Hello Everyone:
Busy beavers are getting ready for your arrival. When you arrive a week from Wednesday, please make sure you sign in, get your music, and get your name tag. The tag will be empty, because your seat will have your card on it. It probably means that you will need to get to Sweet Home HS a bit earlier than you might on clear nights (not snowy ones). I begin rehearsals promptly and try very hard to end them the same way.
A procedural change will be implemented this year. You will find that the webpage offers a place to send your possible absences. Now you will note that all absences come directly to me, to my email address. Here is the rationale:
- We have a new secretary who really does not need to deal with all that since I am the one who needs to know WELL IN ADVANCE of your possible unavailability on a particular night.
- I’m sure that some veteran members and perhaps newer singers noticed that we all suffered through some rehearsals last year where many singers where not in attendance. It mostly happened during the January – March rehearsals. On some evenings when we were bearing down on learning some beautiful literature, I was cranky, the music was cheated, etc. Each of us needs to be mindful of what happens around you when you’re not there. What happens to the music making? What happens to a rehearsal plan that in many cases flies out the window. EACH OF YOU IS A VERY IMPORTANT COG IN OUR MUSICAL WHEEL. EACH A VERY IMPORTANT MEMBER OF BCAS. Do not kid yourself, you wouldn’t be in this group if you didn’t add tremendously to the whole music making experience.
- I found, as the season went on, ‘absences’ came later and later into the week and during the day on Wednesdays. Just a few were members were chronic in letting me know ‘after the fact’, after I had left for rehearsal. I truly understand that there are some times when things come up. 90% of you let me know. Can we all commit to dealing with impending absences in a more timely manner? Thanks and I will truly appreciate that.
Here are my attendance expectations :
- I expect each and every singers to be present for each and every rehearsal. That said, I am more than aware that for some that is not entirely possible. And in most cases, you and I have communicated very pleasantly. I have bent and stretched for many of you. And I will do that again, because I trust that you will come to the next rehearsal with scores marked and music practiced. That is a very important part of membership. Keeping abreast of everything musical so that we can be as efficient as possible during our 1 time a week rehearsal.
- When you send me an email at mgiambrone2@verizon.net noting your prospective absence, I would appreciate that said email gets to me in a timely manner. 5 pm on a Wednesday, unless there is an emergency, is just not acceptable or responsible. Some of you have already indicated to me absences you know about already. Thank you so very much. Without an invasion of your privacy, I would also expect some explanation – which, btw, almost all of you provide. It’s that 5-10% who sometimes get a bit lax.
- I will do everything in my power to accommodate each and every one of you when ‘life gets in the way’. I think you know that. I’m just wanting to tighten up the tendency to slack.
Our schedule is now on the member section of our website under Events. NOTE: Wednesday, September 13th’s rehearsal is at Sweet Home Middle School.
Be prepared to get two folders of music when you arrive on the 6th. See you early and ready to sing. Lots of sight-reading and lots of singing music we have done before. A pleasant evening will be had for all of us.
Note: To all teachers and any one else returning to work after time off: I remember how I used to feel on that Wednesday after Labor Day. The older I got the novelty of a new school year had worn off at 10 pm on Labor Day night. Was I ready for all those smiling, eager faces ready to descend on my psyche? Was I up for 40 grueling weeks of 12 hour days, sometimes 6 days a week? Was I as enthusiastic as I once was? I always found the positive answer by that Friday.
I promise, you will be musically refreshed on that Wednesday night, hump day, of your first week back. You may even go out singing on your way home!!!!!!!!!! I can only hope.
Regards to all – See you soon,
Marcia