Sarah Memmo ‘24
Singing in chapel is back for the 2021-2022 school year, after the elimination of certain COVID-19 regulations. Community members are adapting to this change, since last year only solo artists were permitted to perform.
At the beginning of last school year, stricter restrictions prohibited group singing. Music Department Chair Jim Erwin explains, “this year we were able to revive singing and instrumental playing indoors as long as new COVID-19 guidelines were met meaning that students need to wear masks and be three feet apart.”
Erwin believes,“Singing in chapel brings together so many different types of people in a positive way. Although we need to be better at spreading students out during chapel services, I am delighted to hear singing again.” He continues, “Music and singing create sound vibrations that soothe our mind and bring joy during a time when community building is so needed.” Alec Riley ‘22 agrees, “Singing in chapel is an integral part of our community. On stressful days, it is nice to be able to come to the chapel and hear everyone coming together to produce something beautiful.”
The Vocal Ensemble, situated behind the altar, is an active participant in chapel. “My role is to encourage all students at EA to participate in the hymns during chapel,” explains Vocal Ensemble Member Lindsay Knight ‘24. Alaina Guo, Choir President and Vocal Ensemble member, elaborates, “Choir allows there to always be singing, for example, if everyone else isn’t familiar with a hymn.” Despite the Vocal Ensemble’s efforts, students have failed to follow their lead. Mia Cabral ‘22, another member of the Vocal Ensemble, says, “Returning to singing has been difficult since I’ve noticed that many students don’t want to participate. We try to be energetic to get people to participate, but it has been a challenge”
Guo continues that even with the Vocal Ensemble’s voices, “it is important that everyone else tries to sing, because it represents willingness to contribute to the community, even if it puts them out of their comfort zone. Also, more people singing makes the sound bigger, which sounds better than just the handful of Vocal Ensemble members singing,” Guo adds.
Micheal Whalen, Upper School History teacher and chapel enthusiast, comments on the reasons behind the lack of singing,“There is too much of a fear of singing in Chapel, because people think they have bad voices. It is also seen as not being cool. Also, taking a year off only made the situation worse.” Jenn Jones, Upper School Science Teacher who is also involved with Vestry adds, “I definitely think there could be more singing. I’m sure a lot of it has to do with the fact that half of the school is in classrooms and half in the chapel at each service.” Whalen continues by saying, “I remind myself that the purpose of singing hymns is not primarily for my own or others’ enjoyment, but as a means of expressing my gratitude to God and praising Him.”
Erwin responds that in order to combat this problem he is “trying to mix things more with a greater variety–maybe even some secular songs with meaningful lyrics.”
Erwin summarizes, “Singing is good for the soul, and I will always try to encourage the student body to participate.”