We use the number of the day instead of the name because most of us aren’t sure what day it is. Each day is the same punctuated by meals, worship, conducting master classes and 6 hours of lectures a day. Each day gets even more interesting. Today we spent 2 hours with Daniel Hyde and the boy’s choir in the choir stalls in the chapel of Magdalen College. The boys sang for 2 straight hours. Not a concert but a typical morning rehearsal for them. Mr. Hyde was quite generous. It is very rare that he lets anyone direct “his” boys. You can be sure he was right there the whole time. He is so positive with the boys and they are every bit as professional as any adults I have worked with. They know more music theory that I do even if one chorister called it a demented 7th. These boys will certainly give you hope for the future of music.

Here is the cutest video of all time.  Mr Hyde decided to show off and asked the youngest boy to come forward to direct the boys.

Next we had lunch in the Hall and then off to New College for 2 hours with the men and boys choir of New College with a sting ensemble thrown in for the rehearsal because well…it’s the Oxford Way. The Williamson Voices sang also so it was about 90 voices again in the chapel. It was fun to walk up to the chapel and see that it was closed for rehearsal (a common site at all the colleges of Oxford) and then realize that the rehearsal was us!

Both colleges welcomed us with open arms. I was able to do my favorite thing and go in the doors makes private. Into the organ lofts and choir stalls and the sacristies and the odd little spaces that all old churches have. John’s always afraid I’m going to be carted off to jail but this time we had permission.

The late afternoon was my chance to conduct my first piece with Williamson Voices. They are a wonderful giving group of singers. It is very intimidating standing before a completely rehearsed, polished group of fine singers and bring my interpretation and musicality but once I was up there I found them completely nonjudgmental and full of great care and grace for us guest conductors. I’m positive this is a reflection of their director, James Jordan.
What do I have to work on?
Trusting the choir. (They actually follow me and the entire sound is changed by simple gestures. Gone are the days of needing to jump up and down to get a forte.)
Stop tapping my foot. Another bad habit I didn’t even know I had.
And basically just get rid of a lot of superfluous motion and gesture that doesn’t add anything to the performance. No problem. I’ve got 6 more days!

Tomorrow is Christ Church!