“There is nothing more difficult for a truly creative painter than to paint a rose, because before he can do so he has first to forget all the roses that were ever painted.” Henri Matisse I am creative. Whether I am programming a concert or making a meal, I can’t help but be a bit […]
Choral Potpourri: Choral Ethics; Rolling With the Punches
“When I wished to sing of love, it turned to sorrow. And when I wished to sing of sorrow, it was transformed for me into love.” Franz Schubert Shawna* emailed me about a week ago. She originally emailed me earlier this summer. We were “back and forthing” about a situation she found herself in and, […]
Choral Potpourri: Choral Ethics; Practice. Again. And Again.
“No art is less spontaneous than mine. What I do is the result of reflection and the study of the great masters.” Edgar Degas “That was lovely! So effortless and fun.” “What beautiful singing. They just opened their mouths and out it came!” “Your choir sings so well. Do they ever practice together?” How many […]
Choral Potpourri: Choral Ethics; Planting the Seeds of Reputation
“Unless a tree has borne blossoms in spring, you will vainly look for fruit on it in autumn.” Walter Scott We in academia (or those following a choral year) plant our seeds in the fall, watch our ensembles begin to blossom in winter and early spring and harvest our fruit (concerts or the end of […]
Choral Potpourri: Choral Ethics; A Reputation to Be Proud Of
What we do belongs to what we are; and what we are is what becomes of us.” Henry Van Dyke I have to confess; I finally am comfortable with who, and what, I am and my reputation. But it’s only within the last fifteen years I have been able to say that. My speaking voice […]
Choral Potpourri: Choral Ethics; What Will Your Reputation Be This Year?
“America’s future will be determined by the home and the school. The child becomes largely what he is taught; hence we must watch what we teach, and how we live.” Jane Addams Are you happy with your reputation? Is this something you planned to “be” or is this something that just happened? Is your particular […]