“You cannot create experience. You must undergo it.” Albert Camus Last week I wrote about one of my favorite YCMs (Young Church Musician). This week I’d like to introduce you to one of my favorite Older Church Musicians…maybe Experienced Church Musician is a better way of describing him! Martin* and I have been friends […]
Choral Potpourri: Choral Ethics; Agonizing Over Mistakes
“Experience is simply the name we give our mistakes.” Oscar Wilde Daniel,*one of my favorite Young Church Musicians (YCM), has had a great church job for about five years. On the edge of the suburban community of a large city, the church appreciates him, his musicianship and his ability to get the choir singing. He’s […]
Choral Potpourri: Choral Ethics; Bein’ Highfalutin
“It is impossible, in our condition of Society, not to be sometimes a Snob.” William Makepeace Thackeray Recently, I’ve become aware I am being referred to as Highfalutin, an Elitist, and a Snob. All those things are, apparently, bad things. In my own work, I suppose I am a bit highfalutin with my repertoire choices. […]
Choral Potpourri: A Lesson in Creativity
“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 […]