Latest Community Posts
Voice Issues – 2 questions
I currently teach very large choirs 6-12th grades and my voice is fried – raspy, tired and losing some of my range. I know I need to get to the ENT. 1) Can anyone recommend one in the St. Louis area? 2) I am interested in getting a wireless mic system so that […]
Smart Boards
There was some discussion regarding smart boards in the choral classroom about three years ago – light years in the electronic world. Our school is installing smart boards in all the classrooms, but not in the choir room at this time. I will “go to bat” to get one if you other choir directors who […]
Shared band/choir time or longer rehearsals?
Fellow colleagues: I am facing a critical issue as I look at next year’s (2011-12) schedule. We are on a block system, and historically we have shared blocks with band. This means in our 85 minute period, half of the time is a band rehearsal, half of the time is a choir rehearsal. Over […]
Help with justifying choral music in languages other than English during traditional service
I am in my second year as choir director (adult and youth) at a Methodist church that does traditional worship at the services at which I am responsible. Larger church, with a generally older congregation, and some issues at the church in general. Out of the blue (after having done Brahms’ Geistliches Lied, which we […]
recording britten satb ceremony of carols
Listers, Can anyone recommend a good recording of Britten’s Ceremony of Carols, satb version? Thanks!
Gorecki for Christmas
I was thinking it might be nice to remember the old man by using his Lullabies, Opus 49, Mixed Voices (1984) for Christmas during the 9 Lessons and Carols. I just heard them on Youtube and they’re exquisite. But would it suit better to do the Five Marian Songs, Opus 54, chorus a cappella (1985) or the Two […]
Quality, Engaging Music for Beginning 8th Grade Choir
I teach HS/MS Choir in a small rural district (300 MS students, 400 HS students) that cut nearly all electives except Band and Choir at the MS. On the bright side my classes have balooned to nearly 50 singers (20-25 boys) each. On the down side, I now have a 7th, and an 8th Grade […]
With Heart and Hands – Rutter
Anyone have a recording or video link for this new Rutter piece?
Tinny aging soprano voice
I direct a choir whose average is probably 68 to 70. Some of my sopranos get very “tinny” and flat as they go higher. I have no idea how to get rid of this piercing sound. Some tell me they can’t sing high unless they sing loudly. I’ve tried talking about head voice; rounding […]
Choir vs Band issues
Help!! I teach at a wonderful 7-9 Junior High with a great band teacher – that isn’t the problem. The problem is at the district level. When I began teaching at my school, 7th graders were not allowed to take choir. This decision was made by the district curriculum person who was a […]