[musictlk] having dccsccculty with choir director

[Kelsey Nicolay]

Hello,
I posted a similar question before, but here goes.  I am in a 
community choir that is strictly volunteer, although we have to 
pay dues at the beginning of the season.  I really enjoy the 
group and have made some good friends.  However, I am having 
trouble getting the director to accommodate my blindness.  He 
does make sure I have all the music I need and that I have a 
music stand, but the problem is that I cannot see when he is 
conducting.  I can get when to come in based on reading the 
Braille score, but the problem is when there is a fermata and he 
holds it for as long as he wants.  I have no way of knowing when 
to cut off.  I suggested having my neighbor tap me on the arm 
when it is time to release, but this director wants no part of 
that, saying that it would cause a distraction.  While I 
understand where he's coming from with that, without that 
feedback though, I'm basically left in the dark about when he is 
going to release a certain note.  I sent an email to the group's 
president explaining that for a blind person, there really is no 
way for them to know when to cut off without some sort of tactile 
cue from a neighbor and I asked if the three of us could meet to 
come up with a plan that meets everyone's needs and draws as 
little attention to me as possible.  Does anyone have any ideas 
on how a sighted neighbor could relay such information to me 
tactually without drawing attention to myself or them? I hope to 
have this discussion near the beginning of the season.  I have a 
friend in the group who I know outside of the chorus, but she's 
in a different section, so she really can't help much.  I would 
appreciate any suggestions you all might have.  Also, your 
suggestions will be shared with the president and the director, 
although I will remove your names from them.  If you do not want 
your opinion to be shared, please write me offlist and say so.
I'm going to compile a document with all your suggestions.
Thanks,
Kelsey Nicolay