Latest Blog Posts

Let There Be Peace on Earth   “This will be our reply to violence: to make music more intensely, more beautifully, more devotedly than ever before.” Leonard Bernstein For the month of December I’m rerunning some Choral Ethics blogs from years past with a few modifications where needed. Today’s is THE MOST REQUESTED December Blog or […]

“Christmas is a season not only of rejoicing but of reflection.” Winston Churchill I’m rerunning some Choral Ethics blogs from years past with a few modifications where needed. Two of my MOST REQUESTED December Blogs will also be making their yearly appearances. In a few days, it will be Christmas Eve. Your plans have been […]

 I’m rerunning some Choral Ethics blogs from years past with a few modifications where needed. Two of my MOST REQUESTED December Blogs will be making their yearly appearances, including today’s.~MLGA I love “Messiah”. Truth be told, it is probably one of my favorite large choral works.  There’s a little something for everyone–from show piece arias […]

“Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.” Plato Why do we love music? And why make it our life’s work? I’ve been pondering this question as I organize some of my ChoralNetters favorite holiday […]

In a recent ChoralEd episode, host Micah Bland sat down with Jude Nwankwo, a distinguished Nigerian composer and choral director, to explore the vibrant world of Nigerian choral music. For those outside of the culture, approaching this music can feel daunting, but as Nwankwo explains, with a little research and a lot of respect, it’s […]

“And the mind becomes fit for concentration.” Patanjali, on dharana Admit it—you’re distracted.  You might call it “busy,” “multi-tasking,” “overwhelmed,” or “the norm for this time of the year.”  But do you struggle to stay with one thing at a time without checking messages, doing a chore, letting the dog out, ordering a holiday gift or a coffee-to-go, […]

“I am grateful for what I am and have. My thanksgiving is perpetual.” Henry David Thoreau Today’s Choral Ethics blog is a revisit and one of Choral Ethics most requested blogs, edited to be timely. Happy Thanksgiving, ChoralNet! ~MLGA I always try to be grateful, and I remain grateful, despite much upheaval in our world. […]

“Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young.” Henry Ford A few weeks ago, I ran into a young friend and colleague in the grocery store. Both of us were pressed for time but wanted […]

Between the Staves: Choral Questions, Candid Answers, is fresh take on the classic advice column—this time for all things choral music! Modeled after the beloved “Dear Sally” format, this blog will answer your questions about choral music education, performance, and leadership. Whether you’re curious about vocal technique, rehearsal tips, repertoire selection, or the “other” side […]

“The way to gain a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear.” Socrates Finn* had heard about Dr. Marcus* for years. He taught at the local community college, had the best (and biggest) church position in town and conducted the premier community chorus in the region. Finn taught elementary school […]