I started taking violin lessons in third grade. I hated to practice, but my parents would insist that I play for at least half an hour each day. I took private lessons through the end of high school. Along the way, I had the privilege of playing in several orchestras. I never really appreciated playing in an orchestra. I wonder how I would feel about playing in one today.

In my pre-teen years, I was also part of a men and boy’s choir. I was among those boys, gathered in new rows of robes, singing in crystal clear voices. We got to hear stories of men and boy’s choirs from days past, where the very best singers would be castrated to maintain their voice.

Today, I still play violin and sing, but within a context of a small band (guitars, drums, etc.), rather than in orchestras or large choirs.

Bands are well and good, but there is something really amazing about orchestras and choirs. Perhaps it’s the large group of people, each with their own talents, textures, voices and parts. When they all move together, they create something wonderful, something larger and outside of themselves. For those few moments, the participants are together toward a common work. The process is invigorating. Everyone present is a participant, whether they are on the stage or in the audience.

This fascination has tumbled into an appropriation - at first subconscious and now intentional. I’m viewing nature and considering the orchestra. And, it feels appropriate.