Latest Blog Posts
The Human Voice: An Instrument in Residence, Part 1 ~ by Jamea Sale
Singers are fortunate to have a traveling instrument requiring no special assembly or installation. Even so, it is helpful to understand the make-up of the singing apparatus.
The Human Larynx is the main structure of the human singing instrument.
Winter 2019 ChorTeach Preview
ChorTeach is ACDA’s quarterly online publication, designed for those who work with singers of all levels. A full annotated ChorTeach index is available online at acda.org/chorteach. Over 160 articles are organized into seventeen categories. For submission information, to view the index, or to read the latest issue, visit acda.org/chorteach. Volume 11, issue 2 contains the following five […]
Essential Breathing Exercises for Your Choir
By Molly McLinden Anyone who sings, whether as a soloist or chorister, knows that proper breathing is a major component to a reliable and healthy sound. If you don’t get a good breath, you may find yourself running out of air, straining, or having a weaker sound. There is a lot of information out there […]
Choral Potpourri/Choral Ethics: Be Careful What You Wish For
“Be careful what you wish for because you will get it. Be even more careful what you work for because you will get it even more quickly.” Colin Cunningham Today’s blog is a little advice and some musings. I’ve received emails in the past few weeks from young choral musicians– singers, pianists, organists and directors—who […]
Sacred & Secular Expressions of French Composers
Going Beyond Words Host, Stan Schmidt invites you to meaningful expressions from the pen of French Culture. This week on ChoralNet and ACDA Radio can hear an hour of music from French Composers, one whom lived over 100 years, studied organ with César Franck and worked as a secretary to Charles Gounod. You can also […]
Interview with Emily Crocker, Renowned Composer and Choral Consultant
What was your first musical memory? Hearing Hank Williams singing Hey! Good Lookin’ – What ya got cookin’ on the radio, and then the great singing at my home church, Church of Christ. There was a lot of a cappella singing. I heard 4 part harmony from my earliest years and began to follow the hymn notation from about age 5 or 6.
Call for Nominations – IJRCS Editorial Board
The editors of the International Journal of Research in Choral Singing request nominations for membership on the Editorial Board (2019–2025). Nominees should hold a completed doctorate and have a record of research publications. Nominations must come from the nominator and include: 1) a letter of nomination that includes description of the nominee’s qualifications to evaluate quantitative and […]
Read This BEFORE Making New Year’s Changes
For many of us, the New Year brings about a desire to make sudden changes to our choral program. Before you decide WHAT changes you wish to make, I suggest you read this post to determine if THOSE specific changes are worth your time and effort. Read This BEFORE Making New Year’s Changes
One from the Folder: Repertoire Thoughts for Women’s/Treble Choirs
#40: Friday, January 4, 2019. “Sweet Radiant Mystery” by Catherine Dalton. Four-part equal voices, piano or handbells.
As an extended round, this piece should be a quick read, even for less experienced ensembles, and is suitable for a number of concert themes and pedagogical uses. It is so much more than “just” a round though. There is beauty found between the notes, and within each overlapping imitation. Savoring these moments creates a contemplative cloud that envelops the singer and the audience alike.
Choral Potpourri/Choral Ethics: Story Time
“Finding good players is easy. Getting them to play as a team is another story.” Casey Stengel Happy New Year ChoralNet! I hope you all had wonderful holidays. And I also hope you spent some time recharging and refreshing before your next batch of rehearsals and classes begin. January’s Choral Potpourri/Choral Ethics Blogs will be […]

