Latest Blog Posts

Do you want to make your Halloween rehearsal special? If so, it’s not too late! As a result of this blog post, you will be prepared for your rehearsals this week, as well as your Halloween rehearsal! Don’t miss the opportunity to utilize HALLOWEEN and all of its festivities to engage your students, build community […]

“To a father growing old, nothing is dearer than a daughter.” Euripides Most of you know, my Dad passed away at the age of 96 this past February 29. And most of you also know he was a Master Dance Pedagogue, as well as Bob Fosse’s vaudeville partner. I have shared some of his Show […]

One of my go to TED animations to play for students at the beginning of every year is the one that explains compellingly, the story of music as the best FULL BRAIN workout. But, Choral/Vocal education is not included in that research! The researcher behind that video, is this week’s guest. Don’t miss it. Dr. […]

“The wise musicians are those who play what they can master.” Duke Ellington How many times in your career have you regretted your repertoire choices? Was it early in your career or just recently? Why did you regret your programming? Was it too high a reach, as far as difficulty, for your ensemble? Were your […]

It is my strong belief that students have a RIGHT to receive individual instruction, feedback and assessment based on individual work in every class they take in school. Even music. This past weekend I had the chance to visit with the amazing students of Magnolia High School as well as the local chapter of the […]

“Initiative is doing the right thing without being told.” Victor Hugo ChoralNetter correspondents email me questions but seem to already know the answer. They know what is right and what is wrong, they just want to be given permission to do what is right. I’ve written about this before and today I’d like your input […]

The October issue of Choral Journal is available online. ACDA members can log in with their username and password to view and download the newest edition. You can also read our electronic version. If you are not already a member of ACDA, join today to start receiving your monthly Choral Journal! ____________ Burnout Tenacious Teachers: A Methodical Approach to Burnout […]

“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 […]