Latest Blog Posts

VOCAL ADVANTAGE: TONE (part 2), by Dina Else (no. 21 in a series)   As we begin our discussions on tone I’d like to share McKinney’s opening statements on the topic in his book Diagnosis and Corrections of Vocal Faults:   Characteristics of a Musical Tone Musical tone has five characteristic properties or essential elements: […]

The first of ACDA’s seven divisional conferences takes place next week.  For those fortunate enough to be able to attend, those events will provide a rich opportunity to listen, learn, and grow.   But here’s a question:  HOW will you choose to listen to the concerts?  No, not “hear” the concerts . . . LISTEN.  […]

In our daily rehearsals, choral conductors push, push again, and push some more!  We demand ever-higher levels of musicianship, of poetic communication, and of artistic accomplishment from our choirs.  Some days we’re woodshedding with a chain saw, while on others we’re cutting with a scalpel.  We may fuss endlessly on the release of a single […]

The larger the choral ensemble, the harder the director will have to work to create subtle expressiveness and clear details. Not, however, because of the sum of the bodies present and usual “muddiness” of the typical large group delivery, but rather because of the lower ratio of concentrated effort from each individual.  (excerpted from the […]

CHORAL MUSIC EDUCATION AS SOCIAL JUSTICE EDUCATION, by Emily Pearce   As a current student of Music Education, I am immersed in Social Justice Education: teaching students about equal rights, respect for all, and unity in diversity. These are central aspects of my courses work, but also inherent in the work we do as Choral […]

The National Anthem of the United States, The Star-Spangled Banner, turns 200 this year, in fact the anniversary is just days away.  In commemoration of the auspicious national anniversary, the American Choral Directors Association, in partnership with the Star Spangled Music Foundation, is planning a nation-wide celebration of our national anthem on Friday, September 12, […]

VOCAL ADVANTAGE: TONE (part 1), by Dina Else (no. 20 in a series)   Welcome Back, I hope everyone had a wonderful 2013!   As we head into a new year and a fresh start, the timing is perfect to leave the topic of breath and begin our conversations about tone.   Describing the ideal […]

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.)   Unfinished Melodies by Linda Marcus, Robert Ross, Ken Matejka […]

Many colleagues have opined in the page of the Choral Journal and elsewhere about the value of physical freedom whilst singing.  Put another way, they suggest a need to understand the difference between energy and tension.  You disagree? Clench you jaw and sing.  It can’t possible feel or sound good.   Consider then, this performance […]