Finding a new voice after 28 years

By Brandon Sparks, Bass, Magnolia Chorale

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​We’re about one month away from dress rehearsal for Magnolia Chorale’s winter concerts on December 9 & 10th at Magnolia Lutheran Church. This is my first time singing in a choir since I graduated from Lacey's North Thurston High School in 1995 and without the experience about how it all comes together, I am both freaking out and completely calm about where I am and where we are collectively with the music.
 
I've considered getting back into singing for many years, including just a few years ago when I learned about Magnolia Chorale. Despite being comfortable on the microphone as a public address announcer and a football, basketball, and soccer play-by-play announcer and having a lead singer type lurking in my personality, a bit of social anxiety and being a bit of an introvert, I just never could bring myself to do something out of my comfort zone and join a choir.

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Brandon Sparks driving the DubSea Fish Sticks’ bullpen boat on opening night of the 2023 season. Photo courtesy of Blake Dahlin.

That all changed with the pandemic. Once things started opening back up, I vowed to not let those little doubts keep me from putting myself out there and doing the things that I want to do. That eventually led me to become the on-field host for the DubSea Fish Sticks baseball team in White Center. As the "Director of Fun", I perform in front of ever-growing crowds 20+ times a season, essentially serving as the ringleader of a baseball- themed circus.

The confidence that I have built performing (and sometimes absolutely dying) in that environment made it an easy decision to get back into choir when my friend and fellow newcomer Kathleen told me she was planning on joining. And Magnolia Chorale has been an awesome and supportive place that has made it relatively easy to hit the ground running. I even tried out for a solo while wearing a giant hot dog costume. I struggled with my audition and wasn't happy with my effort and I would have lamented it for months and never put myself out there again before, but my new outlook and the supportive nature of Magnolia Chorale means that I am ready to go again next time. (Note from webmaster: He got the solo and performed it beautifully at both concerts!)

One month out from dress rehearsal—and just a little bit more until we perform—I am feeling great about a couple songs and struggling with a couple others (most notably the baritone part in Luminous Night). But I'm pumped to see Joseph's vision for this concert come together and I'm committed to doing my best for the rest of the choir and can't wait to continue singing and building something with the fine folks of Magnolia Chorale.
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Oh, and karaoke night at Magnolia Village Pub was a blast.

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