Latest Blog Posts
New Music Week: “Sa-Li-Lo” (Geng)
A performance of the manuscript work “Sa-Li-Lo” (Geng) by the Crystal Children’s Choir (Karl Chang, conductor) during the 2013 ACDA National Conference in Dallas, Texas.
Choral Singing Really Does Make Us One
We're choral conductors, not scientists. While we typically don't quantify every little item in our environment, we have a particular ‘knowledge’ based upon observation and experience. So when our friends in the scientific community reveal some breakthrough discovery that comes from our art form, many of us just shrug and say, “Well, duh.” As choral […]
“Five from the Folder: Treble Voices” by Jennifer Tibben
FIVE FROM THE FOLDER: TREBLE VOICES by Jennifer Tibben 1. "Puisqu’ici-bas toute âme," Gabriel Fauré, Treble Clef Music Press, TC-269 Beautiful soaring melodies. Parts are equal. The work gives singers exposure to a rich French text about the beauty and pain of love. Range c4-g5, with the second part a third below the top. […]
“Five from the Folder: Church Choir” by Terre Johnson
FIVE FROM THE FOLDER: CHURCH CHOIR by Terre Johnson 1. "He, Watching Over Israel." Felix Mendelssohn, G. Schirmer 50293760 The perfectly useful chorus from an extended work. Singable counterpoint and beautiful expressive elements. 2. "There Is a Balm in Gilead." William L. Dawson, Neil A. Kjos T105 Deeply moving, and valuable for working […]
“Five from the Folder: Mixed Voices” by Steve Barton
FIVE FROM THE FOLDER: MIXED VOICES by Steve Barton 1. O Magnum Mysterium SSAATTBB (Acapella) Kevin Memley Pavane Publishing P1395 Gorgeous. Full textured, colorful, delicate. Great piece to create a profound sense of intimacy without suppressing voices. 2. Sure on this Shining Night. SATB with piano. Morten Lauridsen. Peer Music 0124115 Lyrical with gentle harmonies. Very […]
GUEST BLOG: “The Students’ Challenge to Directors” by Taylor Jack Conley
THE STUDENTS' CHALLENGE TO DIRECTORS, by Taylor Jack Conley Dear Choir Directors, We singers are lazy by nature. It’s part of being human, really. We will accomplish as little as you let us if you set the standards low enough. Yet, if you raise that bar higher, we will attain and accomplish […]