Today, before going to work, I stopped in at the Y for a nice morning swim (a habit I've only recently begun, and one I hope to continue of course). As I entered the pool area, I saw that there were a number of folks in the whirlpool (which is right by the entrance to the pool); it was noticeable because it was unusual to have more than one or two folks there at that time of the day. These were six or seven African-American women, all of whom were at least my age or older. A number of other women were hanging around the pool itself, but no one was in the water there yet. A lifeguard (or class instructor?) informed me that the pool was closed at the moment, but it would be open in about 15 minutes. She said that, in the meantime, perhaps I would like to join the ladies in the whirlpool? :) Well I am not shy, and they didn't seem to mind having one more body in the tub; so I did join them. I was able to find a little spot over in one corner. After exchanging pleasantries, the ladies (who all seemed to know one another) continued their casual conversation. Then one of the ladies suggested that they sing a song. The lady sitting next to me immediately broke into a spirited rendition of "Blessed Assurance" and the others joined in right away. Now it might have surprised them, but I happen to know that song and all the words to most of the verses. So I began singing along with them. They didn't seem to mind. If they could sing in public, so could I! After the song finished, the lady next to me - who was a natural-born song leader, by the way - said to me that I have "a beautiful voice." I took that as approval, and permission to sing the next song, which they started right into: "Pass Me Not Oh Gentle Savior." Again, I knew this song and was able to join in. At the end of the second song, I was starting to feel accepted by this group of ladies. Then, another lady (a white lady) walked up to us and made a request: Would we please sing Amazing Grace? Of course the choir obliged. I never realized what a "white" song that hymn could be (contradicting the song's own history, of course). But it just didn't fit with the flow that we had started with. So we sang only a couple of verses. Then the ladies asked if I had a favorite. I said I'd like to sing "Nothing But the Blood" and they let me lead it, singing in call-and-response style. Now we were back on track. :)
After all this spirited singing, we took a break and chatted a bit. The song leader told us that she was a member of a Gospel choir, which would be performing at a special event later this month at a local church. Everyone felt that it would be an event worth attending! She said there are about 30 members of her choir. She also said they have recorded a CD. I asked her where could I obtain a copy (I wasn't sure if I'd be able to make it to the upcoming gospel sing, where they certainly would have some available). She assured me that she would bring some copies there to the YMCA, and I could perhaps buy one there.
I took the opportunity to tell them about the musical "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" which was currently playing in town. I modestly confessed to having a small part in it. They seemed interested and wanted to know how much the tickets were. I gave them all the details on the show; perhaps I will see them at one of this weekend's shows! ?
Anyway, by now the pool was opening, and the water aerobics class - which they were all apparently waiting for - was about to start. All the ladies began to exit out of the whirlpool and make their way into the pool... while they struck up one last chorus: "Oh When the Saints." Their voices filled the natatorium (which has the acoustics, by the way, of a great cathedral). It was lovely! After that I was ready for anything the rest of the day might bring me.
After all this spirited singing, we took a break and chatted a bit. The song leader told us that she was a member of a Gospel choir, which would be performing at a special event later this month at a local church. Everyone felt that it would be an event worth attending! She said there are about 30 members of her choir. She also said they have recorded a CD. I asked her where could I obtain a copy (I wasn't sure if I'd be able to make it to the upcoming gospel sing, where they certainly would have some available). She assured me that she would bring some copies there to the YMCA, and I could perhaps buy one there.
I took the opportunity to tell them about the musical "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" which was currently playing in town. I modestly confessed to having a small part in it. They seemed interested and wanted to know how much the tickets were. I gave them all the details on the show; perhaps I will see them at one of this weekend's shows! ?
Anyway, by now the pool was opening, and the water aerobics class - which they were all apparently waiting for - was about to start. All the ladies began to exit out of the whirlpool and make their way into the pool... while they struck up one last chorus: "Oh When the Saints." Their voices filled the natatorium (which has the acoustics, by the way, of a great cathedral). It was lovely! After that I was ready for anything the rest of the day might bring me.
ReplyDeleteThat. Is. Awesome. :)