Everyone goes through tough times and experiences hard things. Those are the moments that define us as we pick ourselves back up and keep going. They are the stories and bruises we come back stronger from. Originally, this interview, with the talented Robyn Lana of the Cincinnati Youth Choir, was simply her sharing the story of her health crisis and how she overcame the shock, treatment, and is now 100%. Then it hit me….Robyn’s health crisis is not unlike what we are all experiencing right now. She unexpectedly lost the ability to do what we love, to be in rehearsals, provide stellar concerts, and live life emerged in music. Her willingness to unpack the story of overcoming this health shock and crisis offers us tangible insight and suggestions for how we can all get through this tricky time and emerge stronger and better in the journey and on the other side. Thank you for sharing your story Robyn - this is by far one of the more emotional episodes I’ve ever recorded and I simply can’t wait to hear what you think!

Looking for a community to bounce ideas off of and prepare for the fall together? Have you signed up for “Music (ed) Matters” Patreon Teacher PD Week? The first week of August is right around the corner, we hope you can join us! During Teacher PD Week, you’ll get a whole week of extra episodes daily, virtual real-time meetups daily, and access to the content, both audio and video sessions ALL-YEAR! Episodes and real-time sessions will include topics such as vocal techniques for changing voices for both male and female voices, methods for new perspectives on sequencing both in-person and virtual, business management resources to get your space organized, advocacy, and recruitment strategies, and more! Sign-up today at Patreon.com/musicedmatters or check our flyers and infographics on social media (@DrEmmmyB and Facebook/EmilyWilliamsBurch). We hope to see you there!

Links from Episode:

Robyn Lana Bio http://www.cincinnatichoir.org/bio-robyn-reeves-lana-2/

“Music (ed) Matters” Patreon Teacher PD Week Patreon.com/musicedmatters

*Theme music adapted from a score by Todd Monsell

**Photgraphs provided by Dan Biggerstaff Photography