“There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.” Jane Austen I am not in Kansas City this week. I wish I could be, but I can’t. I am in the middle of rehearsals and in the middle of auditions and our master bath is being remodeled; you get the idea. Things snuck up […]
Self Care
Choral Potpourri/Choral Ethics: Your Own Drum
“If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.” Henry David Thoreau I’ve written about the “Creative Class” here on ChoralNet a few times and have said, more than once, I […]
Choral Potpourri/Choral Ethics: Be Careful What You Wish For
“Be careful what you wish for because you will get it. Be even more careful what you work for because you will get it even more quickly.” Colin Cunningham Today’s blog is a little advice and some musings. I’ve received emails in the past few weeks from young choral musicians– singers, pianists, organists and directors—who […]
Choral Potpourri: The Art of Saying “No”
“The art of leadership is saying no, not saying yes. It is very easy to say yes.” Tony Blair As November ends, we head toward December. We will be expected to accomplish miracles this month by our students, other teachers, our choir members and even our families. Our choirs have concerts; and the semester is […]
Choral Potpourri: Being Grateful
“I am grateful for what I am and have. My thanksgiving is perpetual.” Henry David Thoreau I always try to be grateful. In this season of Thanksgiving, I am more grateful than usual. Perhaps our world is in upheaval but there is one thing I know for sure; there is plenty more Good than there […]
Choral Potpourri: Getting Out the Humidifier
“…A person can develop ‘la grippe.’” From Adelaide’s Lament It is mid-November in the Midwest and you know what that means. A few leaves still cling to branches after their brethren have made a truly lovely, colorful exit. Birds are gathering on trees and powerlines to migrate en masse as soon as it turns cold […]