They tell me it’s not summer anymore. Really? Then why is it 100 degrees outside? I know, the humidity is only 17% so it only feels like 97. Now that’s a relief!
I had a cantorial lesson last night and received more music for Saturday morning. The new material is, so far, what I expected for a high-level presentation. I know that when I need to squeeze 20 notes into only 2 beats I have some work to do in order to get it to sound smooth, but that is part of what I love about this. It is still a LOT of work to get it right.
I was a little concerned about the speed at which we are progressing, but the instructor told me that while we are not moving fast yet as far as pieces of music completed, the quality of what is being done is increasing dramatically and that the speed will increase as my mastery over the intervals between notes improves. He has given me specific exercises to help with that, so I am still hopeful about the prospect of completing by the end of next summer and certainly in time to lead High Holy Day services. Time will tell for sure. I hope to have a real handle on it the end of this semester.
I will most likely be spending Shabbat here at the apartment this week, and going out to a settlement next weekend. Stay tuned as all things are subject to change here.
