Latest Blog Posts

by: Alex Gartner Happy Back-to-School Season! 🍎 As choir directors return to classrooms and rehearsal halls, the concept of “choral community” might be top of mind. Many choral leaders liken choirs to families—we want every singer to feel like they belong and are celebrated through singing. Indeed, the choral community—the choral culture—is an important element […]

The August 2023 issue of Choral Journal is online and features an article titled “Singing Success Representing Primarily Undergraduate Institutions” by Wendy K. Moy and Bryan E. Nichols. Following is a portion from the article. _________________ The culture of singing at Primarily Undergraduate Institutions (PUIs) is an integral part of the American choral ecosystem. Thousands of singers are […]

A decade ago, one of my colleagues asked me to consider utilizing the term “Choir Guidelines” instead of “Choir Rules.” I immediately pushed back and explained that I wanted clarity. If structure is in place, I could then create a positive atmosphere. She said, “Well, how would Guidelines be any different? Yes, it’s a less […]

I am excited to welcome Kenneth Bozeman to the podcast this week to blow your minds! Ken is a voice teacher, author and prominent lecturer presenting all over the world to help teachers of singing understand the importance of the marriage between voice science and the emotive capabilities of the human voice. I have frequently participated in […]

 “The buck stops here!” Harry S Truman This is a Choral Ethics Blog post repeat from several years ago. I need to slow down and plotting out the rest of the summer now seems like a smart idea. I try to be here, one way or another, every week because I know many of you […]

Depending on where you live, your 2023 – 24 program year/school year may have started already. Or perhaps you’re still preparing for rehearsals to restart. Here in Iowa City, schools will start in late August and ensembles will resume rehearsals after Labor Day. Planning worship services, choosing repertoire, and recruiting for ensembles are in full […]

The August 2023 issue of Choral Journal is online and features an article titled “Hidden Treasures from the Classical Era: Three Idiomatic and Accessible Settings of the Mass” by Paul von Kampen. Following is a portion from the article. _________________ How fortunate we are to live in an age where the world of choral literature seemingly continues to […]

Could it be that the new era of “the choral entrepreneur” is what we need to save Choral Music? After the pandemic, we have seen a resurgence of enthusiasm for Choral Music amongst the already initiated. But, program enrollments are down, concert attendance is down, positions have been cut, and conference attendance has not recovered. […]

 I believe in rules. Sure I do. If there weren’t any rules, how could you break them?” Leo Durocher This is a Choral Ethics Blog post repeat from several years ago. I need to slow down and plotting out the rest of the summer now seems like a smart idea. I try to be here, […]

In ChoralEd Episode 23, Jo Ann Antinone discusses the fixed-do sight-reading method.  The fixed-do approach is occasionally viewed by choral directors as intimidating and complex, but through sequential instruction, this method becomes very accessible to students.  According to Mrs. Antinone, the fixed-do instructional sequence should begin with the key of “F” for treble voices and […]