When I was in elementary school, I sang in our school’s choir. We would recite hymns in school assemblies. I have this vivid memory of being asked by the choir teacher to sing a duet with another student. It was a really great moment for me as a kid – I felt successful, brave and special.
Other than this moment, the only singing I’ve ever really done in front of others has been with my best girlfriends in what we call “car concerts,” at actual concerts and when we go out dancing. I did take musical theatre classes throughout high school, but never belted out any lyrics.
I wanted to make my first Music Monday post about a glee club in Toronto because though choir was many years ago for me, I love the idea of a glee club and totally wish my high school had one. I would have joined in a jiffy.
Throughout my search, I came across A Sharp School of Music, a music school in Toronto, near Royal York Rd. and Eglinton Ave. Not only do they have a glee club, but they also offer instrument lessons, individual vocal coaching and public speaking lessons!
The wonderful people of A Sharp School of Music invited a few of my friends and I to experience their glee club. So, on Saturday, April 18, we made our way to the beautiful Etobicoke location and sang our hearts out.
Our instructor, Trevor, warmed up our vocal chords with a few breathing exercises and songs, including this one, and wrapped up our hour-long lesson with a really strong rendition of “Don’t Stop Believing,” but the Glee version. Needless to say, I seriously embraced my inner Lea Michele and remembered the late Cory Monteith, who sold Glee to me in that pilot episode that aired so long ago by singing this iconic song.
The best part of it all, though, was we learned the melody and words to a song not many of us knew by heart: “Brave” by Sara Bareilles.
Many of us know the song from the Microsoft tablet commercial, but I didn’t know it like I had “Don’t Stop Believing.” Now though, I’ve practiced how to reach the high notes.
Give the song a shot and listen below. For more information on how to get involved in classes at A Sharp School of Music, click here.
[youtube.com/watch?v=QUQsqBqxoR4]
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