Aaaaand…we’re off!
New faces, returning faces, old faces, all with a smile and a song on their lips. It sure was nice to be back in business and making a joyful noise. It was also interesting (and not all that unique) to have a simmering but recognizable level of panic associated with the fact that we have a concert in just a few weeks.
Say whaaat?!
Yeah, the African American History Month show is a whopping 25 days away. Start counting Tuesdays. Three.
Say whaaat?!
So here’s the good news: we’ve been down this road before and this now-annual concert is always awesome. Fear not, but SERIOUSLY play the game. What does that mean? Total focus in rehearsals and spending some quality time with the music on the (brutally few in number) other days between now and then. Find out who already knows some of the pieces and listen to them when we’re working our way through the parts. As the boss would say, if you get lost…get found. Most importantly, at least in my limited capacity to form complete thoughts, relax. There’s hard work ahead and you can’t do it well if you’re stressed. As I’ve said many times, you’re surrounded with support and singers who know the path to success. Take a deep breath, put a grin on your face and let them help.
Look at it this way…at least we don’t have to memorize everything!
(Sorry…that was kinda scary-sounding. Laugh and roll on…)
The African American History Month concert is my absolute favorite one to sing each year! From the rollicking “Praise His Holy Name” and “Lord I know I’ve Been Changed” to “We Shall Overcome” that never fails to bring me to tears, knowing that we still have so much work to do in our world to overcome hatred and inequality. Singing this wonderful repertoire helps me to keep Hope alive.
Yes, what Nancy Kickertz said! Enjoy, and remember the message. If you look up a lot and smile a lot, you can “fake” (i.e.”mouth”) some words where you aren’t sure of notes. It’ll work because most of us have sung these songs before. Remember, in Sweet Adelines or Barbershop, we had to memorize everything, and then there was the choreo – also memorized! And of course facial expressions! So this is easier than that, if it’s any comfort to you. 🙂
Y’all will have to memorize more than you think… hehe. It’ll be FABulous!