Latest Blog Posts
Music and Masks
Until early 2021, I am gifting to conductors – in PDF format – fifty of my choral works exemplified in the two videos below. This is part of my 4C Project: Choirs and Conductors Combating Covid-19 which also focuses on two very safe Canadian and US Rehearsal/Audience and Singer’s masks for use or fundraising. Why […]
One from the Folder: Repertoire Thoughts for Women’s/Treble Choirs
#66: “Music of Life” by B.E. Boykin
Text by George Parsons Lathrop
SSA, piano
In listening to Boykin’s pieces for women’s/treble ensemble, “Music of Life” jumped out at me. The sound, the tone, the style, the text. I hadn’t yet seen a score to peruse, but I knew I wanted to investigate further.
Choral Potpourri/Choral Ethics: Staying On Track
“What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have never been discovered.” Ralph Waldo Emerson Today is the first Thursday of December. In normal times, I’d be reminding you to slow down and relax. Perhaps I’d be clever and suggest you stop and take time to smell the Christmas Cookies. In years past, I’d advise […]
Leading Voices: Positive Reappraisal: Adapting Instruction and Managing Stress
Adapting Instruction and Managing Stress I am growing weary of being told that teaching virtual and hybrid vocal music is only “temporary.” I emphatically disagree. The virtual and hybrid vocal music model may be temporary, but its adverse effects on my music students and our program will be felt for years. In response to the […]
Off The Podium: In Dulci Jubilo
In dulci jubilo is a famous medieval Christmas carol. It is a macaronic carol (i.e. the text is in a mixture of languages): the original text alternates between German and Latin. The words are attributed to the German mystic (and student of Meister Eckhart) Heinrich Seuse (1295 – 1366), and describes his vision of singing angels dancing with him. […]
An Artistic Style for Moses Hogan Spirituals
The latest issue of Choral Journal is online and features an article titled “His Light Still Shines:An Artistic Style for Moses Hogan Spirituals” by Loneka Wilkinson Battiste. You can read it in its entirety online at acda.org/choraljournal. Following is a portion from the introduction ___________________ The popularity of Moses Hogan’s music is likely connected to the ways in […]
7 LAST MINUTE Holiday Repertoire Ideas that WILL work – even REMOTELY!
Sometimes we need a last minute holiday piece to fill out or balance our program. This year, we may be searching for some piece that we can teach remotely, or scrape together for a last minute virtual choir video. We may have chosen a piece that was too difficult and need a last minute holiday […]
An Eagle’s Eye View with Dr. Eph Ehly
“To stimulate thinking you must ask questions. The instant you give YOUR philosophy, the thinking stops. What you want is for them to think for themselves.” Dr. Eph Ehly It’s difficult to describe the impact that Eph Ehly has had on the choral profession. In fact, it may be impossible to quantify. He has cultivated […]
Choral Potpourri/Choral Ethics: Being Grateful
“I am grateful for what I am and have. My thanksgiving is perpetual.” Henry David Thoreau I always try to be grateful. In this very strange season of Thanksgiving for this year, I am still trying to be grateful. Our world is in upheaval but there is one thing I know for certain; there is […]
Travel with the Non-auditioned Choir – Part 2: The Ideal Itinerary
By Patricia Guth In my last blog, I wrote in detail about choosing a tour company and a destination that are right for the make-up of your non-auditioned choir. To review, things to consider include a company that truly understands your singing organization and plans for them accordingly, as well as a locale that is […]