The longer we are deprived of normal music-making (substitute 'social interaction' if you like), the more we miss it, yet also the more accustomed we become to drawing on our personal resources. These vary hugely from individual to individual. Yours may be specific, in areas such as gardening, cookery, woodwork, painting and poetry, or more general, such as design, processes, and imagination. This pandemic is obliging us to focus on our individual skills. How have you been changing?
From my broad educational beginning in languages and the arts, my energies converged on expression through music. I find it revealing that I have spent the time I gained through lockdown in research and contemplation rather than making music truly solo.
As opportunities to make music again have appeared, at Christmas and Easter in church and in 6-person meetings with my brass band, I have participated with delight. Barrow Male Voice Choir planned to meet on 19 April for a short al fresco rehearsal, until clarification of government rules made it impossible. It’s been a struggle, with so much comfort and support stripped away. I imagine we who live through the pandemic will be forever changed, in all sorts of ways. Let’s hope that we will emerge into the post-pandemic world to appreciate its freedoms and make it a better place for all.
RIP my mum, who always thought the best of people and loved adventure. xx