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Thank the Choir

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“When I’m worried and I can’t sleep, I count my blessings instead of sheep; and I fall asleep counting my blessings . . .”  ~Irving Berlin
 
Every one of us has concerns.  We worry about our families, our health, our incomes, our futures, or any one of an infinite number of possible conundrums that furrow our brows.  It’s a sad fact that we tend to focus on what’s wrong while completely ignoring what’s right.
 
As conductors, we are (or should be) constantly striving to help our choirs become stronger, smarter, and more musical.  Sometimes, though, we get so focused on repairing a rhythm that we neglect to note that the choir is singing with beautiful resonance.  We worry about having “only” eight tenors; yet conveniently overlook how well they are doing (tenors, after all, are like oregano . . . a little bit goes a long way).  In other words, we ignore that which is going well.
 
THEREFORE:  Before the choir you conduct disperses for the holiday weekend, pause to sincerely thank them. Thank them for their effort.  Thank them for their interest in singing and dedication to the choir.  Thank them for allowing you to realize at least a portion of your musical life-goals through your work together. Thank them for putting up with you (sorry friends, it’s true for all of us).
 
Be thankful you have an ensemble with which to work.  Imagine how you would feel if they were taken away . . . .
 

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Comments

  1. Thank YOU Scott for this and the many thoughtful and insightful pieces we get to share on Choral Net.  It is a wonderful resource.  I often wonder how we ever got along pre-internet.  We often existed in a vacuum working away to create music and never knowing that others were experiencing similar cirmcumstances.  
    I love being able to read about what others are doing in every level and age of choir.  It is very encouraging and exciting to know that so much great music is happening all around.
    My choir is just fabulous and they DO “put up with me.”   With your reminder, I will be certain to make a point of a very sincere thank you to them at every meeting.
    Kitty

  2. Thank you for this timely reminder! I’m afraid I’ve been a little too obsessed with “mechanics” recently and have neglected to see/hear all of the wonderful music my choir members have been making … and how patient they are with me! 🙂 

  3. Hi Scott,
     
    I couldn’t agree with you more.  I write a thank you note each and every member of my choir–and the accompanist and any instrumentalists–before every concert.  For my church choirs, I would write a *thank you* to them once a year in my Christmas cards.  When I was in grad school, I wrote *thank yous* to each and every member of the University chorus I was using for my conducting recital, and that was over 75 singers! It is those little things that make a difference. 
     
    I learned the art of thank yous from Doreen Rao. As an undergrad……I was her student and helped with her ensembles by taking attendence, moving chairs, organizing music…all those little things that no one ever tells you about.  She wrote me thank yous and gave little gifts as well….nothing big….but that made a huge impact on my 19-year-old-self. I thank people because she was my example in doing so and I wanted my singers to feel as good as she made me feel lo those many years ago.
     
    Thanking people for showing up, singing beautifully and being devoted to our choir…I never want people to think I take them for granted…..and I’m thankful and tell them regularly.  I’m also thankful I had such a wonderful teacher when I was young…thank you *Mrs.* Rao!
     
    Marie

  5. Amen!  There’s a book I recommend directors/teachers read.  Gary Chapman’s the Five Love Languages is aimed at loving couples, but it is just as relevant in a choir or with students.  Chapman’s point is that people express and understand love in different styles and that they do not always understand the mode of expression their significant other uses.  I had a choir member quit because she didn’t feel appreciated. While the rest of the choir shared a mutual understanding of love and respect, she needed those words of affirmation and, a little beyond the scope of Chapman’s book but in keeping with Scott’s post above, she needed to know I was grateful for her presence.  People that say thank-you when they do something for you as a reminder that you didn’t say it quickly enough have always bothered me.  However after reading Chapman’s book combined with Glasser’s five basic human needs, I have a better understanding of what motivates my choir members. 
     
    Counting our blessings this Thanksgiving should include the work Scott Dorsey and all ChoralNet volunteers do for our profession,  Thank-you!

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