We don’t need to agree on our philosophy in front of an ensemble. As long as your perspective is defensible, I respect it!
Maybe you choose easily attainable repertoire, so you can aim for high level artistry. That’s defensible.
Maybe you choose incredibly hard rep, so that your students grow, even if they never sing the repertoire perfectly. That’s defensible, too.
Maybe you choose only a few pieces, and dig deep. Maybe you choose too many pieces and see what sticks to the wall. Both are defensible.
Maybe you show your love by being demanding in rehearsal. Maybe you show your love by being gentle. Defensible, defensible.
The only thing that’s indefensible is not making having a perspective. If every decision is ad hoc, with no philosophy underlying them…that, to me, is unacceptable.
I won’t agree with every perspective you have, and you won’t agree with me. But I respect your defensible opinions!