The first time Sherri Waters said “I want you in the choir,” in my direction, I looked over my shoulder. Finding no one there and realizing she meant me, I laughed and replied, “No, you don’t.” While I applauded her inclusive attitude and her desire to expand the choir, I had no intention of corrupting the group’s magnificent sound.
When she later made it clear that her invitation was serious and insisted that I could sing given a little instruction, I was touched. Despite my inability to identify myself as a soprano or an alto, she encouraged me to give it a try.
I mulled it over until Don came home from choir one Wednesday night with the news that Sherri was offering choir members an incentive. She promised to cook for anyone who brought a guest to practice the following week.
There isn’t much I won’t do for a home-cooked meal. Well, except learn to cook. Anyway, since I was considering trying choir anyway, I took the plunge.
What I remember about that first choir practice is how nice everybody was. They all made me feel so welcome, and responded to my lack of knowledge with friendly assistance. The choir is a family that embraces new members warmly.
Dinner the following Sunday evening at Sherri’s was even more of a treat. Her house is filled with souvenirs of the very interesting life she has led. She’s a good cook, too.
Five years later, I’m feeling pretty comfortable in the choir loft with my back-row buddies Lisa Waits and Carolyn Bland. It’s a joy to be a part of this group and to hear the music from the inside; somehow the tenors and the basses blend even more beautifully when you’re sitting right between them.
I still lack the musical talent of many of our choir members, but I now know that I can sing. And while I’ll never be able to sing like Stephanie Laird, I can still contribute to the wonderful blend of voices that is the Williams Memorial United Methodist Church Chancel Choir.
Consider becoming a part of the choir and contributing to this joyful noise unto the Lord. Sherri or any choir member will answer your questions, or you can just show up any Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. in the choir room. Be sure and mention my name — that way, we both get a home-cooked meal!
By Patsy Morriss
The first time Sherri Waters said “I want you in the choir,” in my direction, I looked over my shoulder. Finding no one there and realizing she meant me, I laughed and replied, “No, you don’t.” While I applauded her inclusive attitude and her desire to expand the choir, I had no intention of corrupting the group’s magnificent sound.
When she later made it clear that her invitation was serious and insisted that I could sing given a little instruction, I was touched. Despite my inability to identify myself as a soprano or an alto, she encouraged me to give it a try.
I mulled it over until Don came home from choir one Wednesday night with the news that Sherri was offering choir members an incentive. She promised to cook for anyone who brought a guest to practice the following week.
There isn’t much I won’t do for a home-cooked meal. Well, except learn to cook. Anyway, since I was considering trying choir anyway, I took the plunge.
What I remember about that first choir practice is how nice everybody was. They all made me feel so welcome, and responded to my lack of knowledge with friendly assistance. The choir is a family that embraces new members warmly.
Dinner the following Sunday evening at Sherri’s was even more of a treat. Her house is filled with souvenirs of the very interesting life she has led. She’s a good cook, too.
Five years later, I’m feeling pretty comfortable in the choir loft with my back-row buddies Lisa Waits and Carolyn Bland. It’s a joy to be a part of this group and to hear the music from the inside; somehow the tenors and the basses blend even more beautifully when you’re sitting right between them.
I still lack the musical talent of many of our choir members, but I now know that I can sing. And while I’ll never be able to sing like Stephanie Laird, I can still contribute to the wonderful blend of voices that is the Williams Memorial United Methodist Church Chancel Choir.
Consider becoming a part of the choir and contributing to this joyful noise unto the Lord. Sherri or any choir member will answer your questions, or you can just show up any Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. in the choir room. Be sure and mention my name — that way, we both get a home-cooked meal!
For more information visit our Music Ministry page or contact Sherri Waters
