A night of tradition, innovation and just plain old fun
Cue intro music- warm and hearty, birds chirping, scattered laughter…
Narrator (obviously Julie Andrews) begins as the music fades…
More than fifteen years ago, in a land not so far, far away lived a group of sprightly teens with beautiful voices who just wanted to sing praises to the Lord. They lived in harmony for years, singing and uplifting each other as they grew together but like in every bestselling fairy tale, there always has to be a conflict. (dramatic music). However, this group was so perfect that there wasn’t and so life became monotonous and boring and you know us young people cannot survive boring. Ugh (eyeroll to poignant music). The oh so mighty leader, who had rightfully taken his place after being the only knight to pull the old king’s sword out of the side of the mountain, came up with a solution (as we all know the leaders do in these tales), a contest amongst the young ins, a tournament to elect the coolest faction. The four factions were to compete in various activities including sight singing, a debate, sports definitely, heavenly solos and the ultimate challenge of all, (dramatic pause), the FACEOFF, where the groups would put on a colorful display of their angel like singing to show off all their music skills and earn them the title of coolest faction ever. This went on for a few years and kept the young people happy for a long, long time.
Fast forward to a year ago, when on my own quest to find a stimulating activity that not only helped me grow gracefully in the Lord’s vineyard but that I absolutely loved, I chanced upon aflyer calling for members to join this wonderful group of young people exercising their musical prowess to the glory of God. I thought to myself, “This sounds like an adventure”- oh and what a ride it has been. A year long journey of learning resilience, patience, teamwork, sacrifice oh, and not forgetting the music. From the actual studying of music theory, an initiative by ouroutstanding director, (who wants to make sure we’re all schooled in music or at least not look confused during the conversations which is what I do), to the mini challenges that test our musical knowledge, skill competency and definitely creativeness and this is done as one choir. The two current groups, (oh did I not mention that the two consistent winners absorbed the others, but there’s definitely an ultimate champion which is definitely the Cherubs but we’ll get to that shortly) are then tasked with learning a repertoire of songs to be presented at the FACEOFF and now this is where the real fun begins. We had rehearsals scheduled for before or after regular rehearsal, all night rehearsals all day rehearsal, everyday rehearsal, in fact any form of rehearsal you can come up with we tried. Yep, even over the phone rehearsal, or so I heard. (sheepish grin). Remember all the big words I mentioned earlier, this is where they all start to make sense, because to get the beautiful angel like singing and appearance takes a lot of hard work by every single member of the group. Our blend and tone although magical, takes more than just talent and has been the result of tenacity over the years.
My first year as a member of The Cherubs was an experience made even more beautiful by our triumphant victory in that year’s Faceoff. I was left in awe of the commitment and dedication every member of my group poured into this activity. No, it was not a flagrant show just for displaying our very beautiful voices but an all together vigorous bonding and learning exercise and was equally mirrored by the Seraphs. We were tested on creativity and musical theorywriting out parts by listening to the melody, finishing pieces, the hotly contested solo performances before the final quest to crown it all. This year was no different, with cherubs acing all these mini challenges (obviously) and the oh sweet victory from last year to boot, spurring us on to the finals where we were sure to lift the cup third year running. Maybe we might have forgotten our opponents were as equally good and determined as us, and probably had more to gain this year.
Dressed in robes of purple by the cherubs and black with kente stoles by the seraphs we took to the beautiful, well-lit stage of the Good Shepherd Methodist Church in North Kaneshie to sing our hearts and voices out to God. While we knelt (wink at the cherubs) some united with one voice all to beg our benevolent God with the South African tune ”Baba Sixolele”, . {Talk about the hymn, Lobet, aint that a good news}. Talk about judges. HEEEEEEAAAAAAT was the coined term of the evening announcing loudly the Seraphs’ triumph. Well done Seraphs! Your big sisters couldn’t be prouder of you
It was all together a spectular evening and we had a lot of fun. Next year’s would very likely be even more eventful seeing a we have been hinted by CM to expect big surprises. So as we eagerly await the start of preparations for the next season of the FACEOFF, we will continue to live in harmony, singing and uplifting one another and until then continue to enjoy mine and our journey in the wonderful family of the Dynamic Choir.
SING!!!!
Signed,
Phoebe-Ann “Heat” Allotey