“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 […]
Self Care
Choral Potpourri/Choral Ethics: The Month of March
“It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.” Charles Dickens It is difficult to believe it is already March. Today the weather here in the Midwest is lovely, warm, sunny, and fun with the […]
Choral Potpourri/Choral Ethics: Everything In Its Season
“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven…” Ecclesiastes 3:1 Yesterday was Ash Wednesday and begins another season. If we are church musicians, Lent began….ready or not….even if we have not recovered from the Christmas Season. If we are not church musicians but in academia, we are probably […]
The Conductor as Yogi: Self-Care
“Self-care is never a selfish act — it is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on earth to offer others.” Parker Palmer, Let Your Life Speak Self-care has always been at the core of ancient traditions which evolved to help us seek and maintain balance in body, […]
Choral Potpourri/Choral Ethics: Is It Spring Yet?
“If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?” Percy Bysshe Shelley Happy Ground Hog Day! This morning, I hope your own local rodent has brought good, spring-timey news to you and your community. In case you don’t remember the folklore, here’s how it works; if it’s cloudy when the Ground Hog comes out from its […]
Choral Potpourri/Choral Ethics: January Emails
“The art of art, the glory of expression and the sunshine of the light of letters, is simplicity.” Walt Whitman I get emails about Choral Ethics issues from all over. Several times a year, it’s a flurry of emails. I have gotten MANY emails this January in particular. I think it’s because restrictions have ended […]