Latest Blog Posts

“Nothing is a greater impediment to being on good terms with others than being ill at ease with yourself.” Honore de Balzac We are almost finished with another Lenten, Holy Week and Easter season. Church musicians are rounding the corner, heading toward the end of the finish line of their busiest six weeks, exhausted and […]

Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom. Aristotle You may be peaking for a year-end concert or finalizing details for Easter services.  Or perhaps you just finished that massive collaboration that took months of planning.  Exhausted?  No doubt.  Exhilarated? Hopefully.  Still feeling the heat?  Yup.  Now is the best time for some self-study. The […]

“The great leaders are like the best conductors – they reach beyond the notes to reach the magic in the players.” Blaine Lee A few weeks ago, I had lunch with an old friend, Jay*, a choir friend of mine. He teaches and directs in the city, so we don’t always have time to actually […]

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 […]

Autism is part of who I am. Temple Grandin It’s time for my annual Autism Awareness Month blog post. For those of you who are not aware of the reason why I write one every year; my eldest son has autism. April is just another month for our family since EVERY month is autism awareness […]

In episode 40, Dr. William Baker discusses the choral audition process for community and professional ensembles. According to Dr. Baker, during the initial screening, the director should clearly articulate the vision and goals of the ensemble to ensure the candidate understands the expectations for membership. For the audition, it is suggested that the candidate perform […]

“An Englishman thinks he is moral when he is only uncomfortable.” George Bernard Shaw WARNING: Could be a trigger for some. Sarah’s story troubled me for quite some time, and I didn’t hear from her for several years. Then several ChoralNetters contacted me  and asked about her so I decided to see what happened. She […]

A Very Uncomfortable Blog “Though the sex to which I belong is considered weak you will nevertheless find me a rock that bends to no wind.” Queen Elizabeth I WARNING: Could be a trigger for some. From the very beginning of writing this Blog, I have debated whether Choral Ethics should address sexual harassment issues. […]

“The key to the mystery of a great artist is that for reasons unknown, he will give away his energies and his life just to make sure that one note follows another … and leaves us with the feeling that something is right in the world.” Leonard Bernstein One note following another.  The linear, technical, […]

“Nobody would comment on what clothes male conductors wear. Or if they kind of put on some weight or something like that, and maybe their jacket is a little bit too tight. But if that happens to me as a female, then that’s immediately pointed out.” Ruth Reinhardt Several years ago, I was at a […]