Well, it’s that time of year in the Midwest–not quite spring and not quite winter–but just the icky parts of each. After several really nice, really warmish days, we are back in the freezer and temps will be scrolling downward again not to rise until some time next week. We are suppose to get snow showers in the next day or so. Lovely.

This means allergies and all sorts of sore throats and assorted aliments will be plaguing my singers soon. I’m not a pessimist but a realist when it comes to that sort of thing–as sure as the sun rises in the east, singers get a “little something” at this time of year. My rehearsal plans will have to adjust and I’ll just have to roll with the punches. We think it’s going to be nice and are fooled time and time again. And it’s the same way with rehearsals at this time of year–I think I will have everyone at rehearsal and someone gets “something” and it starts.

Soon, it will be warm all the time and colds and allergies are not so prevalent with singers. I’m waiting for the warmth AND the healthy singers!

I spent a wonderful few days last week with fellow choral conductors from around the country–and the world. I heard some great music, good choirs and wonderful speakers. And I luxuriated in having them all in my home town. I networked with some local choral directors from my own neck of the woods–coffee and then singing together in a reading session was so fun–and spoke with a few people I had only known from reputation. All in all, it was a great experience. Now, back to reality!

The MMS’s first rehearsal of our spring concert cycle was Tuesday. Forgive me for blowing my own horn but THEY WERE GREAT! After all the preparation and planning, I have a wonderful group of singers for this concert cycle. But it took work to get here and it’s finally paying off. Everyone is on the same page for a change, no attitudes and everyone practiced before they came to rehearsal. I couldn’t ask for more–well, I could, but I will take this for now!

I’m excited. I am going to the American Choral Director’s Association’s national convention tomorrow and the rest of the week. It’s always good to go to something like this. It’s a chance to see people I haven’t seen for a while and learn something new. Hear something new. And just reconnect with my profession/passion.

Our rehearsals start next week so the timing couldn’t be better–I’ll be charged at exactly the right time.