Latest Blog Posts

“No art is less spontaneous than mine. What I do is the result of reflection and the study of the great masters.” Edgar Degas This is a Choral Ethics Blog post repeat from several years ago. I need to slow down and plotting out the rest of the summer now seems like a smart idea. […]

The August 2024 issue of Choral Journal is online and features an article titled “Irish Choral Music: Problems and Possibilities” by Kevin Boushel. Following is a portion from the article’s introduction. _________________ Ireland features sparingly in the histories of choral music, and its choral music is not afforded much importance in histories of Irish music. This is […]

Before my first day of teaching high school, the person who hired me gave me some advice. He told me exactly what to do on the first day: “Just do what you did during your demo lesson, and the students will love you!”   Unfortunately, this advice nearly ruined my entire first year and jeopardized […]

“The jealous are troublesome to others, but a torment to themselves.” William Penn This is a Choral Ethics Blog post repeat from several years ago. I need to slow down and plotting out the rest of the summer now seems like a smart idea. I try to be here, one way or another, every week […]

The August issue of Choral Journal is available online. ACDA members can log in with their username and password to view and download the newest edition. You can also read our electronic version. If you are not already a member of ACDA, join today to start receiving your monthly Choral Journal! ____________ Features Irish Choral Music: Problems and Possibilities by […]

The Overlooked First Step to Building a Successful Choral Program The key to long-term success in a choral program is often overlooked, even by seasoned directors. This crucial first step is essential for sustained success and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Whether you’re a first-year teacher or a veteran, I encourage you to reflect on […]

Elizabeth Leon is an author and musician from Ashburn, Virginia. For more information, please visit www.msva.org or www.elizabethleon.org _ _ _ In August of 1999, I was the mother of an almost two-year-old daughter and was expecting a baby in December. After two years staying home with a toddler, I was desperate to regain some sense of who I […]

“You hear things about certain people. When you hear someone was mean to a limo driver or a wardrobe lady, or someone was rotten to a fan, somewhere in your brain it gets stuck.” Joan Rivers This is a Choral Ethics Blog post repeat from several years ago. I need to slow down and plotting […]

Prior to introducing new repertoire to an ensemble, choral directors should carefully evaluate their selections for potential vocal challenges as they prepare for the rehearsal process. To identify potential vocal challenges choral directors should look at and sing through each voice part and consider the following questions. Where did I have trouble? Where will my […]

If you caught the last two month’s A&C blogs, you know over the last year that your Advocacy & Collaboration Standing Committee has been curating the most incredible A&C focus issue heading your way this fall (October to be specific)! To get everyone excited and ready for the new content coming, we’ve been highlighting some […]