At least once a year I review my original mission statement for this blog: “The Conductor as Yogi blog will explore mindfulness, wellness, inspirational writings, and classic yoga philosophy and practice to encourage readers towards greater wholeness in their professional and personal lives. The Conductor as Yogi is an authentic, conversational approach to finding one’s […]
Leadership
Leading Voices: From the Rehearsal Room to Independent Learning
Recently, our district asked each content area to meet, discuss, and submit a plan for teaching our students how to study and prepare for local and state exams. My initial reaction was to roll my eyes and view this request as just another example of something that applies to other subjects and not to music […]
The Conductor as Yogi: Rest in Goodness
Rest—real rest—can be elusive. With our ever-thinking minds, busy schedules, and life’s shifting terrain, we can find ourselves unable to really settle into a fully relaxed state. To release physical, emotional, psychological holding. To sleep well. To feel restored rather than just OK. In many ways, experiencing a state of deep rest is our greatest […]
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 […]
The Conductor as Yogi: Finish Strong
You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength. Marcus Aurelius (2nd century Stoic philosopher) We are in the final stages of the academic year and concert season, starting to feel the call of spring and summer when we have a little more space, some time to breathe, […]
How to Commission a New Piece for Your Choir (It’s easier than you might think!) – Part 2
By D. Geoffrey Bell Today’s post is part 2 of a two-part post. Part 1 was published on Tuesday, March 15. SUCCESSFUL COMMISSIONING EXPERIENCES To broaden and deepen my understanding beyond my own personal experiences, I asked a selection of fellow composers and conductors to give me their thoughts about the key elements to successful […]