Ella McLaughlin: SGC Class of 2025

It is impossible to file my experience in SGC down to words. With all of the changes and major events that have happened in my life since joining this organization, I can always run back to one constant. The choir center is truly a second home to me, along with the people in it. To wrap up my experience, I have some key memories to share.

When I was in allegra, there was one moment I dreamed about from the moment I heard it. The infamous “Once in Royal David’s city” solo, anyone who has ever been in allegra can remember how big of a deal it was. I have always struggled with solos, I have horrific stage fright (ironic that i am public speaking right now), but I knew I needed to do that solo. I had seen someone else do it the year prior, and if you look back on the videotape of that concert, I am mouthing the words to the solo as we are processing. So clearly, I was motivated. From practicing tirelessly day after day to chugging chloraseptic to keep my 5th grade voice in mint condition, I was awarded the solo. I still get butterflies when I think of the moment Sarra told me, and how I bursted through my door after rehearsal to tell my parents. I was a nervous wreck before the concert, my stomach was so tight I wondered if I would even be able to lead the procession. Yet from the moment I have been conducted by Sarra, she has instilled me with the confidence to do anything I put my mind to. Shaking in my huge red and white gown with my tiny head peeking out, I swear my mind went blank with fear, but somehow I still sang. The moment my voice wasn’t alone filling the vast church, all of my fellow choristers and byrd ensemble joining me, I was swelling with pride. Not only because of accomplishing something I was so afraid to do, but realizing I had a community to back me up every single time.

When I embarked on my first tour to the Czech Republic and Germany, I had no idea what to expect. Not to be cliche, but this trip changed my life. I remember we were in Prague, and had a concert in the square in the afternoon. I took my first steps into this church and my breath was taken away. Not only was it visually beautiful, but I knew the way it would hold our song would be equally stunning. We began our set, and people casually filtered in and out, staying for multiple songs, or maybe just one. Halfway through the concert, a man walked in and sat down, near the back of the church. I remember he had a dark beard and sad eyes, and I thought some music may cheer him up. To my surprise, it didn’t. Throughout the whole concert, song after song, I couldn’t take my eyes away from him. He looked deeply unhappy, bored even. I wondered why someone would come listen to music they didn’t enjoy. 

Then, it was our last song. Star of strength (a pv classic). The moment our first note hit the air, I almost felt a spark in the air. I watched this man’s face contort and change throughout each ebb and flow of the piece, a rush of emotion only this type of music can provoke. By the time the last chord sailed through the pews and bounced off the ceiling, I looked back to the man. He was sobbing, tears streaming down his face. In that moment, I felt something I never had before, human connection without spoken words. I bet we didn’t speak the same language, maybe opposite lives altogether, but music had the power to move the both of us. I will never forget that moment, it was truly raw and beautiful.

I will end with this final memory. It was from this past summer, when we traveled to Wales to compete in an international competition. I cannot convey the amount of work and strength required to make it onto that stage, but it is not easy. We faced some brutal feedback and watched some incredible choirs, but the most rewarding moment was after our last performance. We had sung “How can i keep from singing”, a song we had filed down to every last detail of perfection. After we had competed, beaded sweat on our foreheads and shaky hands, we burst out of the competition center full of emotion. Laughter and tears rang out from our unit, our family. I remember how connected we felt, how the music truly had been within us and ingrained in our souls. I am serious when I say that the bond I share with Sarra and my fellow choristers goes beyond love or teamwork; we are a united whole, and I am so grateful to have these beautiful sisters to call home.

Thank you to SGC and Sarra. My life is forever changed because of this organization, and it will live with me in all of my future experiences and mountains of life.