“Read from John the Revelator, and see how he describes the hundred and forty-four thousand who are going to have harps, and the twenty-four thousand lutes. If we are going to be ready to take part with the hundred and forty-four thousand we have to have more poetry and music. … Music is its own best reward. If you have a love of music in your soul, you will want to take part (sometimes much to the disgust of the choir leader).
“There is a woman in the temple who sings bass, but I say, God bless her, bless this note of soul harmony that rises out of this poor heart who had no opportunity to cultivate her gift. … Remember that the song of the righteous is a prayer unto God, and will be answered with a blessing on our heads. Sing, therefore, whenever you can, wherever you are, when the praises of God are voiced and sing in harmony.”
– Susa Young Gates, 1921
I haven’t met many women who sing bass, but I do get perturbed at those who attempt to sing tenor.
And I like Sis. Gates ending: “sing in harmony!”
Mark, I have sung tenor since I was 17, when alto became too high for me. Luckily I was not yet baptized, as I imagine our Protestant congregation handled having a female tenor in the choir better than most of the LDS choirs in which I have sung, & as a result I had a tad of professional training, since our Protestant choir director was a professional. Some LDS directors have welcomed me, others have not, insinuating that I “choose” not to sing alto. If they want me, I sing, If not, I sing from the congregation. The Lord hears either way. He is the one who gave each of us our voices, & I it took me a few years to be grateful for the voice I have.
I do hope we all don’t have to learn to play the harp…
Preach it, Sister!