British poet T.S. Eliot once wrote, “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.”
And last week, during the second straight day of rehearsals as the Songweavers prepared for the first of two spring concerts, the all-women’s chorus director Peggo Horstmann Hodes reminded members of the quote. Because it really embodies what she’s trying to preach to the 100-plus member group; you’ll never know you’re true singing potential unless you take a risk.
For many members of the chorus, it’s a risk just singing up for it. When some first join, they’ve never sung within a group setting – let alone taken the stage for a performance. Others have always enjoyed singing, but didn’t feel they were quite good enough to pursue it within the confines of a structured group. But Horstmann Hodes tries to take away that negative kind of thinking. Because with practice (and the right instruction) anyone can sing – and sing beautifully.
“By the time you’re an adult, you have figured out if you can sing or not,” Horstmann Hodes said. “But it’s very powerful to have that door that you shut at one point in your life open back up.”
And what members realize at the end of the two semester course offered by the Concord Community Music School, is that they can sing, and sing well.
The culmination of the work that began back in the fall semester began last weekend with a concert in Manchester. This Saturday, the chorus will put on a show entitled “We Are the World” at South Church at 5 p.m. But there’s no requirement to sing in the concert.
“There’s a lot of women who just want to sing,” Horstmann Hodes said. “We sing for the whole year and there just happens to be two concerts at the end of the year.”
With the group having so many members, the length of participation varies. There are some women who have been there for the almost 30 years since the group was formed, while others are brand new this semester – and everything inbetween.
“When it started, it was really like six to eight women,” Horstmann Hodes said.
The unique thing about the Songweavers is that the women all learn each song by ear.
“That’s how everyone learned music in the first place,” Horstmann Hodes said.
They hold two rehearsals a week – Tuesday at 7 p.m. and Wednesdays mornings at 9:30 – so everyone can find a time that works best for them. Each semester costs $125 per.
The next opportunity to join is the fall semester, but there will be a four-week spring session on Tuesdays, from May 8-29.
“So people can come try us out,” Horstmann Hodes said.
During Saturday’s concert, the chorus will be joined by the Songweaver Drummers, who explore African-style hand drumming and other percussion, including bells and shakers.
They will also be accompanied by Kent Allyn (piano) and Paul Hodes (guitar) for about half of the 16-song concert.
Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for students and seniors, and can be purchased at ccmusicschool.org, by calling 228-1196, or at the door.
