Pend Oreille Orchestra & Choir

I didn’t even know the full or correct name of Pend Oreille Chorale and Orchestra until, maybe, the last month of 2024’s fall season. POCO? Huh? Chorale? Wha?? Class, we’re using the second most common definition of chorale: a choir or choral society. My confusion makes sense looking back. It was my first time in a choir and that took up my entire perspective. Everything was either new or returning as an old friend! My relationship with performing music began “officially” in the 6th grade and it was from the perspective of playing an instrument. Returning to that world, I chose my voice and contrary to my wish, no, it’s not any easier! I can feel the frustration and the exhilaration now as I type and at the cusp of POCO’s 2025 fall season, I am still fresh with enthusiasm and a smidge wiser from last year’s experience. This is partially my intention with sharing: I am new, naive, excited, green, delusional. I am woefully aware and envious of, but not having experienced yet, the life of a musician.

Whoever You Want To Be

There is a whole lot of change coming my way. My parents, sisters, distant cousins and friends of my family that I haven't seen in years all extol the oncoming change for multiple reasons. But what I hear the most is "you get to be whomever you want, DO anything you want!" And then their faces will take on that faraway glaze as they reminice. Oh, those crazy college years.

This "become whomever, do whatever" mantra is double-edged. Obviously being surrounded by strangers will allow me to start anew. Finally I can be the 2012 me, not the middle school girl whose  mannerism my friends still believe to be right beneath my skin. Of course, history, the good and bad, is what bonds friends and that is what I'll miss the most. The simple familiarity of my girlfriends, the moments where I can in fact glimpse the preteens that I first met all those years ago. And while we, my friends and I, might want to change what we know about each other, it can't be undone....until we drift away and embark on a new journey.

The scariest moment is when you realize while lounging at the pool with the friends you've had for many years, is that, come fall, you can choose to become a completely different person.

The Many Different You

The older I get the more I realize the environment's effect on people. A friend may be a completely different -better- person outside the influence of a group. Another shies away from one-on-one but blossoms in a crowd. I've begun to notice these distinctions in my friends, co-workers and more concerning, myself. 


What is offered among a group that isn't with a more intimate encounter? And more importantly, why do these differences cause multiple personalities? 

The History of the Amazon

This is not a history lesson on the mythical warrior women. Rather, this is an introduction of a young woman, quite oridinary, nicknamed "The Amazon" not for her strength or savage nature, but her height. My name is Shalene Rebecca. Last name unknown. Age: still riding the crest of childhood but so close to womanhood I can touch the wave. 


I highly doubt much will come of this blog, but that isn't a major concern. I write for myself and for friends and for my fellow citizens in hopes that my discussions- or my stories- offer guidance,humor, clearity and adventure. 


Words are a gift that should not be simply banished to one's mind or locked journal....or the limited status space of facebook. It's time to speak up.