A/N:
In response to guest reviews:
Suzie, thank you once again! It's been a real treat to share this knowledge as a story with one of my favorite shows - and I'm honored you're enjoying this story.
With the guest who agrees about flautists versus flutists, I appreciate that so much! And, I do believe you'll soon see if you haven't already :) Furthermore, if you are also the same guest who's left reviews for Chapters 15 and 16, please note that I greatly appreciate your support and love your thoughtful questions/comments!
General Author's Note:
Thank you all for your wonderful patience and continuing support! I never expected the story to reach this level and it has been such an amazing treat to go into the New Year.
Before anything, in order to make sure this wasn't a 10-15,000 word chapter, I want to let you know that I had to get a little selective about the songs. In short, instead of writing for every song each choir would be singing, I decided to choose specific pieces.
Now, so you can follow along like a real show, I'm going to list the songs being written out with versions you can look up. If you're curious about the full set list/performance, I'm also happy to share it in an author's note at the end of the next chapter. For now:
Everyone:
"Serenity (O Magnum Mysterium)" - look up "Ola Gjeilo: Serenity, "O Magnum Mysterium" (The Phoenix Chorale)"
Beginning Female Choir/"Treble Choir":
- "Jingle Bells" - If you'd like to look up a version, this one has the right arrangement and incidentally was part of the inspiration for that segment of the story: "Lane Tech 2018 Winter Concert Jingle Bells 'Sort Of'"
Intermediate Female/"Bel Canto":
- "Carol of the Bells" - look up "Gracenotes - Carol of the Bells (A Cappella)"
- "Ma Navu" - look up "Ma Navu by the Columbus Children's Choir New World Singers"
Advanced Female Ensemble/"Women's Ensemble":
- "Panis Angelicus" - look up "Panis Angelicus Choir Female", but note that the while the first option — the one with very young ladies in red/black dresses — is the proper arrangement, there isn't a solo in this story's rendition of the song.
- "Nella Fantasia" - look up "Nella Fantasia — Affinity Female Choir." My only note about this is that the solo lasts a little longer in this story's version of the song
A Cappella Choir / "A Cappella Choir" (After-School)
- "A Babe is Born" - I couldn't find the appropriate version, much to my frustration. Therefore, I've tried to make up for it with more descriptions within the story.
- "Irish Blessing" - Look up "Irish Blessing - Barbershop Multitrack by Julie Gaulke"
- "Dashing Away" - Look up "Dashing Away with Smoothing Iron AVI"
- "12 Days of Christmas Confusion" - Look up "12 Days of Christmas Angel City Chorale"
Intermission
Now, without further ado, let the chapter begin!
_._
After weeks of fidgeting, wondering best how to phrase this, and contemplating the several forms of rejection he'd most likely receive, Charles Carson resigned himself to his fate. By this point, even if Mrs. Hughes was happily married and they were to be only the best of friends, he had to know.
It was finally time to simply get on with life and ask.
"Will Mr. Hughes be joining us this evening?"
He sounded far more calm about the matter than he felt, and he's rather proud of the fact that he's managed to casually play it off. After all, he didn't sound as though he'd be wrestling with this question for a very long time. Nor did it sound like he
"Mr. Hughes?" He saw her look down at her ring at the name, clearly starting to get lost in thought.
Charles resisted the urge to grip the nearby table in anticipation of her answer. He was unwillingly prepared to accept that Mr. Hughes is probably 15 minutes away, that Mr. Hughes has been parked and waiting for an hour, that Mr. Hughes is already-
Enough of that, Charles. Let's just get this over and start the show.
But even the mental reprimand did little to quiet his mind. Simply put, he craved for something to do while she unwittingly keeps him in suspense.
_._
Elsie let her gaze rest on her ring, recalling memories that hadn't really touched her in years.
"Mr. Hughes has been gone for quite a few years now."
She can see the ring as its being slid onto her finger for the very first time. Recalls all those years when it had been her most prized possession. Can feel her hand tremble a bit when she remembered she'd be losing Joe far sooner than she could have ever predicted. Was reminded that that was the same time her career as a soloist began to plummet - when her heart was starting to lose its reason for maintaining what had once been her strongest passion.
Soon her main performance dress was being pushed into the back of the closet, before it had to turn into a funeral dress. It became a reminder of minutes spent dreading singing the same songs over and over again. It took on the memory of an awful day where the sun wouldn't stop shining but a storm of loss had already entrenched her numbed heart - the day she had to bury her husband.
"I am so sorry to hear that."
The sound of Charles's voice lifts her head, reminding her that those dark days were not the current times. She meets his deeply apologetic gaze once more, starting to return to the present moment.
