[musictlk] having dccsccculty with choir director

[Mary Donahue]

Hello Kelsey and everyone,

	I just started singing in our church choir about three weeks ago.
The woman next to me worked out different ways to nudge me when we were
supposed to sing, when we should move in time to the music, and so on. Our
director has never said a word about distraction. In fact, the music
ministry and the church are trying to make my choir experience the best
experience ever. If need be, Kelsey, tell your director what I said, and I
hope and pray everything turns out well.

Mary Donahue


-----Original Message-----
From: musictlk [mailto:musictlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Kelsey
Nicolay via musictlk
Sent: Saturday, August 23, 2014 3:15 PM
To: musictlk at nfbnet.org
Subject: [musictlk] having dccsccculty with choir director

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

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