“It is always during a passing state of mind that we make lasting resolutions.” Marcel Proust Last week, I blogged about trying to remain calm as the end of the semester/choir year approached. Several of you contacted me about how timely this blog was, and I THANK YOU for your kind comments! This week, in […]
Self Care
Choral Potpourri/Choral Ethics: Perfectly Calm
“With the coming of spring, I am calm again.” Gustav Mahler During the first part of my choral career, I was also a dancer, ballet teacher and choreographer. My ballet background, coupled with understanding and the ability to read complicated scores, made me a natural to choreograph musicals on all levels. I specialized in making […]
The Conductor as Yogi: Timely Intersections
“The study of asana is not about mastering posture. It’s about using posture to understand and transform yourself.” B.K.S Iyengar A few weeks ago, I received an exciting message in my inbox from Yoga Alliance, the primary professional organization for yoga advocacy, standards, and research. YA regularly tracks legislation or regulations that can have an […]
The Conductor as Yogi: The Subtle Energy of Green
From gray to green. That’s how it is this time of year. The gray that characterizes the early months of the calendar slowly, surely, gives way to green, the color of spring. Writing this on St. Patrick’s Day, I see green everywhere and it instantly brightens my mood, enlivens my thinking, and lifts my energy. […]
Choral Potpourri/Choral Ethics: A Group of Bullies
“As long as the reason of man continues fallible, and he is at liberty to exercise it, different opinions will be formed.” James Madison Recently I was speaking to someone not familiar with my Choral Ethics Blog. He asked what types of people contact me, what kinds of questions do I get asked and what […]
The Conductor as Yogi: Holding Space
“Holding space” is the practice of allowing room for someone to release their thoughts, concerns, or fears without judging them or feeling the need to offer advice or fix the situation. This is a valuable skill in our professional and personal relationships, a way of honoring and showing compassion for others so they feel heard […]