turned junior high school, what should have been the worst of times, into the best of times . . .

When I graduated from junior high, I continued to do what I love best: I continued to sing. I sang in high school, in college, in church, and years and years later, I now sing with the Michael O’Neal Singers and Kaleidoscope.

Why? Is it the music itself? The music is important: the satisfaction of creating beautiful unisons and rich harmonies . . . the victory of finally getting the challenging parts . . . the magical, breathless moment at the end of every song when the singing stops but the piece is not over yet. Oh, yes. It’s about the music.

Even more than the aesthetics of music-making, I sing because I’ve always found a home with my musical friends. From my days at Tabor to the present, the people I sing with are my musical family. Singing together, we become knit together in a common purpose. The learning and rehearsing are our family’s shared journey with all its challenges and trials. We help and support each other through the difficult times as we learn and grow. The performances are our family’s ceremonies, our victories, and our celebrations. We celebrate because each time sing, we prove that the musical whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

Thank you, Mr. Chapman. I continue to sing because when I was twelve years old, you helped me discover that music is more than just an art: it’s a way of life.

Comment on A Summer Singers Thank You & Request by Kristen Pearson

Kristen Pearson — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 02:47:30 +0000

I think that God gave us one of the most beautiful and enjoyable ways to express our praise to Him through song, and gave us a great gift in the comfort, encouragement, and joy that it brings. I first heard the Michael O’Neal Singers when I was a kid coming to hear my grandpa sing. I remember listening to the beautiful music and an amazing organ solo and knowing I wanted to be a part of something like that. I brought my grandpa to the Messiah sing along in December and it was so much fun! Thank you for opening up this wonderful opportunity

Comment on A Summer Singers Thank You & Request by Charles Claiborne

Charles Claiborne — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 02:14:55 +0000

I believe that there are three reasons why people sing in a choral group: the music, the director, and the camaraderie of the group. The music the Summer Singers will be performing is all literature that has stood the test of time. 100 years from now, people will still be singing a lot of that music. Michael is an extremely competent director who runs an efficient rehearsal in a businesslike manner but with a strong sense of humor. As I watched people greet and speak to each other last night, the camaraderie among the members of the group was very evident.

Comment on A Summer Singers Thank You & Request by Ruth Hill

Ruth Hill — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 01:46:37 +0000

Singing in a choral group has been my therapy. When I am focused on singing the rest of the cares and worries seem to just fade into the background. Singing with others on a regular basis has been my therapy—–definitely cheaper than having to see a “shrink.”

Comment on A Summer Singers Thank You & Request by Charlotte Goldman

Charlotte Goldman — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:59:21 +0000

My husband has asked me over the years as I return from choral rehearsals: “Did you have fun?” I have tried to explain to him that it would be more honest to say that I worked hard, was challenged, felt a sense of accomplishment, etc., especially during my 19 years with the ASO Chorus. However, last night after singing gorgeous old folk melodies and moving spirituals with a large group of enthusiastic singers, I was able to say, “Yes! I had fun!” And though age has robbed some of the “vocal gold”, I still cannot Keep from Singing!

Comment on A Summer Singers Thank You & Request by Francie Towey

Francie Towey — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:48:03 +0000

How Can I Keep From Singing? This year’s summer theme hits home with me. First, I have not been involved in a choir for a few years and I have missed it more than I thought I would.
The joy of singing is even more so because I get to do this with my mom, Mary Micale, who has been an MOS summer singer for 8 years. She has been encouraging me to join, especially after leaving the church choir that we both were involved in.
After last night’s practice, I am even more excited about joining and feel honored to be singing next to so many gifted musicians!
There’s an old movie, Drum Line, about a young man who is a gifted drummer and joins a university band. He learns to prefer the sound of the drum line more than the sound of his own drum. This is also true of great choirs and the individual voices who come together!

Comment on A Summer Singers Thank You & Request by Ruby Phelps

Ruby Phelps — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:42:21 +0000

The ability to sing is one of God’s greatest gifts. I feel so sorry for people who don’t know what it’s like. I have sung in church choirs in gratitude to God for that ability since I was 7 years old. Singing feeds my soul and I am empty without it. Summer Singers opens me to learn music that I may not sing in my church choir. I enjoy working with Michael and maintaining the discipline I prefer in my music to ensure that I give to the best of my ability. But, I also enjoy the enthusiasm of the group and the variety. It’s a welcome addition to my summer and I so appreciate it.

Comment on A Summer Singers Thank You & Request by Andria Dinzole

Andria Dinzole — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:38:26 +0000

I must “DITTO” the comment above……it is what I would have said had she not said it first …..and sometimes singing fills me with so much joy that it trickles out in tears……

Comment on A Summer Singers Thank You & Request by Sandy Caldwell

Sandy Caldwell — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:08:33 +0000

Why do I sing? Because I have to! From the time I was 4, I have sung in church choirs and school choirs, but maybe the most meaningful were the times I sang just for me. I sing because I am joyously happy. I sing because I’m grateful for what God has given me. Sometimes I sing because there’s no other way to express painful emotions. Singing seems to be such a deep part of my being, that I can’t imagine life without it. It’s been several years since I have been in a choir, so Summer Singers is a wonderful addition to my life.

Comment on A Summer Singers Thank You & Request by Anne Willcocks

Anne Willcocks — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 20:26:14 +0000

The comments you read last night pertained to me as well because of the joy and comradery that comes from simply taking a deep breath and singing. But choral work is also a kind of therapy…a way to happily maneuver through all the trials and tribulations of daily life. And I absolutely love harmony, hearing voices move with and against one another!