• Greetings from Wittenberg
• Choir reunion caught spirit of great days
• Willaims brought out the best
• Reunion was unforgettable
• Belle shares own treasures

Choir reunion caught spirits of great days

My first meeting with J.W. (John Williams) was unusual. I had an appointment scheduled with him in his studio in Kreig Hall. 2 WittenbergMagazine When I knocked on the door, I discovered him on the floor listening to the pitch of the room. Sounds interesting. Well, I was scared to death that I would not make the audition, but by the grace of God, I did. Mr. Williams listened to the pitch of the room for a reason-the spirit within.

I doubt that he recalls that first meeting, but I sure do.

My experiences with the Wittenberg Choir were fantastic. I owe a great deal of how I feel about music, in particular sacred music, to my experiences at Wittenberg. From my voice professor, Miss Ada Margret Kommel to my choral experience with J.W., Wittenberg was unique.

Mr. Williams frequently asked us to feel the music. What was our inner spirit telling us about the piece, the composer, the setting, the scripture? Our choral tours around the country were filled with wonder and excitement. Not having the opportunity to travel abroad during the years of 1979-1982, was a bit disappointing, yet we experienced fellowship in every location we visited. I still have connections with my fellow Witt Choir and Delta Sig fraternity brother, Kenneth Dale Wolfe. We often discuss the fun we had on Choir Tours and performances.

While the most recent reunion did not have many classmates from my years in the choir, the experience of singing in the common room (Kreig 100) under the direction of the man all of us respected and knew was awesome! I was not sure what the weekend was going to hold, and frankly I had mixed emotions about attending. However, by the afternoon of Sunday's service, I would not have wanted to be any other place than on the steps of WeaverChapel, gathered around Professor John Williams, singing the Benedition and the Wittenberg Alma Mater.

Personally, I had some real decisions to make that weekend about a new position in Washington, D. That being said, I was really on an emotional high. The collective experiences that our Wittenberg Choir shared over the years of John Williams' tenure are compelling stories indeed. Many of us did not enter musical professions, but chose to share our musical talents in church choirs. I learned a great deal about singing in a choral setting during my work with Professor Williams. I learned again, this past June, how important music is in my life and that I need to continue to share my musical gifts.

K. David Weidner '83