In my experience, traditions can be both a great tool and a great challenge in choral programs. They are opportunities to build camaraderie and connection across generations of students passing through your ensembles. But sometimes they become the tail that wags the dog – driving decisions you make for the sake of the tradition, rather than for the sake of the art form or the educational impact.
I also think that traditions can be quite tenuous – it only takes a few years–sometimes even just one!–to stop a tradition from continuing. It can be hard for a little while, but it’s survivable and worthwhile if done for the good of the choral community.
And of course, traditions in every choral program in the country are at risk this year. Lots of December song traditions won’t be acted out; traditions at fall retreats didn’t happen, and before that, graduation and spring concert traditions were scuttled or dramatically changed.
It’s a time to reflect on what traditions are worth keeping when we get back to “normal.”
The choices – and the power – fall in the hands of the choral leaders. What traditions do you want to keep? What traditions do you want to eliminate?