Part of any job interview for conductors involves directing a mock rehearsal so the potential employer and the ensemble can see your working style, pace, and problem-solving ability. It was during just such an interview for a church choir gig that my budding musician self informed the choir (after a particularly gnarly passage): “Ordinarily, I would tackle this by having sectional rehearsals.” Well, I guess my nerves got the better of me because instead of saying “sectional,” the word “sexual” came out of my mouth. I was mortified, but quickly made some crack about that being one way to bolster choir membership.

By the way… I got the job, and it covered my rent through some mighty lean grad school years. Always keep your sense of humor.