One of the most exciting people on the choral scene in Portland is Ethan Sperry, who just completed his first year as director of choral activities at Portland State University. Sperry’s first year included exceptional concerts of music by Morten Lauridsen with Lauridsen in attendance (and on stage) plus a first-ever PSU choral alumni concert […]

By Rich Freedman   SOLANO, CA — Kristy Juliano quickly realized the difference between all those choirs she directed at St. Patrick-St. Vincent High School — and taking over the reins of the Solano Choral Society at Solano Community College. The former is, naturally, replete with teenagers. The latter? Teenagers could be grandchildren of some […]

BLYTHEVILLE, AR   Dr. Keith Hearnsberger has joined the faculty of Arkansas Northeastern College as the director of choral activities. His duties will include conducting the ANC Concert Singers, Women’s Choir, Chamber Singers and the ANC Community Choir. A native of southeast Arkansas, Hearnsberger comes to Arkansas Northeastern College after completing his music and educational […]

It’s back to school season, so The Takeaway is doing a special series on educational issues in America. Many school districts are facing deep budget cuts, while also feeling the pressure to raise student achievement. That puts a lot of pressure on teachers, students, and administrators alike. Today, two students whose school choir lost funding due to budget cuts […]

At the conclusion of an August 31 concert at Castel Gandolfo, Pope Benedict XVI observed: “Music is a privileged language for communicating the Church’s faith.” Pope Benedict spoke after a performance of sacred music organized by Cardinal Domenico Bartolucci, the retired director of the Sistine Chapel choir. After thanking the performers, the Pope offered a […]

By Sarah Childress   Chorus sings spirituals down in South America. 26 American gospel: an inspiration in Argentina (Rick Diamond/Getty Images) Check out this heart-warming video of Argentina’s first gospel choir. The members — men and women — sing in English, and try to emulate the sound, style and moves of American gospel choirs. They […]