Quality > Location

Rarely am I struck so hard with an idea for a blog post that I must come home and write it right away. Today was one of those rare days.

The Master Chorale has been rehearsing and preparing for our concert over a span of about two months. I'm sure that sounds like a great amount of time to prepare but it's really not when you consider two things: the number of pieces we're to perform (ten! Some happen to be around 20 pages long!) and the difficulty level. Anyway, today was our last rehearsal. Since it was a dress rehearsal at the venue, everyone was just a little bit more serious about getting every detail taken care of.

But it was a five minute speech that our director, Mrs. Brumley, gave during a little vocal break. It was perfect for the theme of this blog and I was tempted to ask her (jokingly, of course) to repeat it so I could record it. It was just so spot-on with everything I agree with that there was literally a lump in my throat.

While I can't quote her perfectly, she said something along the lines of the following:

"You all know that aside from my family, you are it. I get up every morning wanting to get into a rehearsal because I know the drive behind all of you. It has been my mission every day since the first day I was director to give you a collegiate experience. You're paying to be here and I want, need, to give you your money's worth. Remember that our location has nothing to do with our quality of sound and work ethic. I wouldn't be here if I thought otherwise. I know I push you hard but it's because I know you will rise to the occasion and challenge. You've surpassed any expectations I've had set for this semester and I'm so proud to stand in front of you and call myself your director."