The Long Winter

January often feels like the looooongest month in the year to me, and this year is no exception.   I think not seeing the sun for 25 days and counting is a big contributing factor in my winter restlessness.  When I was in junior high I read a short sci-fi story (maybe by Ray Bradbury?) about a very wet planet where the sun only came out for one hour every 7 years.  Sounds familiar.  But, February is just around the corner and with it the first hints of spring – cala lilies and flowering quince buds in my backyard!  Let’s hope Mr. Groundhog does not see his shadow next week. 

In the meantime, long winters can be very productive, and we’re certainly making as much hay as possible while the sun doesn’t shine this month.  Last Saturday, the board and staff of SFGC spent the day in a retreat at our building, where we examined how far we had come toward realizing the goals and objectives outlined in our current Strategic Plan.  It was a good, productive day, with just enough laughter to keep folks energized and engaged.  (Check out this week’s YouTube posting for some behind the scenes board member fun.)

Next weekend the girls go to La Jolla for another mini-tour and concert at the church of St. James by the Sea.  If you go to the church’s website (link), you’ll find we’re in very good company on the roster of performing arts groups in concert there this season.  Let’s hope the girls get a weekend of sun in beautiful La Jolla!  Too bad we can’t all join them…

And, next Sunday night the Grammy Awards will be announced. We are eagerly awaiting the results as SFGC has been nominated (in conjunction with the SF Symphony and Symphony Chorus, and the Pacific Boychoir) in three categories – Best Classical Album, Best Choral Performance, and Best Engineered Classical Album.  I’ll be holding my breath, but it’s possible these awards won’t even be announced during the telecast, and we’ll have to wait to read about it on Monday morning.  Such is the esteem in which classical music is often held by the mainstream media.  In any event, it is an honor to have been asked to participate in this recording, and to have been included in these nominations.

“Blue skies, shining on me… nothing but blue skies, do I see….”