The Last 10%

Ah, festival time. It comes around every year right in that time when winter won't go away and spring can't quite come fast enough. The annual rite of musical passage when band directors and ensembles across the land have that last big push for some of our most significant performances of the year. I'm not sure whether it's the significance of festival, the demand of the schedule, using that last molecule of energy to get out of bed, or needing more hours in the day, but I find this time of year to be really tough. Energy is scarce yet demand is high.

In the name of self-preservation and self-care, I also find it vitally important to take some of our  precious minutes to reaffirm our work. Reconnecting with universal truths along with reminding ourselves why we are here & what we need to do to push through is really helpful in keeping our momentum and ultimately, keep moving forward. Here are some of the points and discussions we have made in class that have been really beneficial for us:

"It doesn't matter how much you have: time, energy, focus, talent, ability. What matters is how you use them."

We are human, not robots. And even so, robots also need access to a power source/need to be recharged. It's incorrect and irresponsible for us to think we can function at full capacity, all of the time.  We also have to recognize that not everyone's batteries are at the same level, let alone the same capacity; some may be more rested. Some may have other struggles they are wrestling in their lives. Some may seemingly have more ability or talent. The truth is that it doesn't matter how far back or ahead you may be, what matters is that you are willing to be The Man in the Arena and keep working.

Replace "draw" with "play" and presto! 
I love how this Sarah Andersen comic is applicable for so many activities.

"Good or bad, the sounds we make are results of what happened before a sound was even made."

What we do is exceptionally athletic on a micro scale; it requires an exceptional amount of discipline to keep muscles, air, and ear going simultaneously. If embouchures/technique aren't set before the force (air or strike) is initiated, a muddy/unfocused sound is created. Air/force must be calculated and engaged and posture corrected before we can begin creating. Likewise, reading music requires us to read ahead of where our fingers, sticks, or mallets are actually playing. The sound you hear now required many considerations before it is ever actually heard. The future is shaped in the past. If things aren't sounding the way you want and you find yourself frustrated or lost for a solution, consider what you are doing before beginning to play and go back to basics.

"Enjoy the sound you make!" 

It's so easy in the frenzy to get caught up in the details. It's important to remember that this is supposed to be fun. Enjoyable. Fulfilling. Ultimately, it's about creating something we love, that is an extension of ourselves. If you don't like it, the even more beautiful thing getting the opportunity to keep crafting until it's something we do enjoy. 

And last, but certainly not least...

"If 90% of making music is listening, then the last 10% is deciding to do something about what you hear."

The key word here is deciding. Deciding that a posture involving your elbow touching your leg isn't good enough. Deciding to listen more closely when you can't tell whether or not something is in tune. Deciding that your music and your peers are more important that keeping your SnapChat streak. Everything we do (or not do) is a choice. And the hardest part about this time of year (or any job for that matter) is deciding that 90% isn't good enough, especially when we are running on empty. Settling for 90% is definitely the easier choice; after all, in any other class, it would be an A-. But we must remember  that ALL the best things we can hope for reside in that last 10%: camaraderie, goosebumps, tears, joy, connection, beauty. Besides, 90% really isn't as good as it might seem, especially in music. (Thank you, Jack Stamp!)

So regardless of your passion, your art, your craft, your position, whatever it is you do... don't settle for 90%; dig a little deeper. Go for the last 10%. All the best things about making music are on the other side, especially when we can find the strength to keep moving forward together.