In my early 20s, I had the privilege of singing in an incredibly accomplished university choir. We traveled the world, participating in choral competitions in places like Germany and Japan. Those days were deeply formative, full of music and life-changing experiences.
During one of those trips, I was having dinner with a few friends from the choir, many of whom were also developing their skills in choral conducting. They were especially adept at hearing details about the ensemble as a whole. The conversation turned to the concept of “color voices,” voices that add a special timbre to the ensemble’s overall sound.
My whole life, I’ve sung as a soprano, except for the five years I sang in this choir. During those days, I sang as an alto and occasionally as a second soprano. Our section often carried the harmony rather than the melody. During this conversation, one of my friends turned to me and said, “Renee, your voice is a color voice,” to which others nodded in agreement. I had never considered my voice in this way, but it was a pleasant surprise. From that moment on, I started thinking more intentionally about the role my voice played in the choir, how this wasn’t just about carrying notes but also about adding a unique tone that enriched the overall sound.
Fast forward to today, and I find myself back in the soprano section, a place I’ve held for nearly two decades. As a soprano, I often sing the melody, but I appreciate what the other vocal parts are doing. They don’t only harmonize, but add color, lifting the melody and the sound as a whole.
This concept of “color voices” came to mind again recently. Over time, as my role in my work has shifted, I have moved away from some of the direct, hands-on care I once provided. Now, I focus more on overall vision, care networks, systems, grant-writing, and project management. While the work is still demanding, it’s different—less melody and more color.
This analogy may work in a variety of contexts. There are times when we are called to do the front-line, direct work, the “melody” that leads the charge. But there are also times when our role is to add color, by supporting, referring, encouraging, or providing financial assistance. All types of contributions are vital, and they each play a unique and important part.
Smuggling Grace 