Latest Blog Posts
Choral Ethics: Neighbors
“The more we can be in a relationship with those who might seem strange to us, the more we can feel like we’re neighbors and all members of the human family.” Fred Rogers It has been a difficult few weeks in some parts of our country. But there is one thing I know; we all […]
Choral Ethics: Make New Friends
“Friendships begun in this world will be taken up again, never to be broken off.” Saint Francis de Sales I had the privilege of participating in a “Lessons and Carols” service this past holiday season. My son, Dean of a local AGO chapter, got me the gig and both of us played and directed and […]
Between the Staves: Choral Questions, Candid Answers
Between the Staves: Choral Questions, Candid Answers, is fresh take on the classic advice column—this time for all things choral music! Modeled after the beloved “Dear Sally” format, this blog will answer your questions about choral music education, performance, and leadership. Whether you’re curious about vocal technique, rehearsal tips, repertoire selection, or the “other” side […]
Choral Ethics: Ring Out the Old, Ring In the New…..
“Ring out the false, ring in the true.” Alfred Lord Tennyson This Holiday Season, I’ve rerun several Choral Ethics blogs from years past with a few modifications where needed. Today will be the last of the reruns; all new blogs will begin again next Thursday. ~MLGA Happy New Year, ChoralNetters! It is 2025, can […]
Choral Ethics: Let There Be Peace on Earth
“This will be our reply to violence: to make music more intensely, more beautifully, more devotedly than ever before.” Leonard Bernstein For the month of December, I’m rerunning some Choral Ethics blogs from years past with a few modifications where needed. Today’s is THE MOST REQUESTED December Blog or ANY Blog. It is especially appropriate […]
The Conductor as Yogi: An Encouragement
As I sat down to write this last CAY blog post of the year, I contemplated various topics but kept coming back to an overriding sense that what we all need right now is Encouragement, capital E. At the root of the word “encourage” is the French “coeur” or heart. Encouragement is a way of […]
Useful Vocal Ped Tips, Elementary Musicianship Building, Music Education Theories and More!
Subscribe for free and never miss out on the conversation. The show is on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube or ANY podcast player! Last month might have been the best yet! Happy Holidays! What a wild and festive season it’s been. We had some BLOCKBUSTER episodes, some internet drama that both did some damage, and brought a lot of […]
Choral Ethics: Christmastime Is Here
“Christmas is a season not only of rejoicing but of reflection.” Winston Churchill I’m rerunning some Choral Ethics blogs from years past with a few modifications where needed. Two of my MOST REQUESTED December Blogs will also be making their yearly appearances. In a few days, it will be Christmas Eve. Your plans have been […]
Exploring Mindful Breathing in Elementary Music Classes
Elizabeth Weismehl teaches K-5 General Music and Choir at Avoca West School in Glenview, IL, and directs Voices Rising at the Midwest Youth Artists Conservatory in Ft. Sheridan, IL. _ _ _ _ _ _ “Ms. Weismehl! Ms. Weismehl!” a second grader blurted out with her hand raised. I was in mid-sentence, and the flow […]
Choral Ethics: “………and the tongue of the dumb shall sing”
I’m rerunning some Choral Ethics blogs from years past with a few modifications where needed. Two of my MOST REQUESTED December Blogs will be making their yearly appearances, including today’s. Happy December! ~MLGA I love “Messiah”. Truth be told, it is probably one of my favorite large choral works. There’s a little something for everyone–from […]