My first half-year in the Singing Cadets was miserable. I despised the initiatory process and even into the 2nd half and throughout my four years I resented the older "Old Men" and those younger than me who embraced the system a little too enthusiastically for my taste. Even in my last year, at the height of my seniority and reputation in the group I had plenty of reason to despise some people in the group.

Which, of course, has led one friend in particular to keep asking me why I bothered with the choir.

Ordinarily I don't have much of an answer beyond the experience of making music with an amazing choral group, but today I recalled something special.

"Live Like You Were Dying" came on the radio earlier, and it made me think of us this past semester eating as a group in a Spring Creek BBQ. A waitress found out we were a choir and we sang for the wait staff. Later, she asked if we could sing again, just for her, because her father had passed away recently.

Two of our number, both with good, rollin' Texas accents, sang that song for her, and it was probably the most precious moment of tour. That's why I stayed in that group, for what we could do as musicians on the lives of people.

Even if I had to suffer a bit between those special times.