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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

Doctoral research on the intelligibility of choirs – perception test

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Dear all, My name is Anastasia, I am a 3rd-year PhD student at the University of Strasbourg, France. I would like to invite you to take part in a perception test in the framework of my research on the intelligibility of choirs: https://www.psytoolkit.org/c/3.6.4/survey?s=amfFQ (English version) https://www.psytoolkit.org/c/3.6.4/survey?s=rHSGH (version française) https://www.psytoolkit.org/c/3.6.4/survey?s=c5LOB (versione italiana) The aim of the test […]

Three NEW Works to Motivate Your Choir

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Odes of Love: International Consortium I’m very happy because I have a great initiative for you. I know you are always looking for new repertoire that helps your singers grow. What it is Odes of Love is an international consortium co-commissioning three new works from living composers. This gives you premiere-ready pieces that grow your […]

Three NEW Works to Motivate Your Choir And Demonstrate Academic Growth

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Consortium • 3 living composers Odes of Love: Join the 3-Composer Consortium Offer your singers new music, motivation in every rehearsal, and clear evidence of academic & artistic growth—at a fraction of a traditional commission. Join the Consortium Learn more & hear a preview Why this matters Today, conductors and universities naturally strive to provide […]

Amour, Où Es-Tu ? – Anthony Sylvestre (for Treble choir, cello & piano)

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Hi! Here is my latest choral work entitled ‘Amour, Où Es-Tu ?’ (Love, where are you?),  for Treble choir in unison, solo cello & piano. With French lyrics. Performance Time: 2’15. Listen to the demo here with English subtitles: https://youtu.be/Q1US7WPK1Iw. Digital sheet music available on the website ASTURIA MUSIC : Amour Où Es-Tu ? – […]

Used Music to Choir Wanted CDtrax and Songbooks accompaniment tracks

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Hi, If you have old choral music don’t use it anymore. Maybe, you need to lay out these. Would you like to donate it? Cantatas/Musicals, Vinyl, Listening CD Accompaniment-CD Tracks Rehearsal tracks, songbook tapes/VHS drama videos, orchestrations, Old Ones.  Have a wonderful day.I am looking forward to hearing from you so soon. Blessings,Edson CamposMusic Minister

Scholarships for Honor Choir Students! Donate Today

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The ACDA.org donation page now offers anyone the option to make a donation to all six region honor choirs! Gifts to Region Honor Choir Scholarship Funds provide much needed support for young people aspiring to grow as choral musicians and leaders. The average registration fee for honor choir students is $280. A donation of any […]

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