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06/02/2025

Today’s blog

Lynn Murphy Mark

Allegro con brio

Yesterday afternoon I went to Kirkwood for a short respite from politics, from the foolishness of this administration, and, well, from life in general. This marked the fourth time I have attended a concert at Kirkwood’s First Presbyterian Church. The building itself is magnificent and has been in existence in one form or another since 1888. The interior space seats hundreds of people and the acoustics are wonderful. Backing the pulpit and choir area are a series of gorgeous stained glass windows. As if the music were not enough, the colors of the windows and the messages they carry make the experience even more  meaningful.

I went there to hear a performance by Allegro: A St. Louis Choral Community. This group is for “anyone 50 years or older who wants to sing”. I joined after the New Year in order to be a part of the music making, led by Merry Keller. I had no idea what to expect and I was blown away by her style of teaching and directing mostly non-professional music lovers.

 I have belonged to choirs since my college years when I discovered the pure joy of blending voices and sending notes and words into the ether. My first choir director was Dr. Monroe Bell who coached me through a brief audition. As nervous as I was, he made the experience possible and placed me in the Alto section. That has been my resting place through all my choir experiences, with a brief stint as a Tenor when I lived in Santa Fe. In my opinion, Altos are the backbone of any group singing in parts. 

Allegro rehearses in the sanctuary of my church, Parkway United Church of Christ. I went to my first rehearsal, delighted to have an opportunity to sing in a group. Our director, Merry Keller, is known to me because she occasionally provided music for my former church and I always loved it when she played the piano and sang. I know of her through having sung under her direction in Charis, years ago. We also know a couple of people in common.

I did not know what to expect from her as a director. I found out she is a force to be reckoned with in her style of working with a large group. As a singer, I appreciate the effort that goes into her work. Each person in the choir receives a recording of their part for each song that is to be a part of a performance. She uses any opportunity to teach proper technique for singing efficiently, gives a history of each song to be sung, and does it with a firm but good-humored style. I loved her choice of songs as well.

But yesterday I found myself in the audience, instead of in the choir loft, due to a Spring cold and sore throat that affected my voice for weeks. I missed enough rehearsals to know that I would not be as prepared as it takes to sing in this group. 

I took my seat and read through the program. The concert started and the audience was riveted to the sounds of tens of singers. It meant a lot to me to be familiar with the music. The performance sounded flawless to me. At its’ conclusion audience members around me were commenting on the outstanding singing. I was sitting quietly, moved to tears by the last offering – a choral combination of “We Shall Overcome” and “Lean On Me”, sung with the Legend Singers of St. Louis who were guest musicians at the performance.

As long as I live, I will be devoted to the time I have spent as part of a musical group. To me it is the same as being in the direct presence of God, praying through music and words. I plan on being in this great group for the Christmas concert.