Latest Blog Posts
Extreme Rehearsal Makeover
When asked, “What are the three most important characteristics that a conductor possesses?” research tells us enthusiasm (26%), confidence (21%), and authority (17%) are the traits most highly valued by our singers. As we enter our fall rehearsal schedules and start ramping up again with a fresh beginning, why not do an extreme makeover […]
You Can’t Thrive Without These
Or at least some of these elements that must be a part of 21st century social reality. The following list represents ideas extracted from research for what is needed to build organizations such as volunteer groups of singers, incorporating the realities of the 21st century social environment. Choral excellence in programming, musicianship, pedagogy, and performance […]
The Future of Conducting?
I put this video up today for my students of my Introduction to Conducting class (I'm sure it's been around the internet circles for a while, but it was the first time I saw it). I showed it to them mainly for a bit comic relief, and that was really all. However, after we watched […]
Particle Physics Choir
Looking for an original theme for your next concert? Have you considered singing about physics? The CERN choir has. Maybe those of you who lead college choirs can get more guys this way. CERN is a particle accelerator in Europe.
What does it take to produce a happy, creative, motivated human being?
This video challenges today's educational system . . . I keep thinking that it gives us hope for the continuation of our art form: Found it here.
Why there are no great Iranian choirs . . .
Ever wondered why there are no great choirs from Iran? This story from the Wall Street Journal will help you understand: Advice to music lovers: Stay the hell out of Iran. According to the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s maximum politico- spiritual leader, the promoting and teaching of music—not just Western music, but any kind […]
Twitter for Teachers – and Choral Directors
This is my latest interest – personal learning networks. As I was searching about this, I found a great website by Paul Hill along with a video. Here is a great quote from the video: “Twitter is a way of having open dialogue about learning with people we respect at a time […]
Ingenuity and Mashing Things Up
Alex Ross pointed out this very interesting creation: Tim Rutherford-Johnson, of The Rambler, drew attention to the fact that the opening minutes of the work bear an uncanny resemblance to Beyoncé's "Single Ladies." Nothing in Turnage's commentary indicated a Beyoncé connection, but once you listen to the mash-up above — and see the mischievous […]
Faure Madrigal – very nice
Found this on the City of Dunedin Choir blog:
Eric Whitacre and Driving Ferraris
It's been awhile since we've featured an Eric Whitacre post, believe it or not! Here, Decca has created a mini-documentary of Eric's new professional group, featured below. He says that conducting them is like driving a Ferrari, but he's used that phrase before. Buy hey . . . I'm sure Eric has probably […]