This post is a reprint of one featured back in April. Chief among the things that differentiate choral music from instrumental music is the use of text. I spend a lot of time reminding my choirs of this, as I am sure many of you do. Because it is our job to convey textual meaning […]
Music Within Reach: Arrangements for SAB and Three-Part Mixed
I used to be snobby about arrangements of classic choral works. I have always been taught to seek out the most authentic editions, voicings, and keys of pieces, and I still believe in that notion. However, when I got out into the real world and began teaching middle school and beginning high school choir—usually with […]
Music Within Reach: Accessible Pieces for Single-Gender Choirs
Sometimes choral pieces look much more difficult at first glance than they really are. The voicing might look daunting (SSAA, TTBB) or maybe the spread of parts across the page is intimidating. But sometimes a piece can actually be much more accessible than you initially think. This week’s post will look at two pieces for […]
Music Within Reach: The Case for Accessibility
Much of this week’s post is excerpted from the first installment of Music Within Reach, but I feel compelled from time to time to remind myself of why I am on a crusade for accessibility in choral music. The following, for me, sums it up. There is no shortage of stellar choral programs in this country. Like […]
Music Within Reach: Programming for December
I often find myself thinking that there is an overabundance of choral music out there for December, Christmas, and winter. This may be true, but experience has taught me that finding the perfect pieces that fit all of our needs—performance-based, educational, accessibility—is no easy task. If you find yourself in this boat, this post is […]
Music Within Reach: Galuppi
Baldassare Galuppi (1706-1785), if remembered at all, is largely known today for his early comic operas. However, he was employed as maestro di cappella at St. Mark’s in Venice for many years and also worked at one of the infamous Ospedali in Venice, as did Vivaldi, Lotti, and many others. Thanks to these posts, Galuppi […]