Choirs are not a democracy. Yes, we want to empower our students, but we are still in charge. If we are in charge, shouldn’t we be responsible for the students who work for us? Student officers represent us and they represent our ensemble members. Here is an approach that allows the RIGHT […]
Choral Clarity
My 3-year-old Son Could Be Considered Tone-Deaf!
My 3-year-old Son Could Be Considered Tone-Deaf! I have an adorable video to share of my son, Nolan, singing L-O-V-E by Nat King Cole. As you will hear, the correct pitches are rarely to be found. But, there is a clear reason why this is occurring: Young girls have the opportunity to successfully […]
Concert Success without Stress: Singers Take Ownership!
As you approach your spring concert season: Do you feel the PRESSURE starting to mount? Do you feel the STRESS of making your concert successful. Does this tension impact your demeanor in rehearsals? Do you feel like YOU care more about the concert than your singers? Well, if any of […]
How to Nail Your Choir Rehearsal Observation!
Getting observed can be really stressful, even for seasoned teachers. When an authority figure is watching us, it can easily affect the way we deliver our intended lesson. I want to help you to NAIL your OBSERVATION each and every time. The most important thing regarding an observation is understanding your observer’s viewpoint. What is […]
The Conductor as Yogi: The To-Be List
“To know yourself as the Being underneath the thinker, the stillness underneath the mental noise, the love and joy underneath the pain, is freedom, salvation, enlightenment.” Eckhart Tolle It’s concert day. My to-do list has been updated regularly and I check it once, then twice (OK, more than that), to be sure all is in […]
Choir Senioritis…….11 Ways To Minimize the Symptoms
Does your entire choir SUFFER from choir senioritis? Are your choir seniors RUINING your rehearsals with their NEGATIVE attitudes? I have news for you….this IS avoidable If we want to avoid the senior burnout, apathy, and negativity, we must make the final months MEANINGFUL FOR THEM. SENIORITIS IS REVERSIBLE, just like poor behavior in the […]