Church rehearsals and Evensong

The Evensongs at St. Thomas are amazing. Chanting the Psalms is very relaxing, especially hearing the echoes throughout the building. Merely speaking them in monotone has virtually no meaning- Singing makes them personal. The infamous “Mag and Nunc” of each evensong is always unique and a joy to sing in such a remarkable space. The particular setting we sang had phenomenal soprano lines that let our sound soar through the church, and echo back to us. Just as good were the powerful chords we sang which were so uplifting, and the ethereal chords that gave the place a mysterious feel. Of course, as singers, we all love singing for an entire service! However, you do find pleasure in listening to it- the music speaks to the congregation in a different way than the lessons or the sermon. It can put someone into the “other realm,” which is why people like church music. We look forward to hearing the recording!

- Jane and Beth

Thursday Evensong was sung at 5:30
After waking up that morning bright and early
To walk,run, and play ultimate frisbee in central park where the mud made my shoes dirty

A shower and a hearty breakfast began the day
So we could get through theintense rehearsals on the way
But we always had breaks in between to talk and play

Dressed for the Lord we walked to the church
Lindsey and Sarah had solos, but only the cantors verse
Parents and family members watched, prayed, and heard
Our singing so excellent, Ms. MacDonald couldnt even say a word

Back home for skit practice, which was an hour of agony
But thank God caramel popcorn sent me to bed happily

- Beatrice

Sweetly singing our sonorous songs,
Like triumphant trumpets and gargantuan gongs.
Our songs of praise surely ring
throughout the church, to Jesus Christ, our King.
We never thought our words could mean so much,
And that we could leave people feeling so touched.
Like the rhythm of my heartbeat, always in control,
Music is what makes up the elements of my soul.
I live it, I breathe it, I sing it in my sleep,
so that even when I’m old, that beauty I’ll always keep.
And being at this school, I’m growing more advanced,
like learning a new language or even a new dance.
So I ask that you will listen to the personal song inside
of all who you encounter…it’s their belief, their pride.
- Maura

Thursday’s evensong went very well. We improved on some of the things we struggled with on Tuesday such as projection and shaping consonants. Evensong has so far been a very cleansing and calming time because all the days before evensong we as a choir are practicing and rehearsing our music nonstop. Sometimes we do not sing through a song all the way through, so we do not get to hear the finished product until we sing in the church in front of a congregation. That makes the performance so special to me because our hard work is shown through what we do at evensong.

- Amanda

On Thursday, July 31, we had our last evensong at St. Thomas. It was enjoyable as always, but a little bit sad as well … I’d grown so fond of the music and the whole evensong experience. I’d have to say that thus far, evensong has been the best part of this camp for me. It’s quiet and soothing, and emphasizes the peaceful nature of prayer. More than that, though, it’s nice to play a part, however small, in such a beautiful service. Singing in a choir at St. Thomas Church (!!!) is an absolutely wonderful experience, and it made me realize just how lucky I am to be involved in such a group. I didn’t want to leave. But leave we did, returning to the school for meditation exercises in the gym. This was a bit more complicated than evensong – sitting in one place for so long is MUCH more challenging than you’d think! It worked out pretty well, though, and we concluded with cookies and popcorn before heading off to bed.

- Angharad

This being my third and final year here at St. Thomas, I believe that the friends everyone and I make are definitely the best part about the trip. Sure, the Broadway show is always incredible, the food is always spectacular, the music is beautiful, and the activities are well planned. But, what would all of this fun be without people to share it with? No fun whatsoever. That is why I am grateful to be living and making friends with all of the girls in the course this year. We spend every waking moment together. All through meals, rehearsals, and readying ourselves, we have people to get through it with. All of these fantastic people make it easy for me, as well as others, to cope in a new environment without our families. At times we may get homesick, but the singers are always there for us. Through good times and bad, we sing.

- Katie