Field Notes part 3

-enter church room, welcomed in by pianist (Nadine), realize that the children's choir rehersal is still in session, sit in middle row to listen
-woman from my choir group is directing the kids, they are singing "Joyful Joyful, Lord, we adore Thee" (version from Sisteract). All are sitting in front row, looking down mumbling words, choir director tells them to put some feeling in it
-little girl giggles and runs up to stage, beckoned down by woman sitting in second row
-one older girl starts singing solo, stops and asks why others aren't singing, choir director tells her to keep going
-same little girl gets barbie taken away from angry woman in second row, soon starts runing between benches, and giggling, hiding from boy on other side who is also giggling
-end rehearsal with prayer, I am still seated but am beckoned to join the circle, we hold hands, choir director says prayer and we say "amen"

-our rehearsal begins, people file in, hold hands, one person says prayer, Nadine plays chords, man I haven't seen before sitting at a keyboard playing a drum beat behind it, sort of slow R&B type beat
-start singing through songs from last time, Michelle comes in late, A comes in even later, but luckily for me there was another alto present this time who wasn't there last time so I wasn't stranded without knowing my part well
-This alto who is new to me leaves early because she has to be with the children, or something like that, and then it is just me and A because Nadine has asked Michelle to join the soprano section
-Nadine asks A and I to sing our part alone for song, I'm a little nervous because neither A nor I know the part well, but we do alright and the repetition of lines helps cement my part into my head
-I begin to become aware that everyone is talking about a performance tomorrow, Sunday, at church. I am expected to be there. I wasn't planning to go and did not realize this, but I agree because I wasn't really asked and I don't have any serious commitment, but I am uneasy because I don't know the songs too well.
-woman comes in, I recognize her as cantor from first church visit, introduced as "Sister Betty," she begins handing people little pink breast cancer ribbons on pins and asking for 50 cents. I feel foolish for again forgetting to bring money. When she taps me on the shoulder I appologize for not having money, but she gives me a pin anyway and says I'll give her the money later. I agree and thank her.
-sometime in the midst of rehearsal, Michelle again introduces me to the group, since there are some new members present today. Everyone smiles and says "hi"
-After running through songs, Michelle anounces that her group RPM will be performing at waterfire this evening, which will be a representation of Rhode Island's relationship to the slave trade, and I announce that I'll be there volunteering. Michelle is delighted.
-People begin to start packing up, and Michelle asks me if I want music copied so I can learn the words before tomorrow. I tell her that this would be great, and she asks what pieces I want the music for. I can't really remember which pieces I didn't know too well, sort of all of them. I can't remember their names, either. I wish I paid better attention
-I ask for one specifically, "Praise Him," which I remember not knowing the middle section to. A suggests we go over that part now, because she missed it completely since she came in late. We do, and I feel more comfortable.
-Michelle insists on giving me a ride home in the church's van, saying she will pick me up tomorrow and needs to know where I live. I agree, and I follow her downstairs because she tells me I need to pick out a robe for tomorrow's performance. She hands me one and I try it on, and it seems to fit alright. She goes to copy the music and I tell her I think I'm alright and don't need it.
-We get into the van. Children from the church are holding up signs for a car wash to raise money for the church. Nearby, kids from the school down the street holding up signs for a car wash for their school. They yell "car wash!" towards us as we drive down Olney Street towards Thayer. Michelle rolls down the window and yells "my church is having a car wash!" and we proceed.
-Michelle discusses how excited she is about tomorrow and about her performance with RPM. She tells me RPM is a very diverse group.
-Michelle pulls over by my dorm and we exchange numbers so we can arrange a pick up for tomorrow. I thank her and we say goodbye.