Podcasting has recently become very popular, and I had been thinking that it could be a wonderful medium for directors to learn about the lives and stories of the people who do what we do. So, I've been traveling around the country (and soon to Sweden), interviewing choir conductors about their lives and work. I sit down with them for about an hour and we talk about their journey as directors, their philosophies, the art form itself, and whatever else comes to mind. Conversations are casual, honest, and almost always include some fun and laughter. I really enjoy making these podcasts, so much so that it's not really work, and I hope you will enjoy listening to them as much as I do putting them together. You can read more about the genesis of the podcast here.
Over the rest of the year I will be continuing to blog here, as I have in the past, under the column title "Choral History." I'll also be posting episodes of Choral History as they become available on iTunes. You can read my posts, as well as listen to new episodes, and we can talk about both in the comments section of this blog. I think it will enrich the discussion here, and will provide some great opportunities for engagement.
In my most recent episode, just published today, I do what so many of us have wanted to, or been lucky enough to do (or even been the person on the other side), and that is to sit down and talk to my former high school choir director, Doree Jarboe. It's a wonderful coming home, and I learn a lot about her, and myself, that I didn't know. We talk about her upbringing, her journey as a director, and delve into some of the choices she made along the way. I must admit I got a little misty eyed toward the end, as Doree is the #1 reason I got into this profession. It's a fun, interesting, and warm-hearted interview with a class act director. I hope you'll all give it a listen and post your feedback. You can listen at the website, on iTunes, or just right here in this post:
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