At the Courtland Grand Ballroom Friday at 5:30PM, fans filled the area wanting to sing the songs of the Elvish. Singers of all ages and experience were welcomed and a setlist of songs from High Fantasy media were ready for the participants to perform.
Two songs were printed and distributed at the door: “Jenny of Oldstones” and “Old Tom Bombadil,” and the participants were self-sorted into the section they deemed best for their voice: Baritone/Tenor, Alto, and Soprano.
The forming choir’s atmosphere was both nervous and excited. Some had not sung in a long time and missed being in a choir, and others were inexperienced in choral singing.
Kathleen Dallin, the choir director, was patient and kind, going over each part to aid in the learning of the songs with the accompaniment of a pianist and a hammered dulcimer artist.
The participants had the opportunity to download the song sheets before Dragon Con through the Elf Choir group on Facebook, allowing them to familiarize themselves with the works before the panel. During the panel, the dynamics were explained as each section was given time to learn their part. It was inspiring to see all of these people, who had never performed together, make such a beautiful sound. In this one-hour panel, both songs brought High Fantasy music to life.
At the end of the hour, Dallin encouraged all of the participants to return for the evening event. Those who did want to perform received a button to allow entrance to that evening’s event of live music, dancing, and frivolity.
It was exciting to see the work participants put into each song. If there were questions, which there were, each question was answered in a way that no one was embarrassed to ask. Some participants wanted to go over sections in each song. Dallin obliged, having the pianist play notes for clarification. Dallin’s patient way of leading helped the flow of the music. Did some stumble along the way? Of course. However, in the Dragon Con spirit, everyone came together right along with the music.
As the Evening at Bree finished the costume contest, the choir was asked to come on stage to perform. Quickly, the choir assembled on stage. The audience went silent. The singers were ready with their music in hand. The time had finally arrived. After each song was completed, thunderous applause was heard and smiles on the faces of the choir appeared.
There was a smaller choir selected from the large group to perform a third song: “Loved by the Song,” which appears in the Tim Curry movie Legends. After the song was over, the audience gave a standing ovation. It was a wonderful way to honor Tim Curry.
The Elf Choir performs every year at Dragon Con. Join the Facebook group to get information regarding performances for next year. Come join the fun!
