In June 2006, the Choral Journal published a special focus issue on Mozart’s 250th anniversary, guest edited by Lawrence Schenbeck. As Schenbeck states in his editor’s column, “What surprised me in surveying recent research on [Mozart’s] choral music is how much we still have to discover. The four articles have one common, central theme: each […]
Choral Journal
CJ Replay: If You Can Speak, You Can Sing
In just under a month, ACDA is proud to be part of hosting America Cantat 8 in Nassau, Bahamas, the first time this exciting festival is being held in a primarily English-speaking country. The current issue of Choral Journal is a focus on the music, people, and places of this international festival. Even if you […]
So…You’re replacing a legendary choral director…
If you are about to face a group of middle school or high school chorus students in the upcoming school year who have been taught by a teacher they absolutely adored, you may be feeling like you’ve just been hired to replace Robert Shaw…iconic 20th Century Choral Conductor! It is so scary. Can you imagine […]
Why Won’t My Middle School Choir Sing Part 5
This is the 5th and final posting in the five-part series called “Why Won’t My Middle School Choir Sing?” To start with the first reason, click here! Reason #5: We don’t know how to introduce music. It is possible to turn this age group against a new piece of music in the three minutes of […]
CJ Replay: The Rediscovery of Antonio Vivaldi
The May 2015 issue of Choral Journal featured a fascinating article on Antonio Vivaldi. Vivaldi is one of the most performed composers in music history, but until the 1950s, Vivaldi and his music were virtually unknown to the concert-going public. The article “Discovering the Rediscovery of Antonio Vivaldi” by Miles Dayton Fish “recounts the true […]
Why Won’t My Middle School Choir Sing Part 4
This is part 4 of the series “Why Won’t My Middle School Choir Sing?” Click here to see the first post in the series! Reason #4: We focus too much on technique and not enough on developing their true artistry. In my 24 years of teaching this age group, I’ve seen lots of middle school […]