It's Harvest Time
I imagine I've mentioned it before, but fall is my favorite season. Took the customary "leaf-peeper" run to the Green Mountains a couple weeks ago. Good trip! My wife and I have fortunately garnered many friends along the roads of Vermont to stop and talk with as we revisit old memories. That fellowship is understood by most members of our Association, having any history with Big Sings. It only takes a couple of these events to find yourself standing together at rehearsals finding familiar men to chat with. (I'm sure all of you give the Music Directors and Host Organizers the undivided attention they need, please ... but do exchange fine greetings when you meet others!) The Big Sings are one of the great assets of the AMCA, that is, an attraction or value. The event always brings forward memorable discussions when I talk with members in different districts. This event attracts most of the district membership, probably to embrace the very core of "Good Singing, Good Fellowship and Public Service", and sends them back home with a sense of value.
Though most questions can be directed to the host chorus for such an event to be considered directly to the responsible parties, I would like to acknowledge that some folks have nervous misgivings of any reasonable success for another AMCA Big Sing. I would hope any of these misgivings are aired properly by directing them to your leadership, the chorus sending the issue to the district and the Executive Council both, to get them addressed, and please do not allow them to mingle in an undercurrent of frustration and bitterness of lingering wake from any past consequence. The men at Eau Claire are giving a great effort on behalf of all of us and we owe them some attention and respect for the labor. Let's work as hard to get there as they are working to make the event worthwhile to us. That said, I shall remind you it is time to start organizing your trip. I would challenge you to:
Along with your chorus planning, don't forget to send word to your district meetings that you have interest in joining the fun. The officers and choruses have to plan each portion of the trip for any district to be coordinated for music - it may require rehearsals together for difficult music. You might also think of performances at some other place along the way. A suggestion if traveling by train is to take advantage of layovers, go to the center of the terminal and perform a few numbers and let them know you are there ... and let them know who you represent, pass out information cards with contacts printed clearly. (Buses might be able to do the same at meal stops.)
The Association is yours for the good of all. The Executive Council has conviction we are working for that good, and all members will utilize the opportunities available. It requires participation for sustaining the activities and functions. Assist us by communicating needs and desires, state your concerns.
|
The grandest of the Big Sings has been the AMCA International Big Sing, and this Association is planning our next event for the year 2008 at Eau Claire. The Executive Council holds great expectations for all choruses to make a fervent effort to participate, and we prepare for alleviating any anxieties as they might arise.
So I say ... 'It's harvest time!'.. a time to gather in, to store up what is sowed, and to plan for next years crop. For the Executive Council it means we should 
