“Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others. If you have that awareness, you have good manners, no matter what fork you use.” Emily Post Beginning next week and the rest of the month of May, we will explore a Choral Ethics way of looking at the hiring—and firing—of choral directors. […]
Choral Potpourri: A Silent Wood; in Observance of National Autism Awareness Month
“Use what talents you possess: the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.” Henry Van Dyke I am delighted ACDA has taken the position of encouraging choirs for all; all ages and all abilities. I have a very good reason for being happy because I […]
Choral Potpourri: Plan for the Unexpected…or Else!
“ In preparing for battle I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable. ” Dwight D. Eisenhower We plan and plan and plan but things often happen we have no plans for or control over, so how do we recover and not have them happen again? My friend, Gigi*, recently sent […]
Choral Potpourri: An Original
“I invented my life by taking for granted that everything I did not like would have an opposite, which I would like.” Coco Chanel At ACDA Central, I had the most interesting and delightful conversations with a young choral director, Hannah*. We both have founded choruses unique for our communities and have much in […]
Choral Potpourri: Busy Times
“He, who every morning plans the transactions of the day, and follows that plan, carries a thread that will guide him through a labyrinth of the most busy life.” Victor Hugo I am sure you are busy. In fact, I know you are busy this week. This week, Holy Week is the distillation of all […]
Choral Potpourri: Do No Harm
“I will prescribe regimens for the good of my patients according to my ability and my judgment and never do harm to anyone.” Hippocratic Oath Last week, I mentioned speaking with nine people at the ACDA Central Conference about Choral Ethics. I spoke with all sorts of choral folk; Choir Moms, college professors, singers, students […]