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A new report released by the NEA demonstrates once again that cultural industries are economic powerhouses and states have the data to prove it.  Drawing on data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, Arts and the GDP: Value Added by Selected Cultural Industries is a new NEA research note that examines the value added by […]

Clychau Aberdyfi by Hywel Girl’s Choir on a Decca Junior gramophone next to the Einion stream behind Graig Chapel Furnace.   Clychau Aberdyfi yn Ffwrnais from jacob whittaker on Vimeo. Presumably the significance of the stream is that Clychau Aberdyfi (“The Bells of Aberdovey”) is a folk song about a submerged kingdom whose bells can be heard […]

Two types of tweets are burning up my “choral” twitter feed this morning and both feature videos.   One is the Capital Children’s Choir singing Lady Gaga’s “Judas” and the other is news of the UPLB victory in a Chinese choral competition.  Congrats to both these choirs and their directors.  Videos of both below.  

Ron Staheli and BYU sometimes produce videos to advertise their concerts.  In doing so, they create a resource of great value to choral directors for a number of reasons:   1.  We get insight into one of the top choral programs in the nation 2.  We see the depth of insight the BYU students have […]

A great place for you to visit as you contemplate using Social Media in the classroom is “Facebook for Educators.”   They offer seven rules of engagement:   1.  Help develop and follow your school’s policy about Facebook. 2.  Encourage student’s to follow Facebook’s guidelines. 3.  Stay up to date about safety and privacy settings […]

I found this on my "Google+" stream from Michael Bizzaro – a great moment from one of Simon Carrington's masterclasses.   He discusses his idea about "rhetoric" for choral singers, an item he discussed with me in this podcast that previewed the ACDA National Conference in Chicago.   If you want to learn more about […]

Imagine this at your choir audition:    

I’m sorry to have to say this aloud . . .   It’s August.   I can hear it now: “No! NO! I’m not ready! I need more time.” I understand. The passing of July and the onslaught of those ubiquitous “Back-to-School” ads indicate that your summer vacation is almost over (here in Oklahoma City, […]

We don’t sing enough Josquin:    

It is that slow time of the year when news from the choral world slows down.    It would be nice to get a report on "who" is going to be "where" next year at the ACDA Regional Conferences.  Does anyone have news to share?   UPDATE:  Central Division has their choirs listed on their […]