Latest Blog Posts
7 Reasons All Choirs Should Sing ROUNDS!
Does your choir sing ROUNDS? If YES, that’s great, but are you aware of the tremendous opportunities they afford your singers? If NO, are you aware of the tremendous opportunities they afford your singers? Here are: 7 REASONS ALL CHOIRSSHOULD SING ROUNDS!
Choral Appropriation? Or Cultural Sharing?
One of the hottest topics of discussion online in the last few weeks in the choral world has been the topic of cultural appropriation. Who should be allowed to perform, compose or arrange which kinds of music? Where do we draw the line? Does intent matter? What should a conductor do if they are worried […]
Making Your Choir Thoughts Public with Adam Paltrowitz
I have noticed in the 6 months I have been doing this show that there is a hunger for questioning and exploring choral and educational topics at a philosophical level, about asking why, offering answers, and dialogue. We don’t get much of this at conventions, we get presentations. This is NOT a condemnation of the […]
Choral Potpourri/Choral Ethics: His Reputation Precedes Him
“The way to gain a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear.” Socrates Finn* had heard about Dr. Marcus* for years. He taught at the local community college, had the best (and biggest) church position in town and conducted the premier community chorus in the region. Finn taught elementary school […]
ChorTeach Replay: The Brain and Music
ChorTeach is ACDA’s quarterly publication for choral conductors and teachers at all levels. It is published online, and each issue contains four practical articles. If you are not already a member of ACDA, you can join and receive access to ChorTeach online. Below is an excerpt from an article written by Larry Swingen appearing in the Fall 2019 issue._____________________________________ Because of […]
Ditch Choir Auditions: Everyone Can Sing!
Everyone CAN learn to sing. Everyone SHOULD sing. If you believe this, you should “ditch choir auditions!“ Choir should be an open community, not a gated community. I hope you will hear my philosophy behind this comment and how it relates to WHY our culture no longer includes singing. Here is: Ditch Choir Auditions: Everyone Can Sing!
Choral Potpourri/Choral Ethics: Autumn Beginnings
“There is a harmony in autumn, and a luster in its sky, which through the summer is not heard or seen, as if it could not be, as if it had not been!” Percy Bysshe Shelley I love autumn. The golden slant of the sunshine, the rich, beautiful colors of the trees, the crisp and […]
Ephraim Amu’s African Songs: Notation and Performance Practice
The November 2019 issue of Choral Journal is now available online! This issue features an article written by Felicia Sandler titled “Ephraim Amu’s African Songs: Notation and Performance Practice.” Below is an excerpt of the article, and you can read it in its entirety in the November 2019 issue! Go to acda.org/choraljournal and click the image of the cover to […]
4 Definitive Steps to Assess & Develop EVERY Singer’s Ear!
Do you have SINGERS who STRUGGLE to: a) hold their part? b) sing in tune? c) sing the correct pitches when sight-singing? d) MATCH PITCH?If you do, there is a reason for it. These issues are all inter-connected! AND, I can share a solution! This is EXACTLY WHAT I DO WITH MY STUDENTS! Here are: 4 Definitive Steps to Assess & Develop EVERY Singer’s […]
One from the Folder: Repertoire Thoughts for Women’s/Treble Choirs
#55: “KidSong” by Stephen Caldwell
SSA, piano
You may possibly look at the title for this piece, and assume it’s an elementary or children’s choir song – too childish for your adult women’s chorus, or your high school/college treble choir. Incorrect! The energy and drive of the mixed meter, along with the nostalgia of the children’s rhymes, make this an exciting, engaging piece for any women’s/treble choir, no matter their age.