We’re here at the beginning of another season, and I’ve seen so many posts on the ACDA Facebook group asking for help with a small choir: a new elementary school group with fewer than 20 voices meeting only 45 minutes a week, a youth choir of around 10 voices, a community college with 4 students […]
My Most Meaningful Mentor
I am fortunate to have had many meaningful mentors, but it was Dr. Dee Romines who set me on my career path. Currently on faculty at Hardin-Simmons University, I knew him as Mr. Romines, director of the Academy choirs at Punahou School in Honolulu, HI. Choir was my Thing, and it happened at 7:30 […]
Don’t Wait to Make Art
When I attend a concert, I expect to hear music. And when I attend a concert at an ACDA conference, I expect to hear excellent music. I did not expect Tim Lautzenheiser. I did not expect to be accosted with positivity. To be delighted to laughter and touched to tears. To be vehemently […]
Great Pieces Deserve a Second Performance
New choral music is important, and its promotion and support equally so. A premiere is often the focus of a concert, and there are ensembles that specialize in premiering new choral works. But what happens to those pieces after the first performance? How do we find them to give them another voice? PROJECT : […]
Get Creative with Creative Commons
When a post called “PSA: Don’t Let Salami and Google Images Get You In Hot Water” from Edublogs flitted across my Facebook feed, I was tempted. Who doesn’t like salami? But it was more than the desire for a tasty snack that made me click the link. In all of my many jobs, I […]
QR & U
"QR" – two letters of the alphabet. "QR Code" – those square bar codes. Quick Response codes (ah…Quick Response!) are EVERYWHERE these days. You scan them with your smartphone and woosh! you are transported to a website with more information about the product. From Kellogg's to the US Marines, it seems everyone is getting […]