“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 […]
Choral Potpourri: Choral Ethics; Open Mouth, Insert Foot……and Baton!
“It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.” Mark Twain Jeremy* wrote to me a few weeks ago with an unusual problem. Or at least, he thinks it’s unusual. I don’t think it is. What’s the problem? He can’t […]
Choral Potpourri: Choral Ethics; Gossip for Good
“Gossip is the art of saying nothing in a way that leaves practically nothing unsaid.” Walter Winchell I hate gossip. In fact, I hate it so much when someone is spreading any ugly rumor; I refuse to acknowledge they’ve spoken. This doesn’t mean I don’t listen to gossip; I just refuse to join in the […]