Freshman baritone Moses Ong takes pride in creating the best chorus product possible. No matter the tediousness or frantic rush of the performance at hand, Ong believes preparation is key.
Having been interested in music since childhood, Ong joined the Tennessee Middle School Chorus in 2021 before reaching the Madrigals this year. He loves the satisfaction and relief that come after all the hard work that goes into making an exceptional performance.
As a bass/baritone, Ong often sings the root of the chord, or the foundational notes that establish tone. His work as a singer provides harmonic and rhythmic support to the other sections.
Director Jason Whitson oversees all elements of rehearsal and preparation. He often works with chorus members by section or on an individual basis, supporting and advising his choristers on upcoming shows.
Ong values how rehearsals enable him and the choir to build rhythm and harmony. He consistently dedicates his own time to ensure that “the choir is prepared to perform at its best.”
That quintessential harmony cannot be accomplished without routine vocal workouts. Ong takes this seriously.
While to an outsider, these workouts may sound like chaos, vocal exercises enable singers like Ong to gain voice control for upcoming performances. Ong must be able to “sing with clear consonance and pure vowels,” as well as with “proper breath control and tone quality.”
Strenuous rehearsals define Ong’s methodology of preparation, with a multitude of songs to polish: “Cantate Domino,” “For He Shall Give His Angel’s Charge,” “Sinner Man,” and “Oh Shenandoah.”
Although he has over a fortnight to perfect each piece, no amount of time ever feels fully sufficient to handle the stresses of concert night. As the process drags on, Ong’s patience begins to run thin and his demoralization sets in. “Sometimes [I] become irate towards the fact that I’m not improving as fast as I would like,” he said.
Ong is the kind of guy who craves results. This desire for perfection can sometimes leave him feeling demoralized, but he never leaves it there. In fact, a lack of concrete success not only furthers his dedication, but also teaches him patience.
When he needs to vent, he reaches out to those closest to him, such as his parents or grandparents. Their support and insight help build his confidence.
On the day of the performance, he gains strength and joy through being a part of the tremendous assembly of voices.
Music emanates through the hall, and his effort and dedication pay off. The many rehearsals, his attention to detail, and even those moments of stress join together in one climactic moment.
When his director is proud and the audience is transported by the music, Ong feels the thrill and gratification of playing a key role in an exceptional concert.
In Ong’s own words, “It’s the kind of satisfaction that doesn’t come often, so I’m always very happy when I know I did well performing.”