For this month’s passion blog, I’d love to share about my most enriching musical experience in college thus far. This has been with the choir Essence of Joy.
I had my choir audition last semester during the first week of classes and was hopeful to make it into the Penn State Concert Choir. I felt like this was the top group and had my sights set on singing with this choir. However, at my audition there were three choir directors in there. The process is interesting in that you go in and sing for all of them, and then they decide whether or not they are interested in you.
After my audition, there was a man sitting in a chair of to the side that said, “I want you in my choir. I’ll see you tonight at 7:00 for the callback.” I ended up making Concert Choir, but now I had something new to figure out. Who was this guy and what was Essence of Joy? Personally, when opportunities arise like this, I always dive in head first. I see them as signs and things that are meant to be. So, I ended up taking the callback offer and I got in! I’m so grateful I did because I have loved every second of singing with this group.
In Essence of Joy, we perform works solely from the African American choral canon: the music is typically religious as well. We are directed by the LEGENDARY Dr. Anthony Leach who founded Penn State’s Essence of Joy In 1991. He is a Penn State laureate and actively serves as professor emeritus. He retired, but he cared about the choir so much that he had to come back. His choirs have performed all over the world, he has many successful compositions, and he has received countless awards for his work in music education. This year the group is traveling to Paris, France and I cannot wait to go to Europe for the first time with this wonderful choir!
I have learned so much being a part of this organization and my biggest takeaways are from Dr. Leach’s wonderful leadership skills. He treats us like professionals everyday and makes it clear that he values our time. Additionally, he sets aside rehearsal time to check in with us and ask people individually how they are doing. With this, he also is one of the best musicians I’ve ever had the opportunity to work with.
The repertoire we have set for our upcoming Spring concert is inspiring and I’m delighted to extend an invitation for you to attend. My favorite piece on the upcoming program is “Glory” from the musical Selma. You can feel the passion in the song as it details the history of racism within America. The concert is April 7th at 4PM! I’ll see you there!