“There is a harmony in autumn, and a luster in its sky, which through the summer is not heard or seen, as if it could not be, as if it had not been!” Percy Bysshe Shelley I love autumn. The golden slant of the sunshine, the rich, beautiful colors of the trees, the crisp and […]
Choral Ethics
Choral Ethics: October Ghost Story
“As a child I loved ghost stories.” Rebecca Hall During the remainder of October, we’re revisiting some of the staple issues of Choral Ethics. I’ve written a BUNCH about each which remain at the center of Choral Ethics. Today’s Choral Ethics dilemma is perfect for a late October day. Jacob* contacted me with what he […]
Choral Ethics: Following Through
“You are not only responsible for what you say, but also for what you do not say.” Martin Luther During the remainder of October, we’re revisiting some of the staple issues of Choral Ethics. I’ve written a BUNCH about each of these subjects which remain at the center of Choral Ethics. Today we speak of […]
Choral Ethics: Leaving a Mess
“You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.” Ralph Waldo Emerson During the remainder of October, we’re revisiting some of the staple issues of Choral Ethics. I’ve written a BUNCH about each of these subjects and they remain at the center of Choral Ethics. Today […]
Choral Ethics: Under Pressure
“Nothing gives one person so much advantage over another as to remain always cool and unruffled under all circumstances.” Thomas Jefferson How do you handle pressure? Do you get flustered or angry or numb? Do you become unhappy with everything (and everyone) around you, no matter if it’s what you asked for in the first […]
The Conductor as Yogi: Lead with Ahimsa
“Structural flaws can cause harm to individuals; conversely, conceptually sound and ably administered institutions can build people and enrich society. All too often we seem to disregard this important influence that institutions can have on people.” Robert K. Greenleaf How do we frame our work? As conductors, we have an overarching belief system that guides […]

