“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 Choral Life
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 […]
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 […]
Choral Potpourri/Choral Ethics: Rock Star
“I won’t be a rock star. I will be a legend.” Freddie Mercury My youngest brother is a conservatory trained percussionist…..which means he’s played for a LOT of rock bands. Classically trained, he likes playing for rock bands more than orchestras. Why? The atmosphere. According to him, most rock musicians are not the spoiled brats […]
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, […]