For choral conductors working in an academic setting, the winter break is a lot like halftime of a football game – our body may be in the locker room, but our brain is still on the field (at least it better be if we want to win). Though we’re enjoying a bit of a breather […]
Choral Caffeine: Great Moments
It’s December 21, four days until Christmas. The performances are winding down, grades are done, and we are all hungry for a moment of rest during a much-deserved winter break. Through the haze of fatigue, some among us might be wondering why one would stay in this nutty profession (and I admit to wondering if […]
Choral Caffeine: The High School Musical
Choral conductors are always thinking ahead – we don’t have a choice. While, yes, the holidays are upon us, many a choral colleague is already investing energy in the pending spring musical. Jacob Narverud, in his article “Preparing High School Musicals – A Beginning,” has a few thought to share in this regard. “Directing […]
Monday Motivation: Don’t Worry
Stick Time: Conducting Study 3
Today let’s look at a preparatory gesture and and an ictus. In this short example, there is absolutely no doubt HOW colleague wants the entrance to occur; nor can there be the slightest ambiguity about WHERE the attack is supposed to occur. Appropriately, the sound of the choir is every bit as assertive and muscular […]