Latest Blog Posts
Saturday Respite: Audience Building?
In baseball, it’s, “Build it and they will come.” Maybe in the performing arts we should say, “Play it and they will listen.”
Stick Time: A Conductor’s Nightmare
I suspect every profession has it's own particular set of nightmares, and certainly the choral profession is no different. Imagine how this colleague must have felt as the risers collapsed and her entire ensemble hit the ground. What would you do at that moment? How would you react? Have you pondered what you as a […]
For Unto Us A Child Is Born
More creativity from Carosaxone on Christmas Day: A few days ago I found this wonderful poetic commentary on the Messiah by Mark Doty from Bob Eaton's ACDA Eastern Facebook page. A few words from it: "This music demonstrates what it claims: Glory shall be revealed. If art's acceptable evidence, mustn't what lies […]
Choir Risers Collapse
ChoralNet user Johua Bronfman notified me of this – so scary: Full story here. I’m glad no one was hurt seriously.
A Worthy Christmas Flash Mob
Long time ChoralNet member David Topping gives us this holiday cheer:
Stick Time: A Pyramid of Sound
One of the sonic goals that some conductors work toward is what is commonly called a pyramid of sound. They strive to have a large bass foundation that tapers upward through the tenors, altos, and sopranos, respectively. It’s a challenging sound to achieve, if for no other reason than male singers are a somewhat rarer […]
Have You Registered Yet?
The final moments of 2011 are fading fast. Don't forget to register for your ACDA Divisional Conference! (Listen to the entire performance of this work)
Stick Time: Bob Chilcott
Composer and former member of the King's Singers, Bob Chilcott, presents his Upper Voice music and discusses the motivation and creative processes behind his compositions.
CJ Replay: The Grinch in YOUR Town?
The Who down in Who-ville Liked Christmas a lot. But the Grinch, Who lived just north of Who-ville, Did NOT! "Dr. Seuss did not say so, but I am sure the Grinch was member of the American Civil Liberties Union. Every December, they crawl out of the woodwork, Grinchy […]
CJ Replay: Service of Lessons and Carols
One of the great traditions of the Christmas season is the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, sung by church choirs large and small” in every part of the English-speaking world. The model upon which this nativity event is based is the service which takes place annually on Christmas Eve at 3:00pm in the Chapel […]