Journal entry by Joanne Negstad — a minute ago
The choir was a significant factor in our joining Grace University Lutheran. Grace is a member of ISAIAH, which was critical for me. On our first visit to Grace the choir sang and Joanne said, "let's join," and that was the end of our church shopping. She loved to sing in the choir and the last years, when her back hurt while standing, she would sit on the low brick wall next to the alto section.
Steve is both choir director and organist. Today he accompanied the choir on the organ and choir member C C, directed. C C, is very accomplished so Steve, could comfortably leave the directing to her.
Watching C C, direct took me back to some of Joanne's stories. While she was a student at Concordia College she studied choral conducting with Paul J. Christiansen. Paul J., as he was known, was the director of the Concordia Choir. His father, F. Melius Christiansen, directed the St. Olaf College Choir for many years. Joanne said the Paul J. was not hesitant to correct her conducting methodology. "Hanson, give it some life!" he would boom out.
Joanne's musical skills were good enough that she could have made a career out of church music. If she would have chosen that path, her administrative and leadership abilities would likely have led her to non-musical duties.
One of the little 'inside' customs Joanne and I practiced, was a choir head count. It was my job to count how many male and female singers there were. Today, counting C C, women out numbered men by 4. I needed to tell someone, so I told you. 😉
Blessings,
Al
Picture of "Joanne's" piano
Steve is both choir director and organist. Today he accompanied the choir on the organ and choir member C C, directed. C C, is very accomplished so Steve, could comfortably leave the directing to her.
Watching C C, direct took me back to some of Joanne's stories. While she was a student at Concordia College she studied choral conducting with Paul J. Christiansen. Paul J., as he was known, was the director of the Concordia Choir. His father, F. Melius Christiansen, directed the St. Olaf College Choir for many years. Joanne said the Paul J. was not hesitant to correct her conducting methodology. "Hanson, give it some life!" he would boom out.
Joanne's musical skills were good enough that she could have made a career out of church music. If she would have chosen that path, her administrative and leadership abilities would likely have led her to non-musical duties.
One of the little 'inside' customs Joanne and I practiced, was a choir head count. It was my job to count how many male and female singers there were. Today, counting C C, women out numbered men by 4. I needed to tell someone, so I told you. 😉
Blessings,
Al
Picture of "Joanne's" piano
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