Welcome to the Seattle University Choir Program Blog! We are so happy to share this space with you and share reflections and words about our experience as singers and people in a musical world. We encourage you to explore each of our blog spaces on Music, Singing, and Choir! Below is a link to our Website with more in depth information about our program and the ways in which you can take part! Thank you for being here :)
Some words from our members as we reflect on our given space:
“Choir has consistently been a space to be together, and that’s something we cannot lose” -Daniel
Online choir is by no means perfect. In fact, the “online” and “choir” don’t really seem as though they would fit within the same book let alone within the same reality. However, in a time where our reality has changed in ways that we really never imagined, we do what we can to make choir and online work. Like the quote above mentions, I think there is a general understanding that choir for those who have taken part in it is a place where we can be together in a consistent and constant way. It is truly an unbelievable place where we get the opportunity to be in community with our friends or people we have never met before and make beautiful music.
“Virtual choir is definitely different and by no means the same a choir in-person, but it’s nice getting the chance to create something beautiful together anyway.” – Sari
Much to our disbelief (and I say disbelief not with a lack of faith in our singers but rather a lack of faith in this new reality), we have been extremely successful in the beauty we have created.
“I think that virtual choir is something that most people are confused about. Many times I have been asked if we all sing unmuted and how that even sounds good. Sometimes I do wish that we did that just to hear my section's voices. I am really glad that I am still in choir even though being virtual, it is sometimes lonely singing to a screen. I am incredibly grateful for all the time we spend together talking and laughing before and between singing, it makes this whole quarantine a little easier. I have found that this time spent at home has made me quieter and being in a class where it is all about using your voice, I have continued to connect with that part of me that enjoys being a little loud sometimes. The individual projects have allowed me to do creative projects I didn't think I would have time for like starting my own podcast. I am so thankful that I have continued with my choral work throughout quarantine.” -Ash
For many of our singers, myself included, it has been a place where we can take a literal breath. A place where the sole intention is to be conscious of our breathing and express ourselves. And don’t get me wrong, there are times where this feels unreal and complicated and we want to reject every aspect of the experience. There are challenges and difficulties, but most of all there are points of growth and resilience. Like our first year class. Who have been AMAZING in the work they have done in simultaneously growing as singers and as people within our community.
“It’s been really interesting getting to know people in choir online. Especially as a freshman, I’ve never met ant of the other singers or Dr. C in person, so it’s definitely been a weird experience. As for the virtual choir performances, it’s weird singing without the auditory feedback I would usually get in an in-person choir experience, but it’s super cool to see the pieces come together once everyone’s submissions are combined into one big choir video.” - Jess
We are all so thankful for the support of our directors and our new producer for making this new reality possible. Nothing will compare to the magic of singing in person. In a choir room or in concert. But our group has done everything in their power to make the most of this experience, and there is a new magic found in that reality.
“Despite being in an online format and being unable to be together, singing in the choir room, I have to say that being a part of our virtual choir for this school year has still been an enriching experience. Each video we’ve released so far has been top quality, and sounds just like it would have been if we were all together, but of course, nothing beats singing with others in a choir room. The format Dr. C and Lee have provided for us gives us a chance to make beautiful music with our choir community, while at the same time giving us the opportunity to grow musically. Whether it be songwriting, recording a cover, or writing about music, I’d say that the individual project portion of our online choirs has helped me grow in my own musicianship. I can’t wait till the day we can all return to the choir room, but for now, I believe that our virtual choirs give us the unique, SU choirs experience.” – Ian
We hope you have found your own room to grow in this reality, and we look forward to the opportunity to see you again in time. In person where we can share our music making with you.
“Choir has consistently been a space to be together, and that’s something we cannot lose” -Daniel
Online choir is by no means perfect. In fact, the “online” and “choir” don’t really seem as though they would fit within the same book let alone within the same reality. However, in a time where our reality has changed in ways that we really never imagined, we do what we can to make choir and online work. Like the quote above mentions, I think there is a general understanding that choir for those who have taken part in it is a place where we can be together in a consistent and constant way. It is truly an unbelievable place where we get the opportunity to be in community with our friends or people we have never met before and make beautiful music.
“Virtual choir is definitely different and by no means the same a choir in-person, but it’s nice getting the chance to create something beautiful together anyway.” – Sari
Much to our disbelief (and I say disbelief not with a lack of faith in our singers but rather a lack of faith in this new reality), we have been extremely successful in the beauty we have created.
“I think that virtual choir is something that most people are confused about. Many times I have been asked if we all sing unmuted and how that even sounds good. Sometimes I do wish that we did that just to hear my section's voices. I am really glad that I am still in choir even though being virtual, it is sometimes lonely singing to a screen. I am incredibly grateful for all the time we spend together talking and laughing before and between singing, it makes this whole quarantine a little easier. I have found that this time spent at home has made me quieter and being in a class where it is all about using your voice, I have continued to connect with that part of me that enjoys being a little loud sometimes. The individual projects have allowed me to do creative projects I didn't think I would have time for like starting my own podcast. I am so thankful that I have continued with my choral work throughout quarantine.” -Ash
For many of our singers, myself included, it has been a place where we can take a literal breath. A place where the sole intention is to be conscious of our breathing and express ourselves. And don’t get me wrong, there are times where this feels unreal and complicated and we want to reject every aspect of the experience. There are challenges and difficulties, but most of all there are points of growth and resilience. Like our first year class. Who have been AMAZING in the work they have done in simultaneously growing as singers and as people within our community.
“It’s been really interesting getting to know people in choir online. Especially as a freshman, I’ve never met ant of the other singers or Dr. C in person, so it’s definitely been a weird experience. As for the virtual choir performances, it’s weird singing without the auditory feedback I would usually get in an in-person choir experience, but it’s super cool to see the pieces come together once everyone’s submissions are combined into one big choir video.” - Jess
We are all so thankful for the support of our directors and our new producer for making this new reality possible. Nothing will compare to the magic of singing in person. In a choir room or in concert. But our group has done everything in their power to make the most of this experience, and there is a new magic found in that reality.
“Despite being in an online format and being unable to be together, singing in the choir room, I have to say that being a part of our virtual choir for this school year has still been an enriching experience. Each video we’ve released so far has been top quality, and sounds just like it would have been if we were all together, but of course, nothing beats singing with others in a choir room. The format Dr. C and Lee have provided for us gives us a chance to make beautiful music with our choir community, while at the same time giving us the opportunity to grow musically. Whether it be songwriting, recording a cover, or writing about music, I’d say that the individual project portion of our online choirs has helped me grow in my own musicianship. I can’t wait till the day we can all return to the choir room, but for now, I believe that our virtual choirs give us the unique, SU choirs experience.” – Ian
We hope you have found your own room to grow in this reality, and we look forward to the opportunity to see you again in time. In person where we can share our music making with you.
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