Joining this chorus has seriously changed my life. I've always loved to sing, and have been in…read morechoirs and acapella groups all my life, up until about 20 years ago. Then, life got in the way of my passion, and I put my needs and love of singing aside to take care of life's business.
In December of 2013, I reached a very high stress point in both my personal and professional life (lots of stuff going on that was totally out of my control), and I desperately needed to do something just for me. I needed stress relief, fun, an escape and to do something that brought me joy. I really wanted to get back into singing, but wasn't sure how. I knew I didn't want to join a church choir because I am not religious, and I didn't want to take a formal singing class again at a college, because I just didn't need the stress. I just wanted to sing and have fun.
I searched online for fun-sounding chorus's, and found this one. I was really nervous about going because it had been so long since I had sung anything, and of course, I didn't know anyone there. However, I was determined, and I hesitantly went to a few rehearsals, and tried to blend in and not call attention to myself. I was really impressed by the positive energy, the non-judgmental feel, and the overall welcome feeling I got. The singing was secondary at that point because I didn't know any of the songs, and I was still really nervous. I was encouraged to do a formal rehearsal, so I finally did it at week 4, and I was accepted immediately the same night in Jan of 2014.
Ever since then, I have been growing, evolving, coming out of my shell, getting over my stage fright, making new friends, learning the songs, and having an absolute blast. I didn't know anything about Barbershop singing until I joined. Let me tell you, if you're going to sing, Barbershop is the way to do it!
I have found my love of singing again. I have found me again. I have re-awakened my inner passion for music and harmony and ringing overtones. I go to rehearsals, and belt out the songs with all the energy and love I have. I have fun. I sing. I laugh. I destress. I don't look at my phone for 3 whole hours! Like I said, joining this chorus has seriously changed my life. I was sending out an SOS, and I got help. Thank you Song Of Sonoma.
Forever Yours,
Katherine