One of the best things about singing in the Groton Community Christmas Chorus is that for the many weeks leading up to the 2nd weekend in December, when we present our 3 performances, I have the music in my head pretty much all the time. Some of the songs I've known from previous concerts — the years when my two daughters and I would all sing in the GCCC — and some of it is brand new every year which makes it exciting to learn and master. Throughout most of the Fall we practice every Sunday night, and even that is pretty great because it's the only time of the year when I get to rekindle the fond relationships that I have built over the years with the "100 or so" choir members from a dozen or more communities around Groton, Ma.
But the best part of being in this community chorus is seeing the “old familiar faces” — friends from / visitors to our community — during the 3 performances we put on at the Union Congregational Church, right in the center of Groton. Seeing the joy on those faces and experiencing my own “joy of giving” reminds me every year what the holiday season is really all about. If you're unsure how to get there click here to get directions.
The picture on the right is from the flyer for this year's program — “A Family Christmas !”. The flyer was created by a choir member and friend who also has a web page promoting The 2010 GCCC. There you will find .mp3 links (audio only) to GCCC clips from previous years such as the choir singing “How Can I Keep From Singing ? ” — a cappella, with a haunting solitary flute accompaniment… and the most beautiful (mother-and-daughter, if I remember correctly) version of “Pie Jesu”. The Wikipedia Pie Jesu link has the words in latin with an English translation.
You might also want to check out my sampling of video clips http://bit.ly/GCCC-GrotonMA on YouTube from previous GCCC concerts. Likewise, click here to read previous articles that I've written about singing in this concert over the years — many with pictures and pointers to other memorable moments from the event.
2 comments:
Isn't it great that you have this lovely event to mark the Christmas season every year, and with so many memories from previous years it has become a beacon in your life. I can only imagine how joyful it is to share your music with others and bond with fellow singers. I have fond memories of the year we were in Groton and actually got to attend one of your concerts. I hope next weekend is wonderful and wish I could be there. Love Nanci
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