There was word this week that several leaders from well-respected choral organizations around the world met for a webinar to discuss the future of choral singing given the pandemic we're in (The Tabernacle Choir was NOT involved--to be clear). The conclusions these leaders came to was that it could be up to TWO years before normal choral singing resumes.
After hearing that, I couldn't help but think how outrageous such a conclusion was. Two years? Even one year seemed like a very long time! Thinking there was even a remote possibility that the Tabernacle Choir wouldn't be able to sing together until some time in 2021 just made me sad. I realize that these choral organization leaders are only making an educated guess based off of current pandemic related information, trends, social reactions, and other available data. And what they think might happen, may actually not happen. Obviously, they are hoping that their conclusions are flat out wrong. But, it certainly made me think about things a little more closely.
And here are some of my thoughts.
It will likely take several months, at least, for groups of over 300 to be able to meet together.
And when such large groups are able to meet, they will likely be asked to keep their distance and wear masks.
Who knows when groups of thousands will be able to congregate. Movie theaters that are reopening are keeping plenty of seats and rows between patrons and are sanitizing like crazy in-between movies. Sports teams have been talking about playing their regular seasons, but playing to a very limited number of spectators (if at all). Musicals and plays that are scheduled to be performed at Hale Center Theater, for example, are still on hold until at least Utah's recovery plan moves everybody from orange to yellow--even though yellow protocols, for cultural arts events, are almost the same as orange. It's really the green phase they are after. But that may be months...
Applying that all to the Choir:
Wearing masks is out--it would muffle our sound.
We could sit apart from each other, but that, too, would affect our sound. Not to mention trying to find a configuration that would lend itself to an actual performance.
Some of the hallways underneath the Tabernacle are narrow and when everyone is trying to put away their music or get changed into performance attire, social distancing would be ever so difficult if not impossible.
It would be feasible to allow large spacing between audience members if we resumed operations in the 21,000 seat Conference Center. But again, keeping choir members and orchestra members with ample space between them just doesn't seem possible.
Anyway, I could go on. But the more I think about things, the more I think we're in for the long haul. It'll be interesting to watch how God continues to inspire our leaders and see what creative solutions they come up with in the future.
On the flip side, some choir members have chosen to voice their appreciation for this long extended break. Some blessings/positives?
--Getting to sleep in on Sundays and spend more time with family.
--Having Thursday nights (typically rehearsal nights) to do other things.
--Not needing to memorize any music.
--Gaining a new appreciation for the blessing it is to be in the choir in the first place.
--Checking in with fellow choir members more often via texting or video chatting--allowing for friendships to deepen and expand in new ways.
--And, for those who were going on tour, suddenly having 15 vacation days to spend on other things.
We'll continue to see how things unfold.
Until next time, God be with you.
No comments:
Post a Comment