Latest Blog Posts
Conductor motion capture
A video interview with Alan Gilbert, music directory of the NY Phil, includes some fascinating motion-capture computer graphics of his hand motions. Would that we could all have this kind of video taken for analyzing our own gesture! Can't embed the video. It's a sidebar to a general article about what a conductor does.
Stick Time: Lessons from a Drum Line
What can we as choral conductors learn from a performance like this? First, look at this ensemble’s precision – it is nothing short of razor-sharp. How about their disciplined approach to tempo? Sounds rock-solid to my ears. And what can we extrapolate from this performance about the individual performer’s dedication to the rehearsal process? I’m […]
Attracting younger audiences
A great video aimed towards bringing younger audiences to our concerts. : Hat tip: On an Overgrown Path
The arts aren’t dead . . . yet
Good news! We aren’t abandoning the arts in public education, at least not yet: Rumors of the death of arts education in public schools have been greatly exaggerated, new federal findings suggest. Over the past decade, the availability of music and visual-arts instruction on average has changed little, and remains high, when compared […]
Choral Caffeine: Humor in the Choral Rehearsal, Part 2
Let’s continue our look at the value of humor in our work with a little more from Steven Sieck’s article, “Humor in Choral Rehearsals.” Today Steven tells us that “Humor frees singers to make mistakes without fear . . . .” Singers will make mistakes. If you’ve been in a professional choir […]
Choral Caffeine: A Wake-up Call
No matter how fast we work, it seems as though the “To Do’ list grows out of control at this crazy-busy time of the season. Unfortunately, amid the myriad details swirling around us in that twisting vortex, it is all too easy to lose sight of the humanity of our craft. We become bedazzled by […]
Elementary Vocal Jazz
(From the interest session "Elementary Vocal Jazz Concepts," by Natalie Wilson. Presented during the 2012 Northwestern Division Conference) The mere concept of singing vocal jazz creates some discomfort for many choral conductors. Some common concerns are: <> The rhythm section <> Use of straight tone <> Intricate harmonies <> Appropriate […]
Start your own choir in one not-so-easy lesson
A number of readers have started their own choirs. But have you done it in equatorial Africa, with no instruments, no music teachers, no music literacy? And what would be your first piece? Why, Carmina Burana, of course. 60 Minutes reports. (Sorry, can't embed.) The video starts with lots of discussion on how the […]