Music Surrounds Me

Sometimes, I forget I have a day job.

You know, the one that pays me to develop corporate training.  The one that pays the bills and is financing this whole UU Music Director journey.

But it's really easy to forget when music surrounds me.  Take this past week for example.

Tuesday, I spent time with Nancy Mathias selecting music for an upcoming service at ORUUC.  (Nancy and I will be sharing our stories from the UUMN conference on 9/21 - join us!)  From there, I went to Westside UU Church to crash their choir rehearsal in an effort to understand the variety in choir sizes and demographics.  They welcomed me with open arms and I think I'll keep coming back.

Wednesday, I rehearsed with the ORUUC choir and band.  I led warm ups and rehearsed the choir on the piece I'll be conducting on 9/28.  The band is preparing to help Nancy and I with our service on 9/21 as well as a local community event (Taste of Oak Ridge) on 9/20.

Thursday, I went for an audition for the Knoxville Chamber Chorale, the small ensemble of the Knoxville Choral Society.  Immediately afterward, I headed to a rehearsal for the Vocal Big Band, a vocal jazz ensemble led by Wendel Werner.  We have a concert on 9/12 at the Square Room.

Friday, I met with one of my mentors, Nancy Starr.  We talked about preparing to apply for undergraduate music degree programs, music infrastructure (what to keep track of and how to keep track of it), and a bit of conducting.

Saturday, I met with my other mentor, Wendel.  We discussed the contrast of ORUUCs choir with Westside's - like how to address different needs by altering the rehearsal style.  We also talked about music degree programs in terms of who to talk to and how each program has a unique culture.  My mentor meeting was followed by a rehearsal with Wendel and Dave Dunkirk for a show we're doing at Remedy Coffee on 9/27.  The rehearsal was followed by another meeting with Wendel and Nancy Mathias, where we caught up on all things ORUUC Music to make sure we have all the logistics and volunteers coordinated for upcoming events.

Today, I staffed the Music and SPIRIT booths in the ORUUC Activities Fair.  We got a couple new names for the choir, which is very exciting!  (Come sing with us!)  I spent the afternoon in another Vocal Big Band rehearsal.  Then I came home to rehearse for another audition tomorrow for the Chorale as well as music for leading Westside's rehearsal on Tuesday night.

Tomorrow it starts all over again.  I have a music rehearsal or performance every day from now until Sept. 24, with the notable exception of Sept 19, when I'll enjoy Namoli Brennet singing at ORUUC instead.  (Tickets are still available at oruuc.org/events.)

Sometimes I forget I have a day job.