Preparation
The following is the 3rd in a series of posts leading up to the Pre-Order date of our new Christmas album!
(3/7) 𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 🤯🎹🦆
I have to say, Frances wastes no time. As early as January 12th (only 17 days after this idea was born) we had a Zoom meeting with Phillip to discuss what we were looking for. Fortunately for us, he loved the idea of writing for the oboe and soon after, the agreement was for 9 more songs to be handed to us before the end of May.
Of course, in order for an arranger to arrange music they would need to know what those songs are. This requires decision-making that I am historically terrible with 🥴 😂 This was a challenge, and as you will find out, “Jingle Bells” did not make the cut.
My vision from the start was for this to be an album of beauty and reflection. To create something challenging for the musicians yet peaceful and moving for the listener. Phillip’s incredible arrangements do just that. We are so fortunate.
A large part of this process has required preparation including; long-range deadlines, making a ton of reeds, practicing, planning trips, performing mini rehearsal-concerts, choosing dresses, selecting a recording studio…
(This rookie has also recently been dumbfounded at how many decisions need to be made AFTER the recording is done, too. I thought we were done when we left Nashville?! Noooooo…😂 Let’s just say, we haven’t been bored!)
By May 1st we were ahead of schedule when Phillip handed us the last arrangement. Now it was time to practice.
Frances, who had been providing house concerts for patrons since the world started opening up in 2021, suggested we do a few of these concerts together to not only promote the album but to practice as well. “Christmas in July” was what we dubbed it and for 5 Fridays that month we practice-performed our pieces for some small audiences. The owners of the Inn at Ragged Edge were also kind enough to to invite us to perform in their lovely bed and breakfast! It was a fabulous way to both practice and engage an audience and really helped prepare us for August 2nd when we were to make the 14-hour trek to Nashville.
{image is of the great folks at our Christmas In July at The Inn at Ragged Edge}
