Is it because it’s the right decision, or just because it’s how I did it before?
Historically, the Aces start rehearsing on sound system starting in March or April – enough time to get confident on mic and to polish all repertoire for their end-of-year concert. But this year, I asked myself, “Why do I do that?” Why do I wait until spring to start mics?
There are some valid reasons – we’re giving a substantial focus to repertoire that doesn’t require sound systems earlier in the year, and the added complication of setup and tear down can be a challenge.
But overall, when I asked the question, the answer was quite simple: it’s because that’s how I did it before. When I look far enough back, it might be because when I was acquired the sound system with a grant over a decade ago, it arrived at that time of year.
Sometimes things can start to feel right simply because they’re familiar; taking the time to reconsider the decision, even one that doesn’t really seem broken, can lead to a better outcome.
We rehearse for the first time on system in early October this year, and have continued to rehearse with mics – not every week, but every two or three weeks. I think it’s going to be a long-term gain to have that experience, and one that I never would have found without that reflection. The old way was working fine, but the new way is working better.
What do you do the same every year that could improve if you had the time to revisit it?