Recently, the choir sang at the Methodist Church Conference in Suva. This rather large competition includes three classes of choir sizes. The choir was one of 60 entrees in class 3, including choirs of 50 members or fewer. Classes 1 and 2 are larger choirs and class 4 is smaller. The choir held practices on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for weeks before the competition.
Rehearsals are very strict, and attendance is mandatory at all rehearsals.
I asked him why he was so drawn to the choir. Participation appeared to be a huge personal commitment for him, so I asked him what being in the choir meant to him. Only some people are very interested in doing that. But I find that it's just the same a preaching. I pried further into the subject by asking whether his involvement in the choir and the church, for that matter, were driven by his love of singing or by a religious calling.