I’m about to embark on a months long preparation to compete in the World Choir Games with my ensemble, the Rockford Aces. I’m very insistent about establishing a healthy competition attitude upfront, to deal with these competing ideas.
- I want my students to earn a gold medal when they perform in Flanders next July.
- I want competition to be the last thing in their minds as they perform.
I don’t think the two are mutually exclusive. When I look at the ensemble I’ll be conducting, there is no doubt that they have the potential to earn a gold medal. The question is whether over the next nine months, they actualize that potential.
But the important thing is to recognize that this has nothing to do with the other choirs in our categories. It has everything to do with us. This is important for two reasons: one, so that we can spend our time in Flanders connecting with fellow singers, not looking at them as rivals; two, so that we can spend our time focusing on getting better, not on gaming our competition.
Music should never be about competition; however, there is value in attending a competition like the World Choir Games. For the motivation to grow, for the opportunity to travel, for the chance to meet like-minded people from across the world.
My singers will hear variations on this speech at our first tour rehearsal, throughout the year, and immediately before they walk onstage. Because intention and mindset are important.