Today one of my quartets performed in concert at our bass's mother's retirement community. We sang a wide collection of gospel, contemporary Christian, and familiar hymns. There were about 30 people in attendance. It was a nice afternoon. Many of the little old ladies sang along during the hymn sing.
This was a bittersweet time for me. I have sung in this quartet for about 10 years. We formed it for a special number in a Christmas cantata and have been singing every since. Today, I decided it was time for me to step aside from the group. My reason is probably selfish. But I just don't want to do it any more. I don't know quite how I am going to tell the rest of the group, though. I surely don't want to hurt anyone's feelings, but I just really don't have the energy, nor the enthusiasm for it anymore.
I sing in another quartet which is all men. That one I intend to keep singing in until I either can't sing anymore, or I die trying. LOL! I have formed a bond with the other three guys that would be very hard to give up. Also, the kind of music, though it is also religious, speaks to me in ways that I cannot explain here. And the lush harmonies of 4 part men's voices are fun to sing and to listen to.
Am I being selfish? I hope not. I feel that in the other quartet, we have outlived our music quality, and too, every time we practice, it just keeps getting harder and harder, both to sing and even to schedule a practice. Our soprano is a mother of 13 and 9 year old children, our alto and I are both retired teachers, but she is lots more involved in things, is married and she and her hubby like to travel. Our bass is in extremely poor health, on dialysis daily, and has had two near death traumas in the last 5 years. Our pianist teaches first grade and is our town's mayor's wife, also our church organist and chancel choir director. So, you can see how scheduling a practice is tough.
So, as I ponder this, I think it's just time. Time for a good thing to come to an end. At least for me. If the rest of them want to continue, and they can surely find another tenor, that is alright with me. I love them all and bless them.
Peace,
JE
4 comments:
I envy you. I wish I could sing. My mother was know for her voice, my dad sings and plays the guitar, my brother was the drummer in his rock and roll band - somehow I don't have a musical bone in my body. Good luck, JE, with whatever you decide.
Terry
Having known you for the last several years and also having heard both groups and knowing all the particulars of both groups, I think you are making the right decision. The hardest part will be telling them, and I think it might also be a way for some of the others to say it's time to pack it in and call it a day, or maybe they won't. Good Luck.
Go where your heart leads, JE. Some things just come to a natural and fitting end.
Just catching up on some back post, Jimmie, and wanted to say that I know how you feel and do NOT think you are being selfish. Sometimes, we all need to decide what brings us joy and what does not anymore. I have been volunteering at a local thrift store for the past few years and know its time to give it up. But like you I don't want to hurt anyone's feeling as they are so short staffed and in fact poorly managed. And like you, I do have other interests that I enjoy more like volunteering at our local library and going to the local Y. My advice to you and to myself is to do what you enjoy the most.
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