Heritage and Harmony: Singing with the Greenwood Chorale
There’s something special about raising your voice with a community choir, but it’s even sweeter when your children get to share the stage with you.
This past June, I had the joy of singing with the Greenwood Chorale in our “Our Heritage: A 250th Celebration” concert at the Episcopal Church of the Nativity. It was an evening of rousing patriotic music. But the highlight was seeing my boys, Isaac and Jesse, take the stage with the Junior Chorale to sing “You’re a Grand Old Flag.”
A Concert to Remember
The “Our Heritage” program was a celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, and the music was as stirring as the occasion. From the opening strains of “The Star-Spangled Banner” to the closing notes of “God Bless America,” the evening honored the heritage that has shaped our nation.
Some of my favorite moments from the program included:
“America the Beautiful” (arr. Mark Hayes) – a fresh, soaring take on a beloved classic
“Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor” with “God Bless America” (arr. David Chase) – a poignant weaving of Emma Lazarus’s words with Irving Berlin’s anthem
“In Flanders Fields” (Greg Gilpin) – a moving tribute to those who served
“Let There Be Peace on Earth” (arr. Jay Rouse) – a message that never grows old
“The Stars and Stripes Forever” – performed as a four-hand piano duet by Ray Smithee and our director, Paul Brown
The concert also featured narrations from local civic leaders, including Ashley Farmer, Beth Stevens, Elizabeth Liddell, Councilman Johnny Jennings, Sergeant Marquellus Davenport, and Melisa Fincher. Their words connected each piece to the history and ideals that define our nation.
A Family Affair
The most special moment of the night came when the Junior Chorale joined us on stage. My boys, Isaac and Jesse, sang “You’re a Grand Old Flag” with the children’s ensemble, and I don’t think I’ve ever been prouder. Seeing them stand tall, sing out, and be part of something bigger than themselves is the kind of memory that lasts a lifetime.
The Greenwood Chorale’s Junior Chorale is a wonderful way for young singers to experience the joy of choral music. It’s never too early to start!
Behind the Scenes: Helping with Web Presence
In addition to singing, I’ve had the privilege of assisting the Greenwood Chorale with their web presence. From drafting social media posts to helping organize video content for YouTube, it’s been rewarding to use my skills to support an organization that brings so much beauty to our community.
The Chorale has an incredible archive of performances, and it’s been a joy to help share those recordings with a wider audience. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to explore our YouTube channel, you’ll find everything from French Romantic masterpieces to beloved Christmas carols.
🎄 One of my favorites is our “On Christmas Night” concert, featuring Bob Chilcott’s beautiful carol sequence. It’s the perfect soundtrack for the holiday season.
Join the Chorus
Singing with the Greenwood Chorale has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. The community is warm, the music is challenging and beautiful, and the opportunity to share that music with others is a gift.
The Greenwood Chorale is a vibrant community of singers from all walks of life. We perform a diverse range of music, from classical masterpieces to contemporary works. If you love to sing and are looking for a welcoming group, I’d encourage you to reach out. You can email our director, Paul Brown, at pvbrown.rn@gmail.com to learn more about upcoming auditions and concerts.
Are you a singer in the Mississippi Delta? Have you ever considered joining a community choir? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
