Saint Mary's Way

 The Morning We Sang With Our Hearts

  Last month, I had one of the most memorable experiences of my school year: joining the choir performance at Gereja Kemuning with my teachers and friends. At first, I didn’t expect it to be anything special. I thought it would just be another school activity, something we did because we were told to. But I soon realized that it was more than that. It was a journey full of practice, laughter, stress, excitement, and moments that I will probably remember for a long time. This experience didn’t just teach me how to sing better; it also taught me how to work together, be responsible, and appreciate small moments that feel big. 

 Our journey started with practice sessions after school. We would gather in the music room, sitting in rows while our teacher arranged the harmony. At first, our voices sounded so messy some of us were too loud, some too soft, and some didn’t even know when to start. But instead of getting frustrated, our teacher would laugh and say, “It’s okay, we’ll get better!” Little by little, we did. We learned how to breathe properly, how to match each other’s tone, and how to follow the beat without rushing. Sometimes we got tired and sleepy, but practicing with friends made everything more fun. We joked around, shared snacks, and sometimes practiced the same song over and over until it finally felt right.

 

  The night before the performance, I felt strangely nervous. I set an alarm for very early in the morning, afraid that I might oversleep and ruin everything. I laid out my clothes, prepared my shoes, and practiced the song again quietly before going to bed. Even though I tried to sleep early, my mind kept repeating the melody and imagining what the next day would be like. Would we sing well? Would we forget the lyrics? Eventually, I fell asleep with all those thoughts still swirling in my head.

  The morning of the performance came faster than I expected. When my alarm rang, it felt like I had only slept for five minutes. I dragged myself out of bed, washed my face, and prepared my things. Even though I was sleepy, I felt excited. The sky was still a little dark, and the air was cold, but it felt refreshing llike the beginning of a special day. When I arrived at school, my friends were already gathering. Some looked fresh, some looked half asleep, and some were still practicing their parts softly. Our teacher reminded us to stay calm, drink water, and keep our throats warm.

 

  When we reached Church Kemuning, the atmosphere was peaceful. The church felt cool and quiet, and for a moment, I just stood there taking in the calmness. But once we entered, everything became busy. We had to set our positions, check the sound system, and rehearse one last time. The closer the performance got, the faster my heart raced. I wasn’t the only one my friends were also whispering things like, “I’m nervous,” or “Don’t mess up, okay?” Even our teacher looked a bit tense, although she tried to hide it. 

  Finally, the moment came. We stood in front of the congregation, holding our breath for a few seconds before the music started. When the first note played, something shifted. All the nervousness slowly disappeared, replaced by a warm, steady feeling. We sang together, our voices blending like we had practiced so many times. I could see some people in the audience smiling, and that made me feel even braver. For a moment, it didn’t feel like performing it felt like praying through music. And honestly, it was beautiful.

 When the last song ended, we looked at each other and quietly smiled. We did it. All the practice, all the early mornings, all the worries yhey were worth it. Even our teacher had tears in her eyes, though she quickly wiped them away.

  Looking back, joining the choir at Gereja Kemuning was one of the best decisions I made this year. It taught me that good things don’t come instantly ythey come from effort, teamwork, and a little bit of courage. I learned how to trust myself, support my friends, and appreciate the feeling of creating something beautiful together. This experience also made me realize that singing isn’t just about hitting the right notes; it’s about sharing emotion, offering something sincere, and letting your voice carry meaning.

  If I ever get the chance to join another performance, I won’t hesitate. I would love to build new memories, face new challenges, and feel that same excitement again. For me, this choir experience wasn’t just an activity it was a step in growing up, and a reminder that sometimes, the most meaningful moments come from the simplest things. 

    My experience as a choir member at Gereja Kemuning was truly meaningful and unforgettable. I joined the church choir to serve during a Sunday worship, and at first I felt nervous because it was my first time singing together with many people in front of the congregation. However, as we practiced and sang the hymns, I felt peace, joy, and a strong sense of togetherness. The choir leader guided us patiently, and everyone supported one another. Through this experience, I learned that serving God requires discipline, cooperation, and humility. From this activity, I gained important values of faith such as commitment in worship, gratitude for the opportunity to serve, and trust in God. Singing together in the choir strengthened my faith and reminded me that serving God with sincerity can bring spiritual growth and inner peace.