Every singer has a story about what brings them to a choir. For some, it is the memory of how it feels to be surrounded by voices in harmony. For others, it is the desire to find a new musical community, take on a challenge, or simply gather the courage to audition.
This season, Masterworks Choral Ensemble welcomed a new group of singers into the MCE family. Their paths to the ensemble may have been different, but their early experiences share some remarkably similar themes: beautiful music, high expectations, genuine camaraderie and, perhaps most importantly, a feeling of belonging.
Taking the leap and Auditioning for MCE
Sometimes joining a choir begins with a carefully considered decision. Sometimes it begins with a little courage. For new alto Crystal Rendon, the first step was straightforward, but significant: “I finally got brave enough to audition!” Now, she says rehearsals have been “engaging and challenging in the best ways,” and she is learning more about her own voice every week.
Megan Christensen understood that feeling. After several years away from choir, she missed singing and wanted to make art a regular part of her life again. Hearing MCE in concert helped convince her where she wanted to do it. Even so, auditioning was intimidating. “I was terrified to audition, and never expected to get in,” she said. “But Ben was the most welcoming and supportive audition lead you could have, and joining MCE was the best decision I’ve ever made.”
For Gary Jacobson, the journey happened much faster. After missing the experience of singing in a directed chorus, he happened to see a Facebook post announcing MCE auditions on the very day they were closing. He made an appointment and auditioned that afternoon.
The remarkable feeling of singing together
Ask these new members what they love about choral singing, and one idea appears again and again: together, individual voices become something much bigger.
Bill Freeland, who previously sang with Bellevue Chamber Chorus, describes it as “the sum greater than the parts.” He was drawn to MCE by the ensemble’s sound and says the shared commitment to excellence creates a special camaraderie among singers.
Peter Riley calls singing together “joyful and liberating,” while Jordan Reece Guitang treasures those moments in rehearsal when the entire ensemble finds its flow and everything suddenly connects.
For Megan, the experience is like being one thread in a much larger tapestry. “Being one voice among many, one colored thread in a beautiful tapestry of song, is the most incredible feeling,” she said. “Listening to the swell of voices around yourself is so inspiring.”
Gary echoes the experience, describing the joy of blending with other skilled voices to create sounds that are possible only with a large chorus: “There’s no sound or experience like joining in voice with other people.”
Serious music, without taking ourselves too seriously
New members have also noticed something important about MCE: a commitment to making excellent music does not prevent rehearsals from being fun.
Crystal admits she expected rehearsals to be more serious and grueling and was surprised by how lighthearted they are. Bill has noticed the enjoyment and smiling faces at rehearsals, while Gary describes the choir’s overall atmosphere as relaxed and pleasant.
At the same time, the musical standards have impressed MCE’s newest singers. Jordan was struck by the ensemble’s professional level of preparation and the care singers bring to learning the music. What stands out most, however, is the combination of musical excellence and intentionality. “The ego isn’t there and everyone has one goal: to sing together and sound wonderful!”
That balance can even be a little intimidating at first. Peter, who considers himself new to music and singing, said he is amazed by how quickly other members learn new songs and by how good the choir sounds even while learning them. His personal goal this season is simple but meaningful: proving to himself that he can contribute to the choir’s high-quality sound.
Finding a community through song
Of course, joining a choir is about more than learning notes. Several new members pointed to the people around them as one of the biggest reasons they already feel at home.
Peter credits his choir buddy, Tom, with helping him settle into the ensemble. Tony Benjamins similarly appreciated being paired with a choir buddy and seeing friendly faces in his section.
For Jordan, small gestures have mattered enormously. As someone who describes himself as shy and reserved in unfamiliar surroundings, he appreciates choir members who check in or simply stop to say hello. “Those check-ins and random hellos make me smile and help me to feel welcome while I continue to find my bearings,” he said.
Megan has experienced that welcome in countless ways, from members asking how she is doing to offering help, rides and opportunities to spend time together. “They’re the most welcoming group I’ve ever been a part of!” she said.
Looking Forward to the first performance
After weeks of rehearsals, preparation and new friendships, there is one experience many of MCE’s newest members are especially eager to share: their first performance with the ensemble.
Crystal cannot wait for friends and family to hear the music. Gary is similarly excited for friends and relatives who have never heard him sing in a choir to experience the performance. Bill and Tony are looking forward to performing at the Washington Center, while Megan is particularly excited to sing music by one of her favorite composers, Ola Gjeilo.
For these singers, that first performance represents more than a concert. It is the culmination of taking a chance, walking into an audition or rehearsal, learning alongside strangers and gradually becoming part of something larger.
Perhaps Megan offers the best advice for anyone who has wondered whether there might be a place for them in a choir like MCE: “No matter what your experience level, come audition! We’re all learning together.”
And Bill has an equally simple message for audiences: “Come and see the shows. You will not be disappointed.”
