One of the things dog owners learn is that after a bit of time, dogs get tired of the same daily food. They let you know when it’s time to make some changes to spur the appetite. They get restless, don’t inhale the food quite as fast, are easily distracted, too anxious to see what’s in a pack mate's bowl. Instead of overshooting the bowl in the rush to eat, they drag themselves to the appointed location, look at you mournfully with "That again?" in their eyes.
When I see one dog lacking the normal meal time enthusiasm, Broadway Snoopy nags at me: ”So, what’s wrong with making mealtime a joyous occasion?”
Nothing, so I do:
Choral directors may see similar symptoms of unrest among singers who are hungry but reluctant to eat the same old musical menu they must be fed every rehearsal until mastery is achieved.
So, what IS wrong with making "mealtime" a joyous occasion?
Are we excited about where we are taking our singers and show it? Can we step back far enough from our own sound construct to a little silliness in search of fresh phrasing, new meaning, spiritual gusto? Have we helped them work up an appetite?
Singers can’t always be entertained every rehearsal minute, but the surprise of a Director who decides that a difficult Bach fugue could use a rap backup in one rehearsal will find new spirit in the song the next rehearsal when the same musical menu is required to be served again. That's a joyous ocassion singers will remember for a long time.
Challenging music requiring dedicated drill is good for the soul if served up in varying ways. Bach will survive your cooking and singers won't leave your table hungry.
Bon appetit!
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