Musically speaking, the practice of Deep Listening as the theme for October is just right. There are so many ways to listen. To a large ensemble playing is to hear the many parts that make the piece whole. This is true in our choir as we learn individual parts that match with other, differing musical lines. We can also be still to notice the sounds of nature. Might it be meaningful to turn off technology and notice what is left? Less can be more.
This month, we start monthly Vespers, which is a time to slow down in a darkened space, listen to readings, hear some music and listen deeply to the silence in the room. If you have not actually attended a Vespers service, this might be your time. These services will be Zoom-available. Each Vespers starts at 7 pm and last a half-hour. The dates are all Tuesdays:
Oct. 22, Nov. 5, Nov. 26, Dec. 10, Dec. 31, Jan. 28, Feb. 25, Mar. 25, and lastly, April 22.
Choir anthems this month: I Believe, a beautiful piece about faith and Over the Rainbow, that affirms our deepest values. Both speak to me of Deep Listening.
Our First Parish Choir will include your voice when you are ready to join us! (We rehearse on Thursdays from 7 to 8:30 pm.) We sing and we listen to ourselves and each other. More deep listening.
– Charlyn
Charlyn Bethell
Charlyn’s professional training has followed two paths: as a professional oboist and as a music teacher and conductor. As Music Director at First Parish, she joins these two paths of her musical life, conducting the choir, coordinating guest musicians, and performing on oboe.