"Thank you for that." She means her gratitude - truly. His condolences are not the only sentiments appreciated, his attempt at empathizing with her old pain is as well. And she needs him to understand that, especially since she's noticed signs of guilt beginning to grab a hold of the man.
_._
"Charles," He paused in thoughts, shaken out of his gloominess at that sound. He had not ever wanted to remind of her what was clearly a painful part of her past. Having now done so, he can't help but feel rather idiotic for putting the question to her in the first place.
But, it looked like she has more to say.
"Please understand that I will miss Joe and that part of my life will always have a place in my heart - there's no mistaking that. But, one thing that we both agreed on was that, while it is important to mourn and grieve, it is just as important to live."
He turned to her at this, unsure of just what she was implying. But, as he continued to observe her, he could see the traces of grief and pain already abating. The look of loss that had overtaken her eyes was fading into a more determined look.
Elsie stepped forward, letting her hands fall to her sides as she met his eyes once more.
"So, please, don't mistaken the fact that I will always miss him as a sign that I could never move on. Or, that I couldn't let life continue to change me." She reached out a hand, silently asking permission to take his.
"Life's altered you as it's altered me." He quietly remarked as he gladly let their hands join, stating a fact of existence.
"It's true," A smile peeked through her serious expression as she continued to speak. "And where would we be if we didn't let life change us?"
_._
When the teachers return to their charges, a clear change sets in the air.
No longer holding one another's hands, both choir teachers hold themselves with a professional air that speaks of the importance of today's proceedings.
They have seamlessly transitioned into "concert-mode", the mode that typically puts all students on edge.
Now is the time for perfection. Now is the time to meticulously inspect the lights and sound system a dozen more times. Now is the time to ready themselves before they must commence a choral battle.
In short, now is the time to begin the final rehearsal of the semester.
_._
He knows what the crowds expecting:
A gorgeously traditional choir concert - complete with divine music that transcends the very essence of sound. A two hour long performance of some of the world's greatest vocal creations, blending enriching classical pieces with breathtaking sounds of perfection.
Mr. Carson also knows that there would be some gorgeous choir music to be heard, of course. However, they are also going to enjoy themselves. He recognizes that the old traditions of Downton were to be complemented with a fresh breath of fun.
Charles had not a single shred of doubt that the audience is going to adore these changes. That, even those who will be initially hold disdain for any "merriment" will come around to the idea of living a little.
After all, he did.
_._
Thomas watched the two choir teachers curiously, almost suspiciously, as they walked about the choirs and finished their last inspections of the auditorium. It was something that Sarah had remarked on once, the easy going nature of their relationship that made it seem like they were secretly seeing each other.
He hadn't believed it for a second, of course. And certainly not at the beginning of it all. From personal experience, the baritone saw how easy it is for the world to assume two people were dating just because they hung out a lot - especially when it'd be a straight couple in question.
But, then he started to closely watch them from time to time. Saw the changes within them both that were obvious only to those watching. Noticed how their attitudes towards one another grew from cordial professionalism to fond friendship to….
Well, now, the baritone wasn't really sure what the two teachers felt.
"Thomas? What's got you looking like this is your first day of rehearsals?"
He scowled at Sarah, brushing any curiosity about his teachers away.
"Nothing."
_._
"Are you ready, Mrs. Hughes?" There's a difference emphasis than normal, one that causes her to shake her head slightly and let out a soft laugh. No choir teacher, and certainly no choir director for that matter, could afford to be too cheerful with rowdy, nervous teenagers trailing behind them. But, still, they could get away with this little joke. They could lightly tease one another and reassure the other that this was going to be a success - no matter how the show actually went.
"As ready as I'll ever be, Mr. Carson." She grinned at his outfit - rather pleased he'd decided to bring back the old tradition as per her request. "Are you ready?"
Charles smiled at this, before schooling his features into the stern authority figure the school knew him to be.
"Of course I am." The tone that spoke of meticulous decorum faithfully carries his statement through the excitement in the air. His bushy eyebrows, drawing themselves into firm lines of a scrupulous mind, accompany the suddenly ramrod posture.
But Elsie could still see a hint of smile in his demeanor. She still caught the memories of getting rained on in the garden, the banter between rehearsals, and dancing at that wonderful ball crinkle his eyes. And she realized that, no matter how any of this went, she was very happy to have made the memories in the first place.
And that's all that really matters, came the decisive thought - the one that brought her to the curtains leading to the stage. The same curtains that Charles is holding for her, in order for her to pass without getting tangled up in the velvet material.
_._
One would think that after handling 204 teenagers for about four months would have prepared her for performing in front of a crowd of about 500 strangers, coworkers, bosses, and friends.
It apparently did not.
