Ensemble music connects us.
That’s why we sing music in a variety of genres. What speaks to you may not be what speaks to me. By singing both, I can make a connection with you.
That’s why we sing music with a variety of viewpoints. Religious, secular, contemporary, ancient, male, female, from our own culture or from other national identities. By singing all, we can learn to connect with people who have different lived experiences than us.
Ensemble music teaches listening, and listening is something we all need to get better at.
The next time you’re singing or playing a piece from a perspective different than yours, be grateful you have the opportunity to connect with someone different than you.