I love “Messiah”. Truth be told, it is probably my favorite large choral work. There’s a little something for everyone–from show piece arias to choruses that are both difficult and poignant to recitatives that move the story along while being musically interesting. The story that is told, using scriptures from both the Old and New […]
Choral Potpourri: Last Man Standing
Dad (Charles Grass) on left, Bob Fosse on right, age 12 as “The Riff Brothers” “If you think you can do better, then do better. Don’t compete with anyone; just yourself.” Bob Fosse Today is my father’s 90th birthday. He is still with us, still sharp as a tack, still very independent and still telling […]
Choral Potpourri: Choral Ethics; # Women (And Men) Choral Conductors Too
“Though the sex to which I belong is considered weak you will nevertheless find me a rock that bends to no wind.” Queen Elizabeth I From the very beginning of writing my regular Blog, I have debated whether Choral Ethics should address sexual harassment issues. And almost from the beginning of my writing Choral Potpourri, […]
Choral Potpourri: Choral Ethics; Thanksgiving Day Blog
“I am grateful for what I am and have. My thanksgiving is perpetual.” Henry David Thoreau As I begin preparations to cook another huge Thanksgiving Day meal, I am more thankful than usual this year. It’s been a rough fall for our family but things are looking a bit better. My spouse had a health […]
Choral Potpourri: Choral Ethics; Nice Things
“This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things!” “The Simpsons” As I began to write this blog to describe Monique’s * story, I had no clue how to finish it. It’s a bit of an unusual situation but I bet many of you have dealt with something similar. You may not have known you had […]
Choral Potpourri: Choral Ethics; Yet Another Choral Ethics “Thank you” Blog
“‘Thank you’ is the best prayer that anyone could say. I say that one a lot. Thank you expresses extreme gratitude, humility, understanding.” Alice Walker If you regularly read the newspaper or online versions of “Dear Abby” or “Miss Manners” or “Ask Amy”, you are certain to read a letter or two (or three or […]