Friends, this is an era when our hearts are hurting for many reasons. From the perspective of this choral organization, we haven’t been able to sing together – a big sadness. This last weekend would have been our last concert of what was shaping up to be a great season. Our Pro Arte has had to postpone the June tour. We are still hoping to gather more of you into our virtual choir project. We must continue to make music any way we can.

However, not making music together pales in comparison to the other things swirling around us. We are fearful of Covid-19 and are suffering its consequences - isolation from friends and family being at the top of that list. We are sickened by the rampant racism in this country, the leaders who support and encourage it and citizens who choose to not see it and own their role in it.

As this choir’s Artistic Director, I want to suggest that music can help the hurt. Any time we intentionally share music either on our own or in ensemble (our virtual choir) we are spreading joy, hope and healing. I want to suggest that many of the texts we share through our singing address love, hope, peace, joy and our cry for social justice. Over its history, GRCC has been committed to an awareness of social justice issues and other cultures throughout our world. We have been keenly aware of music’s ability to heal. So, sing on! Wherever you sing, whoever you join your voice with, whatever you sing; own your ability to make a difference though your gift of singing!

Here are links to music our choirs have sung that are particularly appropriate at this time:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nP6LcRKPqAg (An excerpt of Draw the Circle Wide)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQKwh43z5rM (Prayer of Desmond Tutu)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMynBb_-vVE (Unity in Grace)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqFTVI0VzcQ (Hope for Resolution)

The Lee monument is coming down. Sing justice!

Peace and love,

Crystal Jonkman