I never thought I would religiously watch the weather reports as much as I have done over the past 2 weeks.

The weather isn’t the only thing that has been refreshed recently on the laptop - I have also spent many hours scouring the Government Website for updates on guidance, legislation and the suchlike. While I am acutely aware that the idea of singing outside to many people, me included, doesn’t appeal, the idea of cancelling at such short notice was also a considerable factor.

So here we are with Wall Of Sound’s 1st rehearsal completed 2nd on the horizon, no clearer as to why, as non professional singers, we’re the only exception to the performing arts rules. I’d love to sit here and bemoan the situation, but actually there are plenty of positives that come from being presented with a challenge.

A good friend of mine allowed me to borrow a fantastic book (which I haven’t finished reading) but that has fuelled my enthusiasm for trying to find positives even when presented with a challenge. “The Obstacle Is The Way” by Ryan Holiday has brilliantly short chapters that give example after example of how to reframe the situation you find yourself in and allow it to shape your response. I have to say I started reading this book due to a different personal challenge, but it has proved ever useful in the current community choir climate.

So rather than sitting here with the mindset of “I’m going to have to cancel - everything’s ruined” or “No-one will want to rehearse outdoors”, I’m finding that I have allowed myself, and therefore the members of the choir to stretch and adapt to the situation.

We CAN rehearse outdoors and in a sheltered covered area - It might be cold, it might be slightly windy, we might get dripped on BUT we can all muddle through together as a community. I’m hopeful that in a few weeks time when we may be able to rehearse indoors that we can laugh at the rehearsals we held outdoors over a cup of hot tea and a plate of biscuits!

We CAN do hybrid rehearsals, some weeks we may be limited in numbers due to restrictions of spacing due to weather - but having adapted to using Zoom and other such platforms as a way forward before, I’m sure that we can adapt again to allow those who’d rather be at home to access rehearsals.

We CAN build a community that rehearses, supports, and grows against the adverse conditions and will hopefully be a friendly supportive network of people who share an interest in music and singing.

As a choral leader I CAN be the example of overcoming the challenges, being brave, and trying to do what I can to improve the lives of other people.

Together we CAN, as a community.

#singingmatters

#keepsinging