Congratulations!

Congratulations on the birth of your beautiful daughter! We are all happy for you and Ginger. I hope you enjoy your time with the baby. It is very exciting to think about a new little addition to the choral program. All of us are thinking of the three of you in your first week home. I can't wait to see more pictures of your precious one. See you soon!

It's been a while. A long while, actually. But in that time I've managed to reconstruct a good portion of my house, have a wonderful winter break, begin a new semester, realize what it might really be like to be a father, and begin planning for next school year.

In that thought, I share all of your thoughts of missing the nearly-graduated Seniors.

However, while my wife was working today, I realized that this could possibly be my last day at home alone, without a beautiful child that is somehow dependent on me for its every need. However, I am most thankful for this change in my life, however it may change who I am.

But within that thought process, I also thought about how I am thankful for what I already have; not just what I am about to embark upon. I am surrounded by a talented and wonderful group of students who work so hard for a common goal, and am so very excited for us to share those gifts once again on Tuesday. And thus a bulk portion of my day was spent in preparation for that event, that it may be fruitful and successful for all of you.

And although we'll create art for an audience in just three short days, we also share the joy of knowing that we have the chance to do this every day. And soon, with a new "family" member, who I find always kicks, pushes, and shoves every time I turn on the radio or play a recording of one of our concerts.

Change is good.

Mr. Flanagan

Winter Jazz Coffee House

I would like to tell all of the Jazz Choir members of a good job well done. You all sounded great. And I would like to thank all who help set-up and take-down. In my opinion, it went very well. Once again, Good Job!

A BLOG???

Wait...this is a blog...no is blogging except the "fearless leader!" Come on, people, this a site to COMMUNICATE WITH EACH OTHER!!! so....LETS COMMUNICATE. JEEZ. Lazy Bums. How does no one have anything to say? Is nothing happen in your guys life?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving, everybody! As I reflect on the time that we've spent together (whether it be a year and a half for Concert Choir folks or a shorter several months for Chorale One), I realize today how thankful I am for each and every one of you. You all positively affect me every day, and even if we don't share a conversation outside of group interaction, what you bring to that group during the short time that we have affects me as well.

Through your gifts, willingness to learn, grow, and share, you have undoubtedly helped me to become a better teacher and proud member of R-B, and I wake up each day looking forward to the interactions that we share. You never fail to teach me more about myself just as much as you do yourselves.

And today, among many blessings that I give thanks for, you are certainly on the top of my list. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Mr. Flanagan

Who are we?

Who are we, really?

That's a question that I've entertained throughout my entire life. Currently, it resides with the Richmond-Burton choirs. Are we musicians that meet for forty-eight minutes, five times a week, and collaborate for a series of concerts?

That seems to limit our group-think abilities to a matter of time and space. I don't know about you, but my brain doesn't work that way.

It is my hope that, through this blog, we can integrate our individual-think abilities whenever convenient. This way, our time together as musicians does not have to end when the bell rings. Sure, rehearsal time will end. But how much more true will each of us be to the team we are when we are connected beyond the physical classroom? This will be a place where we can share our thoughts, goals, and mindsets in a collaborative way separate of time and space.

After all, this method of communication is who we are, really.

Mr. Flanagan