Greetings!
Happy End of November! I very much hope that you enjoyed some time off and were able to engage with others in a safe way. I spent the week at home for all but two hours! I was able to complete my Christmas decorating, deep cleaned the house, completed all of my laundry (I even ironed!), and watched all of the suggested Netflix entertainment that I've been hearing about. I must say, I really enjoyed the shows I watched - in particular, The Queen's Gambit. I felt like there were many lessons to be learned from this short limited series, but the message that sat with me the most was:
Success isn't final, failure isn't fatal.
There were many parts in this movie that left me cheering the main character, Beth, on over and over - even when she met obstacles that caused many other amazing Chess players to give up. However, there were other moments where she was ready to give up, but luckily had friends to push her along. Such an important lesson that success very seldom happens individually, but collectively as a team. I love that her friends - even though they were not going to get anything from her being successful - were encouraged to cheer her on and celebrate someone else's talents.
The path forward is not always bright. It's not always visible. And it's definitely not always convenient. The questions you have to ask yourselves is: Is it worth it?
I have been asked often over the past few months about whether or not we are going to have a competition season. I don't know, but I have hope.
I have been asked several times about why show choir is moving forward, spending money, and planning for competition season with uncertainty. Because to give up is not in my DNA. And I assume that because you chose to join the program amidst a pandemic that you also are not wanting to give up deep down.
I have been asked why I am holding such high standards on one of the most difficult years we have faced in a long time. Because these kids deserve someone who will push them to still produce great work even during times of adversity. These times are what define us - not destroy us.
This year has been the most difficult year to make decisions and I have never claimed that I am going to get them all correct. In fact, I feel for any person in any kind of leadership having to make choices this year. However, I know that I am working and serving the kids in the Fairfield Choral Music Program the best I know how.
As we move into what is typically the toughest part of the year on a normal year, remind yourself that effort is going into getting things right. The decision making process is complicated and complex. I am holding onto hope because that is what the students deserve. At the end of all of this, we can only ask ourselves one question: Were we a part of being the pollution or the solution?
I'm thankful for so many people that continuously contribute in various ways to help the program and our students. Be involved when you can. Form relationships with others in the program during a time that distance seems so forefront. Take advantage of the opportunities that we have as we don't know how long they will stick around.
Wishing everyone a great start to December.
M
A few updates and reminders:
- Show Choir Photos (Nov 30-Dec 4)
-
Show Choir photos are coming up in a few weeks. Here is what you need to have paid on your account (what you have actually paid - not combined with double discount) by your photo day in order to be eligible:
- Little Elegance - $880
- LE/RE Double - $1592
- Rhythm Express - $880
- RE/PE Double - $1855
- RE/FB Double - $1855
- Pure Elegance - $965
- FortissiBROS - $965
- FB/CH Double - $1930
- PE/CH Double - $1930
- Choraliers - $965
- Nuts & Bolts - $600
- The Heartbeat - $600
Order Forms (Paper copies available in the choir room and at pictures on your assigned day.)
If you have a conflict with your photo day for any reason, you will need to contact the photographer directly on the possibility to arrange for another time - including if you are requesting to come in on another group's day. Do not contact Mr. Mercer for conflicts, please. The photographers information is as follows:
The treasurers will be providing me with an updated list tomorrow, (Monday.)
Have a great week, everyone!
Mr. Mercer
