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(An excerpt from the interest session “For Everyone Born, A Place in the Choir,” presented by Christopher Larson during the 2014 ACDA North Central Division Conference)          Keep an open mind.  Use inclusive language. – Even though a lot of the composers of the songs we sing are or were homosexual, that does not […]

As you read the thoughts of various musicians who worked with Eric, you’ll discover commonalities—which is only natural—but each from a slightly different perspective.   For me, one of the best things about doing this series is giving me the excuse to get in touch with my Swedish friends. This week it’s Robert Sund. I […]

(An excerpt from the interest session “Diversity within the Philosophy of an Afro-Canadian Composer,” presented by Wallace McClain Cheatham during the 2014 ACDA North Central Division Conference)          Composers who are of an African ancestry and are exponents of western music genres, regardless of nationality, are marginalized by audiences, those who make decisions about […]

It's called "The King of Instruments" for good reason.  May the force be with you.  

(With abiding respect for St. Matthew)  One possible definition of choral music might be “wherever two or more are gathered, there is a choir.”  We are not easily impressed by techno-gadgetry, but to one who is an unapologetic choir geek this is incredibly cool . . .  

(An excerpt from the interest session “ And May God Give Us Faith to Sing Always: Purpose Beyond Performance,” presented by Tom Trenney during the 2014 ACDA North Central Division Conference)          It has been a true blessing to teach the freshmen women’s choir at Doane College this year.  These twenty-four seventeen and eighteen-year […]

(An excerpt from the interest session “Stretching a Point: Getting Through Your Athletic Life as a Choral Director,” presented by Jenelle Andrews and Bruce Browne during the 2014 ACDA Northwestern Division Conference)          Dr. Andrews presented, via power point and hands on, working with members in attendance, various strategies for  preventing tension and injury […]

(An excerpt from the interest session “Building Connections: Bridging the Gap between Conductors and Pianists,” presented by Melissa Loehnig and Jeremy Mims during the 2014 ACDA Northwestern Division Conference)          Although we have a great working relationship, we have talked to many colleagues, both pianists and conductors, who are not so lucky.  The horror […]

COMPOSITION SPOTLIGHT ~ by Jack Senzig   (Each week we look at one or two of the best choral works posted in the Composition Showcase here on ChoralNet.  This is where we store a treasure trove of works that your choirs will love to sing and your audiences will love to hear.)   Libera Me by Anthony Sylvestre for […]

(An excerpt from the interest session “National Standards in the Choral Rehearsal: Strategies for Implementation,” presented by Melissa Baughman during the 2014 ACDA Southwestern Division Conference)          Implementing the National Standards into the choral rehearsal continues to be a difficult task for many high school choir directors.  In this session, I presented ideas for […]