Honestly, this wasn't her largest crowd she'd ever been in front of, and she still felt like she was still new to this.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen," Elsie spoke into the handheld microphone with an ease she didn't feel. "I would like to officially welcome you to the 112th choir concert of this fine institution."
Her only consolation was that she would not be the only one stepping out of her comfort zone this evening.
_._
"Where's Mr. Carson?" Beryl was pleased to see Elsie take the spotlight, but she's always been to these shows. Mr. Carson was always on stage, if not introducing the whole kit and caboodle himself.
"Seems like there's been more changes with the choirs than we realized." Mrs. Bird slyly remarked, garnering a soft huff of amusement from her friend.
_._
How she convinced him to do this, he would never know.
No, that wasn't quite true. But it wouldn't do to dwell on those sorts of thoughts when a concert was on.
Charles watched the proceedings from the backstage area, observing the students as they quietly took their positions in the auditorium. He couldn't conduct the opening song, not right now.
Nor did he need to seeing as how it was mostly an a cappella arrangement.
Still, like any good choir director, Mr. Carson had to watch and pray to make sure it all went as best as it could.
_._
"And, so, it is with a great pleasure that I ask you to please silence all devices. For the show," She warmly smiled at the audience, pleased that all her students were now in their positions, "Is about to begin."
Elsie gave the audience a moment to settle down once more before walking over to the piano and calmly playing the first chord of the opening piece. By this point, the house lights had dimmed, the cellist had quickly tuned their instrument, and it was time to perform.
And, so it began.
_._
"O,"
The note was whispered at a soft piano, arcing through the space to create the feeling of surround sound.
"O,"
Students were lined along the walls, singing from the balcony, hidden in the shadows but still making their voices strong.
"Magnum."
The audience was enraptured to say the least.
_._
It was in the quiet moment, the time in which the singer were beginning to let the light of their voices shine through, that Charles allowed himself something he normally never indulged in.
"Mysterium,"
He simply listened.
He allowed his mind to look past the mistakes a well-trained ear noticed and hear only the beautiful intention.
_._
A captivating air flooded the room, further reinforced when the cellist began to blend their instrument with the surrounding voices.
And it would only get better from here.
_._
"I remember that being performed at the Winter Ball, but I hadn't realized just how gorgeous that is!" The quiet, shocked whisper came from a few seats over, and Beryl rolled her eyes. The compliment was appreciated, true.
But there is something to be said for maintaining silence during a performance, nevertheless.
_._
They proudly continued to captivate the audience, the sopranos beginning to take the final "Alleluia" with a tranquility befitting of such a song.
_._
The applause that followed "Serenity" was tremendous. Some in the audience chose to stand already with this ovation, while others chose to enthusiastically applaud from their seats.
Either way, the support was overwhelmingly obvious and delightful to hear.
As the Beginning Girls' Choir, noted as the Treble Choir in the program, Elsie felt a wave of relief wash over her. When Mr. Carson had suggested having every ensemble learn the song - on top of everything else they'd been working on - she had been concerned about the quality of the performance.
Now, she held no such concern. In fact, it was with an easy step that the woman took her place in front of the choir - ready to conduct them. Once she stood still, the audience quieted down, prompting her to nod to the girls in the choir.
At her cue, the singers on stage revealed little bells that eagerly jingled as they waited for their conductor to appear.
_._
Beryl watched her friend cue the choir to start playing their sleigh bells, having not a clue as to what was now happening. Clearly it was a reference to their next piece: "Jingle Bells". That much was obvious.
But, why her friend wasn't starting them off - and why Mr. Carson hadn't appeared on stage yet - was what was escaping her. For that matter, why every girl on stage was trying her best not to giggle or grin was equally confusing.
The band director watched her friend turn around, feigning confusion as she stepped up to the microphone and dramatically began to converse with the audience.
"Has anyone seen Mr. Carson? I was looking forward him right before the show, but he was nowhere to be found" She asked the crowd, her incredulous voice echoing through the auditorium. "It's just that we can't perform without an accompanist - it's simply not possible to do without."
The crowd murmured amongst themselves, knowing that this had to be a ruse and still wondering just where Mr. Carson was.
"If only we had a hero in this great hour of need," Elsie had Beryl chuckling with this theatrical talk of hers, but that wasn't the best part.
For as her dear friend was "asking" the audience for help, a tall figure clad in a Father Christmas suit - complete with what had to be a velvet-clothed bag of presents - was wandering onto the stage.
At this, all the children in the crowd - for there were indeed quite a few that came to the show - were whispering excitedly while the jaws of many adults dropped.
"Mrs. Hughes?"
Beryl could hardly recognize Mr. Carson when he was dressed up so, so… cheerfully! And with a hearty voice that boomed merrily without the help of microphone, she had the urge to pinch herself to make sure that this was reality.
