A Visit

I went to visit the director of the Chorale that I am a ringer with. He wants me to learn O Holy Night in French. I've Latin, English and Italian so french was a new one.

The language isn't a challenge and who doesn't know O Holy Night?

We reviewed that and a little bit of the Rossini, then we started to chit chat. Until recently I felt he looked down on me to be honest. He always assigned someone to "help" me "learn" notes. But in speaking with him, I found out that I was rather highly regarded and he was very pleased with the rep that I have been working on.

We did the usual trading of war stories from school, my undergrad days at Crane, his at Eastman. He's older than my parents are but not quite old enough to my grandparent. His wife joined us, we had a lovely time talking about our "technique" classes. She told me how horribly she did at brass techniques and I Laughed suitably because her husband is a trombonist. She laughed suitably at my violin stories, being a violist herself. And Both went crazy when I described my trombone final where I put the slide on the floor and backed up till I heard the correct note in 7th position. ( I'm five foot 2 inches! I would be Ape woman if I had arms for THAT).

They are some serious musicians but they have done it all. I am envious that they found each other in college. College sweethearts that he said he thanks God for every day that his wife was groomed from elementary school to attend Eastman. otherwise they wouldn't have met. He's from Pennsylvania, she from Long Island NY. They are a lovely couple and though I should not have been talking today at all... at least I had something to speak with, I really enjoyed my chat with them.

I think one of the things that I bring to the table as a soloist is not just that ability to do the job technically and professionally, but I am human about it. My friend Jenna, oh wise one that she is, stated once that sometimes the "best" person doesn't get the gig because they are unpleasant to work with. Meaning when two people equal in strength at the technical and musical aspects, the one who is easier to work with will get the gig. and directors only make that mistake once.

This director is such a perfect example. He made the mistake last year. And vowed NEVER again. Now he's throwing the protege of HIS protege the work. Oh yes, it's little stuff right now. But around here, you don't walk in as a newcomer and get all the big stuff right away. You have to earn your stripes. I'm doing just that. I also don't expect anything from him. I am just happy to have the privilege of singing under his direction and I let him know that and thank him for the opportunity each and every time.

It really does pay to be nice and easy to work with.