“Burning the candle at both ends” is a metaphor we know well. Through our school years, first jobs, perhaps raising children, second jobs, and navigating all that modern life requires of us, we find ourselves packing more and more into our day, even when we know it is not wise nor healthy . . . and […]
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The Conductor as Yogi: Take What You Need
My blog schedule this year has coincided more than once with concert weeks for me, which means as I sit down to write, I am absorbed with those tasks, thoughts, and emotions that emerge from peaking and sharing performances. Trying to clear space to think deep thoughts. Hmm. Maybe a different strategy is needed right now. I recall […]
Between the Staves: Choral Questions, Candid Answers
Between the Staves: Choral Questions, Candid Answers, is fresh take on the classic advice column—this time for all things choral music! Modeled after the beloved “Dear Sally” format, this blog will answer your questions about choral music education, performance, and leadership. Whether you’re curious about vocal technique, rehearsal tips, repertoire selection, or the “other” side […]
Choral Ethics Guest Blog: Regarding Women in Classical Music History
Choral Ethics has a Guest Blogger today. Benjamin Amenta is a keyboardist and composer based in the South Suburbs of Chicago. He is Dean of the Northwest Indiana Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. By Benjamin Amenta As part of my own observance for women’s history month this year, I would like to share […]
The Conductor as Yogi: Leading Towards Whole
“…Responsibility is a necessary condition for the wholeness and fullness of life, and he who cannot assume it may be denied the greatest opportunity which life offers to anyone: to be a whole person, to be right with the world, to belong.” Voices 12: Choosing Life With a Purpose by Robert K. Greenleaf When I wrote The […]
The Conductor as Yogi: Deep Processing
I’m a deep processor by nature. I think through most tasks and plans in a detailed way, use my foresight to the best of my ability and yes, sometimes take a long time making even a simple decision (please, no 8-page restaurant menus for me). Deep processing, I have read, is a sign of intelligence (I’ll […]