"Oh, Father Christmas!" Elsie had turned to him, beaming with joy at the sight of him. "Do you know how to play the piano?"
"Well, now that you mention it, Mrs. Hughes," Charles made a show of thinking about this as she guided him towards the piano. "I think I'm a decent sight-reader when the North Pole doesn't keep me busy!"
Now several girls on stage were giggling to themselves, unable to help it.
Fortunately, they weren't the only ones.
"Please tell me someone's recording this." Jane muttered to Beryl.
_._
"Jingle bells, jingle bells,
Jingle all the way!"
They were probably having too much fun, Santa happily playing away at the piano while she conducted the ladies.
"Oh what fun it is to ride
In a one horse open,"
"Sleigh," They broke off into a simple harmony, gliding their voices through the notes as though they were ice skating.
"Sleigh," The harmony broke off into further parts, building even more.
"Jingle, jingle, jingle, jingle!"
The sprightly accompaniment carried them through the last lyric.
"Jingle all the way!"
The sleigh bells sprang to life once more, happily continuing after the singers held out their last note. And, once the audience began to give their enthusiastic approval, Father Christmas began to take his leave.
"Oh, Father Christmas!" This didn't look like this was a part of the program, seeing as how Elsie wasn't properly facing the mic. "Would you care to stay for two more songs?"
He had stopped in his tracks at this, surprised by her somewhat devious question.
He probably only had planned on dressing up for the one song, Beryl could only suppose.
"Please, Father Christmas!" Some of the children were now crying from the crowd.
"I suppose I don't have to return to the North Pole just yet." The man conceded in a not-quite jolly voice, bringing forth another round of roaring approval. "But, I'll certainly have to return after these next two songs!"
"Thank you, Father Christmas!"
In that case, Beryl didn't need someone else to be recording. She was perfectly content to discreetly take out her phone take a few photos and videos herself.
Especially when "Father Christmas" accidentally ended up stumbling into Elsie as he eventually took his leave. That had been particularly hilarious, watching them blush as deeply as his costume as profuse apologies were hastily delivered over what had clearly not been planned.
_._
They had snuck in per a mutual desire to do something a little rebellious for once. After all, he wouldn't be performing for a little bit, and she could easily make her way back downstairs when it was time for her choir to perform.
"I can't believe she got him to stay in that costume!" Joseph exclaimed in between one of the songs. Phyllis looked at him, smiling a bit herself.
"I certainly can."
_._
"Oh good, I'm glad Mr. Carson was able to make it to the concert after all." Albert Mason whispered to Beryl from the other seat beside her. She looked up, having been studying the program once again, to note that Mr. Carson was indeed coming to the stage. He, of course, did not resemble Father Christmas any longer, now dressed his customary tuxedo. "Though, I do miss Father Christmas playing the piano."
And, as the Bel Canto Choir began to stride onto the stage, the band director watched as her friend looked like she was whispering something to the man.
"You and me both, Mr. Mason." She said, continuing to watch the two with interest.
_._
"Mr. Carson," Elsie called his attention, making sure they could not be overheard. "I do hope the crowd won't be too concerned for you when they realize I will be the one conducting the entire first half." After all, she had been in charge of playing accompaniment for the Men's Ensemble, the Beginner Male Choir and the Advanced Mixed Choir - not the Beginner Girls, Bel Canto, or A Cappella.
"Mrs. Hughes," He couldn't help but send her a teasing look, able to do so now that he wasn't facing the audience. "Somehow I suspect they will be far too eager for something different." She nodded, sending him to the piano once more.
"I only hope this isn't too different." She muttered to herself.
_._
As Bel Canto was settled themselves on stage, Elsie nodded Charles to play the first chord. After she had the girls humming their notes, she had them maintain silence for another few seconds before they began.
"Hark how the bells," The first sopranos, being the only ones to sing at the moment, seemed unusually nervous - reflecting those nerves in the breathy tone they were taking. She could only hope they'd regain their beautiful confidence when the rest of the choir jumped in.
"Sweet silver bells,"
"All seem to say,
'Throw cares away'!"
It was by now that the second sopranos and the first altos were now "Ding!"-ing and "Dong!"-ing in the background, supporting the melody with a crisp "ng" sound. The key to ringing like a bell, as Elsie had discussed with the choir many times, was managing to produce the "ng" sound - one that tickled their noses and clearly vibrated through the air.
Doing so, instead of getting caught up in pronouncing purely the "g", allowed the girls to maintain breath support and hold out what translated as a gorgeously clear sound.
_._
"Not bad," O'Brien muttered to Barrow, coldly observing Bel Canto from the mostly empty balcony.
"Oh how they pound,
Raising the sound,
O'er hill and dale,
Telling the tale."
