Goodbye to a choir mate, Susan Fetcho

I've been singing with a Balkan community choir for the last couple of years. Sadly, one of the founding singers died of cancer a few weeks ago. At our recent end-of-session concert, we sang Heyamoli, one of her favorite songs, in her honor.

Her memorial service was yesterday over in Marin. I wasn't going to go, since it was during the work day and I'd have to find a ride. But they invited the choir to sing Heyamoli for her, and I wanted to support the effort, so I asked for 4 hours of bereavement leave at work, and asked choir members for a ride.

I'm glad I went! The memorial was at beautiful Fernwood Cemetery, and was filled with music, poetry, and heartfelt remembrances. Remembering Susan Fetcho at Radix Magazine has some of the same songs and stories.

I'm proud that I set aside time to go, and I'm proud of performing. It's not something that comes easily for me, although I didn't feel as much anticipatory panic as I have in the past. It's a song I've sung a lot, so instead of looking at the sheet music, I looked out at the chapel full of people gathered to grieve and sing and celebrate Susan's life, and sang for them.

( Music links )

Celebrations

Looking back in my journal about Larry Gordon led me to this post, April 2023 about a video I was searching for, and the gorgeous Songs Stay Sung.

Here's Zoe Mulford and Windborne, because it is more relevant than ever. It made me cry, in a good way. I hope it resonates for you, too. "Love stays loved, and song stay sung."

Watch on YouTube

I searched again for the video I'd been looking for then, 'child musicians from around the world joint video' and it was the first hit. Check out the young drummer, and all these other amazing young musicians and dancers.

Watch on YouTube

And a similar joint video of adults in Turkey playing Hayde Gidelum in outdoor locations around the country. At the end it says they were inspired by playingforchange.com, who made the previous video.

Watch on YouTube

And a cool making of video for that last one, with out takes.