Mondays. Famously and universally unappealing, most people dread Mondays. Their two hard-earned days of rest are over and it’s back to the grind. Early mornings, long days, busy families, stressful commutes are just a few reasons why many are so anti-Monday.
For the last year and a half, Monday is my favourite day of the week. It was my favourite day when I was a stay-at-home-Mom and it’s still my favourite day despite my early morning commute into my office in the city.
Monday is Choir day.
Monday still is back to the grind and the long days and the commutes. And Monday is definitely the busiest. Up early, out the door, kids to daycare, drive into the city, work all day, fight traffic, pick up kids, make supper, then out the door to choir. But I guarantee you that each and every week, the car door has barely closed and the engine not quite warm and I already experience the deepest breath I’ll take all week. I’ll crank the tunes and take in the sun set as I drive back into the city for the most precious hours of self-care.
Monday is Choir day.
As our carpool warms up the kettle in the Stadacona church kitchen, our members slowly drift in. Some are still in work attire and others in sweats. Some haven’t been home yet today and others haven’t left their home for a few days. Professionals, female military members, home based business reps, stay at home moms, volunteers…women with no children, young children, grown children…women who are in the military, women whose husbands are new to the life and women whose husbands are experienced or retired…we meet. We sip our cups of tea, staying warm in the chilly chapel, and chat and laugh and lament about our weeks. Child raising, dog training, weather, news, postings, trips to sea and home again, nothing is off the table. Some of us are wired, energized and pumped to be here. Others sag into the arm chair in the corner, taking the first quiet moment of the day to reflect and gather the energy they will need for the evening, only becoming fully revitalized once we’re all here and ready to sing. But each of us, regardless of the many ways we are all different, are so very similar in the most important ways: we belong to this unique military community and we are here to build music together.
Monday is Choir day.
Rehearsal begins and we warm up our voices, of course, but also our bodies and minds and spirits. We find joy in simply being together. Several members have been in a variety of choirs over the years, some were instrumentalists, some have never sung at all outside of the shower. Opening our music, some glance at it with a trained eye and look for dynamics and tricky rhythms that need extra practice (those dotted eighth notes!) while others simply review the lyrics, the musical notation a mystery to them.
As the Musical Director takes over the rehearsal, we find our sound. We’re good. Not professional calibre, not perfect. But good and getting better every week. For the next hour and half we split into small groups then work all together, enjoying the challenge of putting our efforts into creating this three part harmony that continually thrills us to hear. When rehearsal is over, most of us will linger, not really wanting to leave despite knowing that we need to get home to bed. But our cups are so full, our spirits singing silently as we drive to our respective homes. And while we check in with each other throughout the week, keeping conversation flowing through coffee dates and texts and social media, we anticipate the end of the work week as it leads us again towards the conclusion of the weekend and then, again, Monday.
Monday is Choir day.
And it rocks.
The CMWC Halifax has the honour of hosting a night especially for interested new members. On January 28 from 6:30-8:30pm we invite any female military member OR any female over the age of 18 living with their partner in the military to join us for a complimentary evening. Experience reading music and/or singing is an asset but absolutely not required. No auditions are ever held and everyone who is willing is welcome! If you are a musician who might be a useful addition to our group, we also welcome you to reach out. For more information please find us on Facebook @CMWCHalifax or email us at canadianmwc.halifax@gmail.com We are actively recruiting women in the military community who are interested in joining us, so please spread the word!
In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the NSYC is re-imagining our program for this year. Partnering with Mi’kmaw filmmaker Shelley MacDonald, Mi’kmaw elder Dorene Bernard and Settler conductor Christina Murray, choristers will participate in an Indigenous-led creation process. Instead of our usual concert tour, the NSYC will create an ~25-minute film that combines choral music, poetry, and movement that explores themes of isolation, togetherness, and environmental stewardship.
Call for Scores
After a successful pilot project in June 2019, we are excited to announce a new community choral opportunity for young singers in Halifax – Choirworks! Join director Krista Vincent and pianist Lynette Wahlstrom for a quality music experience in a positive environment.
AVHC auditions are coming up soon! With the expansion, any child currently in grades 2-11 can audition for next year!! 