I love “Messiah”. Truth be told, it is probably my favorite large choral work. There’s a little something for everyone–from show piece arias to choruses that are both difficult and poignant to recitatives that move the story along while being musically interesting. The story that is told, using scriptures from both the Old and New […]
Autism & Disability
Choral Potpourri: I Don’t Know How She Does It
“If you want something done, ask a busy person to do it. The more things you do, the more you can do.” Lucille Ball What with reading the Chorus America report for my Blog and my birthday fast approaching on Sunday, I’ve been doing a bit of soul searching lately. So indulge me if you […]
Choral Potpourri: Autism Awareness Month
“Autism is part of who I am.” Temple Grandin “Mrs. Amenta, we have to be kind to those poor parents. They have children with autism and have no hope.” For some reason, Dr. Marguerite’s* comment just ticked me off. This was about 18 years ago and I was the president of a local chapter of […]
Choral Potpourri: Choral Ethics; Bein’ Highfalutin
“It is impossible, in our condition of Society, not to be sometimes a Snob.” William Makepeace Thackeray Recently, I’ve become aware I am being referred to as Highfalutin, an Elitist, and a Snob. All those things are, apparently, bad things. In my own work, I suppose I am a bit highfalutin with my repertoire choices. […]
Choral Potpourri: Shut Up and Sing; Things I’d Like to Say to My Choirs, But Don’t
“Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others. If you have that awareness, you have good manners, no matter what fork you use.” Emily Post Beginning next week and the rest of the month of May, we will explore a Choral Ethics way of looking at the hiring—and firing—of choral directors. […]
Choral Potpourri: A Silent Wood; in Observance of National Autism Awareness Month
“Use what talents you possess: the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.” Henry Van Dyke I am delighted ACDA has taken the position of encouraging choirs for all; all ages and all abilities. I have a very good reason for being happy because I […]