My music journey started in 4th grade - the intermediate school band and orchestra teachers came to the elementary school and let people try out a bunch of instruments. For percussion, the test was to play eighth notes on one hand and quarter notes on the other (shown as a demonstration, not sheet music). I realized it was just both/right/both/right and was recommended to play percussion. My parents were hesitant because I would be missing math class occasionally, but I begged them and they finally relented. Band class was the highlight of my week, and got me through a lot of the typical adolescent emotional rollercoasters. In high school, I joined marching band, honors wind ensemble, pit orchestra, and every other ensemble I could because it was the one place I felt understood. When I went to college, I enjoyed band but wanted to expand even further, so I started choir with absolutely no experience and honestly kind of tone deaf. I am still decently tone deaf but good at matching frequencies with others. I love the connection with others that music brings, and the unique challenge each new piece comes with. Grad school currently does not allow me the time to perform in ensembles, so being in a virtual one helps me stay in practice so I'm not 100% rusty when I graduate and can re-enter the performance world.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dv1Qij7iMVI

I loved Vivaldi's Credo in college! Other ideas, found on ChoralWiki: Abide with Me Adieu my Native Shore Black is the Color (also did this one in college, but TTBB) Fior di Montagna Invictus (my favorite poem) Mountaineer's Song Oh for the Swords Song of the Blacksmith (the version shown is extremely short, but the Wikipedia for Holst's Second Suite in F has the longer version, and there is an excellent video on YouTube of the US Army Band doing the entire suite! This is also a favorite of mine if you can't tell) Uist Tramping Song The Water is Wide Wisconsin Work Songs

(I tried to keep it in English, but Italian is my second language, so I am more than happy to assist with Italian and Latin pronounciations)

Hi! I'm on the baritone/tenor line as well! Tenor 3, I guess?

I'm from Wisconsin, but live in PA currently because they've got a great grad program for my specific field at Penn State. I miss the Midwest though lol