The Things We Do For Love

I've always loved all kinds of music. My college and early career pursuits were in classical music, and I'd prayed on and off for years for an opportunity to participate in that again. I've been teaching piano, choir, and voice for over thirty years, and served in church music all my life. I'd thought about starting a group here in my home town. Last fall, my prayers were answered. Enter the Chorus of the Big Bend, led by a talented young man, Alex Cordero.

I love it! Alex has gathered a group of enthusiasts, young and not so young, who all have some kind of musical background. The music has challenged us, inspired us, and we hope the same for our community. I jumped in with both feet, but forgot something.  I'm not as young as I used to be.

I'd forgotten that my blood pressure issues make it hard for me to stand for long periods of time, and my knees don't like it either. Ah, I long now for the days when I could stand and sing for hours on our worship team, or a for a whole concert. I remember singing in operas that included kneeling, walking around, standing.

No more just learning the music. Before rehearsal, and especially before a concert, there is a rather involved preparation. It doesn't always get done before a rehearsal because I go straight from work, but I do my best.

1. Pray
2. Stay off my feet as much as possible.
3. Drink a lot of water
4.. No eating after lunchtime (digestion effects my blood pressure).

5. Take blood pressure medicine 2 hours before rehearsal/concert.

6. Take 2 Aleve and a packet of EmergenC or a Baobab tea an hour before.

7. Rub pain stuff into knees.

8. Drop some peppermint oil into my necklace oil infuser. Seems to help if I start feeling wonky.

9. Pray.

80 pounds lost has helped a great deal, and I'm still losing. But either way, I don't mind the preparations, because I love what we're doing. Besides the music, it's been great to be with people that I've known for a long time, but never really spent much time with. The camaraderie building in the group is encouraging. The men don't mind lending a helping a hand to those needing a help up stairs. Grateful thanks to Chris Alexander who installed a rail on the side of the stage.

We have a concert tonight, and I'm really looking forward to it. I've arranged to get off work early so I can be fully prepared to do my best. But essentially, when we're singing, I'm not young or old, feeble or strong, just a human connecting with music, my community, and my Lord.


If you're local, come on out. I know you'll love it.