Latest Blog Posts

There is so much promise in this video:   1.  Left handed conducting 2.  Inexpensive instruments 3.  A replacement for handbells in church?  

(one in an occasional series highlighting ridiculous inclusive-language overkill, without regard for the scansion, meaning, or music.)   Today’s example is a relatively mild one, yet with important philosophical ramifications. This week’s lectionary includes Psalm 149, whose fourth verse begins as follows: For the Lord takes pleasure in his people… at least in the distant […]

These mass events are really catching on and I love it:    

I have a research project I am pursuing this Thanksgiving month (Thursday, November 25, in the U.S.), and I would love to have others join me in their own personalized version of this process.   Immediately after I graduated from High School, my family moved to the other end of the state. That fall, I […]

In case you missed it, Arvo Part was featured in the New York Times a couple of weeks ago.  With a new job and busier life than ever, I've missed bringing it to your attention: Last month, Pärt marked his 75th birthday, and the event was celebrated with a festival of his music throughout Estonia, […]

I shared this with my choir a couple of weeks ago but forgot to share it here – a tremendous trio of singers does Lady Gaga:   Who are these kids, and did they write the music down?   (edited for egregious grammatical errors late morning – plc)

Incredible – found on A Cappella News.  Well done!  Well done!  

Congregations aren't singing anymore and most worship leaders haven't noticed. I discovered this fascinating blog post pointed from a Facebook post courtesy of Samford wonder-student and ChoralNet member Peter Haley:   The people in our churches aren't singing anymore – not really. To be sure, there are many churches that have congregations singing with enthusiasm, but generally […]

Liz Garrett hits it on the head again with a post about blending from a singer’s, rather than a director’s, perspective: I have tried twice without success to join choirs that do 3 and 4 part harmony. I get rejected after a few sessions as i am told my voice does not blend. I know […]

Choir boy jack:     And don’t forget that it’s a religious holiday, the eve of All Saints’ Day.