We love it when visitors honor us by attending one of our rehearsals. And it is indeed an honor. We expect folks to come to our public musical offerings, but attending a rehearsal is something special.

Place yourself in that situation. What might you experience? My guess is that your first impression would be how much these folks seem to love one another and enter the evening with expectation. There's energy in the air! You'd witness a rehearsal that begins absolutely on time with nearly every person in their seats, music organized, and ready to go. You'd hear our tremendously talented accompanists launch into a familiar hymn or song, and soon all 200 voices would join for a time of praise and worship of our Lord. You'd be part of that, too.

There's a little game we play every week. I shout, "Hello, Choir!" They respond enthusiastically, "Hello, Harry!" There's something unifying about that silly little moment in our week. It signals the beginning of our journey to the top of a mountain where we know the view is going to be terrific.

We begin rehearsing our repertoire, and the sound of those voices filling that room is sometimes overwhelmingly powerful and sometimes exquisitely beautiful. Then it happens: A wrong note, a poorly formed vowel, a rhythm out of place -- some piece of the mosaic is missing. My job is to hear it, point it out, give correction, and help us try again. After all, that's what a rehearsal is.

Ask the singers about me. You'll hear a variety of comments. Some will say I'm gentle and patient. They're right. Some will say I shout impatiently and demand improvement. They're right. One recent visitor -- a husband of one or our sopranos -- told me a few weeks later that he was both impressed and intimidated as he listened. We were working hard on correct pronunciation of some words which he wondered if he would ever utter again for fear of getting them wrong! Poor guy.

Before the evening would end, you would join with us in a Bible study. We recently finished the Sermon on the Mount. We are presently in a study which I call, "And There Were Three." For instance, right now we're looking at the three greatest virtues according to the Apostle Paul - Faith, Hope, and Love.

The time comes to go home. We're tired. But it's one of those "good" feelings of fatigue. In fact, we're rejuvenated! Coming "down" may take hours for some people as they lie in bed that night and reflect on the glorious music, time with friends, and especially time spent with our Lord. In fact, one of the comments I hear repeatedly is that our rehearsals are often more worshipful than Sunday morning church for many of our members.

Would you like to visit? We'd love to have you! Call our Choir Office to make sure the rehearsal is on for that evening. They'll give you directions. As my eyes look to my left, I hope to see you there.