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Singing with teens is music to my heart
by Audrey Novak Riley

2.12.2018
3 Comments
|
Post

Recently I joined the teen choir at church–even though it’s been a long, long time since I was a teen. Our choir director had asked me a while back if I wanted to switch from the adult choir to the teen choir.

I said no back then, but I changed my mind. Why? Partly because the Madrigals’ rehearsal schedule works for me, but even more than that, because I like their early-music repertoire. It’s challenging and it’s beautiful, and (last but not least) I can sing it.

When I showed up at the first rehearsal, my new choir mates were kind of shy–after all, I’m about 50 years older than most of them (!), and I’m sure they were wondering who I was and why I was there. But by our third rehearsal, my new choir colleagues made it clear they were glad I was with them–and I’m glad I’m with them, too.

So how does this intergenerational thing work? Well, I think a big part of it is that we’re all focused on doing something together–making music–and we’re all putting our best efforts and best attitudes into it.

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So how does this intergenerational thing work? Well, I think a big part of it is that we’re all focused on doing something together–making music–and we’re all putting our best efforts and best attitudes into it.

Among the singers are several skilled musicians who might choose to take their art further when they go to college, but they are treated just like every one else. And we do have fun–there’s a lot of laughter when the Madrigals, young and less young, get together. Nobody tells anybody what to do (except the choir director, but that’s his job) and we’re all in this together. It’s great. I’m glad I’m with us.

When have you had an intergenerational experience that worked well for everyone? What do you think made it happen?

Audrey Novak Riley serves Women of the ELCA as director for stewardship. She’s an alto or second soprano, as needed.

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Comments (3)
  • Jayne Zuleger says:
    5/10/2018

    My contemporary choir has age 12 to 73 in it. It has my brother and cousin on guitar, myself on keyboard, sister singing alto, 4 young adult and Mom or Dad combos and they are a joy to direct. Very intergenerational and ee learn from each other making wonderful music. All 18 of us practice and sing 1x a month and enjoy learning new music,leading the worship and giving GOD all the glory.

    Reply
  • Cathy Williams says:
    2/13/2018

    Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!
    When the Lord restores the fortunes of his people,
    let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad.

    ocean of games

    Reply
  • Syd Brinkman says:
    2/12/2018

    You go girl!

    Reply

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