A Choral Ghost Town

There’s something eerie about getting off a late-night flight and walking through a deserted airport terminal.  The shops are all closed, the agent counters are vacant, the PA system is silent, the normally crushing bustle of humanity is nowhere to be seen.  In other words, it’s a modern-day ghost town.

 

The choral profession is a lot like that right now.

 

Your office is empty and dark.  The rehearsal hall that is usually filled with the warmth of people singing is cold and silent.  Folders are scattered about the piano.  A pitch pipe sits forlornly on an empty music stand.  The choral profession has essentially shut down (except for those who have conducting responsibilities on the 24th or 25th). One even doubts this column will be read.

 

The best thing you can do right now to serve the art, your ensembles, and individual singers is . . . REST.  Enjoy time with loved ones.  Eat too much.  Play a little bit.  Cleanse your sonic palate by listening to something other than choral music.  Refresh and recharge.

 

May the joy of the holiday be yours . . . .