Latest Blog Posts

“I can live for two months on a good compliment.” Mark Twain A few years ago, ‘way before the Pandemic, I decided to conduct a little experiment. I randomly thanked and complimented family, friends, and strangers during the month of November. Why November? Usually, we are encouraged to be consciously thankful l during the month […]

Maria A. Ellis, founder of Girl Conductor LLC and host of Bach & Beyoncé, was tasked in January 2020 by The St. Louis Children’s Choirs to start a new inner city choir. In the very segregated St. Louis, Ms. Ellis explained, The St. Louis Children’s Choirs are located on one side of town. Black people […]

By Matt Harrison In this season of change, how often have you taken the time to meaningfully meditate on why we do what we do?  Perhaps, we must first examine exactly what it is that we do. We connect and engage with our singers.  We cultivate powerful, lasting, and transformative relationships.  As my good friend […]

As I’m writing this post, I’ve had some minor symptoms after getting the Pfizer COVID booster shot. When I made the appointment to get the booster the afternoon of November 7, I was hopeful, perhaps naively so, that I would escape without any symptoms. However, as an insurance policy, I made sure that the following […]

The November/December issue of Choral Journal is online and features an article titled “American Christian Orthodox Choral Music” by Jason Thoms. You can read it in its entirety at acda.org/choraljournal. Following is a portion from the article. _________________ Music majors and students in music appreciation have studied the Mass ordinary movements of the Catholic Mass, Gregorian chant, the structure and […]

The First Installment of the a new series following Betsy Cook Weber on her Sabbatical I am honored to present to you a new series of podcasts and videos with Dr. Betsy Cook Weber. Dr. Weber is on Sabbatical this semester, and she reached out to me to partner in documenting her travels across Europe. […]

Should Choir Members Be Forced To Sing Solo? This age-old question is usually met with strong, opposing viewpoints. As I advocate for self-selected ensembles, ones where ANYONE can join, I have an opinion I would like to share. I hope this blog post presents some food for thought!   Here is: Should Choir Members Be Forced To […]

“Thunder is good, thunder is impressive; but it is lightning that does the work.” Mark Twain Most of us are doing what we can, with what we can, during this strange transition time. Concerts? Well, I know I’m forgetting something for my own concert in ten days, I just am not sure what it is. […]

Suddenly, the bass section broke out in full, boisterous song.  After they finished, I said, “That was great! what were you singing?” They all heartily replied, “The Wellerman,” with a few Arrr’s thrown in for effect.   It was the beginning of the school year, and each section of the choir was working on their […]

In this age of rush, nothing is more critical than moving slowly.   ~Tias Little~ Tias Little is an internationally known yoga teacher and brilliant writer.  His most recent book, The Practice is the Path (2020) is a compelling read, even if you don’t practice yoga.  His explorations include emptying before you begin, right effort, […]