One of the blessings of Christmas caroling is that singers are liberated from the page. For people who have grown up with this music, all that is needed is a lyric sheet, if that. The rest is understood by tradition and tacit agreement.
It’s one of the things we should seek in all our music-making. Liberate the music from the page, and present music as if it has been practiced all our lives. It’s not impossible to achieve.
When we wake up the music from the flat page, we have the opportunity to truly connect, share, and transform ourselves and our listeners.
Sing some carols with friends this week, and then try to feel that sense of deep familiar. Can you bring that to the rest of the music you make this year?