By Odell Zeigler, IV “It doesn’t matter whether you are pursuing success in business, sports, the arts, or life in general: the bridge between wishing and accomplishing is discipline.” – Harvey Mackay I believe the above quote can serve as our epigraph for this blog and our overall commitment to fostering and developing music literacy […]
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The Conductor as Yogi: This Is Your Brain on Stress
One of the most common reasons people come to a yoga class is to de-stress. Stress is at the center of our modern lifestyles, so engaging in the physical practice of yoga, as well as the meditation, mindfulness, and breathing that are built into the eight-limbed yoga practice, go a long way to helping us […]
Raise Your Voice: Falling into October
This is the fifth blog post in a series: https://choralnet.org/archives/662762 Happy October! How ya’ doin’? My fall has been an absolute whirlwind of chaos and beauty. My ensemble numbers are finally rebounding and the enthusiasm of my students/singers is contagious! And fortunately, that’s been the only contagious thing! Excuse me while I knock on lots […]
Stillness: Crucial for Spiritual and Musical Depth
As a church musician, I believe that the confidence ensembles have makes a profound difference in their ability to lead worship. Part of that means knowing what choir needs. Sometimes that’s the appropriate technical information with ringing or singing; for example, a reminder about breathing for a vocal choir or flow in how a bell […]
The Conductor as Yogi: Letting Go
“Letting go” is hardly a surprising topic for a yoga blog. But for the conductor? Now there’s an interesting exploration. Letting go is central to yoga and other wisdom practices. We sit on the mat and focus on our breathing, letting go with each exhale. We consider the words of poets and sages, of scripture […]
Beginnings: Establishing Systems for a Smoothly Run Music Ministry
“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” James Clear This humbling and empowering quote is from a book called Atomic Habits by James Clear. From my experience, life is easier when systems are in place. For example, keeping an apartment, house, or workspace organized […]