A couple of days ago—June 21—was the first day of summer: the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, when the sun reaches its most northern point in the sky. It started at 1:04 a.m. EDT, so we might be forgiven for not noticing. (I was asleep.)

What does summertime mean to us?

Many choirs have already gone on hiatus for the summer; cantors take up the slack. I’ve never understood this. Don’t choir members come to church during the summer? I’ve always found it easier—and of better service to assembly members—to plan one or two rehearsals a month and select simpler summer music, so that choir members can sing at whatever Mass they’re attending. They can bring their spouse and/or children to sit with them—who knows? Maybe the kids will wind up wanting to sing regularly.

Resort community parishes add extra Masses to accommodate visitors and tourists, who often know nothing of the community and its traditions, and are mainly looking to fulfil their obligation and get to the beach. Pity the poor pastoral musician who has to crank out music for one Mass after another, for hours! It’s really hard to put one’s heart and soul into the music when things have to march sharply along in order to clear the parking lot before the next wave of visitors.

We musicians may need to be reminded to take maximum time off to refresh and regroup during the summer. Sometimes this may include an NPM or Hymn Society Convention, or a local music experience. Choose wisely, and accept that you can’t do everything without harming yourself.

Remember, Jesus walked—not ran—from one place to another. And when he had the chance, he went for a sail with his friends.

M.D. Ridge