What is performance?

I've had quite a few conversations with my colleagues across the state and country.  What's next?

It's been a process.

My initial response to the semester shutting down was to create a virtual choir (see post from the end of March).  This was a lot work, but I learned quite a bit.  Also, it was an important to have something for the choirs, for the seniors, for all the hard work.

Then I started to think about how to deliver instruction.  Online? Outside in small groups?  Sectional work?  Spend more time building other skills?

But this led me to the performance.  THIS is the crux.  What do the performances look like?  This question matters.  What does it look like for the singers?  For the audience?  How and where is it delivered?  What will it lose if it's all virtual?  What can be done as a virtual performance that couldn't be done in a live performance?  This affects the music performed.

The other thing I've thought a lot about is: What is the choir in higher ed?  Throughout the conversations I've been involved in and I've listened to, it's clear that choir functions differently in different contexts.

And the answer is not a surprise, but choir is about community.  It's about connecting.  And my singers have mourned the loss of their community.  And they don't just miss the singers... they miss the singing with the singers.

And listen, I've thought long and hard about this.  I will continue to think about it.  But all of this matters when we look forward to the fall and beyond.  They must sing somehow.

Yes yes, I'm brainstorming content delivery.  I'm brainstorming collaborative environments and how to support small group singing with my students.  I'm brainstorming rep lists.

But they must sing.