Bad news/good news
Please read this entire post. Sadly, it contains important news on many fronts that affect our organization. However, I think I’ve fixed the blog email problem that has plagued us for months, so I’m hopeful that this reaches everyone without a hitch.
The world situation is crazy right now. I’m sure this is affecting you and your family in ways never imagined. I have to admit that these days remind me of 9-11. That day was so frightening, mainly because there was this huge enemy out there that we couldn’t see, but we clearly felt the effects of its actions. Likewise, COVID-19 is a similar enemy: unpredictable and unseen. But the good thing that came from 9-11, once the initial shock passed, was a strong united sense of purpose and sense of gratitude for what we have as a community and a nation. I’m trying to concentrate on those two things right now to help me navigate through these difficult days. I hope you can, too.
Rehearsals are canceled through and including April 13
The board met this morning via a phone conference and decided that we must act in the best interest of all our members, and take steps to actively and responsibly curtail social interactions during this phase of the pandemic. We chose to cancel all rehearsals through and including Monday, April 13, thinking that public schools are scheduled to be out of session anyway for spring break on April 6, and April 13 is the Monday right after that break ends. This will allow time for everyone to concentrate on their own needs and the needs of their families, and then give a bit of wiggle room before starting up again. And so we are planning to restart rehearsals on Monday, April 20. This, of course, is tentative, depends on many factors, and I’ll be in touch to confirm.
The board also discussed having a coffee meet-up for all members who’d like to join us on Monday, March 30, at 5:00 pm, prior to our next scheduled board meeting later that evening. The idea would be to gather informally — no requirement, just whoever would like to come. We are tentatively planning to meet at Coffee Labs in Tarrytown, next to the Music Hall, just to check in with each other personally and make an interim, in person connection during this elongated layover. Obviously, we’ll weigh the overall situation in two weeks, and I’ll confirm the viability of this meet up when I write to you again on March 27.
Maslanka Symphony is postponed indefinitely
As you can guess, this is breaking my heart. With all these rehearsals canceled, it’s simply impossible to prepare this massive symphony for the concert in May. I’ve written to the rental library to inquire about possible choices we may have, including rescheduling it on our November concert.
For now, please hang on to the Maslanka parts. They are extremely valuable, and must be returned to the rental library. We’ll announce how/when we’ll collect them when we have a clearer idea of our confirmed return to rehearsal schedule. (We will not collect them at the tentative coffee meet-up on March 30!)
May 16 concert is still a GO for now, program TBA
As of now, we intend to continue to work toward performing, as scheduled, on May 16. I’ve written to Chris Creviston and Joey Bello to explain where we stand. If they still feel that it’s possible to join us, we’ll include both the Glazunov and Ticheli on this program. Otherwise, I’m examining repertoire to add to this program, in place of the Maslanka, that is fun for the ensemble, as well as our audience, smart choices musically, and (most importantly) could be performance ready in 3 or fewer rehearsals. As March forges ahead, and the world situation evolves, I’ll make decisions about the program and share them with you. Then, we’ll figure out a way to distribute parts so you can practice these newly programmed pieces before we gather again to rehearse.
Caramoor
Our hope is that this pandemic will be under control by July 4, and proceed with our planned repertoire for that date. However, like everything else, keep an open mind to what world events may force us, and Caramoor, to do.
The impact of not rehearsing
I recognize that many of you depend on our rehearsals every Monday to replenish your stamina, engage your mind, and connect with your basic human emotions. Finding a regular personal practice schedule during this hiatus is crucial, not only for your chops and your emotional health, but for us as an ensemble. There’s nothing wrong with continuing to practice the Maslanka! If circumstances allow, we’re still going to perform it. And practicing the Ticheli and Glazunov is logical and practical. But like a second language, if you don’t practice your instrument on a regular basis, you’ll lose your skills and your focus to improve.
If you are feeling “blue” through all this — and that is understandable — know that you can contact me or David directly. We have resources within the ensemble to which we can direct you, or we can put you in touch with other members to simply vent, share feelings, ask for advice, etc.
In closing
I wish I had some profound words to make all this right, to rally us together, to quickly overcome this public health emergency. Sadly, I do not. But in the words of Stephen Sondheim, “No one is alone, truly. No one is alone.” We’re going to get through this, together, even if we’re not meeting regularly for a while.
Contact me as needed. My next post will be on Friday, March 27. In the meantime, wash your hands, bump elbows, and hang in there.