Choral Potpourri/Choral Ethics: Where There’s A Will, There’s A Way

“There’s a way to do it better – find it.” Thomas A. Edison

For the month of March, we’re taking a look at ways we can handle these challenging times in a more creative way. I’ve contacted several of my usual correspondents, and most have told me at first, they felt out of control and miserable. Eventually they realized the sooner they accepted not being control of their situation because of the Pandemic, the sooner they could BE in control of what they could be in control of.  And each of these people have their own way. Today we look at Mario’s* way.

Mario will never forget getting that call a year ago. His school was being closed until further notice. His students and his own grade school age children would not be in school, while his spouse, a physician, would still be working. Instead of being in the classroom, he was not sure what he would be doing, other than keeping his kids safe and worrying about his spouse.

But Mario tells me, at the time he was happy he received an actual phone call and not an email or a text. He knew it was coming because his spouse is a health care worker, but it was still great he got a call because many of his teaching colleague friends at other institutions did not. He feels grateful he began his whole Pandemic experience with a slightly more upbeat attitude. The confusion he heard in his principal’s voice made him believe no one had all the answers or were pretending they did and somehow that comforted him.

School became virtual last April and he was teaching AND supervising his own children’s virtual school. His spouse stayed at a hotel for the month of April; both agreed it was safer for their family if she did. He was doing everything, including things his spouse usually did, and was exhausted most days. When he tried to sleep at night, he worried about his wife’s health working with COVID patients, and all the things he needed to do to run their household. He was a mess.

The turning point came for him the beginning of May when his wife was supposed to finally come home. She was worried about exposing their family and told him she didn’t know what to do. They decided she would come home, stay in their basement for two weeks, and take it from there, which is what happened. They talked through the basement door most nights after their kids went to bed. They decided she would not go back to her fulltime position at the medical group practice just yet, becoming part-time so she could help with their children’s virtual classes.

At that point, Mario decided to take charge of his program, because he didn’t know what the future would hold. In addition to virtual classes, he set up voice lessons and sectionals for his singers via Zoom. His music appreciation students could get extra credit by taking voice lessons. He was super busy but in late June, as school was “officially” ending for the school year, all his students had a virtual talent show. The students loved it, the parents loved it and the administration loved it.

Last fall, Mario’s high school began virtually, with most classes going to a hybrid model the first of the year. The choral program has remained virtual but is thriving despite that. This year’s talent show is sure to be a hit again and the administration is looking forward to it too. He is hopeful, with the vaccine, life will get back to normal for the coming fall. He has learned so much about the technical aspect of virtual performances, Mario knows he will keep the talent show, both in-person AND virtually.

Until next week, be well and be safe.

*Name Withheld

I have been regularly taking my Choral Ethics Blogs to my chamber choir’s Facebook page but am not able to this week . I should be back NEXT week. See you then!