The sound of silence
The Patricia Mae Adsit Studio; silent, but not for long.
When was the last time you listened to the silence? In this 21st century world with its constant cacophony from electronic devices of all kinds, along with all the rest of life's noises, it can be rare to find a time of complete quiet.
I was alone in our offices this morning, and our studios were equally uninhabited. It is a particular kind of silence in that half of the building, where there is usually music ringing out from all corners. Call me fanciful, but I could hear music in the stillness. Its echo lingered like that moment at a concert, after the last note is sung or played, when the sound still hangs in that space.
At Heartland Sings, we are all about making music that lingers. Each concert we perform is thoughtfully conceived, the repertoire chosen with care, and the rehearsals thorough to ensure that every note is just so. Our musicians thrive in those moments of execution as they communicate with audience members through song.
But we also thrive in the moments after the last note is sung. Each concert makes a lasting memory for those who planned and performed the music, and for all who took it in. Yet we do not linger long in that space because we are already on to our next endeavor. An impactful organization is one that keeps driving forward, building on what they have accomplished and constantly striving for more.
Coinciding with the start of our exciting 26th season, Heartland Sings has launched a capital campaign called Taking It Up An Octave. Maestro Robert Nance likes to call it Octave 2.0, because it is a reboot of the 2015 campaign effort that catapulted this organization into what it is today: a unique, self-funded, vocal arts production company. Now we are growing again, in order to continue changing lives, communities, and the performing arts industry—through song.
We want to extend our reach to more elementary school classrooms, where we impact young lives. We want to perform at more facilities like Towne House Retirement Community, where we engage with older adults. We want to visit more places like Turnstone and Gigi's Playhouse, where we interact with individuals of all ages and abilities.
Yes, we want more! Rather, people want more from us, and we want to deliver it. Hence a campaign to raise capital and add staff so we can expand our programming.
I highly recommend that you seek out some time for quiet, as it can be quite clarifying. Linger for a moment and listen to what you can hear in the silence. And if you can spare a thought about how you might support our campaign to touch more lives, well, that would be music to our ears.
