Sunday Singing

20 April 2013Emilia G, Alexandra ‘13

In our culture, gift giving is customary, and common. We offer, and we frequently receive. Rarely, however, have I seen a gift as whole-heartedly appreciated as were Brentwood’s Jazz Choir, Concert Choir, and soloists by the attendees of St John’s Church on Sunday, April 7th.

As we drove off campus, many of us were wary of being deprived of our weekly day of free time for an audience that, as Mrs MacIsaac warned, “We may outnumber”. Ushered into a back room, offered cups of tea and biscuits, the performers soon settled in, listening to the rapturous applause which greeted the first number by the Jazz Choir, sung by Davin K, Sadé K, Liam L, Evan F, Jocelyn K, and Kira C. By the sound of the clapping, cheering, and excited murmurs, we deduced that our numbers were not more than those of the audience – a notion met with much relief.

The same enthusiastic reception greeted the two soloists of the first half of the performance, Davin K, and Sadé K, who disappeared from the back room and down the carpeted hallway to the front of the church with Mrs MacIsaac to hurry them along like a rock star’s entourage. Fortunately, the pensioner majority of St John’s Church mostly hold open-access events, so our choir director did not require a back stage pass – whether she wanted one or not.

The Concert Choir’s first appearance just before the intermission from “Ritmo”, a Spanish song focusing on careful rhythm to “Muusika”, an Estonian piece, left the church goers with the first half of the full cultural experience practiced diligently by the concert choir for weeks. With the Flamenco-like clapping of “Ritmo” still ringing in all ears, we were given the rare treat of elatedly conversing with the members of the church who were complete with beaming smiles and animated chatter, while indulging in some well-earned refreshments at intermission.

Solos by Jocelyn K and Emily B, as well as more numbers by the Jazz and Concert Choirs left the beautiful church hall ringing with the sounds of singing and the musical accompaniment of Mr Newns and Sabin L. Mr Patel and his family graciously showed their support for the arts by enjoying the performance. A standing ovation and kind words from the pastor ended the evening, provoking more applause and excitement from the enthusiastic audience. As the girls rubbed their sore feet, and the boys loosened their ties, the bus sped away from the church, leaving every performer and audience member with a special memory.

Emilia G, Alexandra ‘13

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