Several weeks ago, I was contacted by Stacy Horn, who has just come out with an exciting new book, Imperfect Harmony: Finding Happiness Singing with Others. You may have heard her interviewed on Talk of the Nation last month - it was an in-depth and interesting conversation that I recommend. (I also recommend her blog, at her website, because she ALSO has many cat pictures!)
She has generously agreed to do a book giveaway on this blog! If you would like Stacy Horn to mail you a free copy of her book, please leave a comment here describing a fond memory you have of singing with other people. (It doesn't have to be the-very-best-memory-ever. Just a positive memory that pops into your head!) I'll choose someone using a random number generator one week from today, and contact you to get your mailing address, so be sure to leave contact info in your comment.
Ready, set, go!
My parents used to throw a holiday party when we were all home from college, with the Oxford green book of carols and our most musical friends. Eggnog, cookies, the most satisfying music.
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Carolyn, a large group of families at the church where I grew up had a similar carol-sing every year; it was definitely one of the highlights of my Christmas season!
ReplyDeleteMy family used to sing partner songs together at any opportunity- it's why I love them so much!
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ReplyDeleteLiving in Yamaguchi, Japan for a year teaching English, I had some of my fellow teachers over one night. We all ended up around my keyboard singing songs we all knew despite being from England, N. Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, and the US. Such a great bonding experience!
ReplyDeleteFor my friend Ethan's 21st birthday we all went out to a blues club in downtown Easton, where we were seated at a long table. A short while later the waitress came over and sheepishly asked us to move because a group of "regulars" had come in and we were sitting in their spot. We moved graciously, but when the "head" of the regulars found out we moved for them, he bought us a round of drinks and apologized.
ReplyDeleteAfter the band was done playing, the regulars invited us over to the table, pulled out a guitar and we all started singing classic rock songs until about 2am. And, given that a few of us were musicians, we provided some nice harmonies to kick it up a notch. It was an epic way to celebrate his 21st, and a night I still talk about to this day.
PS- Yes, this is Scott Hill's brother with whom you ushed at their wedding... :-)
Hi, Matt! *waves* What a great memory.
ReplyDeleteSinging the Brahms Requiem, standing on the floor (first row in front of the risers) just a few feet away from the tympani. The second movement in particular was a full-body experience. When I listen to that piece now, I still get that same feeling in the pit of my stomach.
ReplyDeleteWhen I am bid to "go to my happy place," I am rehearsing madrigals with my college group on the old orchestral stage at my alma mater. Dyer's "Down Among the Dead Men" is what's in my head right now as I think about it, although Rachmaninoff's "Bogoroditse Devo" is probably my solid favorite. :)
ReplyDeleteI wish I had enough books to send them to everyone! Allegra, please let me know who wins in the random drawing.
ReplyDeleteI miss singing. I usually go to open community sings in the summer, but so far it just hasn't worked out. I'm ready for the fall, when rehearsals start up again.
Stacy Horn
Kirsten, that sounds great. I'm actually doing a conducting program at Eastman next week and we're concentrating on the Brahms Requiem.
ReplyDeleteSandy, I think my favorite was probably one of the Lassus motets we sang, but it's hard to choose!