Choral Caffeine: A Jiminy Cricket Moment

      In the classic Disney film, Pinocchio, the character Jiminy Cricket serves his wooden compatriot as the wise voice of reason and maturity.  I suspect most of us have that little voice inside of us to one degree or another.

      At the risk of being annoying, let me be that little voice for just a moment.

      The summer break is approximately half over . . . .how is yours going?  Are you getting some rest, rejuvenation, and reflection time?  Now, have you turned at least a part of your brain toward the next season?  Have you programmed for your major concerts with an eye toward utilizing that repertoire for the smaller ones? (Check out "New Music Week" on ChoralBuzz, July 23-28!) Have you re-evaluated your syllabi (or choir handbook) in the hope of attaining a balance of creative liberty while maintaining control of the rehearsal environment?  Did you read your student evaluations? Have you listened to the recording of the final concert and asked yourself, “How can I help them sound better?”  Have you attended your state’s ACDA summer conference?  Have you caught up with some of the reading you couldn’t accomplish amid the hurly-burly of the academic year (including some of the fabulous article that appeared in the Choral Journal)?

      Sorry to nag.