In this holiday season, one of the things that brings back memories and makes me smile are Madrigals groups. There is a unique feel to music created by the blending of human voices alone.
I almost missed the opportunity to participate, not trying out until my senior year. That was so many decades ago, but I have strong, sweet memories.
The fellowship of my friends and time with the magnificent Anna Barnlund, teacher extraordinaire... and now a friend for nearly a lifetime. Madrigal music is forever imprinted on my heart as one of the things that makes the holiday season special each year.
In the community we now call home, our Madrigal group is magnificent, under the direction of Mrs. Heather Berger. Before the annual event, they do a "world tour" of all of the schools. It promotes the music department and plants the idea of "maybe someday" in the hearts of some vocalists. Because Heather is gracious... she has added the District Office to the "world tour." This week, this year's Madrigals visited.
They sang some of my favorites (Heather had a list I could choose from) and each one was wonderful. I am coming to the end of the students who were at the Junior High when I was there, but it is always fun to see them and to reconnect through song. One was my "Covid Buddy," Stella, who was my email pen pal during the 2020 lockdown season. The other, Titus, a talented young musician I have watched grow from a small boy who loved music into a talented musician. I am so glad we captured a picture.
In our community, there is a church denomination that still continues its rich tradition of a cappella singing. All you need is a pitch pipe and a group of friends. Instant harmonies break out. The youth who grow up in that tradition often are present in the Madrigal group each year.
A cappella singing seems to illuminate from the soul. Be it contemporary a cappella groups like Pentonix or Home Free, or award winning Barber Shop groups, I am grateful humans have not lost our appreciation for music that is made solely from mixing human voices in harmony.
As I searched for the right verse for today, I didn't have to look far. My "verse of the day" talked about using our gifts. It seems a perfect fit. I am grateful for those who use their gifts and for the teachers who teach them and lead them.
"I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus. Through him, God has enriched your church in every way—with all of your eloquent words and all of your knowledge." -1 Corinthians 1:4-5
Today, I am grateful for Madrigals.
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