From Out Front

When life gives you lemons...ring some chords. I believe life is designed to be one challenge after another. If you don't take a moment to reflect on how you live...you'll realize that you spend your life battling challenges without take a breath to have a little peace. Even though singing (and directing now) has its own challenges, it brings me peace.

I've been a musician as long as I can remember anything, and I truly believe that this helps keep me sane. I know I know...most of you think I'm crazy anyway. The interesting thing about being a "musician" is you don't have to be an expert at it at all to enjoy the benefits of the peace it creates.

I wish to ask you...when you drive in the car and you hear that great song that makes you hand begin to tap on the steering wheel (as though you have suddenly become Buddy Rich) do you think about any of your worries or challenges at that moment? As you sit down with a glass of wine and pop in a relaxing mellow ensemble that makes you begin to move your hand as though you are directing the San Francisco Symphony...what stress do you feel?

Music is magic. The moment you summon a just a bit of it into your life you are relieved of cares and woes. Why wouldn't you want to incorporate that type of cure into your life much more than ever?

I've used several different ways to bring music into my life ranging from gospel choirs to break dancing...from singing "Country Road" by John Denver to singing with the Oakland Symphony Chorus...from tapping on my legs to playing jazz on a clarinet. Do you know that no matter what I did...during these times I don't remember thinking of anything that brought me weighted stress.

Now I've taken on the challenge of singing (and directing) the most challenging style of music that I've been faced with, and when I'm involving it into my life I feel joy. Take 3 hours out of your rough and demanding week to come enjoy a Calgon Experience with the people I enjoy it with. I promise you won't regret it. A word of warning though...enjoying music can be very addicting.

Demaster M. Survine IV
Director of the New Dimension Chorus