Member Reflections

Brazil 2008

My heart soars when we sing in small spaces. Squeezed together, shoulder to shoulder, voices near to one another, all mixed together – alto, soprano, tenor, bass, all come forth on call. We are so close to those smiling ones we are singing to. It is almost a direct transfer – their voices and smiles with ours. How many times in one’s life do 60 people sing to you – in full sound? We are, indeed, the givers and the receivers. Read more...

Louisiana 2007

This may not be the best trip SANS has ever taken, but it is the most awe-inspiring one. The ability of people of color to persevere in the worst of circumstances, the love of so many people in SANS and all over the country who need to help those in desperation, the incredible singing opportunities with people of all ages, and the power of New Orleans and its music to help heal the spirit. To think we have been a part of helping people and receiving so much in return. This has been one of the most profound experiences of my life. Thank you SANS. Read more...

Vietnam-Cambodia 2006

En route to Hoi An -- Watching the flow of life – on the road, in the water, in the fields --is endlessly fascinating. I am very aware of slow and fast time, almost dizzy with each succeeding moment in time.

This country is so beautiful, and the people seem so industrious and hand-working, that it seems impossible that we were dropping bombs on it and burning these fields such a short time ago. They are mending all of the damage and seem to have forgiven us. It’s a remarkable, moving thing to experience. Read more...

Russia-Estonia 2004

We’ve just left Zelenograd. Sue Cook Thanas, Martha Vedrine, Isabelle Plaster, and I all shared a wonderful moment - singing “Chattanooga Choo Choo” with Elena, a sixty-seven year old with the most beautiful, sweet, very high soprano voice. She told us that after a lifetime of learning and loving the English language, tonight was the first opportunity she has had to speak English with people whose native language is English. Read more...

USA 2003

While I was listening to Aunt Pearlie Sue in “Decoration Day” and after the presentation at the Penn Center, I realized more about slavery than ever before. I have read lots of facts and history and never let myself feel what it must have been like---it was just unthinkable. Hearing history from the survivors makes it real. I admire how they claim that history—on the bus we were told they haven’t renamed the towns because that is now their history, too. They have kept their African heritage, but they don’t deny that their ancestors were slaves and suffered. Many died but the survivors built a society with family ties and love. Read more...

Cuba 2002

This being my first trip to Cuba has held many different impressions for me. At the same time I am so distressed at the poverty of the people, I am in awe of the dignity inherent in so many. There is a great love of country that I have not experienced before despite the hardship and a determination to overcome. Hopefully I will be able to return someday and delight in the music and the simple goodness of the people. I appreciate being able to travel as a member of SANS and will treasure my days in Cuba. Read more...

South Africa 2001

South Africa, with its green fields framed with mountains, is beautiful. Singing with the music school’s orchestra and choir was inspiring but for me the most moving time was singing “Pass Me Not” with Dennis (broken foot) Slaughter at the piano, Sharon Molden’s incredible soaring improvisation and Renese’s brilliant conducting and mouthing of the words, so that even I who didn’t know the music could sing my heart out as the tears flowed down my cheeks. Read more...

Early Years

There are three great moments in my life, Getting married, having a baby, and marching in the [1990 choral festival] parade in Tallinn." Jessica Mosher, SANS member.

Russians were surprised and delighted to learn that at least some Americans "love music instead of money."

Profound experience. Time after time, in Estonian castles, Siberian airports, youth camps, trade union resorts, Mongolian villages and ornate churches, surrounded by faces full of smiles and teachers. The smiles come from discovering that Americans (who, they were taught, care only about money) love music as much as they do—and came all this way to share that love with them.

Music finds its way where the rays of the sun cannot penetrate. Kiekegaard.