“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 […]
Church Choir
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 […]
Choral Potpourri/Choral Ethics: What’s So Great?
“Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.” William Shakespeare Early in the Pandemic, I wrote a blog about those of you who were overwhelmed by how “well” many of your friends and acquaintances were doing. Those “Virtue Signaling” and “Humble Bragging” folks who seemed to have it all […]
Choral Potpourri/Choral Ethics: Looking Inward
“It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves.” William Shakespeare Like many of you, during these past 20 months, I’ve done much self-reflection. I constantly questioned myself, hoping answers will lead me to understand myself. What kind of person and choral leader am I, or do I WANT to be? […]
Choral Potpourri.Choral Ethics: Putting In the Work
“Unless a tree has borne blossoms in spring, you will vainly look for fruit on it in autumn.” Walter Scott Denise* contacted me in August with a strange story, but one I’ve heard before. We’ve gone back and forth, but now I’d like to ask your opinion. Her dilemma/question is this—should she re-interview/re-audition for a […]
Choral Potpourri/Choral Ethics: Success, I Guess
“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of the intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the beauty in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden […]