“When you practice gratefulness, there is a sense of respect toward others.” Dalai Lama We are almost finished with the choir year. No matter what sort of choral organization you are involved with, things are winding down with the end of the school year, the concert year, and the church year. There are people out […]
The Choral Life
The Conductor as Yogi: It’s Time for Savasana
The season and academic year are ending. The concerts will be finished. We feel a sense of accomplishment, relief, and celebration, colored with the bittersweet realization that it is still an imperfect world both in and out of our choral lives. Our limbs may feel heavy, our energy is drained, and our exhales are getting […]
Choral Potpourri/Choral Ethics: Fading Fortune
“Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.” Confucius As we head toward the end of the choral year, it’s time to address a few Choral Ethics dilemmas. This week, I’ll share thoughts from a ChoralNetter as well as mine about some universal issues. Today we’ll be talking about Schadenfreude. Jenai* has had one of […]
Choral Potpourri/Choral Ethics: Respect Yourself
“If we were all determined to play the first violin we should never have an ensemble. Therefore, respect every musician in his proper place.” Robert Schumann As we head toward the end of the choral year, it’s time to address a few Choral Ethics dilemmas. Today and next week, I’ll be sharing thoughts from a […]
The Conductor as Yogi: Sing Your Authentic Voice
At least once a year I review my original mission statement for this blog: “The Conductor as Yogi blog will explore mindfulness, wellness, inspirational writings, and classic yoga philosophy and practice to encourage readers towards greater wholeness in their professional and personal lives. The Conductor as Yogi is an authentic, conversational approach to finding one’s […]
Choral Potpourri/Choral Ethics: A Busy Holy Week
“He, who every morning plans the transactions of the day, and follows that plan, carries a thread that will guide him through a labyrinth of the most busy life.” Victor Hugo NOTE: I wrote this piece a few years ago and it hasn’t been appropriate to run it again until now. Most of us are […]