A great aspect of choir camp is compline. Every evening at nine o’clock, we head up to the 14th floor chapel. Luckily, we get to take the elevator, and don’t have to walk up all those flights of stairs! When we enter the chapel (which is quite small), we are silent. There is an opening sentence, and then we start singing various responses to what the cantor sings. All of the responses are in plainsong, and the sounds of everybody’s unison voice reverbs and echoes very nicely in the small chapel’s space. There are also prayers that our chaplain says. These prayers really make you think, because they have meaningful messages. For example, “Hide me under the shadow of thy wings” is a very peaceful thought to have at nine at night, right before bedtime. After we sing the collects, the anthem, and the hymn (more plainsong), we say a closing prayer and depart in silence. This is a very comforting and relaxing service.
- Kaethe
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