Tonys Newsletter

Many years ago during Joe’s final year at college a couple of his music major friends coaxed him into auditioning for the Chorale, the universities elite choral ensemble. Not having any prior vocal experience or training, Joe unwittingly accepted his friends challenge and auditioned. Miraculously, he passed and was assigned to the bass section. One of the first selections the director assigned the group was Randall Thompson’s Alleluia composed in the early 1940′s. It’s a sacred a cappella song repeating the word Alleluia as a series of protracted vowels with voices interweaving creating a captivating choral affect. As the choir worked their way through the piece, mid way into the song was an extended phrase focusing on the “U” vowel (All-e-LU-ia) lasting approximately 15 seconds. Joe stopped singing and listened intently. The “U” continued swirling and undulating as Joe wondered “Wow! What is that sound? It is incredible!”

Joe flunked out of the Chorale because it was too demanding but the “damage” was already done. Shortly following Joe’s graduation he attended a free outdoor concert on the outskirts of Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Orchestra was performing under the baton of Eugene Ormandy. The guest artists were the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Joe was stunned while reading the concert program noting with exhilaration that the impending Randall Thompson piece was part of the performance. Hot dog! The Alleluia! Joe prepared himself for the middle section with the distinctive elongated U sound, that one incomparable transforming portion of this exquisite composition. And there it was. Of course, it sounded much better than Joe’s college choir. This time he was an observer rather than the participant. Once again Joe asked What is that sound I am hearing?

Shortly there after Joe began his Eckankar journey and was introduced to the HU. The first time he participated in a group HU chant/song was during a Delaware Regional Seminar. At first Joe laughed to himself wondering how silly this was. Then his spiritual eye began to vibrate. His attitude instantly changed from frivolity to wonder and paid attention to the Sound and ITS affect. That sealed the deal. Joe sent off for his discourses the following week.

Looking back at Joe’s fledgling choir experience, it served to introduce him to the HU. And he wondered if anyone else in that college choral group experienced a similar transformation. Joe mused If not now, in this lifetime, perhaps the seed will germinate in a time that is right for each soul’s welfare. After all, it worked on me!