Latest Blog Posts

  “The secret of life is honesty and fair dealing. If you can fake that, you’ve got it made.” Groucho Marx  This is a Choral Ethics Blog post repeat from 2017-2018. I need to slow down during the summer as much as all of you. I try to be here, one way or another, every […]

“If you want something done, ask a busy person to do it. The more things you do, the more you can do.” Lucille Ball  This is a Choral Ethics Blog post repeat from 2017-2018. I need to slow down during the summer as much as all of you. I try to be here, one way […]

“In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.” Theodore Roosevelt This is a Choral Ethics Blog post repeat from 2017-2018. I need to slow down during the summer as much as […]

Prior to a performance, it is beneficial for choral directors to carefully consider and experiment with various standing formation, as differing formations can affect the sound of an ensemble. When considering standing formations, most directors likely think of the physical placement of voice parts (blocked or mixed formations). But arguably the more important consideration is […]

“Life is denied by lack of attention, whether it be to cleaning windows or trying to write a masterpiece.” Nadia Boulanger  The choral year has ended for most of us. The last concerts happened long ago, grades have been turned in and worship services requiring special music have occurred during the last few weeks. Unless […]

“When you practice gratefulness, there is a sense of respect toward others.” Dalai Lama We have finished the choir year. No matter what sort of choral organization you are involved with, things are winding down with the end of the school year, the concert year, and the church year. There are people out there you […]

“Being the Queen is not all about singing, and being a diva is not all about singing. It has much to do with your service to people. And your social contributions to your community and your civic contributions as well.” Aretha Franklin Two ChoralNetters recently have shared their Divas stories with me. I was raised […]

“Professionalism in art has this difficulty: To be professional is to be dependable, to be dependable is to be predictable, and predictability is esthetically boring – an anti-virtue in a field where we hope to be astonished and startled and at some deep level refreshed.” John Updike  Maude* began last fall’s concert cycle the way […]

Determining a singer’s voice part is a common task in the life of a choral director. Each semester, new students must be appropriately placed in a section of the ensemble. The key word here being appropriately, as improper placement of a voice can lead to negative vocal outcomes for the student and ensemble. ChoralEd episode […]

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 […]