Why We Work So Hard

Dear Aces,

You never ask, but I see your tired eyes. I see you roll your eyes or slump you shoulders when I ask you to stand. Again.

I work you – and myself – hard for many reasons. Here are a few:

1. There isn’t enough time.

Rehearsing once a week together means that we never have “enough” time to reach our potential. We have to push as hard as we can to make the most of what we’ve got.

2. I want you to know what hard work feels like.

The biggest determining factor for success that is in your control is hard work. There are a lot of things you can’t change, but you can change how hard you work. Learn how to do it in choir, and then apply it to whatever you want to do.

3. June is next week.

I know it feels like you’ll be in high school forever, but the end of the school year is practically around the corner. I don’t want you to get there with regret.

4. Most Important – because I value your time.

You are busy, passionate, driven young men with many commitments. I never want you to feel like the two hours we spend together is less than 100% worth it. If you could have gotten as much done in an hour in the practice room, then I have wasted your time.