I have always loved to sing. When I was little, I would torment my family by belting or screeching out high notes in our highly acoustic hallway. When I was seven I sung my way into the youth choir at my synagogue, even though the minimum age was eight. In high school, I spent countless hours standing around the piano and singing with the tight knit group of friend. Through my young adulthood, choirs were consistently part of my life. Once I became a working person and then a parent, taking the time for regular rehearsals no longer fit. Gathering together with other to sing has been the greatest hole in my adulthood.
Several years ago, I was at a retreat center and there was a singing course that weekend. The participants of that course invited everyone to attend in a gospel sing along. The room filled with song as participants sung with pure abandon. It was a truly joyful and spiritual experience.
Then last fall, we traveled to the beautiful and cultural Asheville, NC. While we were there we attended to a 60’s music sing along. I loved every moment as we blended voices and became consciously aware of the power of community. I felt like I was home again. At that moment, a nugget of an idea began to develop.
When I put the idea forward on a Facebook group it was greeted with great enthusiasm! Serendipitously through that Facebook group, I learned my neighbor was working on a similar idea. That is how SOMA Sings was born.
The first event is on November 17th, 2015 at 7:30 pm. It is located at the Burgdorff Cultural Center at 10 Durand Road in Maplewood. For more information, visit the SOMA Sings Facebook page or email SOMASingssingalong@gmail.com.
Many people wonder what is a community sing along is about. Simply, it is an opportunity for anyone who likes to sing to come together in song. A list of songs is selected and we sing through them, harmonies optional, with the help of an accompanist. There are no rehearsals or long-term commitment, and no preparation is necessary (although the song list and links to the songs will be available on the SOMA Sing group on Facebook). We welcome anyone who finds joy in singing, from folks who only sing in the shower to professionals and everyone in between.
We are so appreciative to the newly forming SOMA Sings community. Several community members have volunteered their time, effort, equipment, ideas and instrumental talent. The Township of Maplewood and Wellspring Health Collective have also provided support.
