By Robert Lee Long
HERNANDO, MS — Like any great composition, Reese Norris’ choral masterpiece “We Sing of Love” had simple yet profound origins.
At age 38, Norris, Director of Choirs at Hernando Middle School, has just sold the rights to his first published musical composition, a labor of love which grew out of a score he wrote for his bride Joelle at their wedding more than six years ago. “When Joelle and I were planning our wedding, I knew at that point I wanted to write a song for her,” Norris said. “I slipped away at one point during the wedding and sang it for her.”
Norris said he later took some of the text and wrote harmonies to the musical piece.
With the help of Norris’ students choral group, Sa Belle Chant, Norris listened to see if the harmonies’ worked effectively “It’s been a true collaborative effort,” Norris said.Norris chose a verse of Scripture from the Book of Solomon to weave into the composition’s text.
“The Scripture says ‘set me as a seal upon your heart’,” Norris said.
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