Concert Reflections – Thoughts on “When Icicles Hang” from a new DCC Member

As a recent Maryland transplant who loves to sing, I was eager to find a new church that would provide a creative outlet as well as a spiritual home.  As a classically trained musician, however, I quickly discovered that I needed a more challenging and rigorous environment in order to feel musically satisfied. During a thorough search of candidate groups in the Upper Chesapeake region, I was immediately impressed by the organizational skill and infectious enthusiasm that undergirds the Deer Creek Chorale and decided to join up.  Imagine my elation when I was asked at only my second rehearsal if I would be willing to sing the solo for this semester’s concert!  The whole experience was simply magical, from the opportunity to develop my concert solo voice, to the overwhelming appreciation and support from the choir members themselves, to discovering my ability to overcome stage fright and deliver an (almost) flawless performance!  My favorite moment by far was when, at the beginning of the second verse, the choir came in with their supporting chords and I started singing a moment later – the effect was simply thrilling!  I cannot express enough gratitude to my peers for their sublime performance, to the staff for their tireless behind-the-scenes work, and to Marty for her passion, her no-nonsense directing style and her impeccable artistic sense.  I can’t wait to see what the next semester holds!    -Allen Ernst, Tenor