THE MUSIC HAS MAGIC...

Today was an absolutely wonderful experience for me. It was my fourth concert with my men’s chorus here in Birmingham. After a semester of very hard work, we invited friends, family and the community at large to join us on our musical journey. Our director has often said were we to do our concerts a week, a month or at any other point, the place in the journey would be different. Tonight, I think we nailed it. There were some amazing musical moments. Sure, there were some “iffy” moments in there—we’re humans, so it’s no performance is going to be absolutely perfect. But, I am proud to say that I think we were as about damn near perfect as we could ever be!

I began my day, as I begin most every Sunday, by playing for mass. This is a job I love very much. I get to play piano (or organ) and get paid for it? Are you serious? Having a job you love doesn’t get much better than that. Following mass, I came home, gathered my tux, music and necessary items for the choir concert and headed to the venue for our dress rehearsal. I don’t think I’ve ever been to a dress rehearsal that was more fun. Following rehearsal, I enjoyed a good light meal with my choral colleagues, changed clothes and then it was show time!

The men and women of the MCCS performed together on a couple of pieces. My favorite piece is the title piece for the concert “Homeward Bound”—such beautiful and melodic passages bring life to an intense and beautiful text. “Bind me not to the pasture; chain me not to the plow. Set me free to find my calling and I’ll return to you somehow”. Isn’t that what our goal and calling as human beings?

Here’s my confession: From the first downbeat to the final chord, it was a musical experience I hope I never forget. I have but two regrets. One is that Christopher was not able to perform with us due to his work commitment. It saddened me for him because he had worked so very hard with us this semester and it saddened me personally because I enjoy singing next to him and the camaraderie we share. The other regret is that a lot of the people I had invited to the concert were unable to attend for various reasons.

We live in a city called “The Magic City” and are part of a choral society which takes its name from our city’s moniker. Tonight, truly, to borrow from the lyrics to the popular 1980s television musical countdown show, “The music has magic; you know you can catch it; if you let the songs take control... The sound starts to glisten, the more that you listen, And slowly it turns into gold...” And tonight, the music WAS Magic. The Sounds DID glisten and yes, I believe we produced a product worth its weight in gold. I’m beyond proud of my involvement with this organization…my brothers and sisters who are truly a family to me. I’m so grateful for the ones who braved the rainy weather to lend their support to me, but also to my family performing with me.