2 months to the day after completing our singing week at Wells Cathedral (25th-31st) I’ve received a thank you note from Canon Featherstone; I thought I’d share it with you.
It’s quite impersonal, and not particularly sincere. Actually, given the time lag, it’s the sort of letter that would be better not sent at all!
If the author is reading this, and if in the future you wish to convey sincere thanks to a group of musicians for giving of their time and talents, may I — in the politest of terms — suggest:
- attempt to write a little sooner after the event, say within the week — or at most fortnight — but not eight weeks later.
- comment on something that made an impression, stood out etc (dramatic psalms singing, repertoire choices, versatility) so they aren’t left thinking they sounded like any other forgettable visiting choir
- if you’re going to write it from a template at least try and disguise it (”thank you for singing the services on the above dates”).
And if you have indeed read this, I shall expect not to be booked to sing at Wells in the near future!
September 7th, 2009 at 11:52 am
Blimey! I’ll make sure I never have to thank you for anything Tim - I’d hate to get it wrong…
September 17th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
Sarah,
Dig duly noted!
Perhaps I haven’t made my point clear. I’m sure gratitude between friends has a whole other set of unspoken etiquette I wouldn’t deign to have such opinions on.
But professionally, I think that people in positions of influence/authority/leadership/seniority (not to mention privilege) have an obligation to offer meaningful and genuine praise (and indeed criticism) to those ‘under’ them, where its due. And in a timely way. This is a spectacular FAIL on all counts and just thought it deserved exposing!
But perhaps I’ve been a bit harsh; he was after all the only member of chapter to offer some thanks of any substance during the week itself.
T