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You are here: Home / Others / Two Words You Must Hear

Two Words You Must Hear

August 10, 2012 by Scott Dorsey Leave a Comment


(NOTE: It has recently been suggested that we re-post this column to remind all of us in the choral profession of the incredible value of our daily efforts.)
 
        With the new choral season upon us, you will soon settle into a regular schedule of teaching and rehearsing, pouring yourself into the wonderful process that is at the heart of our craft.
        Through the ethereal experience of choral music, you will change lives.  In the coming weeks and months you will inspire with your passion.  You will expect the best from those around you – and they will rise to the challenge.  You will discuss the meaning of profound texts.  You will find a way to help a room full of people achieve more than they thought possible.
        Even though you aspire to a greater good through our art, “life” will happen.  You may catch the flu, dent your car, fight with your partner, sprain an ankle.  Through all of that, though, you will still walk into classes and rehearsals day after week after month.  Somehow, you will find the energy to motivate, you will discover the insights needed to inspire, you will muster the patience to face countless challenges.
       Those around you will probably not think to say this, but we will:  Thank You.
       Thank you for the energy, the passion, the care.  Thank you for the high expectations, the attention to detail, the sonic image you work to share.  Thank you for the missed meals, the late rehearsals, the sleepless nights.  Thank you for hearing the siren song of this art, and for following that call.
       Those whose lives you are changing may not see the value of what you do for many years, if ever.
       We know.
       Thank you.
 

Filed Under: Others

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Bob Boyd says

    August 29, 2013 at 3:28 pm

    Thanks for this post, Scott.
    Blessings to you for all you are doing for ACDA, as well.
     
    Bob Boyd
     
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  2. Susan Delgardo says

    August 25, 2013 at 9:54 pm

    As I start my 32nd year of teaching music in the public schools, I really appreciate your words.  Sometimes I wonder if I can do this again, then I see those kids and the passion kicks in.  It’s nice to know we are appreciated, so Thank You.
     
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  3. Ruth Bergstrom Jones says

    August 16, 2012 at 8:20 pm

    It is rewarding to see children learn to carry a tune and match tones
    using the solfeggio method.    It works for adults too.   It is confirmed
    by the song “Do, a Deer” from Sound of Music.  
     
    Music affects the lives of all ages.  “After silence that which comes
    nearest to expressing the inexpressible is MUSIC.”–Author Unknown.
     
    Music teachers and music directors–you influence the world for good!
     
    Ruth Bergstrom Jones, Lancaster, California.
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  4. Marilyn Carver says

    August 14, 2012 at 5:28 pm

    Scott,
    Thank you for so eloquently expressing the “pat on the back” that every conductor needs from time to time.  After 57 years of experiencing the life you have just described, indeed, the reward is in seeing lives change.  And I’m not done, yet!
    Marilyn Carver
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