Let Freedom Sing!

I am soooo jazzed! Tonight, I went to rehearsal for the Let Freedom Ring Choir, a project choir that is organized for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration here in DC in January. When I signed up for this event -- open to all Georgetown students, staff, faculty, and community members -- I wasn't sure how serious the choir would be or how balanced its representation would be. I was welcomed and pleasantly surprised at our first meeting. The singing was FUN and very accessible. There were a good number of students but also staff and faculty. The choir is very multi-age, multi-ethnic, multi-racial, and multi-talented. King would have been proud of the composition of such a musical group celebrating his life, I think.

We are singing a number of tunes, but the one we rehearsed was written by the choir director, Rev. Nolan Williams, Jr. His attitude was creative and inspiring. I think we all felt like a community that wanted to sing for him and for each other. His leadership style was fantastic (I will have to do some observation in future rehearsals, but I was wholly fascinated by his friendly yet down-to-business way of approaching our rehearsal). He is an inspiring community leader in his own right, I have no doubt.

We will be practicing the entire week before the holiday, but the culminating event takes place in the Kennedy Center with a top-secret guest artist and Nuttin' But Strings. I imagine that one very inspirational presidential elect might also be present at the event as inauguration day follows MLK day this year. And, donned in my choir robe, I'll get a first-hand experience of the whole thing. Stands my hair on end with excitement!

Stand by for my debut at the Kennedy Center on January 19. I think we do get some complementary tickets and there is some floor space in my studio, so let me know if you'll be around and would like to join in the festivities over that weekend.