Ramona M. Wis “By contentment, supreme joy is gained” Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra II.42 Writing about gratitude and contentment as we near Thanksgiving is not particularly original. Yet, this year, it may be more challenging than ever to be grateful or content when so much of our lives has been upended. At the outset, let me say […]
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The Power of Purposeful Collaboration: A 1000-Mile Collaboration between RISE Chorales (Savannah, GA) and Lawrence Community Girl Choir (Appleton, WI), including Composer Matt Carlson (Gettysburg, PA)
By Karen L. Bruno and Dr. Emily Williams Burch In a year during which many of us have experienced deep divisions and conflict, purposeful collaboration can be a balm that pulls us together. As teacher-conductors, many of us have spent hours on Zoom meetings and webinars sharing best practices, learning from one another, and building […]
Travel with the Non-Auditioned Choir – Part 1: Getting Started
By Patricia Guth Traveling may be the furthest thing from your mind right now. Or it may be at the forefront of your thinking. If you’re like me – an extrovert with a fantastic case of wanderlust – you’ve probably figured out that in your spare time (and there’s plenty of it) you’ve had time […]
The Conductor as Yogi: A Meditation for Singers
Ramona M. Wis We are nearing the end of a year that will forever remain in our minds, our hearts, and our personal narratives. A year that, when we look back, will be that slowly unfolding “moment” where we dug deep, fought a relentless pandemic, considered serious questions and made important decisions, found new skills and […]
The Friday Principle
By Mark Lawley One Friday many years ago I was going about my teaching with extra enthusiasm and zest. I moved from class to class, from lesson to lesson, with a heightened sense of exuberance! All of a sudden I paused to consider why I was so energized. I came to the realization that the […]
The Conductor as Yogi: Action as Agency
By Ramona M. Wis Rise Up! There shall never be another season of silence. Deepen your sympathy, then convert it to action. Pray every single second of your life, not on your knees but with your work. Think your best thoughts, Speak your best words, Do your best work. There is so much yet to […]