first rehearsal

Can you have a "re" - hearsal when you haven't heard the music before?

Anyway, Tuesday night we had our first rehearsal for the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles Holiday concert. I took the evening off from the minister's retreat and drove up to LA for the rehearsal. We took a brief look at the music we'll perform in December but also had a lot of business to take care of, not the least of which was greeting all our chorus friends after having not seen people over the summer. The first two rehearsals in the fall are also when prospective members are invited to sit in with us and get an idea of what the chorus is like before they audition. We had 28 new guys sit in on Tuesday.

I was assigned to be a "Buddy" to one of the news guys checking out the bass section. My Buddy had never sung in a chorus before and did not know how to read music. But he had a very good voice and could quickly pick up our part from listening to those of us in the section who could read music. A very nice guy. I hope he does audition.

it's going to be a great concert. And it's great to be singing again.