I am back at my desk and at my PC again, which is where I have spent most of my time during the last two months! I am so grateful for the internet as it has kept me connected to all the groups with which I am associated. Apart from those odd moments when the screen freezes and the connection slows, it has mostly been problem free. But I have noticed how tired I am getting. Having to concentrate and focus on the screen really does take its toll. But it is the lack of variety in that contact that I think is tiring. It doesn’t matter whether it is work or for social purposes, it is the same way of keeping in touch that we use. But, it will be like this for a little longer and I am not sure when the kinds of activities that usually fill my day will resume. But, I remain positive.

I have been writing to each of my choir groups on there usual rehearsal night and these have become known as my ‘Corona Chronicles’. I think people are enjoying them? I have to admit that when I began I thought it would be just for a few weeks….little did I know! But I enjoy doing it!

I have almost stopped watching media coverage of the pandemic, not because I am disinterested, but because I became obsessed with wanting to know what was happening, who thought what, who said what and I was becoming addicted to the news and how it was delivered. Now, I am more level-headed about it. I pick up what I need to know and ignore all that I don’t. I certainly have no desire to hear interviewers being rude, or adding that nuanced sentence that puts a different spin on the facts. Nor do I want to hear numerous comparisons that serve no purpose. So, for the time being I am keeping myself away from all but the basic facts.

It makes me smile at how so many people have become experts on subjects they know so little about; I don’t deny that we can all learn, but please let those who do know lead…and for clarity I am not just talking politics or science here! Being ‘at home’ has allowed me to reflect and observe and as I have said before most days I am in a very good place, however it is clear how fragile the mind can be

So, after a busy week on-line I am taking the weekend off. My diary is empty and I am going to relax. See you on Monday!

I appreciate that you will not have been sat waiting for my next blog, but I can at least pretend that that might be the case. As the weeks pass and we hear in the press of an easing of the current restrictions and how that might look. One thing has become abundantly clear to me; and that is that my world, my working life, my weekly existence will not return to normal anytime soon. I am clearly disturbed by that, but perhaps more importantly what worries me is that I am not the only one! There are many creatives and artists in the same position. What does the future hold for us? Then perhaps even more importantly are those we work with, either amateur or professional! We; they; us depend on each other for so much and our basic interaction has been halted in a way like no other time. We approach the celebration of VE day tomorrow and for years this country lived in fear of what might happen. But….we had each other then, we could connect, we could meet and the entertainment industry supported so many and kept spirits high! Everyone I know who finds themselves in the same position is doing all they can to keep their communities together and in so many varied ways. We are not the NHS and we never will be, but I want to applaud all my musical colleagues who are doing an amazing job in trying to keep their communities connected. I speak now as a Conductor and Musical Director; but I have many friends throughout the performing arts disciplines and the wider arts in general who are finding innovative ways to connect. The vast majority of my colleagues don’t have a media platform, but are simply getting on with it! Thank you to each and everyone who continue to make a difference!