It's all about...

We started teacher orientation today. It was a lovely day. I was actually dreading going back, but Jack reminded me that I feel that way at the end of every summer, and, once it is time to return, I'm perfectly happy and content. (See me again about this next June when the cumulative effect of a year of teaching has set in!) We did a weekday morning service with all of the staff. The Rabbi explained the history of each prayer and the rationale for its place in the service before we recited each one. I decided to close the Amidah with a minimalistic and repetitive trance-inducing piece. The melody line dips and soars over the simple ostinato pattern of two arpeggiated chords, and is one a singer can really sink her teeth into. I always hesitate to do this piece, because it could be perceived as a way for the Cantor to show off her chops -- a real show-stopper. You know. And services are not about self-aggrandizement. (Tell that to your local Cantor!) But, this piece is so hypnotic, and I go to such a deep place when I deliver it, that I'm never sorry in the end when I elect to do it. People are willing to go on these journeys with me, and the group experience of the spiritul is palpable. So... a good day.

Jack of All Time and Space

Well, Jack is in his studio, going over his morning emails. We just read a RAVE review of his Jade Empire soundtrack. (I wonder, after words of praise like that, what one has to do to get a 10 over there... Well, it's nice to have high standards, I suppose.) And here is an interview...

I've already taken my morning constitutional, and Jack will be going for his walk momentarily. After which, we will be in the studio(!) working on our own stuff. This is deeply exciting to me. As the sessions unfold, I will catalog them here.

Dog Days

I'm trying to get myself back into the school frame of mind. Teacher orientation is just around the corner, and the end of summer is biting me in the behind. I have barely sung in the last few weeks. It's nice to have a vocal rest, but I just went into the other room to practice for High Holy Days and my throat was a bit tight. Daily warm-ups need to start pretty soon again. Wow. I've really been lax.

Gracie and I are going to try to do some of the shows on the new routing. It could be very tricky in the middle of the school year, but we're going to give it a go.

Jack and I spent most of the day at the dentist's office. These are truly the dog days of August, where all of my I'll-put-it-off-til-summer errands finally get done. Next week -- new glasses!