Members of the tener section of the Bagram Base Chapel Babtist choir chime in as the choir director gives them their cue. U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Christina Carde
Saturday Night With The Base Chapel Choir
By U.S. Army Pfc. Christina Carde
11th Public Affairs Detachment
BAGRAM, Afghanistan — As soldiers pass by the chapel on their way to the Morale, Welfare and Recreation building Saturday evenings, they may hear the harmonious sounds of the Bagram Base Chapel Baptist Choir echoing in the church hall as they practice for Sunday morning service.
Sgt. Christopher Allen, choir director, Supply Support Activity, 264th Logistical Task Force, Fort Bragg, N.C., said the only qualifications needed to join the choir are the willingness to sing and to have fun.
“I have been singing and playing instruments since I was a child,” said Allen. “However, when I came to Bagram in September of last year, I had no intentions of joining the choir.”
As the weeks went by however, the sounds of the choir singing familiar church songs began to stir up his talent and he decided to attend a rehearsal.
“I started off by singing a solo part,” said Allen. “Then as time progressed, I began to get more involved and started to look for ways to improve the way they sang songs.”
“One rehearsal, the choir was having trouble with a certain song that I knew well,” Allen added. “I briefly took charge of the rehearsal and showed them a way to sing the song that worked.”
Shortly afterwards, it was time for the present choir director to go home and a new director to be chosen.
The members of the church council and choir held nominations and voted for who they thought would be the best person for the job. In the end, Allen was chosen.
“It was a surprise to me,” said Allen. “ I knew that this was God’s will because I went from not wanting to join the choir at all to directing it.”
Allen said one thing he has come to realize as choir director, is it’s not the number of people you have, but their enthusiasm to produce quality sound.
“Since I’ve been director, the choir has ranged from 10 to 30 people,” said Allen. “No matter how many people show up to choir rehearsal, I still do my best to encourage them to extend their voices and harmonize even if they feel they can’t sing. It’s my job to judge the quality of sound and turn it into what it’s supposed to sound like.”
With choir rehearsals Saturdays and Mondays, Allen said his time here has flown by.
“My mission here has become twofold. Once my daily job is done, it’s time to select the material for the weekly rehearsals, go over it and direct it. Before I know it, the day is over.”
Choir rehearsal is held from 1400(Z) to 1500(Z) every Saturday evening. Allen said it’s a good opportunity to try something new.
“Even if troops feel they don’t have a voice, they should still come out and give it a try,” said Allen. “Even if they only come to one rehearsal, I’m still grateful.”
Being deployed can be a difficult time for soldiers especially when they have problems that are out of their hands until they return home. Allen said singing for a while is good way to forget all of that.
“There is passage in the Bible that says ‘Cast all your cares upon Jesus.’ When you have a problem that is out of your hands, giving thanks to God in song and trusting him to take care of your problems is the best way there is to handle any situation.”
