Notes from a Lyricist

Nothing is certain, but it appears my debut as a lyricist will actually happen.

In January, I oozed with excitement when I told you about my new creative wrinkle. As background, in the fall of 2021 I teamed with David (another member of the Phoenix Gay Men’s Chorus) to create several original tunes for a Mosaic of Voices concert, scheduled for March 2022.

I wrote the lyrics. David composed the music. I was psyched for the debut of these pieces. Then, the concert was postponed. It was another Covid-related casualty.

Thankfully, the chorus has resurrected the program. On October 8 at the Kroc Center in Phoenix, we will perform the suite of pieces David and I created to capture the essence of original-and-triumphant stories submitted by members of the Phoenix LGBTQ community.

***

On Tuesday evening, as our chorus of seventy or so rehearsed two of the Mosaic of Voices pieces (Hope’s Trail and Our Second Act), I saw a few tears. As I sang in the back row of second tenors, I felt the gravity of emotion rise in the room with our voices.

I was reminded of the healing power of music and the important role that choral communities–first the Windy City Gay Chorus and now the Phoenix Gay Men’s Chorus–have played in my renaissance and in the lives of so many gay men.

Especially now in our chaotic country–divided, threatened, and deconstructed–we need this joyful music, this personal support, this hopeful oasis in the desert.

Without it, many of us would feel trapped and lost.

10 thoughts on “Notes from a Lyricist”

Creating the lyrics is a cool and huge achievement, but what I’m hung up on is creating a choral arrangement. That seems like something you would need special training for. Do you think this will be on the web after the performance?

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Mark Johnson says:

August 10, 2022 at 5:21 pm

Not sure if it will, Jeff. I agree with you about the arrangement aspects. I’m sure David has music theory in his background. He’s a music teacher.

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David E Weck says:

August 11, 2022 at 2:23 pm

Anytime I compose, or work with someone, I’m always nervous. However, when I wrote, sometimes I get lost in what I’m composing. The choral aspect for me is so fun and challenging. I had the privilege to work with this choir so I know the capabilities. I hope At least snippets will be available to hear.

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1. Mark Johnson says:
  
  August 11, 2022 at 2:41 pm
  
  Thank you for chiming in, David. The music you’ve composed is so stirring. I’m proud of our creative collaboration!
  
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