I'm curious about what instruments you guys play. Or maybe you sing? I've seen some mention of the Coloradoans (Jim and Wayne) being in choirs.
A fellow engineer introduced me to Steely Dan in the mid 80's and life ain't been the same since. I can sing it, but my skills on the acoustic guitar can't handle it. Am contemplating taking up the bass.
Upon moving to semi-retirement (hey, where's all that extra time?) I was able to return to membership in a choir. Throughout the 1980's sang with the Colorado Chorale - 120 voices - until multiple jobs and grandkids took priority. Then joined the Alpine Chorale since 2001 (about 60 voices).
Had the opportunity to tour Europe in 1983 to 6 countries & 9 concerts over a 3 week period. Unforgettable!
Uunderstand that my experience is not uncommon, i.e., moving from a bass (high school) to a tenor (middle age) and now am pretending to be a first tenor (no longer middle age?), expected to hit notes sometimes in the stratosphere.
The rehearsals feel like work, but come the concerts it all seems worth it. I think that the object is to ensure that choral music remains alive in a time and culture that favors other things. There are indeed some amazing works even now being composed, e.g., 'An American Odyssey' (2006) by Mary McAuliffe, about Irish immigrants coming to the US, which we sang in April 2008. It had adults and chldren in tears (no it wasn't the singing...).
Larry,
I picked up my trombone again back in 1984. I had not played since my freshman year at Mesa Community in 1969/70. I have played off and on since until about 2000. I picked it back up 2 weeks ago and joined a 'New Horizons' symphonic band here in Colorado Springs.
I found out over the years I could sing enough to participate in church worship teams and choirs. Jim, I have finally gone from baritone to bass. I don't think I will ever make it to tenor.
Wayne
