Everyone always talks about the work on Thanksgiving Day. I’m much more interested in the work on the day before.
The day before is when the pies are made, the stuffing is prepped, the turkey is brined (if you’re making a turkey. I’m happy to not.) The day before is when the table is cleared, the silver is polished, and the rooms are readied.
The day before is when much of the hardest work is done.
Everyone always talks about the concert day, but the real work happens well ahead. It’s the days and weeks before the concert when we make progress on repertoire, develop ensemble sound, build trust, and plan the logistics of the concert.
The day of the concert should feel like smooth sailing, after the work leading up to it. Just like Thanksgiving Day, there is still work to be done – but the hardest work is in the past.