“The key to the mystery of a great artist is that for reasons unknown, he will give away his energies and his life just to make sure that one note follows another… and leaves us with the feeling that something is right in the world.” Leonard Bernstein We all know Holy Week is the busiest […]
Choral Potpourri: Autism Awareness Month
“Autism is part of who I am.” Temple Grandin “Mrs. Amenta, we have to be kind to those poor parents. They have children with autism and have no hope.” For some reason, Dr. Marguerite’s* comment just ticked me off. This was about 18 years ago and I was the president of a local chapter of […]
Choral Potpourri: Choral Ethics; Skeptical of Good Behavior
“Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example.” Mark Twain Donald* tells me most people would not think he has a problem. In fact, most people would believe he’s the problem. Not me; I think he has a point. What’s all this about? Donald attended an arts event […]
Choral Potpourri: Choral Ethics; Not As Pleasant As She Thought
“Make yourself do unpleasant things so as to gain the upper hand of your soul.” W. E. B. Du Bois Donna* and I have been corresponding since late last fall. After a move, due to her spouse’s job, she found a church position. She began last August, 12 months after their move, contacting me within […]
Choral Potpourri: The Madness of March
“It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.” Charles Dickens I have to admit something; I am crazy about college basketball. And I came a bit late to the Big Dance. It wasn’t until […]
Choral Potpourri: Cinderella is Staying Home From the Ball
“He obliged Cinderella to sit down, and, putting the slipper to her little foot, he found it went on very easily, and fitted her as if it had been made of wax.” Charles Perrault I am not in Minnesota this week. I am here, in Chicago, doing a million and one things that somehow have […]