harmonic dissonance

A lovely harmony came out of rehearsal today. Staging flowed smoothly and efficiently, the choir hit melodic harmonies spot on, and everyone’s memory served them well at the end when we reviewed all the work from the day. I don’t claim to be a musical theory expert; I’m barely a novice. But when I say there was a lovely harmony, I describe a day worked out of the dissonance of confusion and new concepts and resolved into a harmonic chord that I could listen to anytime.

The children are working on a new show for July. This show will be the first of their theatre experiences so we needed back up help from our director. Dave is great with the kids, and his big and silly facial expressions dismiss any intimidation that the kids might experience. He has such a respect for representing and fully understanding the story of the choir and the traditional African songs and dances. Despite his short time with us, most of his goals and expectations were met so that we are all prepared for the big show.

Dissonance doesn’t come just from new staging, different songs, or a mixed-up running order. It can arise from the heart, in fact I would say this is the main source. Hopes and expectations do that- they put one at risk of falling short, experiencing an unstable moment, and realizing the process can be grating and unpleasant. The angst, fear, and anticipation of all that could go right along side all that could go wrong creates that funky chord, the D and F natural at the same time.

It’s not a totally awful note but I know it has potential to be better.

It’s not a terrible problem to be anxious for often times that energy brings about the best work.

It’s the note that really highlights the resolved, the perfected, the final note in all its glory.

The choir is still in the middle of the song. Beautiful chords rise to the heavens but come up along side those notes that still need to be worked out and refined. As I hear the song, the show, come together I am learning to appreciate the temporary and dissonant chords for the product they produce and the way they keep me on my toes.