Chamber Choir at IMEA Conference (Credit: Matt Haan)
Words - Abi Bruno
The air was electric as Chamber Choir rode the bus to Fort Wayne. We had been looking forward to singing at the Indiana Music Educators Association Conference, especially since Chamber Choir had never had this opportunity. We laughed and smiled as we rehearsed. Even though many of us, like me, were focused on stomping and clapping at the right times during “Ta Na Solbici” or singing quietly during “In Beauty May I Walk,” it was clear that we were ready for this long-awaited performance.
Students buzzed with anticipation. Our director, Joe Bandi, paced up and down the aisle, his nervous energy contagious. Family and friends flocked into First Presbyterian Church to hear us. Sunlight poured in from the large paned windows, as our first notes of Alleluia resonated within the vaulted ceilings of the church. Our softest passages blended into a single, unified voice, while our loudest melodies seemed to fill every corner of the sanctuary. The program featured a diverse variety of acapella music, from the somber sustained harmonies of “Crucifixus” to the joyful jazz chords of “Let There Be Light”. I enjoyed seeing the audience’s reactions as we sang each song, especially during “Gaur Akelarre” when ensemble member Hunter Rock’s shrill, sinister laugh echoed louder than ever.
As my voice resounded in the echo-filled church during “Prayer for a New Day”, I knew that this would be a day that I would always look back on fondly.
Our final chord echoed and faded, as the crowd applauded and rose to their feet. I couldn’t help but smile, feeling an overwhelming sense of connection to the music, the audience, and my fellow singers.
With all the time, sweat, and plenty of tears shed along the way, it was nice to know our hard work paid off. It was a day that reminded me of the joy and connection that comes from making music together.
A week or so later, I caught up with our director to ask him how he felt about the big day.
“I’m so glad I got to share this opportunity with the best ensemble I’ve ever directed and provide them with a chance to perform in front of an audience that truly understands the hard work they put in,” Bandi said. “It’s been a dream of mine to have a group at one of the state conferences before...now I have to find a new goal.”
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If you couldn’t make it to the performance, you’re in luck, because you can watch the full performance by clicking this link.