“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 […]
Choral Ethics
Choral Ethics: A Sad Season
“Grief is the price we pay for love.” Queen Elizabeth II The last two years, or so, have been very difficult for me. I have shared what has happened to me with a few people, but not here on ChoralNet (or anywhere on Social Media except a few select places) though I feel I could […]
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 they know 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 […]
Choral Ethics: A New Choral Year
“Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.” George Eliot We start this Fall, as we do most Falls, with a clean slate for our choral programs. School has been in session for a few weeks, our community […]
Choral Ethics: It’s Our TENTH Anniversary!
“Unless a tree has borne blossoms in spring, you will vainly look for fruit on it in autumn.” Sir Walter Scott Happy anniversary to US! It is hard to believe, but I have been writing the Choral Ethics blog every week since the Fall of 2015 when Scott Dorsey asked me to become a regular […]