“ 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 […]
Choral Potpourri: Are We Having Fun Yet?
“Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one.” Dr. Seuss I had fun at the ACDA Central Division’s conference last week. I saw old friends and colleagues, met some wonderful people, was introduced to a new technique or two as well as music I can use now and heard some outstanding choirs. I […]
Choral Potpourri: The Opposite
“The opposite of a fact is falsehood, but the opposite of one profound truth may very well be another profound truth.” Niles Bohr In January, I wrote a ChoralBlog Choral Ethics piece called “Scorched Earth,” about choral directors leaving a disaster for their replacements. Leo* contacted me soon after wanting to share his story. It […]