Choral Caffeine: Last Chance to Ponder

I’m sorry to have to say this aloud . . .

 

It’s August.

 

I can hear it now: “No! NO! I’m not ready! I need more time.” I understand. The passing of July and the onslaught of those ubiquitous “Back-to-School” ads indicate that your summer vacation is almost over (here in Oklahoma City, schools re-opened two days ago!).  It’s a horribly wonderful, delightfully awful butterflies-in-the-tummy-or-are-they-divebombers moment.

 

You have just enough time left for a little bit of healthy introspective thinking.  Commenting in his article, “Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: Reflection and Personal Growth” (Short Notes, Spring 2010), Phil Hesterman, discusses the value of such self-evaluation.

 

“Each day, one usually glances briefly (maybe longer) in a mirror to check ones appearance before leaving home. Adjustments are made based upon what one sees. In the same manner, a choral director who looks into the mirror of past experiences–concerts and rehearsals–learns to make necessary adjustments to move forward and progress.”

 

In the blink of an eye, your days will transform from the serenity of summer to the glorious cacophony of a choral conductor’s world.  Take one last deep breath and quietly reflect.