One of my favorite weeks of the year is attending the Music and Worship Conference sponsored by the Presbyterian Association of Musicians (PAM). This was my third year attending it and from June 25 – 30, it fed my soul and provided practical ideas that I can take back to my context at St. Andrew […]
Others
Choral Potpourri/Choral Ethics: Scorched Earth
“Let’s not be narrow, nasty, and negative.” T.S. Eliot This is a Choral Ethics Blog post repeat from several years ago. I need to slow down and plotting out the rest of the summer now seems like a smart idea. I try to be here, one way or another, every week because I know many […]
Choral Potpourri/Choral Ethics: Perfection is Over-Rated
This is a Choral Ethics Blog post repeat from several years ago. I need to slow down and plotting out the rest of the summer now seems like a smart idea. I try to be here, one way or another, every week because I know many of you look forward to this blog and […]
ChoralEd: Introducing Sight-Reading to New Students
In ChoralEd Episode 22, Bryce Gage discusses techniques for introducing sight-reading to new choral students. To begin, Mr. Gage utilizes Call and Response. Initially, this exercise should be performed on a neutral syllable using simple intervals. As student’s develop their listening skills and demonstrate their ability to match pitch, the exercise should be extended to […]
Choral Potpourri/Choral Ethics: Talking With Friends
“A single conversation across the table with a wise man is better than ten years mere study of books.” Henry Wadsworth Longfellow I’ve written quite a few times here about my conversations with choral friends, most of whom I’ve known for decades. Some of them have shared conversations with me they’ve had with their choral […]
A&C Monthly Blog: Encouraging Composers Within Your Ensemble
Guest Author: Dale Trumbore Let’s say you have a promising musician in your choir who’s interested in composing. As a conductor, how can you encourage them to write music? I don’t use the word “encourage” lightly. The most important thing for anyone new to composing, even more important than feedback or criticism, is encouragement […]