Christopher S. Cherry, GPC Student, Decatur Campus

My Favorite Childhood Memory

As early as I can remember I have always loved to sing. Moreover I can remember when I was six years old and I got the opportunity to join the church choir. My mother would wake me up early on Saturday mornings to attend rehearsals that started at noon. Every Saturday I would go to rehearsal hoping that the musician would pick me to sing a solo for the following Sunday. On Saturday February 27, 1989, I was finally given the chance to show my family and the congregation that I really could sing.

On Sunday morning eager to sing, I led the choir into the stand. This was my big day, and I had to do my best for my family and God. The music started playing and I stood in front of the congregation ready to sing my little six-year old heart out. Before a word came out of my mouth, a high- pitched voice yelled over the congregation, "That’s my baby!" How embarrassing. After the song was over I received a standing ovation.

In addition to singing I found a passion for directing the choir. At the age of sixteen I began to attend music workshops on directing and being a minister of music. These classes taught me how to develop tone, stage presence, and how to get the congregation involved in praise. After entering high school, I joined a group called "Inspirational Voices". This was a group of students who were dedicated to singing and praising God. By the end of my junior year I was chosen by the group to be the 2001-2002 choir director based upon my performance over the years.

If I were asked to reflect on an occasion that happened while directing the group I would say our concert. On this day the group showed the community that hours of dedication and practice turned them into the best school choir in Dekalb County. Although, I practiced with the group everything was different when we got on stage. This experience taught me to be patient and wait until God is ready to work things out.

Furthermore, directing the choir involved me in teaching notes, rhythms, and leading songs. I was inspired to take singing as a career when the group went to a choir competition and we placed first. The judging was done on clarity of words, style, and stage presence.

None of these life experiences would have happened if, back on February 27, 1989, I were not given the opportunity to sing. I will always cherish that day and give respect to those who paved the way for myself and those that will follow after me.