Latest Blog Posts

The August 2024 issue of Choral Journal is online and features an article titled “Building Collective Inspiration in a College Choir” by Jennifer Kelly. Following is a portion from the article’s introduction. _________________ Conductors strive to express meaningful music beyond the basic notes and rhythms on the printed page. As we honor the composer’s score while also recognizing the […]

I’ve written a great deal about starting a rehearsal, but it’s equally important to discuss how to end one effectively. The truth is, the way we end a rehearsal has a lasting impact on our students. It often influences how they remember the entire experience. While the opening of class sets the stage for a […]

When I work with emerging composers trying to get noticed, I ask them “What are you trying to be noticed FOR?”- Libby Larsen. Could the social media environment incentivize non-musical answers to this question? In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with the remarkable composer Libby Larsen about her journey into the world […]

“The great leaders are like the best conductors – they reach beyond the notes to reach the magic in the players.” Blaine Lee  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 the subject and decided to […]

The August 2024 issue of Choral Journal is online and features an article titled “Joby Talbot’s Path of Miracles: Ancient Pilgrimage, Modern Journey” by Jeff Goolsby. Following is a portion from the article’s introduction. _________________ A pilgrimage involves walking, often over great distances, and begins by putting one foot in front of the other. It is a physical manifestation […]

 “The Ten Commandments have never been replaced as the moral basis upon which society rests.” Edwin Louis Cole I know what you’re thinking; I’ve come up with another clever “Ten Commandments for Choirs” but nope, not today. Today I am blogging about the actual Ten Commandments and how they can relate to our profession. I […]

“Some rise by sin, and some by virtue fall.” William Shakespeare As we begin the new academic year, I’d like to start today with ChoralNetter correspondence concerning a topic that still has me a bit baffled: Virtue Signaling.  I’ve had two folks contact me about this topic over the summer and hope you’ll comment below […]

Anyone else feel that “New Year’s Eve Vibe” at the start of the school year? I absolutely love that feeling of a fresh start, new classes, new singers, returning faces, and routine! While we must acknowledge it can also be a time of anxiety and overwhelm, this blog post seeks to address what to do […]

Before I discovered Sight Reading Factory (SRF), I was using Smart Music for sight-singing homework. I liked it because it auto-graded assignments, which saved me a boatload of time.   However, as I gained more experience, I realized that Smart Music’s auto-grading feature was creating more hassle for the students than convenience for my grading process.   That’s when I made […]

Subscribe for free and never miss out on the conversation. The show is on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube or ANY podcast player! Last month might have been the best yet! Happy Labor Day! The month of August had five Fridays, so you got five episodes to get our school and choir years started! It is my […]