Home June 18, 2007
Posted by cc in 18th St. Singers, family, home, metro, music, singing, thought.trackback
Originally uploaded by Ben Olinsky.
As I cruised through the HOV lane flying solo on my PM commute, I glanced at the blinking signs that read :
“Caution, Ozone Advisory. Please Carpool or use Transit. “
In a million years I never thought I’d be part of the problem. At any rate, following my typical workout routine, I heeded the aforementioned advice and jumped on the metro train towards Chocolate City.
Orange Line to Metro Center. Transfer to Glenmont train. A common event for me these days, it always seems to take me at least 2 trains to get where I’m going in the city. I’ve also grown rather accustomed to being what I like to call an “ipod loner” on the metro. You know who I’m talking about: the people that just crank up their music and pretend nothing around them exists until magically they exit the train. .
And then I stepped off the metro. Judiciary Square. Not exactly what I would call the most “exciting” metro stop on a weeknight, but just a short block away, I reached my final destination.
I entered a small church sanctuary on the corner of 4th and E, and suddenly my ears were engulfed in polyphony, comforted in warm dissonance, and lulled by a deliciousness not tasted in so long. A familiar Somoan tune followed by less familiar but increasingly beautiful arrangements took me through continents, time, and space.
After observing for nearly an hour, my mission was simple: impress them enough to earn a coveted spot in the group. This was my mission prior to hearing the 18th Street Singers, but now I could taste it. I could feel it. I wanted it so badly.
Upwards of 10PM I started into some vocalise, was pitchy on some arpeggios, and sight read somewhat decently l before changing keys twice in my prepared solo. My exhaustion had definitely gotten the best of me, but there was plenty of positive energy to carry me through a rather successful audition. Even the director admitted that he is “tough on the good ones” , a criticism taken in stride.
And there it was. A feeling of community, of belonging to something. A feeling I have not yet felt in DC. A feeling that I will do anything to kindle.
Home.
-cc
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