It's good to belong

I have a real idea that everyone should belong to something.  Maybe it's a local church.  Maybe it's a class somewhere.  Maybe it's an improvement committee for your workplace or town. I think a sense of belonging helps keep away loneliness and even can give someone support and a sense of meaning. I have a local choral group that I belong to.  I have belonged to this group for several years now.  The people in this group follow me home from rehearsal to make sure I am safe.  They have helped with the four legged children when they needed a vet.  They have sent flowers and prayer requests when I have been in the hospital.  I have been a part of this group no matter what the name was and no matter who directed it. 

As far as inclusion and fairness are concerned, I want to give special credit to the current director Bill.  From day one he worked to make sure I felt a part of this group.  Most of my life has been spent being overlooked or worse, overprotected or kept out of things.  Bill has given me solos even just a line or two, and he has made sure I have a place no matter what the performance.

The latest example of good inclusion practice from Bill has to do with the rehearsal room.  Bill is putting the university choir and the community choir together on the same music.  This means instead of 30 or 40 people singing,we have 60-80 people singing.  Both choirs cannot fit in the choir room together so we have to use the band room.  The band and choir rooms are both down a set of stairs.  A person using a wheelchair needs to use a lift elevator similar to this one:

 Only I showed up at rehearsal and the lift did not work.  I was frustrated but not angry.  It wasn't Bill's fault and it was only a rehearsal.  I decided to sit up at the top of the stairs and sing from there.  Two of my friends sat and sang with me so I was fine.  Bill was not.  He let everyone in that room know how upset he was.  He and another staff member who was singing sent an e mail to the school authorities that night.  I just came home from rehearsal.  The elevator worked fine. 

I am a strong advocate for myself.  I have no problem speaking up when needed but I also pick my battles.  Bill was upset enough for the two of us.  Thanks Bill glad you have my back and I'm glad I belong.  By the way our next performance is:

Messiah by Georg Friedrich Handel presented by the Salisbury Chorale, University Chorale and The Harlem Festival Orchestra

Saturday, April 30, 2011 7:30 PM in Holloway Hall Auditorium,

Salisbury University

With Guest soloists Reginald Pindell, Bass; John Wesley Wright, Tenor and Salisbury University Students

Dr. William M. Folger, Conductor

Tickets: General Admission - $20 and $15 for Seniors – Salisbury University ID holders, 1 free admission (donation requested)

For more information call 410-543-6386

Signing Off