Latest Blog Posts

In an age when digital “friends” have replaced genuine friendships, when texts take the place of face-to-face communications, and perception is valued more than truth, it should come as no surprise that our students are utterly blind to the concept of accountability.  Then again, how could they understand when pernicious helicopter mommies and daddies confront […]

For most of us the mid-year break is, or soon will be, over.  It’s time to reawaken our ears, to recall what it is we’re supposed to be listening for in rehearsal.   Here is a recording from an ACDA national conference.  Play this performance three times, listening for a different musical item each time.  […]

FIVE FROM THE FOLDER: COMMUNITY CHOIR by Richard Nutting   1. “I Katisma.”  Einojuhani Rautavaara.  Fazer Music Inc. #M042088562 This piece is from his All-Night Vigil. A great opening piece with rhythmic excitement that uses a solo quartet. Sung in Finnish the piece is easily accessible once you master the changing meter. 2. “Water Night.” […]

From the auditions that start the academic year through the grading process at the end of each semester, assessing choral students is . . . is . . . um . . . well, it’s just not any fun at all.  For some of us, assessment is one of the least pleasant parts of job. […]

Choral music probably isn’t the first thing that springs to mind when you hear the term “Jam Session.”  Being a bass player, one has played in a lot of jam sessions.  In one’s school days, they were a rich training ground for learning to listen, to play with (and off of) others, and to improvise. […]

THE POWER OF CHRISTMAS MUSIC! by Thomas R. Vozzella          Christmas, the name and holiday designated December 25th. Dissected, its meaning is Christ’s Mass, from Old English, “Crīstesmæss”. December 25t h is the annual commemoration of Jesus’ birth some 2,000 years ago. Just as we remember Washington, Lincoln, President’s Day, Veteran’s, Patriot’s, MLK, Native […]

End-of the Year countdowns and “Best Of” retrospectives are everywhere this time of year.  We’ll wade into those waters with a little glance back at some of the most popular ChoralNet blogs of the year 2013.   Regular blog contributors were huge favorites among readers.  Richard Sparks seemed to grab the attention of many choral […]

FIVE FROM THE FOLDER: TREBLE VOICES by Emily Ellsworth   1. “Friday Afternoons.”  Benjamin Britten.  Boosey & Hawkes. A collection of 12 songs for Unison and 2 part and piano.  Accessible songbook written for Britten’s brother’s school choir, which met on Friday afternoons, hence the title.  In this year of Britten’s centennial, it’s worth revisiting […]

FIVE FROM THE FOLDER: SATB by Lisa Larsen   1. “Jabberwocky.” Sam Pottle. SATB, Heritage Music Press, #15/2088H Wonderful character piece, dramatic and funny, added percussion. Based on part of “Alice in Wonderland”   2. “Tambur.” Lajos Bardos. Boosey & Hawkes, SATB, #48003807 Hungarian dancing song with easy to learn words. Students love this one. […]