Syracuse Sun

Professor Wendy Moy's latest book, "Resurrecting Song: A Pathway Forward for the Choral Art in the Time of Pandemics," delves into the resilience of choral music during the COVID-19 pandemic. The book, to be launched on April 3, brings together personal accounts from choral musicians, showcasing their journey through crisis to rebuilding in a new era.

Tim Sharp, former American Choral Directors Association Executive Director, expressed the significance of Moy's research by stating, "It’ll be interesting, and I think important, to document this. In 10 years, we’ll look back and maybe see more clearly what we were up against and what we did, and hopefully, what we did better and what we lost."

Moy, who interviewed over 40 choral musicians for the book, shared, “The singers and directors shared with me what it was like to make choral music during the COVID-19 pandemic. This book documents these interviews. It was heartbreaking to hear personal stories of what they went through as people, as educators and as musicians. There was a lot of loss.”

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic where singing was considered a potential risk, Moy found inspiration in the innovative ways singers overcame obstacles. She remarked, “Nevertheless, it was inspiring to hear how new ideas came about to help singers overcome during a time when singing was deemed a ‘superspreading’ activity. ‘Resurrecting Song’ documents how singing became a source of joy during tragic circumstances. It was wonderful to connect human to human through these stories.”

Moy's book not only documents the experiences of the choral community during the pandemic but also highlights the resilience and adaptability of choral music. Through personal accounts, it showcases how community members came together to innovate, utilize technology, and foster inclusivity within their choirs.

Summing up the essence of "Resurrecting Song," Moy stated, “Resurrecting Song went from being advocates and educators of choral singing to literally ‘saving the choral art.’” This book serves as a testament to the strength and determination of the choral community in the face of adversity, offering insights into the future of choral music post-pandemic.