Centenary College Choir Camp is finally here! Many of the old heads have been anticipating this moment since we last got off the flight from Spain, and our newbies are anxiously waiting to learn all the traditions, secrets, and stories of past choirs. So why does the choir even have to do a weeklong camp? Well, here are the ins and outs of what goes on at choir camp. 

Unsurprisingly, our days are mostly comprised of rehearsals. We typically have three sessions that are three hours each spread across our day. During this time, we are learning all our music for the year. We learn about the meaning behind each piece, and we can slowly start to build up our skills as a new group. Interrupting our intense schedule to give our voices a break, we often have stretches of free time where we can hang out, take a nap, or explore the beautiful grounds of Camp Bethany. 

Another huge part of camp is building morale. Each day we have time to relax, catch up with old friends, and meet our newbies. We have a tradition called morale where we share inside jokes with each other and boost each other up. It’s traditions like these that keep the choir sane, working as hard as we do. It is also one of the reasons that we are so close throughout the year. If we just had rehearsals on campus, it would be so much easier to stay in our comfort zones with people we already know; however, at camp, we are all pushed to be the best versions of ourselves, both as musicians and individuals. 

Another huge part of choir camp is that it is the start of the seniors’ last year. We take many moments throughout the time to share senior wisdom with the rest of the choir. We hear what camp and the choir have meant to them and how it will continue to be a big part of their last year at Centenary. It is a bittersweet moment for any senior to experience, but it is so worth getting to share your story with some of your closest friends.

 In the free time we have, each choir member can go sign each other’s affirmation posters. They are open for anyone to write on, including guests, and it is a simple way to build up each other once again. I have never met a choir member who doesn’t cherish their posters with their whole heart. Don’t be surprised if you walk into a senior choir member’s room to see four posters hanging neatly on the wall so they can see them every day. Take a moment to stop and read them because they bring out the best in people. 

Choir Alumni are a huge part of choir camp! Once a CCC member, always a CCC member. They often come and relive their memories and share their stories with the current choir. It is always a great thing to see old faces and to feel their love and support even after they are gone. They can come share a meal with us, and even recent alumni can come visit old friends and classmates.

You might be wondering what we are even getting ready for this year. So here are some of the fun and amazing things you can expect from the choir! As always, we will start off our year at the President’s Convocation. It is always a great way to meet the incoming students and to see Greek life kick off their recruitment, not to mention it is 100 passport points! After that, we will have a quick turnaround, as we will be performing with the Shreveport Symphony in September. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and we will be singing Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. So, if you have never had the chance to get all dressed up and see the symphony, this is your chance! We would love your support. Later in the semester, we will have our annual Rhapsody in View concert held at First Baptist. It is our biggest concert of the fall, and you won’t want to miss it. After that, all we have left to learn is Christmas Music for Christmas Candlelight in Brown Chapel and our annual partnership with Willis-Knighton and the Shreveport Lions Club to bring cheer to many across the NWLA area. So, we will have a busy season this fall, but that gives you even more chances to come to see what we can do. 

If you want a sneak peek at some of the music we are doing or just want to see some of your choir friends while they are away, guests are always welcome! Just let us know you are coming so we can save a seat for you! Come write on our affirmation posters, hear some old stories, and see the joy that comes with being a part of the Centenary College Choir family. We hope to see you there!

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