“The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook.” William James My late mother, an opera singer, used to tell me that the music was the easy part; it was all the other stuff surrounding the music that was difficult. She was right; I would not have enough material to write […]
Self Care
Choral Potpourri/Choral Ethics: Music in the Time of Pandemic
“All has been looted, betrayed, sold; black death’s wing flashed ahead.” Anna Akhmatova I don’t know about you, but for the last month, I’ve been searching for the “normal” in my life and there doesn’t seem to be any normal anywhere. I’ve had to cancel our May concert. Projects I’ve looked forward to have gone […]
Choral Potpourri/Choral Ethics: Appearing to Get Along
“While you are proclaiming peace with your lips, be careful to have it even more fully in your heart.” Francis of Assisi This was written and scheduled before COVID-19 changed our world. Please enjoy and hope we all are soon back to normal! If you’ve been reading my Choral Potpourri/Choral Ethics blogs for any length […]
Choral Potpourri/Choral Ethics: Feeding Our Souls
“Love takes up where knowledge leaves off.” Thomas Aquinas As I write this, the world has gone crazy. We are worried about COVID-19, about cancelling rehearsals, concerts and worship services. We are all frightened and angry and a bit lost. We worry about our loved ones, our own health and our profession. Many of us […]
Choral Potpourri/Choral Ethics: I Wish I Could
“It is not enough just to wish well; we must also do well.” Saint Ambrose Like people in all walks of life, I am often stretched thin by requests. From my spouse and children, from my choir and professional colleagues, from community and art organizations I support; I am often overwhelmed. No one thinks twice […]
Choral Potpourri/Choral Ethics: As Lent Begins
“Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” Francis of Assisi Last week, we finished our Mark Twain February inspirations. For March, I thought quotes from a few Saints might help get us on the right track for the month. Those of us with church positions began […]