Latest Blog Posts
How to Re-direct Poor Rehearsal Behavior
Poor rehearsal behavior MUST be managed! Ignoring poor behavior in a rehearsal will lead to: MORE poor behavior Continually deteriorating rehearsal productiveness Continually added stress Less and less being accomplished Less and less investment from ALL of your students I’ve written a blog post that explains a positive and effective way to manage […]
Where Has All the Polyphony Gone? with David Simmons Wood
Recently, David Simmons Wood made a splash by writing an article for Early Music America called “Toward a Rebirth of Renaissance Choral Repertoire.” In the article, David drew attention to what I see as a troubling gap in our collective repertoire and programming trends. Namely, the near disappearance of Polyphony from our performances, classrooms and in the […]
Choral Potpourri/Choral Ethics: Choral Conductors Behaving Badly
“Etiquette means behaving yourself a little better than is absolutely essential.” Will Cuppy 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 […]
A&C Monthly Blog: The Relevance of Choir
by: Alex Gartner Happy Back-to-School Season! 🍎 As choir directors return to classrooms and rehearsal halls, the concept of “choral community” might be top of mind. Many choral leaders liken choirs to families—we want every singer to feel like they belong and are celebrated through singing. Indeed, the choral community—the choral culture—is an important element […]
Singing Success Representing Primarily Undergraduate Institutions
The August 2023 issue of Choral Journal is online and features an article titled “Singing Success Representing Primarily Undergraduate Institutions” by Wendy K. Moy and Bryan E. Nichols. Following is a portion from the article. _________________ The culture of singing at Primarily Undergraduate Institutions (PUIs) is an integral part of the American choral ecosystem. Thousands of singers are […]
Ditch your Choir “Rules” and lose the “Consequences”
A decade ago, one of my colleagues asked me to consider utilizing the term “Choir Guidelines” instead of “Choir Rules.” I immediately pushed back and explained that I wanted clarity. If structure is in place, I could then create a positive atmosphere. She said, “Well, how would Guidelines be any different? Yes, it’s a less […]
Practical Vocal Acoustics with Professor Ken Bozeman
I am excited to welcome Kenneth Bozeman to the podcast this week to blow your minds! Ken is a voice teacher, author and prominent lecturer presenting all over the world to help teachers of singing understand the importance of the marriage between voice science and the emotive capabilities of the human voice. I have frequently participated in […]
Choral Potpourri/Choral Ethics: Who is Doing Towels?
“The buck stops here!” Harry S Truman 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 […]
Reflections and New Adventures
Depending on where you live, your 2023 – 24 program year/school year may have started already. Or perhaps you’re still preparing for rehearsals to restart. Here in Iowa City, schools will start in late August and ensembles will resume rehearsals after Labor Day. Planning worship services, choosing repertoire, and recruiting for ensembles are in full […]
Hidden Treasures from the Classical Era: Three Idiomatic and Accessible Settings of the Mass
The August 2023 issue of Choral Journal is online and features an article titled “Hidden Treasures from the Classical Era: Three Idiomatic and Accessible Settings of the Mass” by Paul von Kampen. Following is a portion from the article. _________________ How fortunate we are to live in an age where the world of choral literature seemingly continues to […]