"Better than last year, at least."
_._
This was the hardest part, the highest note for the first sopranos the piece. There was nothing truly to fear, but Elsie always had problems coaxing the girls to really open their mouths and just singing. By doing as she instructed, as foolish as it may feel, they'd be giving the sound more space to truly bring forth stunning notes.
"Gaily they ring"
Elsie was floored by the beautiful sound now emanating from the first soprano section. They had soared through the note, rather encouraged by the crowd.
"While people sing
Songs of good cheer,
Christmas is here!"
_._
Charles watched the ladies with pride, as they began to wrap up their first song of the night.
"Hark how the bells,
Sweet silver bells,
All seem to say
'Throw cares away'."
The sopranos let the melody trail off, as the choir reunited as a whole to finish off the piece.
"Ding!" "Ding dong," "Ding!"
And as they proceeded to sing a bell-chord, the type where the notes are built up one-after-one instead of at once, he couldn't help but smile. It did feel like quite an appropriate type of chord to finish off the song.
"Dong," The second altos began, followed quickly by the first altos with their own "Dong" before joined by the second sopranos, with the first sopranos being the last to join the chord. They allowed the "ng" to be placed even further in motion. This gave the girls a delightfully nasally sound to produce - with such clarity that Charles was reminded of some bells he's encountered.
The notes shot gracefully through the auditorium as they finished the song.
_._
Over the warming applause, she made sure to meet the eyes of every singer on stage - proud that their hard work this semester.
She knew their full set was going to be just as successful.
_._
As the Beginner Female Choir gave the stage to the Women's Ensemble, Elsie stood and whispered words of encouragement to everyone she could.
And as she saw the familiar faces of O'Brien, Anna, Mary, Edith, and the others, she couldn't help but reminded of that first rehearsal - the one that started so much for the choirs.
After all, it would be "Panis Angelicus" that they would be singing first.
_._
"Panis Angelicus,"
It was very sweet, very soothing.
"Fit panis hominum."
So much so that Robert was falling victim to its serene tones and beginning to drift off to sleep - like many well-meaning parents did at these sorts of events.
"Dat panis coelicus
Figuris terminum!"
Fortunately, a sharp elbow to the ribs and a high note coming from the first sopranos was sure to wake him up.
_._
"Panis Angelicus" soon came to a beautiful end. And with a dazzling grin Sybil walked up to the microphone - unable to contain her excitement for the next song.
Somewhere in the crowd, her parents were watching her proudly.
And somewhere in the balcony, the spot where all choir kids snuck in to watch the show, she knew there was an Irish gentleman cheering her on.
_._
Tom watched as his friend took to the stage, having been so eager to see her finally perform. It was a small solo that she'd be singing today.
But, the sentiment behind the piece and the love she had for it was as clear as daylight.
The piano began to start in a rousing key, as Sybil's eyes glowed with a fiery determination. Her posture rose as she confidently smiled - breathing in the sentiment of the song right as she was to start performing.
"Nella Fantasia," She sang in a matter-of-fact tone - one that informed the crowd that this was indeed her personal dream.
In my fantasy, Tom thought to himself - recalling the translation with ease.
"Io vedo un mondo giusto," She spun through the notes, crescendoing and de-crescendoing through the phrase with great consideration. Each vowel was lovingly, meaningfully voiced with the pitch and note thoughtfully noted.
I see a fair world.
"Lì tutti vivono
In pace onestà."
Where everyone lives in peace and honesty. He couldn't help but continue translating, as this was his favorite song - apart from "Irish Blessing", of course.
"Io sogno d'anime,
Che sono sempre,
Libere."
I dream of souls that are always free. And, soon enough, her voice would flying up towards the heavens in a similar fashion - once it soared and swept through these enchantingly liberating notes.
"Come le nuvole,"
Like the clouds. He paused, closing his eyes and waiting in great anticipation.
"Che volano"
That fly, much like her voice.
"Pien d'umanità"
"Full of humanity." He murmured, as though this were a prayer.
Sybil's radiance of authenticity, sincerity, and genuine kindness shined a captivating light on the vocal heights she had just reached.
"In fondo all'anima."
Deep within the soul.
She gracefully stepped back towards, and he joined the smattering of applause for her - barely resisting the urge to cheer in her honor.
_._
"Libere,
Libere," The voices rippled through the piece, stirring Cora to tears.
And she most definitely wasn't the only one.
_._
"Nella fantasia,
Esiste un vento caldo.
Che soffia sulle città,
come amico."
Reading right alongside the translation in the program, Beryl and Jane could hardly claim to have dry eyes currently.
In my fantasy,
There is a warm wind
That blows over the cities
Like a friend.
Not even Mr. Mason could describe his eyes as anything less than "misty".
