Choral Potpourri/Choral Ethics: Ring Out the Old, Ring In the New

“Ring out the false, ring in the true.” Alfred Lord Tennyson

 For the month of December, I’m rerunning some Choral Ethics blogs from years past with a few modifications where needed. Two of my MOST REQUESTED December Blogs will be making their yearly appearances. Happy December! ~MLGA

Happy New Year, ChoralNetters! In two days, it will be 2022, can you believe it? This year has dragged on and on with something new—and crazy—often happening daily.

How are things going for you? Do you feel there is there light at the end of the tunnel? Are you struggling? How is your choir? Were things better or worse for you this past holiday season? How is your mental health? Do you need to take some time for self-care?

Like many of you, I’ve struggled again this holiday season. I haven’t been exactly sad but more melancholy-like than anything else. I know things are getting better and being able to present a concert in November with my chamber choir helped, but I still struggle.

Today’s epigram (and title) is taken from Lord Tennyson’s poem, “Ring Out, Wild Bells,” and forms part of “In Memoriam,” his elegy to Arthur Henry Hallam, his sister’s fiancé who died at age 22. Most appropriate again this year, his poem speaks of leaving the past and destructive beliefs behind, looking toward the future for healing and renewal. A lovely image to begin a New Year and especially THIS NEW YEAR!

To begin my New Year, I plan more study of new repertoire, studying and practicing piano and voice to improve my musicianship and I look forward to being able to attend IN PERSON an ACDA Regional conference. What do YOU plan to do as we begin this New Year?

Until next YEAR, be well and be safe.

I am not able to take my Choral Ethics Blogs to my chamber choir’s Facebook page today. Hope to see you again next week!