Why is respect so important?

OK, I know this isn’t one of the questions on the list from my first blog, but it is one that impacts so many of those questions. I decided it was a good place to begin my musings.

When we look at the preparation, and rendering of the divine services, respect needs to be present in every moment. From determining the correct order of service and service texts, to rehearsal and then finally the actual singing of the service, each step must been done with care and respect.

As liturgical musicians we don’t have the luxury of being able to just pick anything to sing. We are constrained by multiple levels of tradition. We have to respect the tradition of the Church in terms of what service we are singing, what the traditions and norms of our jurisdiction are, and by the local practice of our diocese and parish. We also have to look realistically at our resources. What are the skills and abilities of our singers and clergy? Being honest about the capabilities of our singers is an important aspect of respect. If we either over- or under-estimate these capabilities we are disrespecting our singers. It is critical that the music we put in front of our singers is within their reach, within given the rehearsal constraints. Perhaps we will be able to use music we love, but more often we need to choose music that will work.

We also have to consider the ethos of the parish. We must be sensitive about not jolting their communal prayer with music that does fit the flow and sensibilities of the larger community. Communities get attached to certain settings and hymns. That doesn’t mean never changing music, but it does mean not changing it on the whims of the director without considering and respecting the various groups of people who it affects: choir, clergy, parishioners. If you are new to leading music in a community (especially, if you new to the community) take time to understand what the parish is used to. Be patient and make changes slowly over time. Be respectful of the community’s musical heritage. Then be willing to let go of it, even if you love it, if it doesn’t work in the parish.

Speaking of the music we put in front of our singers … this is another BIG respect issue for me. It is important to have the music well-organized and readable! I will never understand directors who shuffle music during the service (on a regular basis). It is much easier and calmer, for everyone, to have the music in order for the singers, in advance! Yes, it might take extra preparation time but we are talking about leading prayer. It is hard enough for the director and singers to enter into the corporate prayer because of the necessity to lead. Why make it more difficult by shuffling papers and whispering instructions to the singers during a service? This is distracting and disrespectful of the singers and the parishioners at large; who are often fully aware of the distracting insanity at the kliros. (Disclaimer: yes, I know occasionally this is necessary, I am talking about directors who do this every Sunday and for EVERY service.) It is important to have a system for organizing the music that the singers can use with calm and understanding. At our parish, we have a highly developed system, but there are many ways to do this. What is critical is to have a functional way to handle the variables that is respectful of the people using it and allows for smooth and calm transitions, so that it does not distract from the liturgical moment.

Finally, with respect to rehearsals – OK, I realize this is a topic that will take it own multiple bloggings to cover fully, so simply, as regards this topic – don’t waste your singers’ time. Plan your rehearsals. So many directors complain that they can’t get singers to come to regular rehearsals. One of my dear college professors once said, “You must make sure that at every rehearsal you make beauty. If you are making beauty, singers will come back.” My dear friends, making beauty takes work, but the rewards are many. Good rehearsals begin by respecting your singers’ time and capabilities. They require work and love. Love for your singers, the music, the process and ... Don’t just sing through the notes. Get to the heart of the matter. Sing the text. Make music! Praise God!

Respect has a way of breeding respect. If you respect, in time others will respect. Respect is a way of life. It is a way of love.