Latest Blog Posts

In this episode, I continue my deep dive into attempting to understand how the pandemic may effect our world generally, but specifically the world of music and the performing arts. However, it should be obvious that parallels to our everyday lives are interwoven into this information. In this conversation, Dr, Manian and I focus primarily […]

“Indeed it is better to postpone, lest either we complete too little by hurrying, or wander too long in completing it.” Tertullian This week is normally remarkably busy for me, the week before my chamber choir’s annual summer retreat. I gather music, stuff folders and prepare handouts. I roundup schedules, language sheets and anything else […]

By Frank R. Lloyd When I entered Occidental College in 1965 a friend from my hometown who was a year ahead of me urged me to take at least one semester of choir because the director was an extraordinary teacher and a dynamic personality. I took her advice and joined Occidental’s College and Chapel Choirs. […]

The newest issue of Choral Journal is available online. Following is a list of the articles you will find in this issue. ACDA members can log in with their username and password to view and download the newest edition. You can also read our electronic version. Below is a preview of the articles you will find in this […]

By Ramona M. Wis If you have ever been to a yoga class, you know that it closes by bringing one’s hands to heart center and saying “Namaste.”  It’s a perfect way to end a time of shared space and practice but more than that, it’s a reminder to take what we experience on the mat,  off the […]

#62: “On Children” by Ysaye M. Barnwell
Text by Kahlil Gibran
SSAA a cappella

I’m always looking for a great opening piece for my small ensemble – especially at the start of the year. Not too difficult, but not too easy. Energetic, but not necessarily fast. Something they can lean into as group – to build community and practice that small-ensemble harmony. One of those songs that you hear them singing in the hallways all year long. “On Children” by Ysaye Barnwell is one of those perfect pieces.

“It is normal to give away a little of one’s life in order not to lose it all.” Albert Camus I don’t feel like myself and am sure you don’t either. Nothing is like it’s supposed to be. The rhythm of our days is different, what we wear is different and what we DO is […]

I used the phrase above to introduce my students to their last in-class activity before we left for online learning this Spring.  It was titled “What Would it Look Like”?  I was interested in getting their input and ideas on what online choir assignments might look like.  The objective of this activity was to have […]

With this post, Dr. Ramona Wis begins a weekly blog series entitled The Conductor as Yogi. In the same way The Conductor as Leader applied foundational leadership principles to our conductor-teacher-leader roles, The Conductor as Yogi blog will explore mindfulness, wellness, inspirational writings, and classic yoga philosophy and practice to encourage readers towards greater wholeness […]

_____________________________ Choral Journal’s ongoing column called “Choral Conversations” features interviews with noted choral conductors and composers. An interview with Roland Carter is featured in the August 2020 issue. You can read the interview in its entirety online at acda.org/publications/choral-journal. Click “Search Archives” and choose August 2020 from the dropdown menu._____________________________ As a performer, do you have […]