Referencing finding your "joy" in life; yesterday I heard the Hill Country Chorus perform during a civic club luncheon. What truly struck me, besides the wonderful harmonies, were the expressions on these gentleman's faces. They were brilliantly happy with no conscious thought to their joy.
(Now, I know there are lots of you that sing at the top of your lungs when you are alone in your car, and do a little steering wheel drum solo as well. You know who you are - own your joy!)
Music has always been said to be the universal language of love,
maybe the same can be said for joy. 
So, I did a little research.
So, I did a little research. In New Braunfels we have over 20 locations where one can enjoy some type of live music year round, we have over 50 churches that all have choirs, bands, and concerts. Our school districts have awarding winning choral and band programs. We have over the years had as many as 15 or more dance halls, private and public. The Music Study Club, The Community Band, The Southern Music Camp, Mid Texas Symphony, the lists of musical opportunities/traditions could go on and on.
The first singing society formed March 2, 1861 was the Germania Gesangverein, with two more to follow in 1861. Think; have you ever been to any festival in our community that doesn't have music and singing? The first Saengerfest (song festival) was held in 1853 at Herman Seele's place on the Guadalupe River. Stefan Heilbig, was a prominent music teacher and musical director. He was a bandmaster and played Wagnerian music in an orchestra conducted by Richard Wagner himself before emigrating to Texas in 1868.
So tap your toes, belt it out, and have some fun, you're are carrying on the traditions of a "long" line of hardworking folks that really knew how to find their joy!
Do you have a year date? Thank you.
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