Latest Blog Posts

Week 5: Friday, April 20, 2018 “Stepping Westward” by Libby Larsen Text by Denise Levertov SAA w div, oboe, handbells, marimba “Stepping Westward,” composed in 1995, using text by author Denise Levertov from Poems 1960-1967, focuses on pioneer and frontierswomen from the Old West, sharing their tales of sacrifice, hardship, loss, joy, and independence. Larsen’s […]

“Autism is part of who I am.” Temple Grandin It’s time for my annual Autism Awareness Month blog post. For those of you who are not aware of the reason why I write one every year; my eldest son has autism. April is just another month for our family since EVERY month is autism awareness […]

This week on Going Beyond Words, Host Stan Schmidt brings to ACDA Radio and ChoralNet, a program created on February 9, 2014 for Valentines’ Day.     There are a lot of pages from the American Song Book, and Broadway Stage.      Many of the selections are available in print for solo, choir, or combo and would enhance […]

If you are looking for some great ways to enrich your choir’s experience, I suggest you read my latest blog post: 11 Awesome Performing/Traveling Opportunities that are not crazy $$$ There are some great ideas that cost very little money and can be MORE impactful and LESS expensive than participation in a major festival. https://choralclarity.com/awesome-performing-and-traveling-opportunities/ […]

The May 2018 issue of Choral Journal includes a short article on the importance of relationships, specifically within the choral music classroom. Written by Jason Sickel, 2017 Kansas State Teacher of the Year, the author writes that “school choir directors are in a unique position since many of our students enroll in our choirs for […]

Week 4: Friday, April 13, 2018 “She Who Makes Her Meaning Clear (Gamba Adisa)” by Joan Szymko Text by Audre Lorde SSAA div, hand percussion Commissioned for the 25th anniversary of MUSE: Cincinnati’s Women’s Choir, this song celebrates the amazing power that is present when we recognize our fears, and dare to overcome them. [Over […]

“Feed your brothers and sisters simply, graciously, with generous care, and you will secure a place in their heart.” Maximillian Degenerez The artistic director of a large choral organization in a suburban Midwestern setting, Dina* was astonished by the lack of communication between art groups when she first arrived in the community. Always one to […]

Two weeks out from Easter Sunday and all the Celebratory music Host Stan Schmidt brings you an hour of secular music on ACDA Radio and ChoralNet with the Theme ….From Winter to Spring Summer Romance.    We begin with Farewell to Winter and The Awakening Spring by Danish composer Peter Heise….Then the Danish National Radio Choir […]

18 Tips to Prevent Teacher Burnout Some of the same things we do to be vested in our program leads us down the path of no return: the path to burning out.  Over time, the energy and enthusiasm that pushes us through the extra rehearsals, extra concerts, and community events lead us to become warn […]

In May, August, and September 2015, the Choral Journal featured a three-part article series titled “Notes for Success: Advice for the First-Year Choral Teacher.” As part of the series, 11 choral conductors with teaching experience ranging from 4 to 34 years answered 10 questions related to setting expectations for your first year, classroom management, balancing a successful […]