Today was quite the day here at LSM. As soon as I woke up I knew what the day had in store, so to prepare myself for the mountain of singing that was lying ahead, I hit the snooze button three more times. Oops. After finally willing myself out of bed, I headed to the Farwell bridge so I could make my way over to Jenson-Noble. Easing my way out of the refreshing air conditioning in the dorm, I was welcomed by another wall of humidity and sunlight. Who would have thought that Iowa could seem like a tropical rain forest? I stayed optomistic nonetheless.
Tonight was the the LSM Hymn Festival. Being a first year student of LSM, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. The anxious feelings and excitement were definitely infectious. Following morning prayer, small ensemble rehearsal, and a voice lesson I was already feeling a bit fatigued vocally, so I held off talking for awhile. Instead, I headed off to a practice room to work on piano parts for the song I was writing.
The day moved on quickly and Chapel Choir rehearsal came and went. It was already lunch, just mere hours until the festival. Trying to save my voice, I headed to a computer in the union to listen to some music and check my email. Another hour came and went and I was off to 80 minutes of singing for concert choir rehearsal. The festival drew nearer as the clock marched on.
Before I knew it, I was dressed and warming up in the CFL Recital Hall. Energy lighted up the room as our warm-ups began. As the audience was making their final steps to their seats, we made our way up to the risers. The handbell choir began to play a sweet tune, beckoning the remaining guests in the lobby to come join the rest of the guests. Once they were seated, Zeb Highben, the Chapel Choir conductor, gave us the cue to stand.
“Holy God We Praise Your Name” echoed through the hall. When the audience joined the choir, the power of the sound gave me an adrenline rush. The concert went on for quite some time with an array of songs and commentary. African spirituals, traditional hymns, and some more contemporary songs – there were many different styles to enjoy.
I am so glad I decided to participate in Chapel Choir. It has been such a good experience and I can’t wait to do it again next year!
Ryan Shellady
Student – ’11
Filed under: 2011
