October is one of my favorite months. I love decorating my house for Halloween and I love the return of ski season. This year, I’m loving getting ready to perform in Valley Performing Art’s production of “Something Rotten.
” But every year, I love the first practices for the community’s performance of Handel’s “The Messiah.” The Messiah is a pleasant mix of the familiar and the new, and I was reminded of that at the first practice last night. I was greeted by familiar faces, and some new ones, as I’ve decided to move from the alto to the soprano section this go-round.
While the songs included in the entire work do not change, the songs that are selected to be sung are varied. This year, I’m particularly excited for an a capella octet version of “And With His Stripes.” The soloists selected are different each year and bring their own voices and interpretations to the pieces.
I’m always in awe of the talent hidden in our little valley! The directors change yearly too, and with that comes a wealth of different techniques and emphasis. In 2022, Terri Pontius whipped us all into shape teaching tonguing techniques for some of the long and exhausting runs. In 2023, Clyde McKee ended each rehearsal with carefully researched and meaningful information about Handel and the background of his work.
And this year, we are pleased to be conducted by the inimitable Kai West, who brings her expertise and–-as we discovered last night–her love for all songs speedy! .