We are now into our 2nd full school year underneath the pandemic. It is an exhausting haul on all accounts. Everyone seems to be waiting...what is it going to look like after the kids are inside the school buildings, together, with teachers, caregivers and support staff. Millions of questions and more division and much more frustration. Teachers are finding classrooms of kids that haven't a clue on how to be in a group together after so much time at home. Yep, its scary out there. Yet, virtual options just are not the options folks want, they want it to be safe, they want school to be a happy place where learning happens, not waiting. Waiting for vaccinations, waiting to see the numbers of people getting sick, continued waiting to see what to do.
I feel ya! I too have been waiting. Wondering if the business I worked for to make strong for 25 years can sustain the waiting. The summer was so full of promise, so many gigs, I was hopeful and grateful and full of excitement. But this fall has left me a little bit doubtful. I am grateful for all that have booked me, taking the chance, finding safe ways to gather outside or inside, remembering that we ALL need some music and laughter to out weigh this heavy burden that uncertainty can bring. It has challenged me to embrace new skills in marketing that I have not dared to try before (hello video promo). It has me refocusing my efforts to book more On-site Field Trips and Family Concerts rather than the monthly programs I based my business on for such a long time. I'm rolling with the changes and ready to explore new horizons, trying new avenues to play my music for folks that want to listen.
I'm seeing changes in my audiences, but one thing remains the same. Music. The most accessible language in human kind. Everyone is invited to join in, all levels of participation are welcome, it stops time, it evokes memories, matches emotion, invites play, grabs you by the groove, heals deep seeded wounds, and gives back joy. IT GIVES BACK JOY!
That is why, I will continue to find ways to make music. I will continue to trod down paths of uncertainty and fear to continue to make it my living. Music is that essential and is one of the greatest healing tools of our time. I will continue to have faith that enough folks will see this truth and continue to support and hire the music makers out there that just won't stop. I'll be waiting...