New Notes

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

New Notes

In the green room at the National Gallery, photo -- Andrew Jones

By: Rae Payette, the newest Stairwell Caroller

I've begun living Wednesday to Wednesday. That's the night the Stairwell Carollers practice. A church gym, spare metal stacking chairs, 30-odd people, and a tuning fork.

And suddenly, the ceiling is ringing.

It doesn't get any purer than this - voices, only voices, tuning in to the harmonics that we feel resonating on our skin, to create a single, many-throated sound.

Everyone switches seats for another of Petes challenging singing exercises

These are my people.

Several (alright, many) years ago, I was fortunate enough to attend Canterbury High School, in the triple-credit vocal program. Along with science, math, history and English classes, I also sang two hours (and often more) each day. Not since then have I felt the passion, the sweat, the purity of concentration that that level of musical commitment demands.

Rae, soprano, stands in the second row third to the right

And then I joined the Stairwell Carollers.

Three grueling auditions later, (sight-reading in Latin -- on the spot -- along with a rotating series of strangers standing next to me -- listening to my every note -- was a wee bit intimidating,) I was in.
It was worth it.

Rae's first concert with us -- at the National Gallery

I've had a rough year in my personal life, and being at choir, floating in the exquisite sounds at once within and all around me, has been such a blessing. It is helping me heal, and find my way back to peace.
I feel nothing but gratitude and awe at this music we make together. The Stairwell Carollers have welcomed me, and I am home.

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Thanks for such a lovely "review", Rae.
Sorry about the Latin -- believe me, most of us struggle with the pronunciation too! We all are so glad you found us -- and you are very welcome!