Before I was the music nerd I am today, I was a different kind of music nerd entirely. That’s right, I was a choir girl. I’m not talking about church or school choir, oh no. You should know me well enough to know I’m too pretentious for that shit. I’m talking about nationally AND internationally recognized independent children’s choruses. For shizz.

Now, I know it may seem counter-intuitive for a person to make a transition from classical music to… oh, let’s say, Animal Collective. But the first time I heard Animal Collective (what a glorious day), they hard-core reminded me of the more avant-guard choral music that was so popular when I was singing. Obviously, this isn’t music the general public is exposed to on a regular basis. It is, however, really fucking cool. So I’ve gathered some of my favsies for you, gentle readers, to listen to and thusly freak out. Rock.

Vesna Children’s Choir
“Aglepta” - Arne Mellnas
Note: We sang this at a mass choral festival in St. John’s, Newfoundland. In an arena. With like 500 people. I almost wish I WASN’T singing it so I could have been in the audience. It kicked ass.

Some Californian Chicks
“African Celebration” - Arr. Stephen Hatfield
Note: Stephen Hatfield is the shit.
Also, singing with sheet music is totally a cop-out. Never a good sign.
Also, these people can’t do the clicking noise right at all.
Also, I had a solo in this song. I’m awesome.

Brighton Concert Choir
“Ngana” - Stephen Leek
Note: I never actually sang this song, but I couldn’t find any of the Stephen Leek songs we did sing. Stephen Leek is cool.

Amis Honour Choir
“Mi’kmaq Honour Song” - Lydia Adams
Note: All those animal noises are made by people. Rad

Auburn University Concert Choir
“Wanting Memories” - Ysaye Barnwell (of Sweet Honey in the Rock)
Note: I never sang this one either. The Chamber Chorus in my choir did, but I didn’t get in to Chamber because my director was a soul-destroying bitch from hell. My sister and I, however, re-arranged it for two voices and sang it at my Bobba’s funeral. It was kind of amazing.
Other note: Notice how they come together for “We are one.” Fucking brilliant
Other other note: My family went to see Sweet Honey in the Rock for my sister’s birthday. It was one of the best shows I’ve ever seen. You should check them out. Ysaye Barnwell is a female bass singer. Amazing.

So that’s about it. For an amusing choir-related story from my REALLY STUPID blog from high school, click here.

(Please don’t read anything else on that blog. You deserve better than that.)