My Big Fat Seraphim 1960's Concert

Last weekend, the Seraphim Chorus under the direction of Kris Harper, made a quantum leap from traditional and stodgy choral stuff into the world of pop and performance doing a boffo choral concert showcasing the music of the 1960’s. It had a WOW factor as we tuned up to sing some Mamas and Papas, some Association, some bubble gum fluff, some folk music, some peacenik music, and some inspirational freedom rider music from the civil rights song book. It was a ride down memory…and who knew that we had it in us???

It was supplemented by some talented musicians from Westminster College and the one and only Jim McClelland of The McClelland's fame.  Add into the mix some outstanding commentary by local activist Staughton Lynn (you might not agree with him, but he walked the walk), the concert was a home run.

It was also one of our more difficult performances. Pop musicians use rhythms and harmonies unfamiliar to those of us growing up singing standard SATB fare in high school. It’s even worse when you think you know the song. Maybe you do, but I guarantee it won’t be what’s written on the music in front of you. Singing what you hear is one thing. Singing what you see is another. Many thought the concert was going to be a snap. Surprise!!!!

And that usual choral audience was up on their feet swaying and dancing and clapping their hands and singing along. People my age wondered where the time had gone. How could forty some years go by so quickly? Singing Hey Jude brought back memories of my Newman retreats, where we literally sat around the campfire singing that popular Beatles tune. Those folks are still my friends today. It was hard not to tear up.

In a world in which Glee is among the top television programs, choral music has ceased being a dying art form and is being resurrected into something that is dynamic and fun. Glee has redefined classic, and has shown that singing pop music is every bit as challenging, if not more so, than the standard oratorios and requiems. Not that there isn’t a place for them, but in modern America they have limited appeal. As a person very close to me (that would be my wife) once said when I asked if she was attending our March requiem concert…"it is cold, dark and wet outside. Why would I want to go hear a program about death?"

That being said, those classics honed my chorus' skills. It was that intricate oratorio Elijah that elevated my chorus to the point where we could sing the type of concert we did last weekend. It elevated us as musicians. We learned intonation. We learned diction. It is a fast moving piece and made us get our oxygen and pace makers pumping to capacity as we learned to sing with gusto.  It all goes into the mix.

But now maybe it is time to move into the 21st century. While singing the classic classics is noble and righteous, there is nothing wrong with wanting to entertain those who choose to come and hear our programs. In so doing, we entertain ourselves. We live in difficult times. People want to leave a program humming a tune and tapping their toes. I want to leave a program humming a tune and tapping my toes. It’s a good thing to make people feel good.  For those of us used to the old traditional stuff, it's okay to leave some of it behind to move forward.  We don't have to feel guilty.

Does that mean we abandon our traditional choral roots? Of course not! Our group sings in many different venues and programs demanding all sorts of music. California Dreamin’ doesn’t quite cut it when you are singing a celebratory Mass with the Diocesan Bishop. On the other hand, the emphasis may shift as we learn to blend the old with the new, as we re-balance the type of music that we sing.  Like all things in life, it is a balancing act.

What’s wrong with “Disco Seraphim” or “Seraphimly Sinatra” or “Gilbert and Sullivan and Seraphim” or “That’s Seraphtainment” or “Opry Seraphim”? Maybe those will be programs in the future. And some of the classics will be there, too.

In the meantime, if you didn’t see our 60’s extravaganza, you will have several times over the next few months to see an abbreviated reprise as we perform it in various venues as we sing for our supper, so to speak.  It is called show "business".  We have to pay the bills. 

See ya at the next concert, Dude!!