For the last few seasons, we’ve done a couple of things during show week – we interview guest musicians or singers, or we do a “Top Ten” list of things that happened during dress rehearsal. Unfortunately, that’s getting harder to do. Because um, most of the writing on this blog is done by one person. That would be me, chief cook and bottle washer, executive director, Sohini Baliga at your service. Sadly, it’s not actually possible anymore for me to be in two places at once. I can plot choral world domination, but I can no longer geo-co-locate myself. Apparently Hollywood lies, and I’m only finally realizing this.

Of course, I don’t ever look like I’m actually doing anything. Jen directs and shapes us through the tough notes and “waves arms.” The choir moves and sings and takes direction.  Greg plays the piano, shucking his shoes when things get serious. I sit there quietly, with a loud brain and a notebook. And apparently, I sit with great repose. (Those of you who know me, please – hold your laughter.) Because a couple of weeks back, when we were driving into what Jen calls the “crunchy” bits and “hot spots” and my punch list was already two pages long, I got the following question: “What do you do?”

You know, like the meme.

And so, here is a Top Ten for the Harmony and Light concert, of what people in the choir think I do, and what I really do.

What people think I do:

* “Try not to groan when our pitch goes south.” Not really. Jen worries about that. I have total faith in her and the choir, which brings its A-game every show.

* “I think you either plan grocery lists or plot total world domination. Or maybe play Temple Run while enjoying the music.” Truth. All of it.

* “Set up the tent, sell tickets and popcorn, and after all is over, clean up after the elephants. You do this over and over again.” Possibly. Although, some days, I’m thisclose to deploying an air horn. And a squirt gun.

* “Try not to lose your mind.” Nah. That’s what candy’s for!

* “You’re doing some moonlighting as PsychoTherapist for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. You only work with us cuz we’re normal.” Erm, define normal.

What I really do:

• Lift, carry, schlep, and try to move things bigger than me until a couple of basses and our saint-like tech guy look at me like I’m stark raving bonkers. Because, no, I can’t actually move them at all, and realize this anew, every concert. Clearly, I live in the “hope over experience” category of things.
• 

  “Can I go back to Friday and buy more cookies?”

  Nervously count heads and tickets and wonder if I have time to go buy more cookies
  between intermission and end of show. You can never have enough. Especially on the last Saturday before Christmas.

• Consume far too much caffeine. No, seriously, by dress rehearsal I’ll be a vibrating blur like The Flash. By show night I’ll be facing off with Reverse Flash, making heartbreaking decisions in an effort to keep from interrupting the space time continuum.
• Feel a rush like no other, from dress rehearsal set-up to post-concert close-out. It’s a whirl of movement, music, singers, and audiences with no do-overs and an unforgettable “you had to be there” experience. I’m blessed that it never feels like work.

You gotta be there. Please do come this weekend!

Online tickets to Harmony and Light will be available until 11:30 pm, Friday, December 18, 2015. After that, tickets will be available at the door on show night, Saturday, 4:30 pm, December 19, 2015 at Vienna Baptist Church (541 Marshall Road SW, Vienna VA 22180). Tickets are $24/Adults, $20/Seniors (65+) or Students (15 – 18). Youth 14 and younger attend for free with a paying patron. Box office opens at 3:45 pm. Doors open at 4:15 pm.