Latest Blog Posts

“It’s easy to play any musical instrument: all you have to do is touch the right key at the right time and the instrument will play itself.” J.S. Bach Lady C* contacted me a few years ago as I began to collect stories for this blog. She conducts a semi-professional chamber choir, much like mine, […]

“Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have a right to do and what is right to do.” Potter Stewart For all of my new Choral Ethics ChoralNet readers, I thought you might be interested in how my Choral Ethics blog came about. When I finally decided to write about what I now call […]

“Autism is part of who I am.” Temple Grandin It’s time for my annual Autism Awareness Month blog post. For those of you who are not aware; my eldest son has autism. April is just another month for our family since EVERY month is autism awareness month at our house. Music is very important to […]

“Nothing is a greater impediment to being on good terms with others than being ill at ease with yourself.” Honore de Balzac We just finished another Lenten, Holy Week and Easter season. Church musicians rounded the corner, heading toward the end of the finish line of their busiest six weeks, exhausted and craving chocolate bunnies. […]

My blog schedule this year has coincided more than once with concert weeks for me, which means as I sit down to write, I am absorbed with those tasks, thoughts, and emotions that emerge from peaking and sharing performances.  Trying to clear space to think deep thoughts.  Hmm.  Maybe a different strategy is needed right now. I recall […]

“He, who every morning plans the transactions of the day, and follows that plan, carries a thread that will guide him through a labyrinth of the most busy life.” Victor Hugo I am sure you are busy. In fact, I know you are busy this week. This week, Holy Week is the distillation of all […]

Knowledge of basic audio equipment is quickly becoming an essential feature of the job in today’s music classroom. For those with limited experience, ChoralEd episode 52 offers a quick guide to help you get started.  In this episode, the basic audio setup is demonstrated using a microphone, XLR cable, mixer, and speaker.  Each step of […]

Between the Staves: Choral Questions, Candid Answers, is fresh take on the classic advice column—this time for all things choral music! Modeled after the beloved “Dear Sally” format, this blog will answer your questions about choral music education, performance, and leadership. Whether you’re curious about vocal technique, rehearsal tips, repertoire selection, or the “other” side […]

Choral Ethics has a Guest Blogger today. Benjamin Amenta is a keyboardist and composer based in the South Suburbs of Chicago. He is Dean of the Northwest Indiana Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. By Benjamin Amenta As part of my own observance for women’s history month this year, I would like to share […]

“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” Marcel Proust Serena* is happier in her present situation than she ever was in her past positions. She’s beginning her third year and knows it was pure luck to find this job. She is an […]