“You are not only responsible for what you say, but also for what you do not say.” Martin Luther During the remainder of October, we’re revisiting some of the staple issues of Choral Ethics. I’ve written a BUNCH about each of these subjects which remain at the center of Choral Ethics. Today we speak of […]
The Choral Life
Choral Ethics: Leaving a Mess
“You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.” Ralph Waldo Emerson During the remainder of October, we’re revisiting some of the staple issues of Choral Ethics. I’ve written a BUNCH about each of these subjects and they remain at the center of Choral Ethics. Today […]
Choral Ethics: Under Pressure
“Nothing gives one person so much advantage over another as to remain always cool and unruffled under all circumstances.” Thomas Jefferson How do you handle pressure? Do you get flustered or angry or numb? Do you become unhappy with everything (and everyone) around you, no matter if it’s what you asked for in the first […]
The Conductor as Yogi: Lead with Ahimsa
“Structural flaws can cause harm to individuals; conversely, conceptually sound and ably administered institutions can build people and enrich society. All too often we seem to disregard this important influence that institutions can have on people.” Robert K. Greenleaf How do we frame our work? As conductors, we have an overarching belief system that guides […]
Choral Ethics: A Sad Season
“Grief is the price we pay for love.” Queen Elizabeth II The last two years, or so, have been very difficult for me. I have shared what has happened to me with a few people, but not here on ChoralNet (or anywhere on Social Media except a few select places) though I feel I could […]
Choral Ethics: Know Your Singers and Yourself
“The wise musicians are those who play what they can master.” Duke Ellington How many times in your career have you regretted your repertoire choices? Was it early in your career or just recently? Why did you regret your programming? Was it too high a reach, as far as difficulty, for your ensemble? Were your […]