Dear members of the Tacoma AGO,

We have arrived a month that is often one of the busiest of the year for musicians. There are thousands of notes to be learned, extra choir rehearsals, end-of-semester concerts, a few holiday parties all before we arrive at the holidays themselves! This past weekend, there was a guest opinion article in the New York Times by concert pianist Jonathan Biss called “The Quest for Perfection is Stunting Our Society.” While he speaks about experiences leading to and on the concert stage, I think similar sentiments may be made to those who prepare to lead music in many different contexts. One line that stood out to me, Biss wrote: “The preparatory work should be freeing, not constricting, revealing and making accessible the music’s limitless possibilities.” In everything that we need to learn and perform this month, keep your curiosity open within the confines of societal stressors and the next service. 

Our next Chapter event is on the evening of Monday, January 5, celebrating the end of the holiday rush. We will gather at the home of Paul Fritts for a “Twelfth Night” party. Bring a snack to share and a carol to play, if you wish! Click here for more information! Additionally, looking ahead to February, we will join members of the Olympia AGO for a hymn festival on the afternoon of February 8 at St. John’s Episcopal in Olympia. Members will have opportunities to sing and lead hymns from the Schlicker/Bond organ in its present location. More information on that is forthcoming. 

Keep your eyes on the TAGO events calendar for musical and social events around the area. And, finally, just a reminder that in all we do, make self-care a priority, whether that’s a cup of tea, a walk in nature, or anything in between!

In music,
Wyatt