“No legacy is so rich as honesty.” William Shakespeare
As we begin a new choir year, I thought it might be useful to blog about reputation. So during the month of August, my blog will be a Choral Ethics series devoted to that subject.
Our reputation begins almost from the moment we step in to our classroom or rehearsal space. It follows us as the choir year progresses. Before we start this year, perhaps we should take an opportunity to think about what we would like our reputation to be.
If you have been in your position for a while, your reputation will have preceded you. Your singers, both current and former, will have said something about you to the newbies. Or perhaps, your reputation is what has drawn new singers to your choir. Even if you are brand new, whoever interviewed and auditioned you will have said something to your potential singers and students.
Do you know what your current reputation is? Are you happy with it? Are you considered to be fair or biased, tough or easy, funny or serious? Are you easily rattled or are you unflappable? Are you considered to be a good musician or a musician “good enough?” Do you know your stuff or are you seldom prepared? Do you admit when you don’t know something or do you cover for yourself so you always appear right?
The old choir year is over and this is your chance to begin anew. During the coming week, as you finish your vacation or prepare music folders, think about how you want to be thought of this coming choir year. Are there misconceptions about you and your choir? What would you like to be known for? Before you get so busy, it’s time to plant the seeds and see what comes up.
Here is something to begin to get you thinking this week as far as reputation is concerned; when I was a grad assistant, one of my undergrad music ed students told me he believed in the advice to “not crack a smile until November.” He explained students would think you are a pushover if you seemed too human before then. I disagreed because living up to what we think our reputation is can be exhausting. Always being in charge and perfect is draining. Showing a human side can be liberating and good for our students too. Plus, it’s too hard not to smile!
Michael J. Seredick says
I’m retired and blessed with Facebook messages from former students who write with fond memories of choir. On the “no smile November” point, I smiled when the kids entered the room, I was human during rehearsal with laughter, frowns, smiles, and even occasional anger. I didn’t plan these rehearsal responses; I was human. My simple advice is don’t be phony. Students know a phony teacher immediately. Love your choir, your repertoire, and your career, and you will have a great reputation.
Marie Grass Amenta says
There’s a wonderful quote from Abe Lincoln, something like, “people are about as happy as they want to be”…….or close to that. I think you are right; if you love your choir and profession, you will have a good reputation!
Michael J. Seredick says
Thank you Marie! Retirement is a gift in many ways, but also difficult because I miss influencing large numbers of people. In reflection, I don’t think I ever thought about reputation during my career. Ego is a human trait, but some colleagues think they are the center of life for all people on their choir rosters. Keeping musical ego under control as a director is another factor in gaining a good reputation.
Marie Grass Amenta says
Again, you are right on the money. With social media and a self-centered society these days, being aware of our reputation is more important than *back in the day*.