Look At The World

I've always loved this song. From the beautiful piano solo in the beginning to the words and harmony.

As a thunderstorm just swept through our little village in Germany, I'm fascinated by the whiteout of rain that waters the apple trees and garden in our backyard. The boom of thunder is powerful, exciting and comforting all at the same time. The cool air that follows is a welcome respite from the summer heat. I never in a million years thought that an Iowa farm girl, such as myself would live in Germany, twice!

"Every good gift, all that we need and cherish, comes from the Lord, in token of His Love"

As you look at the world, what are the miracles, joys and wonders that you've experienced in your life? All the gifts we share and every blessing. All things come of thee...

Cono Choir Memories by Dawn

1995-1996 : Sometimes a Light Surprises

(click on the link above to play)

As you listen to the songs, I'm sure you can pick out the voices of a few you used to sit shoulder to shoulder with. Backs straight, in wooden pews as you sang, laughed, learned and grew vocally, through the ever encouraging words and smiles of Mr. Belz. His arms raised and pumping in a vigorous manner, depending on the speed of the song.

I'll never forget when  Mr. Belz pulled out a paper toothy smiley face and put it in front of his own mouth, during a concert to get us to all smile. Something we had to be reminded of, as all teenagers do. And some of us couldn't stop laughing...

Song binders and sheet music was never held in front of us during concerts, we learned the words, the tune, the songs...DAILY...verse by verse and I'm pretty sure that everyone that has attended Cono and had the pleasure of singing in the choir could very easily sing along to any of the songs that we've sung throughout the years.

"Singing, can He, could He, would He, yes, He can, He could, He would and He did!"

Miss Padding dutifully playing each piece over and over, until we got it right...our voices came together in perfect harmony to create something beautiful, year after year. I'm so very proud of that heritage and still love singing to this day. Those 45 minutes were by far my favorite school activity.

Choir Tour was always such a wonderful highlight of the year. Spring Break wasn't just a break from school but a time for us to share what we as a choir had learned throughout the year. Also a time for us to travel to places beyond where we grew up, meet new people and share our mission with others. A large bus (with TV's) would pull into the school driveway and we'd all pile on, stashing our bags underneath and finding our seats. Upper class men and ladies graduated to the back of the bus and the newbie 7th graders were closest to the front. Stormin' Normin and Mr. Gilchrist were two bus drivers that I remember and they got us to each destination safely. Mr. R was also a welcome chaperone when he sang with the choir, his quick wit made us all laugh. We'd settle into our seats and inevitably watch The Princess Bride every year, "as you wiiiiish".

What are some of your favorite choir tour memories or songs?

by: Dawn (Gardner) Braun