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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!

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New, improved AGO website

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The American Guild of Organists, which has had a stodgy, hard-to-use website for years, recently unveiled a new version, which is much better. The job listings, based on JobTarget software, are especially easy to navigate, and they have the ability to post users’ resumes online for convenient trawling by employers. Employers have to pay a […]

By Those Sweet Eyes (Christmas)

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RedHouse Arts has recently added “By Those Sweet Eyes” to its catalog of choral music available in PDF format or hard copy.  This  contemplative piece explores the mystery of the nativity and the sacrifice it asks of us.  Text by Richard Crashaw (17th century) and music by Chris Humphrey.  SATB, a cappella, medium difficulty, suitable […]

Mansfield professor earns 2010 choral director honor

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MANSFIELD – Peggy Dettwiler, professor of Music and director of Choral Activities at Mansfield University, was honored with the 2010 Elaine Brown Award for Choral Excellence at the American Choral Directors Association of Pennsylvania annual summer conference on Aug. 2 in State College.   The award is presented “to an individual for outstanding lifelong work […]

Extreme Rehearsal Makeover

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When asked, “What are the three most important characteristics that a conductor possesses?” research tells us enthusiasm (26%), confidence (21%), and authority (17%) are the traits most highly valued by our singers.   As we enter our fall rehearsal schedules and start ramping up again with a fresh beginning, why not do an extreme makeover […]

NY/NJ’s Schola Cantorum on Hudson offers ‘road test’

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  VAN Updated Posting       Schola Cantorum on Hudson (updated 9/2/2010 )   VAN Choir Directory listing Silver Sustaining Member *** Rehearsals: Monday *** Rehearsal neighborhood: Jersey City, NJ   Come ‘road test’ Schola Cantorum on Hudson! Sing with us in our first rehearsal; then, stay for (or schedule) an audition afterwards, if […]

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