Busy Weekend

The choral community in which I've found myself seems to be a special one.  The members of the choir are an interesting cross section of New York.  One is a conductor, another a lawyer, a private tutor, a children's book publisher, a retired musicologist, and so many others that I am just coming to meet.  Yesterday we had a concert at Rutgers University which required a long train into New Jersey and a late and long train ride home, the latter of which I shared with another new choir friend.  She shared with me stories of her last few years since graduating from college, trying to find her way, and the pivotal role that some of the members of the choir played in that search.  The effort shown by the board is incredible and touching, all done as volunteer service.

And from what it seems, the musicianship of the members and the level to which the director holds us is quite unique among volunteer choirs in New York.  I have only known this one so it is hard to know.  Next year I'm hoping that I can still justify the time and money to be a part of the group.  I think it gives a lot to the people who are in it, myself included.

But it was a late night getting home.  And when I woke up this morning I didn't realize that the Instrument Discovery class I had agreed to teach was at 11 and not 11:30.  I made it with plenty of time, but not without a bit of stress.  It is another strange teaching experience, trying to get two groups of very young children to learn to play the cello enough to decide if they would like to pick it to study the next year.  Usually learning to play is preceded by pedagogically informed exercises and games, and individual attention to assure good set-up from day one.  But in this case, some details will have to be overlooked so that they can play something or at least get a sense of what it will be like to play it.  I went a lot further this morning than I intended, feeling the push of the children and the administration and co-teacher to have them get their hands on it.  They have already gotten to know the violin, piano, and guitar.  They are beyond the excitement of seeing an instrument for the first time.  And it is probably good to just let them get some experience on it.  I feel that I am often compromised as a teacher by circumstances such as these, but I think it is less the circumstances themselves than my willingness to compromise.  My hope is that with experience and perhaps status, I will be more assured by what is ok and what isn't and assert my beliefs more strongly.

Andrew suggested (persistently) that we go for a walk in Central Park today.  We are both stressed by the need to establish ourselves in this city and in our respective careers, and if it is not made to happen, leisure simply won't.  But there were several bluebirds and cardinals and the blossoms were just starting to come out.  It has been a busy weekend.  But it will be a busy life forever.  I really enjoy it, but it is also wonderful lie on a rock in Central Park and stare at the blue sky.