Every year, around early spring, I find myself looking forward to the long hot days of Summer, particularly June, July and August. I have this vision of sitting outside a stylish restaurant, enjoying a leisurely lunch in the sunshine with a glass of Pimms. However, as we head into the last week of August, I am still waiting for the weather to co-operate and my diary to allow such extravagence. Whilst I write this morning, there is rain pounding on the office window and my umbrella is positioned by the door just in case I should dare to venture outside.
A lot of my choirs are taking a well deserved Summer Break and a quick venture onto Facebook suggests that some of them have escaped to hot sunny climes and are indeed sat outside enjoying cocktails on a beach under clear blue skies. Others have chosen to stay in the UK and, as a result, found themselves battling with tents whilst being soaked from above.
For me, August is potentially one of the busiest months of the year, mostly because I don’t have many recordings to do and only 2 of my choirs rehearse in August. Why so busy? Well September will see a new ‘season’ for my choirs. Whilst I tend not to operate the ‘terms’ which some choirs follow, September is a natural time to start new repertoire and prepare for Autumn Concerts. I know it’s still only August, but as a choirmaster, I also need to start thinking about Christmas repertoire soon. This month is therefore a time of preparation. New music needs to be found and arranged. Concerts need to be booked and finalised. And for me there are several school recordings which need to be edited and produced ready for delivery at the start of the new term in September.
On top of that I need to start preparing for the busy season of School recordings which typically starts from Mid September right through until the end of November. So whilst many of you will be laying on beaches getting a tan or crouching under fabric getting soaked, I will be busy in my studio recording, arranging or rehearsing music.
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Jules Addison is Musical Director for The BlueBelles, The Pewsey Belles, Cirencester Male Voice Choir, The GWH Trust Choir and Transeamus Chamber Choir