(An excerpt from the Choral Journal article, “The Role of the Choral Conductor,” by Charles Hirt) The composer first transmits his musical image to the conductor through the medium of the music score. The conductor in turn recreates this image as faithfully as possible in his own mind, and communicates it to his […]
CJ Replay: Choral Music and Social Change
(An excerpt from the Choral Journal article, “Choral Music: A Force in Social Change,” by Alfred J. McNeil ) During the decade just past, we have gotten used to seeing the world divided into two parts-the developed and the underdeveloped. To bring this closer, the ghetto and suburbia have become America’s two worlds. […]
CJ Replay: Working Together for the Good of Singing
(An excerpt from the Choral Journal article, “Working Relationships of the Choral Director and the Singing Teacher,” by Robert E. Bowles) Singers, whether as soloists or as choristers, are forever engaged in communicating text, often of profound import, which has been enhanced by and further revealed through its musical setting. The soloist becomes […]
Monday Motivation: Balance Your Life, Too
For the first “Monday Motivation” of the new choral season, it seems appropriate for us all to be reminded of the incredible value of BALANCE amid the swirling maelstrom that will greet us each day in the coming ten months. And for those who refuse to believe that it is the little things that are […]
The Power of Singing
During the crush of the academic year we are pulled in more directions than is perhaps healthy. Too many things compete for our limited attention, time, and resources. Some are necessary. Some are worthwhile. While others are neither. As choral conductors and lovers of the choral art, we should turn aside from the noise […]
ACDA Again Dodges Damage
May 31, 2013, 10:00 p.m. CDT. For the second week in a row, devastating weather has pummeled Oklahoma City, home of the National Office of the American Choral Directors Association. At this time, the ACDA staff are all well and the facility is undamaged. We appreciate the many texts, e-mails, and calls received from our […]