Latest Blog Posts

“I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion.” Alexander the Great During the last month or so, I’ve gotten a few emails from ChoralNetters about something that can be defined as “Choral Cults.” I’ve written two blogs about […]

Hello choral colleagues! We’ve been “teasing” the release of our Advocacy and Collaboration focus issue in the Choral Journal all summer and are thrilled you now have them in your mailboxes (and online)! For this month’s blog post, we wanted to share a little about where the focus issue’s structure came from and a little […]

In episode 37, ChoralEd host Micah Bland recommends the use of a harmonic chord chart when sight-reading new performance repertoire.  The implementation of a harmonic chord chart serves two purposes.  First, pitch and rhythm are separated from each other allowing students to focus on one musical element at a time.  This feature can be advantageous […]

“Actually, you can only expect a fulfilling life if you dedicate yourself to finding out who you are.  To finding the ineffable, idiosyncratic seeds of possibility already planted inside.  There is some surrender required here.”  ~ Stephen Cope When I think about the times in my life when I felt the most engaged and focused […]

The August 2024 issue of Choral Journal is online and features an article titled “Building Collective Inspiration in a College Choir” by Jennifer Kelly. Following is a portion from the article’s introduction. _________________ Conductors strive to express meaningful music beyond the basic notes and rhythms on the printed page. As we honor the composer’s score while also recognizing the […]

I’ve written a great deal about starting a rehearsal, but it’s equally important to discuss how to end one effectively. The truth is, the way we end a rehearsal has a lasting impact on our students. It often influences how they remember the entire experience. While the opening of class sets the stage for a […]

When I work with emerging composers trying to get noticed, I ask them “What are you trying to be noticed FOR?”- Libby Larsen. Could the social media environment incentivize non-musical answers to this question? In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with the remarkable composer Libby Larsen about her journey into the world […]

“The great leaders are like the best conductors – they reach beyond the notes to reach the magic in the players.” Blaine Lee  During the last month or so, I’ve gotten a few emails from ChoralNetters about something that can be defined as “Choral Cults.” I’ve written two blogs about the subject and decided to […]

The August 2024 issue of Choral Journal is online and features an article titled “Joby Talbot’s Path of Miracles: Ancient Pilgrimage, Modern Journey” by Jeff Goolsby. Following is a portion from the article’s introduction. _________________ A pilgrimage involves walking, often over great distances, and begins by putting one foot in front of the other. It is a physical manifestation […]

 “The Ten Commandments have never been replaced as the moral basis upon which society rests.” Edwin Louis Cole I know what you’re thinking; I’ve come up with another clever “Ten Commandments for Choirs” but nope, not today. Today I am blogging about the actual Ten Commandments and how they can relate to our profession. I […]