Latest Blog Posts

by Jennifer Berroth, Contributing Author, DevelopingVoices.blog Movement is often used to engage a singer’s breath, energy, and musicianship.  Young singers can benefit from using gestures throughout a rehearsal to help them understand musical concepts they are performing.  Here are some kinesthetic gestures I use to help my own singers. Staccato gestures             Staccato phrases can […]

#43: Friday, February 15, 2019

“When Love Is My Song”
by Jill Friedersdorf and Melissa Keylock
Text by Jill Friedersdorf
SSA, piano

In honor of Valentine’s Day this week, I invite you to take a closer look at “When Love Is My Song,” for SSA choir. Jill Friedersdorf and Melissa Keylock work together for this moving selection, perfect for your three-part ensemble.

“Unity is strength… when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.” Mattie Stepanek Does your choral organization collaborate? I’m sure you occasionally work with other music groups, such as your school’s orchestra or band or perhaps your local symphony. Do you ever think outside of the box with your collaborations? I was […]

This week on GBW and ACDA Radio/ChoralNet Host Stan Schmidt directs our thinking to choral compositions that are considered to be revered, respected, exalted, enriching and treasured.  What are the top 40 hits in the genre .  When you get choral directors together, perhaps at a national convention, they might have a debate on what […]

During adolescence, girls experience insufficient closure of the vocal folds, leading to a breathy tone. As girls enter adulthood these indications naturally resolve.

The March 2001 issue of Choral Journal features an article titled “African-American Spirituals and Gospel Music: Historical Similarities and Differences” written by Marvin V. Curtis. Following is a section from the article._______________________________________ The music of the African-American spiritual and gospel have many similarities and differences. Both descended from the African and African-American experiences of worship, dance, improvisation, […]

“My singing voice is somewhere between a drunken apology and a plumbing problem.” Colin Firth I am in the midst of my audition cycle. I hold auditions for both my fall and spring concert cycles, so this is the second go-around for me during our concert season. So far, so good. I recently recalled an […]

This week on GBW and ACDA Radio/ChoralNet Host Stan Schmidt initiates a Celebration of a Late Epiphany.  Included in the parade of composers is JohnRutter, Gottfried Stölzel, Jonathan Dove, Peter Cornelius, Michael Head, Michael Pretorius, Hector Berlioz and Johann Sebastian Bach.   You will enjoy such ensembles The Cambridge Singers, The North Germany Radio Choir, that […]

The newest issue of Choral Journal is now available online! Following is a preview of the articles you will find in this issue. Read it now at acda.org/choraljournal. 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 […]

#42: Friday, February 1, 2019
“An Oiche” (The Night) by Michael McGlynn
Text: Traditional Irish
SSAA, a cappella

Greetings! The Hollins Choirs are just returning from Ireland, and I wanted to share our experience with “An Oiche,” by Michael McGlynn.