Latest Blog Posts

“Always be sincere, even if you don’t mean it.” Harry S. Truman Have you ever been in a situation where, if you are completely honest, you could offend someone? But if you are not honest, that person will think whatever he or she is doing is fine, even if clearly it is not. We are […]

Going Beyond Words w/ Stan Schmidt Show 2316 – Some French Masters This week on ACDA Radio and Going Beyond Words, Host Stan Schmidt invites you to recall music of some French Masters.  You will hear some magnificent Classics of the Choral World by such composers, as Francis Poulenc, Claude Debussy, Dominque Phinot, Charles Gouond […]

Choral Clarity Presents: An un-auditioned choir can truly be amazing; it can look, act, and sound just like a select ensemble but unlike a select ensemble, we have more layers of student development to focus on. Many of us have our hearts in the right place but our very approach to a “Ye all come” choir […]

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 […]

January and February can hit a middle school chorus teacher square between the eyes. The dark, cold days can be trying ones.  It isn’t easy motivating children to sing when they are struggling with the difficulties of getting back into the daily rigor and routine of life.  If our classroom management techniques haven’t been as strong […]

“If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?” Percy Bysshe Shelley Happy Ground Hog Day! This morning, I hope your own local rodent has brought good, spring-timey news to you and your community. In case you don’t remember the folklore, here’s how it works; if it’s cloudy when the Ground Hog comes out from its […]

Going Beyond Words w/ Stan Schmidt Show 2315 – Exploring Some New Arrivals This week on ACDA Radio and Going Beyond Words, Host Stan Schmidt invites you to explore some new recordings.  You’ll enjoy a 13 year old boy Soprano from Norway, a marvelous eight voice ensemble from Germany, The University of South Dakota Chamber Choir, […]

Choral Clarity Presents: A choir can be a welcoming and loving community for people who love to sing. For many students, it can even feel like a second home; that is……only if they are accepted into your select ensemble. Does Your Choral Program FAIL Most Students?   Will you break the mold and reflect upon the choices you’ve made? […]

The moment when you introduce a new song to your middle school beginners is so important. If we don’t get them hooked from the start, they shut down and decide they don’t like the song.  Then, it’s like pulling teeth every time we sing the song. Most of the true beginners aren’t ready to sight […]

“The best revenge is massive success.” Frank Sinatra During the month of January, I’ve blogged about being Ready, being Reliable and being Respectful. Today it’s all about not being Revengeful with follow-ups from two community chorus directors featured in past Choral Ethics blogs. Both Jackie* and Josie* could have been revengeful in the situations they […]