I’ve been thinking a lot about courage and connection. As many of you know, I began working for WES in September, 2011, almost by chance. Had I not called to find out the status of the interim chorus director position, and then received a call back from Mary Herman, then Leader for Congregational Life, I would never have even applied. I needed the push of her follow-up, and then more significantly, the push of my own internal crisis as I moved through the application process. I can say with hindsight that I needed a lot of courage to follow this new musical path, one so different from being a singer.

          But the first piece of courage, facing my anxiety about changing paths, and about whether I could handle the job responsibilities, was quickly bolstered by the connection I felt at WES. Like many of you, I felt welcomed, seen, valued, and cared for. Only three months in, I was wrapped in care while my husband received sudden hospital treatment for pneumonia in the midst of Winter Festival rehearsals and performance. Because I knew the WES community, I needed much less courage to ask for support, and receive it.

          But WES members’ deep love and commitment to each other, and to us on staff, is matched by high expectations, and rightly so. As WES grows and changes, you all–the membership–keep asking for more: more excellence, more variety, more depth, more creativity. So I have kept dipping into my well of courage, applying to and pursuing Music Leader Certification through the Unitarian Universalist Association (a three year training, which I completed this past May;) seeking music new to WES, whether new styles, new composers, new performers; visioning how expansive and creative music at WES could be (how music supports platform and celebrations, opportunities for instrumentalists, youth and children;) and helping make the music ever stronger and more diverse. Your expectations keep me striving, and remind me not to settle.

          So I’m wondering: what courageous next step do you need to take at WES around music, or do you need to ask of me? Is the voice in your head that says you don’t sing or play well enough to join musical activities too loud, perhaps too loud even just to sing along during platform? Do you come to platform often, but avoid telling me what you found meaningful or grating about the music that Sunday? Do you have a favorite music style we’ve never had at platform? Do you keep thinking you have to be able to attend every rehearsal and every platform on which WES Chorus sings in order to sing at all? (You don’t.) Or are you active at WES, but need to bravely step back from involvement in something familiar in order to make space for music? Whatever courage you need, know that in facing your uncertainty, you enrich WES, both by being brave, and by learning how you can be more or differently part of how we make music, and community, together.

Bailey Whiteman, Music Director