Its an old saying that absence makes the heart grow fonder, but I bumped into that recently because I had a cold that was not worth sharing with my fellow singers and missed last weeks meeting. I returned this past Tuesday and had that odd feeling, as a long time member, that I had missed something. I wouldn't say for a moment that I felt left out, I've rarely experienced a more welcoming cohort of friends dedicated to a common purpose and the warmth of fellowship this week was exceptional. There was, however, the sense that something wonderful happened while I was away. That's the sense of special-ness that I love about this chapter and chorus, and what makes me so reluctant to miss a rehearsal. It's always a last minute decision when I realize that it's best for me and everyone else for me to stay home, but it's obviously the right choice. Coming back and spending a half-hour in a section rehearsal working on vowel-matching and breath management might not sound glamorous, but it re-created that great sense of belonging that is a huge part of the barbershop experience. Harmony takes many forms, and it is always priceless.
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