I value every hour of rehearsal we get. Rehearsal is canceled.
To be clear: I’m very unlikely to cancel rehearsal, when we get so few opportunities to sing and grow together. But I also believe that it’s my responsibility as a leader to balance the group’s needs with the wider perspective of human needs.
In this case, my rehearsal today falls right smack dab across the peak of the Solar Eclipse, which will peak at over 90% coverage in our town. While I think we can make musical progress in that hour of rehearsal, I also know that experiencing the eclipse has a potential for a lifelong memory.
Making these decisions aren’t easy and a different leader will make different decisions. But the fact remains that leaders must look at the people they lead holistically, not just through the lens of their particular group.