Rock around the clock… Ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog… Lollipop, lollipop… Crawfish pie, filé gumbo—just a few of the iconic lyrics of the 1940s and 50s, a Golden Age of music! While we all weren’t coming of age during that time period, we all have experienced our own “Golden Decade” or two in our […]
Advocacy, Collaborations, Billie Eilish, and a Choir Movie!
What are you currently doing to attract singers and grow your choir? What are you telling folks to get them to join you in a singing community? We talked in last month’s blog about communicating the value of choir, especially outside of musical circles – the “business of choir” per se. This week we continue […]
Crash Course in the “Business of Choir” – and Advocacy & Collaboration Curated Post
Picture the eager undergrad. Just starting freshman year, a nervous excitement envelops them as they begin their first day of coursework. Ahead of them lies a colorful, four-year list of classes. Courses in conducting, teaching methods, and applied voice top the charts. The path to being a choir director is taking shape! Fast forward several […]
Using Values-Based Messaging in Your Advocacy with Liza Beth of Chorus America
Have you heard of MasterClass, an online collection of classes featuring an amazing line-up of famous folks? They hooked me when I saw they had a class by Bill Nye (the science guy) and Amanda Gorman. Months later, who knew I needed to know how to become a ninja or learn how to make electronic […]
Best. Interview. Ever! “Doing whatever it takes” with Superstar Deke Sharon
Imagine walking onto the set of a potentially epic movie with a seemingly large task ahead of you: create an “award winning” choir out of a collection of humans, none of which have ever sung in choir, in one month, with one hour of rehearsal a day. Go! Daunting? Fun? A bit intimidating? But possible […]
Legislative Update and Actions We Can Take Now Based on the Recent National Arts Action Summit
Teachers. Choir director. Singer. Manager. Stage crew. These are just a few of the many hats we all learn to wear as choral educators. The thought of adding another task to our list often seems daunting, and a little intimidating, especially when it includes words like “legislation,” “Capitol Hill,” “lobbyist,” or other congressional lingo. In […]