Modern Jingling All the Way

I wonder if anyone noticed that our Celebration of Christmas Concert was noticeably different than it has been for the last umpteen years. I haven't even spoken to my conductor about this but it definitely had a different flavor. It was more up, happy, joyous - still with the touches of calm and reflection that are necessary but - overall - I really liked it.

I'm the chorus manager. The resume of a chorus manager goes something like this - listen, evaluate, wait, deliver calmly. I have watched this chorus over a few year -26 - in its various stages. I love these people with all of their failings. Typical night in the life of a chorus manager: meet early with upset chorus member whose feelings were hurt by crotchety old man, listen to the tears, offer reconciliation and try to adjust the seating; answer 10 questions about where the red scarves are; walk the stage to make sure there are no outstanding obstacles in the way; preset music for Jingle Bell work; glasses on/cell phone off; preview again the sits and stands; check with stage manger on times; tell warmer upper when to warm up; interface with stage manager about are we holding or not; line up chorus; issue last minute announcements in even way without putting anyone down - just the facts like, "Don't take off your scarves before you leave the stage." No need to comment on the professional or unprofessional aspects of it. . . rehearse; during the day field 12 phone calls from conductor; read 14 emails from happy/sad people; music off the stage for conductor - oh, and glasses.. .. mostly it's about people.

I spend most of my time interacting with uncomfortable people. People always have complaints. Each person has a reason for complaints. I need to work on being more even with people who should really know better - who should already understand we cannot cause people to be disconcerted before they sing. The last two days alone I've been personally insulted by grumpy old men, cried on, snipped at and otherwise been underappreciated - here's the catch - SO WHAT. I knew that when I took the job back and I'm in a place in my life where it's absolutely okay. I let people own their own problems. People are grumpy, upset, insecure because their lives, at some point, have been upset. I cannot fix that. I fix the moment - the immediate problem. I anticipate and request to be sent out emails about chairs. Next year to add to the list - remember your scarves. I've found a way to stay calm and focused on the music and not get bogged down in the triviality. The most important thing is to put a calm, happy, focused chorus on the stage. Now, go ahead and try to make 170 people happy :) See the problem. So, we shoot for a majority. . . and pray the others are smart enough and intelligent enough to realize it.

I am not an autonomous individual on concert night. There isn't a decision I make that isn't weighed in the light of the staff's philosophy. I have to think like they do. I think people think I have a Napoleon complex - the fact is - I've been given my marching orders and they are easy enough to process. I work hand in glove with the staff to create the evening. Compliment are coming in for our professionalism in dealing with the staff of venues where we perform.

The only fly in my ointment is that people make assumptions for me. . they assume I'm too busy to find. Other people might be sought out - but I am not. I mix with as many people as possible on concert nights to appear egalitarian and supportive of as many people as possible. This apparently means that I'm inaccessible to some. I hope that doesn't stay that way because it's translating into my outside the Chorale life. Sometimes it would be nice to just be asked and for people to understand that I'm just busy and need others to come to me on occasion - especially concert nights. But, again, as I've learned - I cannot make other people do anything. There is no way on earth because people usually do exactly what they want to do - and as much as they protest they really are doing what they intend to do.

That aside - I absolutely had a ball at the concert. The second night was more fun and much more of a spiritual experience for me than the first. I always thank God that I get this opportunity every year. Now,on to next concert and, oh yeah - I'm working props for Oklahoma.