Attempted Improvements

We set up the sound system to record the funeral this morning to aid me in my attempt to get some updated sample tracks to use for this website.  Something went wonky and it only picked up my microphone and not the instrument mic that was setup to record the piano and organ.  So, if anyone wants to hear my a cappella version of On Eagles Wings... (you really don't).

We'll do better next time.

In the meantime, I need to sit down and actually order those business cards that I keep telling myself I need to get.  Maybe next time someone compliments me on my performance, I can casually slip them a business card.  Girl's gotta make a living, right?  Need to be careful of appropriate business-card-giving moments.  After a funeral? Probably not.  Working with a new accompanist?  Definitely!

I think the trick to getting jobs in this business is referrals.  I mean, we all want to work with people we know, and barring that, we want to work with people whom the people we know know, you know?

Hope you are all enjoying your summer!

A Good, Good Friday

Occasionally when singing at church, I get an opportunity to reflect upon the importance of music in worship services.  It's easy to get complacent or to unintentionally shift focus from the celebration of the Mass to the performance of the cantor.  When you have a particularly complimentary congregation, or a song that you know will really show off your voice, sometimes you slip into performance mode and forget that as Cantor you are responsible for leading the people in worship.  It's not because of any great ego (though there is certainly no shortage of that among musicians in general), but perhaps you sense the great power of your position.  The Mass is driven by ritual and tradition.  Certain texts spoken at certain times by certain people.  Traditionally as Cantor, you have the responsibility of proclaiming the Responsorial Psalm and leading the congregation in the responses (e.i. Sanctus, Angus Dei, etc.).

Sore Throat

Ah, the joys of having children.  At the first sniff and nose wipe on sleeve I knew I was in for it.  My 3-year-old has picked up a cold from some unknown source.  And of course he bounces right back and I, in my old age, am debilitated.  We managed to venture out to ECFE and went for a walk around the lake today, but yesterday I had to cancel all my appointments and both of my rehearsals.  This is one of those rare cases when I am actually glad I am sick now and not next week (when the kids are in final rehearsals for Stations) or in a few weeks (when Sound of Music opens).  So I am taking this as a blessing and as another reminder of just how closely linked my health and my profession (performing arts) are.

In other news, we are switching to a monthly plan with our chiropractor so I will get to go get an adjustment every week!