“Christmas is a season not only of rejoicing but of reflection.” Winston Churchill In two days, it will be Christmas Eve and three days until Christmas Day. Your plans have been made for months if you’re anything like me. But this is the Christmas of 2022, so you probably have a “Plan B” if […]
Church Choir
Choral Potpourri/Choral Ethics: Adversity
“The friend in my adversity I shall always cherish most. I can better trust those who helped to relieve the gloom of my dark hours than those who are so ready to enjoy with me the sunshine of my prosperity.” Ulysses S. Grant As September winds down, we will deal with a few more Choral […]
Choral Potpourri/Choral Ethics: A Busy Holy Week
“He, who every morning plans the transactions of the day, and follows that plan, carries a thread that will guide him through a labyrinth of the most busy life.” Victor Hugo NOTE: I wrote this piece a few years ago and it hasn’t been appropriate to run it again until now. Most of us are […]
Choral Potpourri/Choral Ethics: Divas I Have Known
“Being the Queen is not all about singing, and being a diva is not all about singing. It has much to do with your service to people. And your social contributions to your community and your civic contributions as well.” Aretha Franklin Just as things are getting back to “normal-ish,” things REALLY are getting back […]
Choral Potpourri/Choral Ethics: On Time
“Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you.” Carl Sandburg Trudy* began a very nice church job last fall. Wonderful clergy, wonderful congregation, and wonderful choir. There’s only […]
Choral Potpourri/Choral Ethics: Doing No Wrong
“Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none.” William Shakespeare In one of my first church choir jobs, I had a strange experience I’d like to share. Perhaps those of you in leadership will be able to use it as a cautionary tale. Many of you may be able to relate or you can […]