“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, […]
The Choral Life
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 […]
The Conductor as Yogi: The Bigger Picture
Earth’s crammed with heaven, And every common bush afire with God, But only he who sees, takes off his shoes; The rest sit round it and pluck blackberries. Elizabeth Barrett Browning I recently came across this quote and had an immediate, visceral response. Brilliant! So insightful. Leave it to Elizabeth to knock it out of […]
Choral Potpourri/Choral Ethics: Subtle Sexism in Classical Music
“Sexism is real in this country.” Kamela Harris It’s part of a being woman conductor or composer to be looked on as something unusual. We’re called “strange” or “weird” and certainly not taken seriously. Folks focus on things about us, often not relating to the music, such as what we wear or how we present […]
Choral Potpourri/Choral Ethics: Six Choral/Music Things That Really Irritated Me in 2022!!!!
“I lead a very conventional life. I don’t lead a writer’s life. And I think that can be a source of suspicion and irritation to some people.” Joan Didion Hi ChoralNetters, and Happy New Year. I hope you have begun an exciting and productive time and that 2023 is your best year ever. It is […]