It is very interesting to write this blog post, more than a week after this event took place, looking back through the beginning of the COVID19 pandemic. Awareness of the virus was beginning to spread while the GU choir was on tour, visiting public places, churches, and staying in homes around Illinois, and Indiana, including Chicago and Indianapolis, but we didn't know that this concert in Bloomington would be the last of their tour, the last of their school year, and Annah's last ever with the choir. So grateful for these moments and this evening!!!
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The GU choir's concert was at the Benton family's church in Bloomington this evening, and Joyce planned their dinner. She invited our whole family, but Caeden and Sylvia had musical rehearsal, and Jeremy was throwing a pizza party for the junior high wrestling team in place of their last practice before IESA State, which was canceled yesterday by the hosting university because of the pandemic. I really enjoyed visiting with Annah, Ryan, Allison, Ashley, Bree, JiWon, and Abi during supper. There was a lot of love and laughter being shared.
I loved the choir's song to thank the host church for their dinner.
After eating, the choir changed into their concert attire and did a little rehearsing in the sanctuary. The Cornerstone Christian High School Concert Choir joined them for a few pieces.
Lexie, the GU Choir president, conducting Holy, Holy, Holy
Professor Park is not only the choir's accompanist, but teaches class piano, and this semester is Annah's Music Theory/Aural Skills 2 professor. She is very sweet and funny.
As the choir gathered in singing, their love for one another was so beautiful.
At times this school year, with the difficulties of the Music Education degree program being cut, Annah has wondered if she chose the wrong school. These people and relationships are why God put her at Greenville this year. They have encouraged and supported her and undoubtedly will be lifelong friends!
These songs and shared moments of making music are forming a beautiful part of Annah's life experience.
Bree was Annah's R.A. first semester, and the first person we met on move-in day last August.
Andrea lives on the same hall as Annah, and they have been such good emotional support for one another!
We met Marissa and her family in November of 2018 when she and Annah happened to be auditioning at GU on the same day. We visited with them at Olivet when the girls both sang in the district 3 ILMEA choir that same November, and February of 2019 when the girls were competing and interviewing for the President's Day Scholarship. Marissa is in most of Annah's classes and has become such a dear friend to her.
Annah has LOVED getting to share college and more music experiences with Allison!
After rehearsing, the choir had a short break before the concert.
Annah sat on Ryan's lap for a moment, and Allison and Ashley thought it was a great idea!
I tried to record much of the concert, but didn't want to be too distracting with my camera and tripod. Some trouble focusing at times, but hopefully the sound comes across. It was a beautiful concert, and so special for Allison and Annah to sing at home.
We were so blessed by friends who came to the concert to see and hear Annah's choir. Grandma Sandi was there, Tracie and Tom with the girls and Miles, Ridgeview friends Tyler and Adam, and the girls' first violin teacher that we haven't seen in years--Ruthie and 3 of her kids!
It was a beautiful evening, and such a moving concert. The choir really poured out the love of Jesus all over everyone in the audience. Everyone was moved. So, SO blessed.
