“Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.” Plato Why do we love music? And why make it our life’s work? I’ve been pondering this question as I organize some of my ChoralNetters favorite holiday […]
Choral Culture
Choral Ethics: Calming the Waters
“Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.” Saint Francis de Sales It has been a difficult ten days or so for most of us in the United States. No matter your views, no […]
Choral Ethics: The Ladder of Success
“My life is an open pamphlet.” Bob Fosse Most of you know, my Dad passed away at the age of 96 this past February 29. And most of you also know he was a Master Dance Pedagogue, as well as Bob Fosse’s vaudeville partner. I have shared some of his Show Biz Wisdoms here before […]
Choral Ethics: Know Your Singers and Yourself
“The wise musicians are those who play what they can master.” Duke Ellington How many times in your career have you regretted your repertoire choices? Was it early in your career or just recently? Why did you regret your programming? Was it too high a reach, as far as difficulty, for your ensemble? Were your […]
Choral Ethics; What Would You Do?
“Initiative is doing the right thing without being told.” Victor Hugo ChoralNetter correspondents email me questions but seem to already know the answer. They know what is right and what is wrong, they just want to be given permission to do what is right. I’ve written about this before and today I’d like your input […]
Choral Ethics: Chorus Cults
“I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion.” Alexander the Great During the last month or so, I’ve gotten a few emails from ChoralNetters about something that can be defined as “Choral Cults.” I’ve written two blogs about […]