Latest Blog Posts
Scientific Study of Boys’ Voices
Science has long attempted to quantify art. From the numerology associated with St, Mark’s Cathedral, to the mathematics at play in the works of Bach, to recent studies highlighted in an article called “This is your Brain on Music,” all forms of art have been subjected to objective examination in order to explain their properties. […]
Composition Spotlight: A God and Yet A Man
COMPOSITION SPOTLIGHT ~ by Jack Senzig (Each week we look at a piece of useful repertoire from the ChoralNet Community Composition Showcase. A variety of voicings and levels of difficulty will be presented. Enjoy!) A God and Yet A Man by David Madiera SATB a cappella (click for PDF and AUDIO) Level: High School or higher, advanced Church Choir Uses: […]
ACDA Remembers . . .
Amid the echoing thunder from vicious terrorism in Massachusetts and a tragic explosion in Texas, the American Choral Directors Association recalls the event that took place in Oklahoma City on this day in 1995 and shares this message of hope and of healing from the 2009 ACDA National Conference.
Intonation I
Intonation is an incredibly important subject for all choral conductors, but one that isn't simple. In this next series, I'll write about different aspects of choral intonation. Not only what does it mean to sing "in tune," but how do you help your choir sing better in tune? When I say "isn't simple," I […]
Who is the Choral Art?
(Yes, we realize that the title is grammatically incorrect, it is however accurate.) Among the countless, amazing things about our art form is that it is simultaneously unifying and universal. Simply put: anyone, anywhere can participate in the entire spectrum of choral music. As you read this, a choir in Louisanna is studying […]
Saturday Respite: Six-Part Singing at a Baseball Game
Here is a six-part version of the National Anthem. (Tonight’s first pitch in OKC is at 7:05. I’ll be there, but I know the Anthem's performance will not be this cool!)
Choral Caffeine: Gender Words
While watching a classic old black & white move recently, one was struck by the incredible changes that have taken place in the role gender plays in society. In his article, “Church Musicians and Inclusive Language: A Beginning” (Central Division Resound Vol.34, No.1), Andy Call discusses how the use of words reflects such changes: […]
Artistic Arrows in a Choral Quiver
As educators, we are supposed to be singularly focused upon the well-being of our students. As choral conductors, we are called upon to care for them both within the context of the specifics of our subject matter (our art) and beyond the confines of the rehearsal/concert space. It is a special honor that many of […]