My theme for the Learner's Group this week was "generosity". We talked about how leading can be a generous act, and how song selection can be a generous act.
While leading often looks like conducting, nothing could be further from the truth. A leader is giving the class the tempo, and the leader is helping the class to sing together. This act can be done in the service of the mood of the class. Are there a lot of new singers who are unfamiliar with a tricky song? A generous leader might select a slower tempo to give people more time to get their mouths around the shapes and the words. Is the class looking bored or sleepy? A good leader might pick a faster tempo to bring the class back to life. It takes time to learn judgment and to cultivate the perceptions required, but a considerate leader works on those skills because that is one way to serve their fellow singers.
A generous leader will take time by themselves to become a better leader. This includes studying songs in the book and practicing outside of singing, to gain confidence and familiarity with the music. A generous leader will work to improve the arm movements of leading a tune to ensure that their leading is strong, graceful and clear.
It is even possible to lead generously when NOT in the center of the square. Leading from one's seat is a great way to be generous to the class. In particular, when a leader sees the class mirroring back their arm motions, it gives the leader a warm feeling of being in harmony with the class. Beating time while seated increases the energy of the singing and helps keep the class together. It is also a tremendous gift to the altos, who often cannot see the leader directly.
Song selection also plays into the concept of generosity. Individual tunes have special meanings and associations for singers. A generous leader might choose a particular tune to honor another singer or to show how much they mean to the leader. A generous leader might pick a familiar tune such as 159 (Wondrous Love) or 162 (Plenary) or 45t (New Britain) so that a new singer can have that "aha!" moment of recognition and connection.
Generosity also plays into the Sacred Harp traditions of hospitality and inclusiveness.
What other ways can a singer practice generosity?
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1 comment:
I love this theme. I find it hard to articulate why I can enjoy a small singing with many inexperienced singers as much as a booming convention, but part of it comes from this idea of generosity. The quality of the singing experience is just heightened in some way when I'm really working hard for the benefit of the class.
I'll add that generous singers support our singing family by traveling to singings near and far as best as they are able.
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