Some first reflections on conducting the Wisconsin All-State Jazz Choir.
First, I didn’t have conducting an All-State on my bingo card this year. Of course I had thought about it, especially having coordinated the Michigan All-State since its founding. But with how far out they’re scheduled, I didn’t imagine it was really attainable in the near term.
Second, what a blessing it is to have friends who trust you. Both Tim Buchholz and Matt Falker (who I was filling in for) trusted me with this gig, and that is a true blessing. Neither had seen me direct before this weekend – but I know I could anticipate the leadership skills of many of my friends before seeing them.
Third, I was ready. There are things I will do differently and do better the next time I get this chance, but in large part, I felt very comfortable and very able to do the job. I can’t overestimate how settling it is to know that the skills I’ve been building over the last 20+ years work in new and challenging situations.
Fourth, there’s always room for growth! As I said, there are things I’d do differently next time, and I can’t wait to try the next time. And on the flip-side: as the Michigan All-State coordinator, there are a couple little tricks I picked up from the way they do things in Wisconsin that I’ll be bringing back with me!
Fifth, it’s all about the students in front of you. Finding the right balance between musical demands and human demands is front of mind in every rehearsal I lead, and it felt right to work for the exact same balance in my All-State rehearsals.
Sixth, it takes everything. Once the rehearsal started, I had no time to be nervous, or even to think beyond the room. I told my family today that I felt like my brain had been wiped blank all weekend. To do the job requires so much mental, physical, and emotional energy – at least the way I want to do it.
Seventh, there is real intrinsic value in honors choirs, and specifically jazz honors choirs. The artistry these students were able to achieve, the connections they were able to make, the futures they were able to envision was so powerful and certainly different from what many of them were able to experience in their day-to-day curricular choirs. This is why we do the work.
Eighth, we’re all the same. Being around Wisconsin choral folks felt just like being around Michigan choral folks and I had wonderful break conversations with educators whose passion, direction, and experience mirrored that of my many friends in Michigan.
Ninth, it’s good to have people you know around when you do this. I had half a dozen old friends at the Conference, and it was just reassuring to not be universally around strangers/new friends.
Tenth, say yes, and be ready for even the things that aren’t on your bingo card.
I’m already looking forward to the next opportunity to build these skills and help make art with brilliant young jazz singers.