Latest Blog Posts

“The real art of conducting consists in transitions.” Gustav Mahler We are all back—or just about back—to work this fall; time to do what we do. And just what is it that we do? Chorus America has released their latest report which may help us actually understand what we do, how we do it and […]

This week on ACDA Radio, ChoralNet and Going Beyond Words, you will enjoy a 180 degree turn as host Stan Schmidt gives you a quiz about an amazing American composer. He was born in 1893 and wrote hit after hit with a great number of his compositions finding their way to the movies. No it […]

While I am always looking for accessible choral music, I am also constantly seeking pieces that stretch and teach singers.  After all, too much simplicity can get boring very quickly!  So music with challenging rhythms, meter changes that adapt to text, and surprising but logical harmonic progressions usually moves right to the top of the […]

“Consistency is the last refuge of the unimaginative.” Oscar Wilde School is back in session. Rehearsals have begun. The Pumpkin-Spice-Maple delights are back in the coffee shops and bakeries; must be almost Autumn! How was your summer? Did you accomplish everything you wanted to? Did you have a chance to relax, really relax, for a […]

Thanks for listening to our U.S. broadcast premiere last week. If you missed it, look for the Going Beyond Words post for August 30 and relive Oratorium Nativitatis by Damijan Močnik. Next for your listening interest, Stan Schmidt, host for Going Beyond Words on ACDA Radio and ChoralNet, adds another show to stretch your thinking. […]

Choral Clarity Blog Presents: It’s super important that our best students are content throughout each daily rehearsal. If they are unhappy, the learning environment will not be conducive to building tradition or long-term success. Here is the simple secret to ensuring they are happy: The Simple “Secret” to Keeping Your Best Students Happy

While I am always looking for accessible choral music, I am also constantly seeking pieces that stretch and teach singers.  After all, too much simplicity can get boring very quickly!  So music with challenging rhythms, meter changes that adapt to text, and surprising but logical harmonic progressions usually moves right to the top of the […]

“It is no use walking anywhere to preach unless our walking is our preaching.” Francis of Assisi I receive quite a few emails with people’s thoughts about my Choral Ethics project. Some folks tell me they are not exactly sure what Choral Ethics is, but will know it when they see it. Some tell me […]

By Richard Clark In their simplest form, choir robes and choral garments have been in existence since antiquity. The notion of a uniformed collective of singers extends almost as far back as civilization itself to the Ancient Greeks, as portrayed on classic ceramics and earthenware. The format of figures wearing similar, loosely fitting tunics, intermingled […]

Choral Clarity Blog Presents: Do you want to know the secret to Eliminating Any and All Rehearsal Disruptions and Distractions? It is possible, and way easier than you think! Click here to make your rehearsals disruption and distraction-free!