Here we go.
For those of us in the performance ensemble racket, today begins two weeks of what many call…well, let’s just say it’s a busy time. 
It’s the morning of a Christmas concert, and there is much trepidation. My nervousness comes not from worries that my students won’t sing well, because they do. Rather, it’s all the other factors: my piano playing, technical issues, and the ubiquitous fear that someone will do a swan dive off the risers. It doesn’t happen often, but it has happened recently. It’s in my brain, I can’t lie.
I have many athletes in my choir who come to the concert directly from various practices. They’re tired and winded, and in spite of my instructions and their best intentions, many of them don’t eat or drink before they go onstage, so they’re weak, and sometimes dehydrated. Bad combo. My concerts are not lengthy — an hour at the most; often shorter and never longer — but standing under hot lights for twenty minutes is sometimes too much for some singers (and in case you’re wondering, it has historically been only male students who pass out at my concerts…weird). Thankfully, Greg runs the lights a little cooler, and I have resorted to installing fans offstage.
I refuse to go without robes, although it’s been suggested. I dunno…to me, that would be giving into the insanity; being controlled by it. Ain’t going there.
Still, when it’s all over with, I always say, “Hm, that was nice. Not so bad after all.” It’s the lead-up that’s the killer. I hate those hours, and they start now.
Go!
I remember! I’ll be running a “cooler” system tonight!
Thanks for being awesome, Gregor!
I am confident the concert will be lovely! I’m bummed I won’t be home to attend. Did you purposefully schedule it the week of Findlay’s final exams?
Anyway, sending good vibes your way! *hugs*
HA
Sorry Meggly! I did schedule them a week early, just for sanity’s sake, and I really do like the change. Bummer for my college students though, I know!
Good luck on exams — only 2643378 more semesters, right??
Good luck!!!!
Thanks, Suz — the kids did really well. One gig down, two more to go (tomorrow and Wednesday). Then….yaaaaaay
And then. yaaaaaaaaayyy!!!!
I realize I’m coming late to the party, but is there any way you can have small water bottles and little packages of graham crackers available in the choir room on performance night? Just to give those students who need it a little boost for the performance? I’m thinking the school budget nazi’s might go for it when the alternative (potential lawsuit because student hurt himself when he fell off the risers) is explained.
Just a thought.
Glad it went well!
PK
Everybody’s mom.
Water and graham crackers — great idea!!! Thanks, doll!