From the engrossing technical facets of music theory and vocal strategy, to the humanistic nature of reveling in one of man’s earliest and arguably, most important creations, there are many reasons to study choir. However, the reason why I study choir is best articulated by the lyrics of Frank Ticheli’s choral work titled “Earth Song”:

“Music and singing have been my refuge, music and singing shall be my light...Through darkness, and pain, and strife, I’ll sing”

-Earth Song, Frank Ticheli

There are many instances in which this quote has been applicable to me throughout the course of my life. However, the most notable occurrence of the relevance of this quote in my life was March of 2018.

The School Shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School incited a mixture of anxiety, trepidation, and sorrow in the hearts of high school students everywhere, including mine. Through the efforts of the students, our participation in the national walkout was coordinated. While this was a great option for students to protest and heal, my chorus teacher, Ms. Neuner, sought to add to memorial efforts in a musical fashion. Out of this resulted volunteering members of our schools chorus gathered in the chorus room singing Kurt Bestor’s “Prayer of the Children”. I found this extremely cathartic. After weeks of seemingly endless despondency over the deaths, anxiety for  relatives and friends living in the area , and frustration at political debaters yelling at each other on TV, I was finally able to make peace with all of my anger and pain. It was recorded and posted online, for other to listen and heal as well.

In a perfect world, I would be able to say that I don’t theorize “escape routes” upon entering a classroom, or quiet whispers of  “what would I do if a shooter walked into school right now”  didn’t materialize in my brain ever so slightly at random times. It sounds grim, but this is the world that we live in, unfortunately.  However, I’d also be lying if I said that singing in chorus class didn't squash those mumbles of fear instantly. The amount of resolve, reconciliation, and “refuge” that I’ve experienced throughout my life through studying choir is immeasurable.  I study choir because it is a glowing hand that reaches out through the thick blackness of adversity. Because of this, it is evident that Ticheli’s quote rings true.