There’s no replacement for live performances

I'd like to take a minute to talk about live events, because the last few days I've been thinking about how there really is no replacement for them.

Yesterday, my daughter participated in a district wide choir event for junior and senior high students. Hundreds of students attended. They had learned a handful of songs at their respective schools in preparation. They met for about an hour and a half to rehearse as one massive choir, and then performed for a small audience of parents who were able to attend during the middle of a work day.

It was lovely to be in the audience - to hear so many voices come together as one, each person contributing to the whole. I love so many different forms and styles of music. They all have unique strengths. For instance, I'm not sure anything stirs the soul quite like a swelling string orchestra. Nothing gets your body moving like a strong rhythmic groove in a rock band. And choirs, well I think they are the most unifying of all the musical groups and the sharpest reminder of humanity.

There is nothing like the connection between performers on stage and the audience in the seats. I recently heard a podcast with Alan Alda, Alfred Molina, and Victor Garber rehashing the time they spent on stage together in their Tony-winning play production of Art. All three actors have worked in film, TV, and live theater, but you could tell they all had a special place in their hearts for live performance.

Because so much of the world closed during the pandemic lockdowns, more people came to rely on live streaming and pre-recorded video. But it's not the same. Being present during a live performance is 100x better than catching the replay on YouTube the next day.

That's why I'm hoping my family can attend more live shows this year. More theater, more concerts, more ballet.

How about you? Do you enjoy live events? What type of shows are your favorites? Do you plan to take your children to performances as part of your homeschool?

Have a great finish to your September!