Wednesday, June 10, 2026
As a choral conductor, and in certain musical instances, I have been taken into Glory. The group must be highly prepared, however. The moment conspires, and when it does, effort vanishes. No one “in heaven” is working. It works once levels of preparedness peak.
When it all comes together you experience a euphoric unforced coalescence. This swirling effect develops a power of its own. You get a sense of how to set up the parameters, however. Good music choices, challenging, but not overly so; well-prepared choristers; good vibes; encouragement; and a sparkle of love and playfulness are part of it. Then, if allowed, the mystery billows under your wings and “we’re off!” That mystery – who knows how to capture it? It captures, or enraptures you.
In these moments, fear dissolves. The inhibited individual turns off and the collective spirit turns on. The light from within morphs to full blast. Tiredness and fatigue melt. Resistance dulls. Faces go from trying to put on a show to showing Truth. The countenance is honest and the music soars with ease.
The conductor ceases leadership. It feels like the release of an imprisoned splendor. The captive is free, and everyone has unknowingly turned themselves over to this synergistic whimsy, out of which a singularity emerges.
No flapping or flailing, no trying or encouraging – the group moves as one. The slightest response to the music from the conductor – an eyebrow lift, a leaning in, a spontaneous change in the moment, and the choir is yours, like butter. You have them in the palm of your hand – borrowed of course. And you, the conductor, are also “in good hands.”
Have you ever been taken into Glory? An orgasm. A luxurious bath. A moving theatrical experience.
We long for transcendentals, but we’re “too busy” muddling in incidentals. The world is bereft of Glory.
I aspire to change that, no flailing of course.