May we all go home a-praising / and rejoicing in Thy love

Well, I couldn't make it to the party, so here's my unfinished business - and it's even singing related. Linda explicitly requested a report from the Western Mass convention. Be careful what you ask for! I'll try to be concise and keep the gushing to a minimum. If you didn't know already, WMSHC is my favorite holiday. It's like some kind of ultimate Christmas/family reunion montage of all my friends together, new babies, too much food, too many trips to the airport. Followed by that time of year when we compulsively check for pictures online and start counting the days until the next convention (340).

Uh, there's some singing in there too. Some of the best singing around. After an unprecedented year away, I'd started to chalk my yearning for Northampton singing up to nostalgia, but then I walked into the chapel on Tuesday night and it was better than I remembered. (As much as I love California, there's nothing like a little New England fervor.)

Thanks to the officers and everyone who made the weekend what it was, particularly those responsible for the seamless arranging.

Let us turn to photos, all shamelessly stolen from those more talented than I.

God bless Sheldon Finlay and his unmatched singing photography. This year's convention was so well attended (412 registered, it was standing room only on Saturday) that many people led in pairs or groups, which was a lot of fun and made for excellent photo ops. Such as this one, featuring my very best friends, who've just set their wedding date! (In the interest of not embarrassing Katie further, I will point out that contrary to popular belief, Richard is not about to kiss her in the middle of the square. He is merely leaning over to remark, "Oh, I don't hate this song!")



And this one of the Wojcik family.



The children's lesson, led by Jenna and Kelsey. (courtesy of Kevin, another Sacred Harp photographer extraordinaire)



Leyland del Re leads. (also courtesy of Kevin)



Look, you know this guy! (courtesy of Mary Whitehouse)



In conclusion, come sing with us next year! In fact, the WMSHC board is extremely generous in providing travel grants.

And perhaps Mark can provide us with something more resembling an objective report? Much obliged.