_._
Elsie guided them through the brilliant chords with great pride.
"Io sogno d'anime
Che sono sempre
Libere."
It was so wonderful to finally share this extraordinarily empowering song.
"Come le nuvole,
Che volano."
Upon hearing such a piece, without fail, she couldn't help but feel incredibly optimistic about life.
"Pien d'umanità."
Her hands requested a softer tone, one that was still resolutely full of hope. But also one that was just a bit quieter.
"In fondo all'anima."
_._
It was with a wonderful fondness that Elsie gestured to the Women's Ensemble - directing the applause towards them.
And it was with a feeling excitement that she watched the a cappella choir began to step onto stage. At the arrival of the choir, it seemed the overall air was filled with questions in regards to what would be happening next.
"Wish me luck," She quietly mouthed to Mr. Carson, her back to the crowd.
He merely smiled in response, knowing that she hardly needed such a thing.
Though, when she pulled out her pitch pipe to give the first pitch, Elsie could swear she heard muttering of confusion within the audience.
They'd be learning soon enough.
_._
"What is that?" A stranger a few seats away from Beryl held disdain for the pitch pipe Elsie was now playing.
"A pitch pipe," Beryl blunted responded. "Now, please refrain from talking so the rest of us can enjoy the performance!"
Albert and Jane both silently applauded her, the former carrying the look of admiration whilst the latter held thinly veiled amusement at the interaction.
_._
"A babe is born
All of a May."
The women began, slowly beginning to climb to the higher notes of the song.
"To bring salvation unto us."
Elsie had figured that it was best to ease the crowd into a cappella music. And that the easiest to do so was to bring in a lovely version of a classic choral piece.
"To him we sing both night and day.
Veni Creator Spiritus."
_._
Isobel watched them curiously, having been waiting to hear this particular choir to perform for quite some time.
"At Bethlehem,"
The ladies began, the gentlemen soon dutifully echoing within their own range.
"That blessed place."
The echo of lyric continued, drawing the attention of the crowd even more.
"The child of bliss now born he was.
And him to serve God
Give us grace.
O Lux Beatas Trinitas."
It was easy to listen to, so far lacking any harmonies that made it particularly difficult to follow along.
Little did Isobel know, the fun was only about forty seconds away.
_._
Elsie signalled to the altos to start the next set of lyrics off in a rich tone, their lovely voices sinking to notes the sopranos didn't dare to sing. Though, that didn't stop the sopranos from carrying the beautiful melody from the first verse right alongside them.
"There came three kings," "There came three kings out of the East."
"To worship the," "To worship the King that is so free."
"The King is so free,"
Their voices layered splendidly, wonderfully harmonizing and moving past the simple echoes of the past.
"With gold and myrrh and frankincense.
A solis ortus cardine."
And this was now where they truly got to enjoy themselves - deviating from Matthias's original work and having a good time while they were at.
"The shepherds heard the angel's cry," The sopranos took charge, proving to their teacher that they did understand her lesson all those weeks ago.
"A merry song that night sung he."
It was that confident whisper that she had been asking for, the whisper that happily skipped through the notes with an ease that they certainly didn't have six weeks ago. They repeated the phrase by themselves once more, before leading the charge for the other sections to join
"The shepherds heard the angel's cry," Gave way to the slower, stronger chorus coming from the lower parts of the choir. "The shepherds heard the angel's cry,"
"A merry song that night sung he!" "A merry song that night sung he!"
"Oh why are ye so sore aghast?
A solis ortus cardine."
The choirs paused, and she grinned as she slammed her hands back up - pushing them into a shocking forte with great pleasure.
_._
"The angels came down with one cry!"
Several in the audience had jumped at the overpowering sound, Isobel certainly included. The choir was now one entity, an ocean of sound - their strong voices majestically filling the grand room.
"A fair song that night sung they!
In the worship of that child,"
They grew once more in volume, creating goosebumps for many in the crowd in the process without even ending the piece.
"Gloria tibi Domine!"
She now had a taste of the strength of the a cappella choir, a choir clearly made stronger by the woman at the helm. Mr. Carson certainly could create a commanding choir of his own, but this had a different energy to it altogether.
And, now that she had finally heard them in their glory, Isobel did not want this choir's performance to end.
_._
Thomas sat there, quite frankly shocked by the level of quality - as was apparent by his gaping jaw.
"That was decent, I suppose." O'Brien remarked, not noticing her companion's awestruck silence.
He shot off a glare at her once her comment registered, but it wasn't real frustration with her. More like he was irritated that he wasn't on stage currently and had decided to take it out on his schoolmate.
"That's one way to put it." He wanted to respond scathingly.
Instead, he settled for silence.
