Musical
Morning - Thursday, June 7
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1. Name of Instrument: choral music
2. Instrument Family: voice
3. At what age did you start studying music?
18
4. Why did you choose this instrument?
I joined a chorus when I was a freshman in college. Although I had never sung before, I had studied piano and violin for many years.
I wanted to participate in a musical group in college, and thought singing in a chorus might be fun. I sang for four years in college.
I've been singing with The Spectrum Singers, based in Cambridge, for 15 years.
5. Why do you enjoy playing this instrument?
Singing in a chorus is a wonderful group experience. It is very rewarding, and a lot of fun, to create music with other people. There is
a great sense of community within the chorus because we work hard in rehearsals.
Having the opportunity to perform great works of music with a terrific chorus is a great privilege. I also enjoy
singing because it is such a different activity from my everyday life!
6. What do you find challenging about playing this instrument?
Using just your voice, and no other instrument, can be scary (this is why I only sing in groups, not by myself!)
When you sing in an ensemble, you have to listen very carefully to yourself, and your neighbors, making sure
you blend in pitch, volume, and sound. Singing is also physically demanding, you must pay close attention to your
posture and breath control.
7. What are your favorite musical pieces to play? Why?
I really enjoy singing a capella Renaissance music, because it is very exposed and very beautiful. I also enjoy singing
with an orchestra. There is so much great choral music, but among my favorites are the Bach Magnificat, and the
Requiems of Mozart, Faure, and Durufle.
Name That Tune!