“Love takes up where knowledge leaves off.” Thomas Aquinas As I write this, the world has gone crazy. We are worried about COVID-19, about cancelling rehearsals, concerts and worship services. We are all frightened and angry and a bit lost. We worry about our loved ones, our own health and our profession. Many of us […]
Leadership
Choral Potpourri/Choral Ethics: I Wish I Could
“It is not enough just to wish well; we must also do well.” Saint Ambrose Like people in all walks of life, I am often stretched thin by requests. From my spouse and children, from my choir and professional colleagues, from community and art organizations I support; I am often overwhelmed. No one thinks twice […]
Choral Potpourri/Choral Ethics: As Lent Begins
“Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” Francis of Assisi Last week, we finished our Mark Twain February inspirations. For March, I thought quotes from a few Saints might help get us on the right track for the month. Those of us with church positions began […]
Choral Potpourri/Choral Ethics: Making Do
“Let us not be too particular; it is better to have old secondhand diamonds than none at all.” Mark Twain We try to uphold our high standards, but occasionally all we can do is get through. Whether it’s a concert or a rehearsal or an event of some sort we had planned for thoroughly and […]
Choral Potpourri/Choral Ethics: Excuses,Excuses!
“Martyrdom covers a multitude of sins.” Mark Twain “The concert is going to be awful; why can’t singers come to rehearsal?” “The board expects perfection, and then hires a sub-par accompanist.” “Concert attendance will be down tomorrow, we’re expecting snow.” Have you ever felt like you needed an excuse for your concert’s outcome? Three ChoralNetters […]
Choral Potpourri/Choral Ethics: What Should We Do About Self-Promotion?
“There are basically two types of people. People who accomplish things, and people who claim to have accomplished things. The first group is less crowded.” Mark Twain Our profession has two schools of thought about self-promotion. The first school we all claim to belong to believes we shouldn’t self-promote. The other school of thought is […]