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“He, who every morning plans the transactions of the day, and follows that plan, carries a thread that will guide him through a labyrinth of the most busy life.” Victor Hugo

I am sure you are busy. In fact, I know you are busy this week. This week, Holy Week is the distillation of all we as choral professionals do, packed into seven days. A friend of mine in grad school, who had sung with the professional choir at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago, told me she and her fellow choristers called this “H**L Week.” At the end of it on Easter Sunday, they came out of it bleary eyed, craving chocolate and wanting to sleep for 24 hours. Most church musicians can relate to this and even if you are not a church musician, you can relate.

Whether you are singing, playing or conducting this week, you are busy. But this is just the showy part of the worship services, lined up one after another during Holy Week, the real work took place months ago. I explain to my civilian friends and family, being a choral conductor means steady planning for months, then intense busyness, then nothing. And repeat. It used to seem to my mother-in-law I didn’t work during the summer but it’s my most productive time. And my planning is probably more important than my actual doing.

This week, all your plans are coming to fruition. Everything you’ve been working on for months is finally coming together. There is a light at the end tunnel, along with the Easter Lilies. You are almost there with only a couple of rehearsals left.

Remember to jot down, when you have a minute, what works and what doesn’t this week so you’ll be a bit ahead for next year. Remember to eat properly and get enough sleep (if you can) so you can get through the whole week and not crash at the end. Remember to participate in, as well as observe your beautifully planned Tenebrae service and feel the wonder of it all. Remember to guide your choirs and the other musicians through the last part of this Lenten journey. Remember to remember what this feels like; a wonderfully planned and perfectly executed Holy Week and even if you don’t think it is, someone will, so take the compliment!

We are almost there, almost. Take a break, take a nap and then buckle down for these last few days. The brass players are ready, the organ and piano are tuned, your choirs seem prepared, and everything is in place. I can smell the Easter Lilies……what are you waiting for…let’s do this!

Search Results for: choir

WSCM 2026 Call for Presenters and Choirs

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World Symposium on Choral Music 2026, Macau China, 23-28 August 2026 The next IFCM World Symposium on Choral Music (WSCM 2026) will take place in Macau, China Macau’s unique blend of Eastern and Western influences will provide an inspiring stage for this extraordinary gathering of the global choral community. Under the theme “Reimagining the Future”, […]

Berkshires MA: Cantilena Chamber Choir Auditions

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Lenox, MA. The Cantilena Chamber Choir, a 25-voice semi-professional chorale under the direction of Andrea Goodman and based in western Massachusetts announces limited openings by competitive auditions for all voice parts for its 2025-26 season by appointment beginning Wednesday, August 20 at Trinity Church, 88 Walker Street in Lenox, MA. Rehearsals Wednesday evenings at the church. […]

Choir music

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Sallisaw first baptist has lots of choir music to donate. About 50 sets of maybe 20 each of glory songs and lots of older music. Some have cd’s.  Contact janice taylor 9187750723 if interested in any or all. Hate to throw it all away! 

Brattleboro (VT) Concert Choir seeks new singers!

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The Brattleboro Concert Choir’s (https://bmcvt.org/brattleboro-concert-choir/) 2025-26 season is coming, and it’s going to be a thrilling one! We hope you will be interested in joining us. The Concert Choir rehearses 7-9 pm on Wednesday evenings at the Brattleboro Music Center in Brattleboro VT, and is currently seeking new members of every voice part for the […]

Seeking Tenors & Basses – Join Our Dynamic Community Choir This Fall!

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Remote Decription:Our community choir is now accepting new members for the fall 2025 season! We’re especially looking for tenors and basses, but all voice parts are welcome. No formal audition required—just a love for singing and a commitment to our weekly rehearsals. This season’s program includes a mix of classical, contemporary, and global choral works. […]

Free Well-Loved Choir Robes

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The Sanctuary Choir at Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church in Minneapolis recently obtained new choir attire and is looking for a new home (or homes) for its well-loved but no longer needed previous choir attire. There are roughly 70 sets of sleeveless teal cassocks and white surplices in various adult sizes. They are a bit […]

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