jdotmi: (Default)
jdotmi ([personal profile] jdotmi) wrote2005-12-25 12:40 am
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Music to my ears

Despite a deep and abiding hatred of listening to in-store music during the Holiday season, I love Christmas music.

Let me clarify that.

I hate Rock and Roll Christmas music. Hate may be too strong a word, but still. Rock and Roll Christmas music is people who have no business trying to sound like they can really sing trying to pretend that they can really sing. And by "really sing" I am indeed being an elitist bastard. I'm a classically trained vocalist, folks. I know what these songs are supposed to sound like, and Rock and Roll ain't it.

When I was in High School, our choir would put on a fairly non-standard Winter Concert. We had Madrigal Dinners instead of your typical "stand on stage and sing" concerts. Comedy skits, written by the teacher and some students, good food and a lot of really good music. I miss that. I loved singing the music and performing. When I got to college I thought our Winter Concert was so boring and ordinary. Same beautiful music, just not as exciting. I still enjoyed the concerts immensely, and I really miss them.

I sing every day. I sing in my car, I sing at home. I sing any chance I get. It's not the same, though. I miss singing with the choir, being on stage in front of an audience. There really isn't anything else like it in the world.

The great thing about music is it has such a bond in the memory, and it makes me remember people and places so vividly. I remember the people I've sung with, the concerts I've attended, the music I've performed. I remember singing a solo out of Handel's Messiah when I was a senior in High School. I remember singing the Hallelujah Chorus from memory the same year. Not just me, but the entire combined choir. I remember my freshman year of high school, before I joined the choir, performing excerpts from Phantom of the Opera in our band concert and having two of the members do something of a skit from it during the performance. I can listen to the music and remember these things vividly.

So, this being the season and all that, I've had songs stuck in my head. It's nice to remember them, and remember the people I grew up with and the things that made me who I am today.

Merry Christmas.

[identity profile] bugfish.livejournal.com 2005-12-25 03:58 pm (UTC)(link)
I miss choir, too. And the little madrigal group I was in at college. My voice used to be in pretty good shape. Now, I make up and record songs and wince at my voice. Oh well.

Have you ever considered getting involved in a local group? During the five minutes between jobs or something?

[identity profile] jdotmi.livejournal.com 2005-12-26 03:49 pm (UTC)(link)
Heh. I have considered it. Dr Ricinto (my choir director from Eastern) runs Measure for Measure, which is a men's choral group. I just don't have any time to devote to it. Or the money for the tux and the ability to take the time off for the concerts especially around the holidays.

[identity profile] kev-bot.livejournal.com 2005-12-25 04:12 pm (UTC)(link)
I am exactly the opposite of you. I hate traditional Christmas music, but love rock and roll Christmas music. :) You're like Bizarro Kev!

[identity profile] jdotmi.livejournal.com 2005-12-26 03:52 pm (UTC)(link)
Hehe. I suppose I should qualify that statement as I don't like Rock-n-Roll versions of traditional Christmas music. I do like some rock style Christmas songs. Heh.

[identity profile] kev-bot.livejournal.com 2005-12-26 04:07 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh, I see! Okay! With the exception of the two Springsteen songs, I agree.

[identity profile] roane.livejournal.com 2005-12-26 03:36 am (UTC)(link)
Whoa, I didn't know you sang too. How cool! :)

[identity profile] jdotmi.livejournal.com 2005-12-26 03:52 pm (UTC)(link)
Yup. 6 music classes, 5 education classes, and 4 basic studies classes away from a Music Education degree at Eastern. :-p

[identity profile] rubicontiger.livejournal.com 2005-12-26 04:13 am (UTC)(link)
Yeah, I really miss choir myself. Some of my best memories are with my choirs and the trips we took (espcialy when we went to NYC). I really should start singing again...it's a great stress reliever. Merry Christmas! *HUGZ*

[identity profile] jdotmi.livejournal.com 2005-12-26 03:52 pm (UTC)(link)
*hugs*