The frustrations happen when frequent illnesses interrupt the routine of rehearsals; when particular members are regularly unprepared; and when members are not talking about their feelings.
The joys happen when all members are playing well together and realize they are achieving their goals; when they have worked through difficult parts together and a song finally comes together; and when they have been angry with one another and, instead of holding in those feelings, they communicate them and resolve the conflict.
All these things are a normal part of the process, and the bands that are successful are the ones in which the members embrace both the highs and the lows, using the frustrating times to build a foundation for further joy. It takes each individual in the group taking responsibility for the commitments they made at the beginning of the year and working together as a team.
One of the biggest joys for all the bands will come once they begin performing live. The first live shows of the year will happen at Londonderry on December 18 and 19 at 6:30 pm. All bands will be showcasing the work they have done to this point. To that end, they have begun rehearsing stage presence, along with their actual songs.