"Alignment, breath, space, and freedom": Grace Miller

My family found out about Deo Cantamus through one of our best friends, who had 4 kids in the Let the Children Praise choir at that time. They spoke incredibly highly of the whole program, and of Mr. Hawkins and his teaching. I had always wanted to be part of a choir, and I couldn’t believe that the opportunity was in front of me. 

I remember the first time I auditioned for Let the Children Praise in 2019. My piano teacher had to help me learn the audition song, “My Country tis of Thee.” I didn’t know it at all, so she wrote it out on sheet music for me, and I practiced it like I had never practiced before. I was overjoyed to be auditioning for a choir, but I was pretty nervous about auditioning, so I remade my audition recording multiple times before I sent it in. 

Just like that, I found out that I had been accepted into the choir! I can’t even explain how excited I was when I got my music and sat through that first rehearsal meeting. Now, after many years of sitting through the first rehearsal meeting, I’ve learned to really take in and apply what Mr. Hawkins said. Every year he talks about the “four pillars of good singing,” and every year we repeat it back to him "Alignment, breath, space, and freedom.” Just that lesson of those pillars has entirely changed my mindset and approach to singing. 

I think the most incredible part of being in the choir, however, is the very first rehearsal with everyone. It is a beautiful moment, every time. One of my favorite songs that we’ve sung is called “all things bright and beautiful,” and my absolute favorite memory is singing the bridge to that song for the first time all together. The bridge says “he made all things well,” and not only is the music magnificent, the lyrics are profound as well. It is so amazing to be able to worship the Lord through music. 

I am so thankful for every time I have been in Let the Children Praise, I have learned so much about music, and I have grown in my love for the Lord. Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins are such godly examples to all of the choir every year. They are both talented yet humble, and I am eternally grateful for them. 

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