_._
Elsie looked over at Tom, enjoying his sudden delight as he could finally acknowledge what was next.
She played the appropriate pitch, hiding a smile as he and Sybil both positively radiated with excitement - in their own ways, of course.
_._
"May the," The second sopranos started, the rest of the choir dazzling the crowd as they sang "Road rise to meet you."
"May the wind
Be always at your back."
He had always wanted to sing a song to honor his roots, ever since he came in a year and a half ago. Mr. Carson always said something along the lines of "We'll see if it's possible." - which wasn't outright denial, though it certainly wasn't explicit approval. And Mrs. Butte would just stare at him with not-so-subtle contempt, dismissing the idea altogether each time it was suggested.
"May the sun shine
Warm upon your face."
When Mrs. Hughes had searched with him to find an appropriate piece, he knew that that's how a choir was supposed to be run.
"May the rain fall
Soft, upon your fields."
Or, at least, that's how a choir should be run.
"And until we meet again,
May he hold you in his hand."
And for that willingness, for that respect she showed him, she had his full appreciation and respect.
"May God hold you in the palm of his,"
"Hand" The bass singers of the bunch firmly held out the note, as the remainder softly sang through "Hold you in the palm of his hand."
It was short, sweet, and indescribable incredible to finally be respect.
To finally have a request become reality.
_._
"Well, that wasn't particularly fitting for a holiday concert." Isobel refused to roll her eyes at Violet's remark. Instead, she straightened herself up and directed her gaze from the choir to her colleague.
"I thought it was simply divine!" She remarked, helping the applause reach a roaring level. She continued to do so, especially once she heard a huff of disapproval from the other woman.
"Of that I'm sure." The woman caustically remarked.
_._
Elsie smiled at Charles, noticing he was respectfully remaining at the piano even though he wasn't required to. He returned her smile with a faint nod of approval, knowing without even needing a program which song was next.
She playfully raised an eyebrow, returning her focus to her charges. They themselves were hardly able to contain the excitement, all remembering that this was the song that officially started it all for them.
Though, the ladies of the bunch would beg to differ.
_._
"Dashing away with the smoothing iron,"
The audience had been captivated by the first lyric, enamored with the song's sweet verses. And, now as they were holding out the last notes of the piece, she could feel the air grow with further excitement.
"She stole my heart away!"
Applause came from all sides - including the piano. And when she looked over to smile at him, a blush emerged instead. For Mr. Carson was standing up for them as he applauded, his hands soon being held out in a gesture that commanded the audience to give another enthusiastic round of kudos and applause to the singers.
"Who's ready to have some fun?" Elsie whispered over the clapping, gaining many excited nods in response.
_._
"'The Twelve Days of Christmas Confusion'?"
"Whatever it is, here's hoping it'll be quick and painless."
_._
It began as many facetious and satirical pieces of art do:
The song started in an entirely serious manner before slowly making its true intention known.
_._
"On the first day of Christmas,
My true love gave to me
A partridge in a pear tree."
They sang loudly and proudly, as though they weren't aware that this was going to be one of the longer songs in the set.
"On the second day of Christmas,
My true love gave to me"
Harmony poked out from within the group - promising that even though this was probably going to get repetitive, at least it would sound pretty.
"Two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree."
"On the fourth day of Christmas-" The men proceeded, causing the audience to stir.
"On the third day of Christmas," The women cut off the men, looking as though they were now ashamed to be on the stage.
My true love gave to me,"
Fortunately, they were both ready to rectify the situation,
"Five golden rings!"
Elsie was rather thankful she had her back to the audience - else she might not be able to keep a straight face.
"Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree."
The choir took a moment, carrying on once more as though nothing were wrong.
"On the ninth day of Christmas-
On the eighth day of Christmas,
My true love gave me,"
_._
She really was enjoying herself a little too much - having almost missed giving them a few cues.
But when Elsie thought of how scandalized the audience must feel at such a song parody, she could barely keep the smirk off her face.
This was most certainly an excellent way to go out with a bang.
_._
"Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,"
"You better not shout!" The men warned
You better not cry," The woman spoke up, rolling their eyes.
"You better not-
In a pear tree."
This got some snickers from the crowd, quiet as they were.
"On the tenth-"
"No!" Anna shouted from her section, seemingly upset with the current lyric.
"On the tenth-"
"No!" Andy matched the complaint, looking even more upset.
"On the -"
"Deck the halls with boughs of holly-
"Seven swans a-swimming," They picked up the pace, relishing the fact that they got to teasingly sing some of what many people considered to be the most overplayed holiday songs - and with a live audience, to boot.
_._
Running through snippets of "Do You Hear What I Hear?" and "Carol of the Bells" to the verses of the 12 days was hilarious. But the icing for many singers on the stage was in fact getting to jump to,
"Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer,
Had a very shiny nose!"
