Latest Blog Posts
Choral Ethics: Under the Sun
“Some painters transform the sun into a yellow spot, others transform a yellow spot into the sun.” Pablo Picasso 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. […]
ChoralEd: Vocal Exercises
Beginning July 2024, ChoralEd briefly transitioned from episodes on pedagogical technique to vocal exercise videos for classroom use. For many choral educators, starting class can be a challenge. At the start of every class, teachers are expected to juggle multiple responsibilities (i.e. attendance, paperwork collection/distribution, behavior correction). Simultaneously, teachers must also actively engage students in […]
Choral Ethics: The Ladder of Success
“My life is an open pamphlet.” Bob Fosse 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 Biz Wisdoms here before […]
The Conductor as Yogi: (Become) Aware, Adapt, Repeat
“Awareness is like the sun. When it shines on things, they are transformed.” Thich Nhat Hanh I recently presented a webinar entitled, “Our Voice as Our Superpower: From Sound to Mission” for the yoga and Brain Longevity® Specialist community, sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation. It was an interesting opportunity to explore the […]
Choir Halloween – 9 Last Minute Rehearsal Ideas!
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 […]
Choral Ethics: Father Knows Best
“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 […]
Your Brain on Music with Anita Collins
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. […]
Choral Ethics: Know Your Singers and Yourself
“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 […]
Choir Students Should Sing Alone. For a Grade.
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 […]
Choral Ethics; What Would You Do?
“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 […]