As I scan previous posts, I realize I haven't visited my blog since August 3, 2019. It is now November 29, 2020. My life is so full and I haven't had much time to update my readers or post newsworthy items to share with others. For this, I am truly sorry.
Life changed when my mom passed away. She was my biggest fan, strongest supporter, best audience member - she was the best! My audience at my programs will forever have a gaping hole in it. My sister has done her best to fill it, but it is not the same. I try to wear something of my mother's when I perform - whether I am singing with Voices of Jacksonville or conducting programs at school. It has been a hard transition for me and I am still a "work in progress."
Teaching during a pandemic (COVID19) has been an incredible challenge for me. I am a music teacher. I do my best work in an ensemble setting. Social distancing, mask-wearing, contactless interactions, etc. have been the bane of my existence since March. Eight months of uncertainty, not really knowing if my programs would happen this Christmas season. My administration has been in the trenches trying to make this work while keeping everyone safe and healthy. My principal, DeShuan Mills, is an extraordinary human who supports me unequivocally. This Thanksgiving holiday has been the most stressful "restful" week for both of us. E-mails, phone calls, text messages abound. Communication is key in a pandemic. Circumstances are fluid and changing by the hour.
I am pleased to report that we have successfully navigated quarantining of key members of our production team, last minute role changes with leads in the musical, numerous iterations of the program brochure, "to print or not to print," masks or no masks during the production, "live" audience or "live" stream the program, etc. Our questions and concerns have been many. We are working with medical personnel to keep faculty and staff safe while doing our best to maintain a high-quality performance. Tech Week 2020 begins tomorrow and we will be ready!
Our team is amazing! 170 voice choir! 17 member cast! The musical will have a live audience (only 4 guests per student so that we can physically distance one family unit from another family unit), it will also be streamed on our website for those who cannot make it to the live performance, masks will be worn by the choir onstage, sets, props, lights, cameras - what an incredible opportunity for my students!
Teaching in a pandemic has been the most challenging hurdle of my career, but I know God's grace will see us through next week and this program will lift spirits, spread joy and bless others. For this, I am extremely grateful.
Until next time...
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