Seeing Things in New Light

I love the fall. Especially here on the Cape. The summer has has had months to heat up the surrounding water - so frosts are delayed, but the air is still crisp. The sky morphs to a steely blue which contrasts beautifully with the browning beach grass and the water on the bay. The light changes too. It feels sharper and full of contrasts - like the weather.  I noticed it this morning on the stone walls and the bright frescoes in the church.  Even the singing sounds different. Everything seems it's best self.

Cheerful Whistling Permitted

Music has an innate ability to lift the spirits. It's a default that courses through our very being. Think about it.  How often do you choose to set out singing as you work? I never do - It just happens. (and oftentimes I'm not even aware of it until a co-worker asks me to stop)  Why is that? What is it about music that causes even tone-deaf howlers to whistle, hum, or sing unknowingly?  Worth exploring.....

Playing the Rests

"Playing the Rests" is a term or tool musicians use to help keep an ensemble together. In theatre you might say "play the pause". Essentially it means to consciously give energy and life to those moments where no notes are being played, or no words sung or spoken. Silence can never be just "time off" - it needs to be filled. Otherwise the performer is left with the arduous task of re-energizing after every rest.

It dawned on me this morning - life is a little bit like that. 

We just finished a concert - our next performance isn't until November 1. 

Inertia is a killer. The longer I take time off in the"silence" the harder it is going to be to re-energize for the next event.

Note to Self:

Play the Rests!