This time of year is typically challenging. Not only are there extra rehearsals and concerts or services, but there is much less daylight, at least in the northern hemisphere. In addition, there is something about being so close to the end of the calendar year that have me eager for a break after Christmas. Mentally, you might be checked out and ready for a break, focused on details for Christmas Eve and Day, or both! With the move half-way across the country and starting a new job in August, I know that I’m ready for a break.
With that in mind, I thought I would share some of my favorite YouTube videos for December this year, in case you need some distractions.
This is an exciting and creative rendition of O Come All Ye Faithful as sung by the Norwegian Soloists Choir and accompanied by fiddle, according, and bass. Not only is it virtuosic, but it’s also fun and radiates joy.
This Christmas, aka Where My Background Singers as sung by Patti LaBelle at the 1996 White House Christmas tree lighting ceremony. I think I watch this one a few times in December for the laughs.
We’re Walking in the Air from The Snowman. The combination of the meaningful music and imaginative art style always transport me to a peaceful emotional state.
In the past week, there have been times when I’ve thought of a good idea to think about for 2023, but knew I needed to wait on January to act any of them. When that’s happened, I’ve written those ideas down on paper or typed with in the calendar so I could act on those ideas in January. Here are a few things I’m going to tackle in the New Year.
- Leaning into values and developing a mission and values statement for the Adult Choir.
- Developing a system for score marking for choir members
- Developing a system for teaching diction to the Adult Choir
- Thinking of a way to teach Lift Every Voice to the congregation
That’s only a sliver of some of my goals for 2023. I’m excited for all the possibilities.
Finally, I thought I would share some exciting news! I just started rehearsals for a community production of the musical The Secret Garden, where I’m in the ensemble. There are some amazing singers in the cast and I think the performances in February will be wonderful. I’m also giving a solo voice recital at church in February. Due the additional commitments, I will be taking a two month pause from writing blog posts. Because January and February will be more intense for me than usual, I needed to let something go in order not to get burned out.
What are you excited about for 2023?
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