“Sing for joy to God our strength; Shout aloud to the God of Jacob!
Begin the music, strike the tambourine, play the melodious harp and lyre.”
-- Psalm 81:1-2
“Come sing in the choir” are five words that shaped my musical career and my life. I first joined a church choir at the age of 12 after I heard them sing an ethereal anthem that touched my soul. I decided to major in music while I was an undergrad at Pitt and singing in the Heinz Chapel Choir. From my first days as a chorister and soloist in my home parish, in several church choirs, Mendelssohn Choir, Pittsburgh Opera, and others, sacred music has always been my favorite genre because it glorifies God. To me, singing is an elevated way to praise God, who gave me a gift of singing. It fills my heart to use it to give thanks. God has called me to sing. I tried several times in the past to quit but God called me back again and again.
I have sung at Westminster since 2000 when I was hired as the soprano section leader. When I stepped back from the leadership position I stayed to sing as a volunteer. There is such a supportive and loving atmosphere both in the choir and in this church, I couldn’t imagine leaving! Westminster has one of the strongest music programs in the city, and the choir has become my second family. Choral singing has allowed me to befriend some of the finest people I could ever hope to meet!
Several years ago one of our Chancel Choir members, Allison, penned the address “Chamily” when sending out an email to our group: Chancel Choir + Family. It couldn’t be any more well said. Music, particularly singing, has been a constant my entire life. When people come together through music, something magical happens. Walls of inhibition are lowered, the sense of belonging and acceptance are raised, and self-worth is elevated. Top that off with the blessings of our church choir with their unending supply of love and support…there is nothing like it!
A few months ago I had heart complications – everything is under control now, but God gave me the wonderful opportunity to reflect and evaluate priorities. I have a long list of musical roles in many organizations, but without a doubt, being a member of our Chancel Choir is unquestionably the first and foremost place I belong. And then add the privilege of being able to share that love and passion with the Children’s’ Choirs. God has truly blessed me.
The choir is a unique group of people from diverse backgrounds, musical skills, and family dynamics. But together we are “Chamily.”