That’s the simple message for today. It’s harder than we think and there are so many hidden issues that people are having to deal with on a daily basis. But we must keep going! It is difficult to keep positive when the media is so full of negative stories and what if scenarios. I know those who are making the decisions need to be accountable, but it has to be done in a measured way. It is the responsibility of everyone in a leadership role to unite and not divide, but division seems to be ‘on trend’ at the moment. I have played my part this weekend, and indeed throughout, have stayed at home, and I want to be able to emerge from this knowing that I did the right thing. But what is the right thing? There is so much mixed messaging from all quarters. Being clear and transparent in an ever-changing situation isn’t easy, but there are those who choose to make the messaging obtuse, who choose not to listen, who choose to make an individual stand. More than ever, we have to be one, we have to work together, we have to at least try!

Music has been a great comforter these past few months and I have had music in my life almost every day. It has given me solace when needed and has motivated me too. It has given me a purpose and urged me to keep going. It has given me a backdrop to work against and helped to give me focus and a routine.

There is a tremendous sense of positivity in the choral world, which is fired by the need to keep us together and to keep us singing!

However, the outlook for the professional musician doesn’t look so rosy with changes to the ways in which work can be undertaken. I suppose in time the truth will out.

But for now, try and find the positive in your life. Even the smallest thing can help to banish doubts and to provide that little ray of sunshine.