Make a Joyful Noise

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.

Serve the Lord with gladness;

Come before His presence with singing.

Psalm 100:1-2

Last night I attended a Master Class in singing at Carnegie Hall, with the legendary Marilyn Horne acting as the adjudicator for the class.  Three years ago I attended a similar event with Dawn Upshaw as the coach, and learned so much from that event, that I decided to return this year for two classes.

There were four young adult singers scheduled to perform: a soprano, a mezzo-soprano, a counter-tenor, and a bass-baritone.  Unfortunately, the bass-baritone was ill, but was replaced in the lineup by the alternate, also a baritone.  Tynan Davis (mezzo) and Tai Oney (counter-tenor) were the first two performers - fantastic singers with gorgeous voices, a ready sense of humor, a willingness to hear criticism from Ms. Horne, and a determination to try to do what she asked.  They each performed a selection uninterrupted, then were coached by Ms. Horne to bring out the musicality of the piece and tell the audience a compelling story with their voices and their faces.  Each singer followed closely as she imparted her wisdom, then set their minds to applying her direction as they sang again.  The development of their performance through this process was a wonder to behold.

The third singer (soprano) had a polished voice, a very quiet manner, and after her initial performance, appeared to be taking in Ms. Horne's comments regarding her interpretation of the piece.  Problem was, when she sang the piece again, she could not put those comments into practice.  On one particular passage, Ms. Horne had her re-sing it six or seven different times without her ever delivering the changes that were asked for. It appeared that she was hesitant because of fear of failure. Three years ago when I sat in the same venue and watched Ms. Upshaw work with a young tenor, he refused to incorporate any of her suggestions into his singing because of clear arrogance.  Whether fear or pride, the students could not grow in their understanding of the music, and the coaches were left visibly frustrated.

Walking to meet my daughter for dinner last night after the class was finished, I looked up at the sky and wondered how many time the Lord has gently suggested little changes in the song of my life, and I have been unable (from fear) or unwilling (from pride) to open up my heart to His words.  At times, fear paralyzes us or arrogance blinds us to experiences that would make us better men and women.  Only the Holy Spirit can enable us to move past these impediments and grow in the music of eternity.