A couple weeks ago in a Choral Caffeine column, we commented that the average choral conductor’s “appetite for new music verges on rapacious.” The column went on to highlight the Choral Public Domain Library (CPDL.org) as a treasure trove of great choral repertoire. A friend e-mailed to disagree, saying, “Old music is just that […]
It’s About the Phrase: The Long and Short of It
GUEST BLOG: “The Importance of Youth in our Future” by Amanda Quist
The Importance of Youth in Our Future by Amanda Quist The next time you are in a high school or college choral rehearsal, look around you: seated somewhere is the next president, your future CEO, the next Alice Parker or Robert Shaw. The future of choral music in America is being shaped right now […]
Stick Time: Just Sing
Choral music is by definition not necessarily a visual art form. Thus, many of us are intrigued by creative, visually stimulating choral presentations. Occasionally, though, one wonders if all of the dancing, formations, drums, streamers, and assorted falderal are really there to enhance the inherent beauty of the art. There is something to be […]
How About a Freebie?
The election is over . . . yet my salary remains stagnant and my taxes keep rising. Riding to the rescue are the good folks from Soundwaves with a little freebie to brighten your musical day! Go get some free music right now . . .
Stick Time: “Just” a Church Choir
During a recent conversation, a new acquaintance introduced himself as being “Just a church choir director.” Excuse me? Just a church choir director . . . !? Creating satisfying choral art with a college choir that meets five days a week is comparatively luxurious next to the herculean task of producing beautiful sounds […]