It is well know in military circles that one soldier undertaking a courageous duty infects others to do the same. It is also well-known in sporting circles that the presence of one really good player in a team raises the performance of others – hence the phrase “raising their game”.
So it was at last night’s rehearsal. As we arrived, Carlos and Angela were rehearsing with our soprano soloist, Kathryn Williams, and she stayed on to rehearse the choruses where she sings with us. And it turned out that she not only had a lovely voice and great presence, but she also was ready to listen to Carlos and take his ideas on board. What an example for us to follow!
The rehearsal started a bit slowly and, frankly, a bit flat, in all senses of the word. But it did not take long for that to change, and we soon started responding to Carlos’ pleas for more meaning and expression in the music – in addition to singing all the right notes, of course.
Even after Kathryn had left, the mood of the rehearsal remained positive and inspiring: she had indeed been instrumental in “raising our game”.
All we need now is for that mood to continue to infect us as we run through the music at home; as we make final preparations at next Thursday’s key rehearsal; and of course on the day of the performance itself.
We are very privileged to sing with such inspirational musicians.
Let’s make the most of it.