Esperanza has always had people who sing living at it. The pianos are stacked not only with Chopin, Sibelius, and others; but also with the ‘Fireside Book’, various hymnals, and songbooks from Yale and other places.  For some years in the early/mid twentieth century singing was a regular, evening occurrence often with enough people for solid four part harmony.  These days we round up a few skeptical, if game, volunteers at Christmas.

I can’t say that I am at that level; but it is rather fun to slowly start learning various songs. Who knows, someday I might even sing when other people are listening.  There are so many songs from American history that are so alive and so rich in their cultural meaning.  (and fun to sing) Learning them is a connection not only to the music but to the past.