Hello folks! Welcome to our blog where we will be sharing updates from our 2021 season.
The morning of August 6th, all of the Tehillah Ensemble gathers in Elnora, Indiana, to begin rehearsing for our upcoming tour. Everyone is excited to be back together and sing with real people instead of a digital music file. Since our spring rehearsal, we’ve individually been working hard to learn the sixteen songs we plan to share in concert.
First, we pray together. Led by our Artistic Director, Dan Miller, we spend a bit of time warming up, rediscovering the sound of our group. Time passes quickly as we rehearse songs and find things needing improvement; diction here, tuning there, or stray notes and rhythms. Before long it’s time for lunch, and the hungry singers head to a nearby church for a tasty lunch. Following the meal, we’re back to books–music books, that is, to continue our way through our repertoire.
During the afternoon we take a longer break for naps, or tea, or however ensemble members choose to spend the time. Back to the music stands we go to improve our limited German or Zulu and certainly our English! Day One of rehearsal becomes a wrap and we all troop to a delicious supper provided by Jesse’s parents and cousin. Ensemble members enjoy the time to visit over the meal before dispersing to various responsibilities and leisure activities.
Fun Facts: Tehillah Members hail from 5 states and range in age from 39 – 19.
– Written by Rachel Horst