Red No. 5 rehearsals have been occurring on a pretty much weekly basis for more than 13 years. Even with our ever-increasing number of adult-related responsibilities, such as jobs and houses, spouses and kids, and a plethora of attention-craving pets and houseplants, we always find a way back to the table for our music-making sessions. As with most things that have lasted over a decade, there are some traditions worth sharing.
Every rehearsal starts with a saying of thanks at the table where we each share something that we are grateful for with each other. This is then followed by a "family dinner," generally cooked by one of us, or ordered by take-out from one of our favorite local Manchester restaurants. The family dinner is our time to catch up on all things, discuss group business, plan upcoming gigs, and do active listening for potential new songs. It is also the time when one of us inevitably breaks the handle on Mary Kate's fancy salt-shaker. After dinner, we clear the table, warm up, and then, we sing!
So what's the best part of rehearsal? Is is the singing? The family dinners? The karaoke-related gossip? Well, we've come to realize the best part is simply that we get to do this. And while the Volcano Roll and Shrimp Tempura from Hana Sushi in Manchester is certainly a draw at the dinner table, what keeps us coming back is that we get to do this with each other.
