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108 maconmagazine.com | June/July 2026 C U P S A N D W A T E R Summoning the Choir STORY BY ERIN ROBINSON HALL | PHOTOS COURTESY OF LISA HARGROVE W hen she stepped up to the pulpit, she still struggled with how to speak hope and healing in the words of her sermon. Like many clergy, Rev. Ashley Robinson preached to a congregation that felt heartache and worry about the latest news headlines. An experienced pastor, she preached from the Gospel of John, but she knew the people needed a way to express their fears. She ended the sermon by saying, "The Spirit does not always give us answers, but she does give us songs." Then she sang. Her voice, a cappella, offered the words of a spiritual that most folks in the sanctuary knew well: "This High Holy Days Choir Service of Love and Unity joy that I have, the world didn't give it to me. The world didn't give it, and the world can't take it away." The volume of voices grew with each verse as the people stood from their pews and found their own harmonies. The empowered feeling was palpable as the chorale of worshippers sang. Sometimes, you must summon the choir. Across Macon, talented choir directors lead singers and musicians to use their voices in powerful ways. Lisa Hargrove leads the choirs of two different faith communities. Hargrove has been the director of music at High Street Unitarian Universalist Church for 21 years. She also has directed the High Holy Days Choir for Temple Beth Israel for the past 20 years. In addition to leading songs of faith, Hargrove directs the community choir for the interfaith service during Macon Pride. Bringing people together in song is a joy for her. Following in the footsteps of her mother, who was the director of music at the First Methodist Church in Eastman, Georgia for 40 years, Hargrove says her memories are tied to music. "I can't remember a time when I was not singing in a choir, nor can I remember not being able to sight-read music." Hargrove also sings with the Choral Society of Middle Georgia, the Macon Madrigal Singers and the Georgian Renaissance Singers. Sharing in song offers a connection. Hargrove sees a thread of kinship through