Re: Career in Insurance

John,

Hang in there!  Others have already posted excellent ideas on ways to deal
with this situation.  I think we probably all have had thoughts about
quitting at one point or another in our careers.

Personally, I've been thinking about it almost daily for the last month or
so.  Not quitting music, just the situation I'm presently in, but I know the
grass probably isn't any greener anywhere else.  I'd just be trading one set
of problems for another.  I also realize that my experiences, perspective
and expectations are radically different from those of my church members,
and that I have to constantly keep that in mind as well as the big picture.
Almost all of the pressure for success (giving a great "performance") comes
from within myself, not from the church or pastor.  Could it be that it is
the same in your situation?

All groups have bad rehearsals from time-to-time.  I think it's just the
nature of things.  As several have pointed out, it can be for any number of
reasons, and we aren't always in control, even though we like to think we
can be with wise preparation and objective planning.  Based on what I
continually hear from colleagues, choristers are often less well trained,
less committed/enthusiastic than they were 20 years ago.  Are you basing
your expectations on choirs you directed 20 years ago, or are your
expectations based on your current situation?  I struggle with that
frequently.

Directing choirs is one of the most difficult things that we can do in this
life.  We are almost totally dependent upon others...whether they decide to
show up for rehearsals, or show up on time.  Whether they choose to
discipline themselves, focus and work hard, be open to learning, and/or work
on or think about their music in between rehearsals.  We can study, prepare
well, say and do all the right things, and still not get the result we want.
That was one of the things that drove me to pursue a professional singing
career 20 years ago rather than continue conducting.  In the end, however, I
had little more control over my success.  Sure, I had control over how well
I was prepared for performances, but since the whole business of getting
hired in the first place is so subjective, political/lacking in integrity at
times, ultimately, I realized I had no more control as a singer than as a
conductor.

All we can do is the best we can, and take pride and solace in that.  In the
end, our groups and their performances will be what they will be.  Sometimes
progress is painfully slow.  It can be a matter of one step forward, two
backward, sometimes.

I suspect, however, that like most of us, you have much more to be thankful
for with your group than things to complain about.  Especially here at
Thanksgiving, try to step back and think of all the positives, all the
things you have to be thankful for about your group.  I think you'll soon
find that you are re-energized, re-dedicated, and that things look a lot
better.

Best wishes to you and to all my colleagues for a safe, blessed, and joyous
Thanksgiving!

Regards,

Craig D. Collins
Director of Music Ministry
Mt. Zion United Methodist Church
19600 Zion Street
Cornelius, NC  28031
[EMAIL PROTECTED]