Latest Blog Posts

  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 because I know many of you look forward to this blog and […]

In ChoralEd Episode 22, Bryce Gage discusses techniques for introducing sight-reading to new choral students.  To begin, Mr. Gage utilizes Call and Response.  Initially, this exercise should be performed on a neutral syllable using simple intervals.  As student’s develop their listening skills and demonstrate their ability to match pitch, the exercise should be extended to […]

The June/July 2023 issue of Choral Journal is online and features an article titled “Evaluating the Graduate School Decision: Is it Right for Me?” by Francis Cathlina. Following is a portion from the article. _________________ Many working musicians ponder the notion of pursuing a graduate degree. Is it for me? Can I stop my full-time job to pursue this? […]

There are 12 IMPORTANT THINGS every secondary level choir needs in order to CONTINUALLY THRIVE. In fact, these 12 things will allow a choral program to essentially RUN ITSELF! Unfortunately, when ANY of these 12 things are lacking, added responsibility falls on the director. As a result, the director is unable to build a thriving choral program and instead […]

This week, I am pleased to present a TRIFECTA of conversations to fill your summer with high quality, FREE professional development anywhere you want to listen or watch. For FREE. That’s the value of the Choralosophy Podcast. In Episode 153, Dr. Melissa Baughman is the guest to discuss gender disparity in conducting/teaching jobs. In May […]

“A single conversation across the table with a wise man is better than ten years mere study of books.” Henry Wadsworth Longfellow I’ve written quite a few times here about my conversations with choral friends, most of whom I’ve known for decades. Some of them have shared conversations with me they’ve had with their choral […]

The June/July 2023 issue of Choral Journal is online and features an article titled “Singing for Pleasure: An Introduction to the Life and Works of Imogen Holst” by Liza Calisesi Maidens. Following is a portion from the article. _________________ On March 14, 1984, at seventy-seven years of age, Imogen Holst died of a heart attack. Her burial plot at […]

“Great artists are people who find the way to be themselves in their art. Any sort of pretension induces mediocrity in art and life alike.” Margot Fonteyn Jamie*’s highly auditioned and highly respected community chorus sing at a (you can guess) high level. Though not a professional chorus, they are often used by a local […]

Guest Author: Dale Trumbore Let’s say you have a promising musician in your choir who’s interested in composing. As a conductor, how can you encourage them to write music?   I don’t use the word “encourage” lightly. The most important thing for anyone new to composing, even more important than feedback or criticism, is encouragement […]

The June/July 2023 issue of Choral Journal is online and features an article titled “Concerning the Choral Music of William Byrd: An Interview with Peter Phillips of The Tallis Scholars” by Sean Michael Burton. Following is a portion from the article. _________________ William Byrd (c. 1540-1623) is considered one of the greatest musicians of the sixteenth century. Born […]