They held out the note for "nose", as Tom took the mic.
"I'm dreaming of a
Six geese a-laying."
They were finally drawing proper laughs from the crowd.
"Jack Frost nipping at my
Nose."
_._
"On the Twelfth day of Christmas-"
"I had a little Dreidel,"
Elsie had been a little surprised when Atticus had auditioned for this solo. She was also relieved upon hearing that he felt the part was adorably corny and not offensive. Potentially offending him and the other Jewish students in the choirs/crowd had been an unofficial concern she'd had when introducing it in general - though, much to her surprise, he reassured her that there was no reason to take offense.
"I made it out of clay!"
And when he had explained that it'd be an honor to teasingly "introduce" the audience to a Jewish song that surprisingly not everyone knew, she almost let him just have the part.
"And when it's dry and ready,"
By this point, his fellow singers appeared to look fairly confused and rather concerned for him, as though he didn't have a clue as to the main holiday they were currently celebrating.
"Dreidel I shall play!
Oh, dreidel,"
He gestured encouragingly to the audience, fading off as no one was singing along.
"Dreidel?"
His voice, one that been clear and lovely to listen to, now held a whisper of hesitation when it came to the consistency of the note.
"It's Christmas!" Rose stage whispered to him. He did an unusually sheepish shrug, gathering more giggles from the crowd.
But the fun wasn't over yet.
_._
"On the twelfth day of Christmas,
My true love gave to me,"
They all suddenly leaned in, the audience following suite.
"Doo-doo-doo-doo!" It was a familiar tune, and one that certainly wasn't associated with Christmas.
This was the part that Charles was looking most forward too, though he would never, ever admit it.
"On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,"
William had shyly stepped up to the microphone.
"Twelve drummers drumming
Like Olympus upon the Serengeti."
The crowd thought they recognized the sound, but some couldn't dare to believe that a holiday rendition of "Africa" was being performed.
"Ba-da-da ba-da-da!"
"Eleven pipers
Piping!"
The boy was beginning to warm up, really getting into the song just like his choir teacher had hoped he would.
"Ten lords a-leaping!"
He handed the mic off to Daisy, who took it happily.
"Nine ladies dancing,
They were dancing for me!"
Sybil and Edith chimed in with pleasure.
"Eight maids a-milking,
They were milking just for me!"
Mary joined in, as well as Anna and Rose.
"I had Christmas down in Africa!"
It wasn't Journey, that was for sure.
"I had Christmas down in Africa!"
But, it was absolutely hilarious.
"I had Christmas down in Africa!"
The singers even began to dance a little, moving on the risers as Jimmy stepped up to the mic as though he were born to perform.
"Five golden rings!," His falsetto blanketed the room, bringing forth laughter of all sorts.
"Five golden rings!"
_._
Beryl couldn't help but roar with laughter, full-heartedly chortling at the merriment now occurring on the risers.
"Five golden rings!" When Jimmy's voice climbed up to an impossibly high note, she was crying with mirth.
"Things we never had,"
And as they began to finish, practically everyone was grinning - on and off-stage.
"Partridge in a big pear tree,"
It started at a soft piano before evolving into a beautiful crescendo one last time.
"Partridge in a big pear tree!"
When the song came to an end, Mrs. Patmore was absolutely one of the first to her feet - eagerly giving the group a standing ovation.
And, she certainly wasn't the only one.
_._
Charles stood up once more, secretly ecstatic that the audience was rising merrily to their feet far faster than ever before. He couldn't quite believe how much they all clearly adored the quirky rendition of the classic piece, as everyone in the crowd was still standing even as the a cappella choir started to make their way off the stage.
Never before had the auditorium seemed so lively. And, though he wasn't one for cacophony, this seemed more like a overwhelmingly radiant approval.
Thinking back on the piece, Mr. Carson absolutely understood why his colleague hadn't thought he'd ever approve.
In any case, Charles was happy to say that - in this matter - Elsie Hughes was simply wrong.
For he not only thought the song was in fact cleverly hilarious, he was also willing to admit as such.
_._
The applause had taken her aback - Elsie had hardly expected such a distinguish crowd to be quite so enthusiastic, even when they clearly enjoyed the earlier songs.
But, it relieved her to hear such energy. For, with such a prestigious crowd giving them a standing ovation, her little choir stood a chance of surviving long after she left.
And, so, it was with a relieved heart that the choir teacher started to move from the center of the stage to take her place at the piano.
But, first, there was to be an intermission.
_._
A/N: Ladies and gentlemen, once again, thank you for your wonderful patience and extraordinary support! I promise I should have the second half of the concert up before the weekend's over - and then there should only be one more chapter!