My annual Rockford Aces retreat was this weekend. Every year we include a Saturday night “Solo Night” – every single member performs a solo with accompaniment from self, friend, or phone.
Not everyone wants to be a solo singer – myself included. But everyone shares a solo with the group. And every year I am inspired by the experience. We get:
- A sense of each member’s musical taste. There is strength in knowing what you choose to sing.
- A moment of vulnerability shared with the people you’ll be singing with all year.
- Amazing music from young people.
- A community built around music.
- A chance, often, to hear original music written by passionate teenagers. Wow!
Some might not choose to sing another solo with the group this year, but many will. This right-at-the-start sharing puts them all on equal footing as members of the ensemble.
The vulnerability, the sharing of a small piece of their hearts, is as powerful as any formal Team Building activity I could plan. And because it involves music, it is structured around something I know they’re all passionate about.
One more thing: I always start. I’m not a solo singer–sing much better with a friend next to me–but I wouldn’t ask my students to do anything I wouldn’t do myself. And being vulnerable in front of them empowers them to do the same.