Day 3

Day 3 - written by Ann Vaughn

This morning's pace was considerably more leisurely than yesterday's, reminding us that every day will be so very different from the one before. Wake-up call at 8, breakfast at 8:30. Have we described breakfast at our beautiful hotel? A completely delicious spread, with something - many things - for every taste and diet. No one has had the slightest desire to skip this meal!

Then, on to our first planned musical performance of the trip, at the noon mass at D.I. S. Andrea Della Valle. Built in 1590 to honor St. Andrew, little brother of St. Peter, this gorgeous church features the second highest dome in Rome. I believe I speak for each member of the chorus and handbells in saying that our musical experience was extraordinarily memorable. As a chaperone and member of the distinguished Italy Chorus, let me try to describe how it felt as a singer:

We knew from the sound our warm-ups in the sacristy (the church "broom closet" that contained in its cupboards ornate relics and flowing robes) that we were in a space meant for the sounds of voices raised in song. But we were nevertheless completely unprepared for the extraordinary experience of singing in the church as a part of the mass. Melissa described a sensation that I believe we all felt - one of collective awe that connected us all.

The sound just seemed to have a life of its own - were we really producing it?? We were all in those musical moments together, and we felt that. We performed a good chunk of our repertoire - Laudamus Te, Cantate Domino, Alleluia, Dona Nobis Pacem, Down in the River to Pray, and Irish Blessing. We began a bit tentatively with Laudamus but our confidence grew as we listened to our sound, which then made the sound stronger. It was clear that much of the music we sang was meant to be sung in just that space. We sang in Latin and English and the priest said the mass entirely in Italian. But just before the Blessing he addressed the musicians in English giving his thanks for our gift of music and encouraging us to appreciate working together as a team. He went on to say that continuing to work as team in every way would help make the world a better place.

Mrs. Pagenstecher said to the chorus at the end of the mass that she could not have been prouder of her angels. I was so proud of them as well, and so delighted that the age restriction was waived for this particular ensemble; what a joy it was to sing with these wonderful young women. This morning was a gift. We all felt it, and we are all grateful.

The Handbell Choir opened the mass with Pachelbel Canon in D and closed the mass with Vivaldi's concerto for flute and bells.  Sarah was wonderful on the solo part, and the bells were incredibly impressive - by any standard - but for a first performance all the more so. Mr. TIlley, also made his conducting debut in Italy today was euphoric after the mass, and so were the girls.

From my perspective, one of the best parts of this trip so far has been the opportunity for these musicians to appreciate, to savor, to admire, and to applaud each other - to recognize the very special musical gifts that each ensemble has to offer. We are beginning on day 3 to feel like one musical team. Imagine what we might be feeling on day 10!