By Richard Clark In their simplest form, choir robes and choral garments have been in existence since antiquity. The notion of a uniformed collective of singers extends almost as far back as civilization itself to the Ancient Greeks, as portrayed on classic ceramics and earthenware. The format of figures wearing similar, loosely fitting tunics, intermingled […]
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“BE RESPECTFUL” is a BAD REHEARSAL RULE!
Choral Clarity Presents: Rehearsal Rules and Procedures are extremely important; choosing the RIGHT rules, which may differ from choir to choir, will set a positive and productive learning environment for each and every student. Regardless of which rules best suit your ensemble, “Be Respectful” is a BAD REHEARSAL RULE FIND OUT WHY! Sincerely, Adam Paltrowitz
Music Within Reach: Composer Submissions
I have been most fortunate in that, during the course of writing Music Within Reach, many readers have suggested attainable pieces that have worked for their choirs and several composers have sent some of their own works that they think fit the bill. On occasion, I would like to take the opportunity to feature some […]
Wrapping the arms of structure around you Middle School Singers
Wrapping the Arms of Structure Around Your Middle School Singers I’m not sure whether it’s a good thing or not, but I have been asked many times after a concert with my 300+ middle school choral music students, “What do you SAY to the students that keeps them so disciplined?” When I […]
Why Choir Elections Are A Bad Idea
Choral Clarity Presents: We live in a democratic country, but that doesn’t mean our officers should be chosen democratically. When students enter our choir room and/or our rehearsal, they enter our world and our culture. Too many choir directors create and/or allow a ridiculous election process to occur. But even the well-run election process is inherently […]
Helping Small Amateur Choirs to Survive and Flourish
A version of this post first appeared on the OUPblog on April 21, 2017, and is reprinted with permission of Oxford University Press. Choral singing has been, for some 150 years, one of the mainstays of local music-making and entertainment in the rural regions of Britain. As Director of Music at the University of Plymouth and […]