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Nous du Collège - N 298 - Mars 2023
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Culture 51

n December 22 , 2022, Jamhour’s choir were At the back of the Soprano line, next to my friends, I
nd
Osinging christmas songs in the splendid church started hearing the rustling of footsteps and clothes
up on the hill. The preparations had started a month outside as Mrs. Ghorra gave her speech. That alone
before and all groups of different voice ranges met sent a jolt of panic through my body.
at least once a week. It was the first time the majority of us would be doing
We learned song after song, and each one was a this in front of a lot of people and it was terrifying.
delight to sing even by the time we were home. The idea of singing such difficult keys in front of so
Despite our thorough rehearsals, our music sheets and many people without messing up or relaxing at any
our lovely conductor, Manale, stress levels were high. given point in time made me so anxious.
We each picked up a bunch of music sheets and it With the help of my new friends there and the other
was time to head downstairs and get dressed. members who knew the feeling, my stomach eased
We all wore lovely marine blue robes; everyone a little. Though nothing could prepare me for the
checked their reflection in the mirror before heading moment we stepped out.
back to the church itself. Sitting there, waiting for us to come out, were
All those maneuvers weren’t without a small amount people of all ages. From my friends to teachers and
of nervous laughter, whispers of songs and laughing parents. There were so many people.
in the halls. Jamhour’s choir is one big family, and I smiled at the sight and we started singing.
even though we were fidgety, we all still managed to It was a clash of melody in the air, so meticulously
be nice to each other and understand that everyone prepared and so lovely to hear. We went with the
was stressed and on edge. flow of the symphony, and before we knew it,
At some point, probably while I was listening to another song would start. Again, and again until
the violinists’ rehearsal of ‘Carol of the Bells’, Mrs. our throats were sore. Seeing the lights in my fellow
Violette Ghorra asked all the choir to wait for the singers’ eyes and in everyone who was watching us
show to begin in the room by the altar. was definitely worth it.
There was a sudden hush over the church, only a It is safe to say: that concert will forever live rent free
few whispers of giggles and instruments remained. in my mind. The entire church had been lit up with
With the help of a more experienced members of music and the true spirit of Christmas was alive in
the choir, we all got organized into our vocal range those moments.
groups so that once we came out, we wouldn’t have I will never stop being thankful for the beautiful
to think about where we would stand. family that is Jamhour’s choir.
The experienced members were lovely, and needless Christina Assy 2 8
de
to say, they really knew what they were doing.
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1176260686322929