By Dr. Tim Westerhaus Are you burned-out? Exhausted? Feeling behind or inadequate as our choral programs are smaller in numbers or skills in this year of emerging-from-the-pandemic? How can we intentionally rebuild our programs, and where can we find the energy to do so? How can we honor this stage of our journey (for ourselves […]
Advocacy & Collaboration
“Talk It Out” – An Advocacy & Collaboration Curated Blog
By Dr. Riikka Pietiläinen-Caffrey “Research as practice” is a term usually applied to performance arts in Europe. It’s a process where an artist-scholar (in this case a musician) explores and experiments with a topic. The end result is a concert or performance instead of an academic paper. It’s also a great way to find collaborative […]
Difficult Conversations: A Path Toward Positive Outcomes
By Alex Gartner Let’s play a game. The rules are simple: hold up five fingers. Ready? Put a finger down if you’ve ever received a scathing email. Put a finger down if you’ve ever been yelled at over the phone. Put a finger down if a parent or supervisor has raised their voice in your […]
Advocacy, Collaborations, Billie Eilish, and a Choir Movie!
What are you currently doing to attract singers and grow your choir? What are you telling folks to get them to join you in a singing community? We talked in last month’s blog about communicating the value of choir, especially outside of musical circles – the “business of choir” per se. This week we continue […]
Crash Course in the “Business of Choir” – and Advocacy & Collaboration Curated Post
Picture the eager undergrad. Just starting freshman year, a nervous excitement envelops them as they begin their first day of coursework. Ahead of them lies a colorful, four-year list of classes. Courses in conducting, teaching methods, and applied voice top the charts. The path to being a choir director is taking shape! Fast forward several […]
Using Values-Based Messaging in Your Advocacy with Liza Beth of Chorus America
Have you heard of MasterClass, an online collection of classes featuring an amazing line-up of famous folks? They hooked me when I saw they had a class by Bill Nye (the science guy) and Amanda Gorman. Months later, who knew I needed to know how to become a ninja or learn how to make electronic […]