arrange • compose • conduct
Choir directors were served up some bleak, bleak news via a webinar sponsored by NATS, Chorus America, ACDA, the Barbershop Harmony Society, and the Performing Arts Medical Association. It was hard to hear the information the scientists, physicians, and vocal music experts shared and not feel pessimistic about the near-term […]
In times of upheaval, I lean on touchstones–works of art that have shaped me and the continue to be sources of inspiration, influence, and solace. It might be rereading a favorite novel, a cherished poem, a movie, or (especially often) a favorite album with a good pair of headphones. No […]
When you are making projects – recordings, arrangements, compositions, performances – there is a time when the work is complete but no one else has it yet. It’s an exquisite moment to be in sole possessions of your new work of art, particularly if you are feeling confident in its […]
In times of upheaval, I lean on touchstones–works of art that have shaped me and the continue to be sources of inspiration, influence, and solace. It might be rereading a favorite novel, a cherished poem, a movie, or (especially often) a favorite album with a good pair of headphones. I’ve […]
It’s time for my seventh Flash Mob Friday! Gigging musicians and artists have been and will continue to be disproportionately hit by the COVID-19 closings, so each Friday I’m going to point you towards a musician, artist, or organization I think is worth your support. It’s my hope that together […]
We didn’t ask for this. We didn’t ask to reinvent our curricula over a weekend. We didn’t ask take decades of in-person teaching experience and transition to all online teaching without proper training. We didn’t ask to see and hear our choirs one-at-a-time in Zoom windows. But we’re doing the […]
In times of upheaval, I lean on touchstones–works of art that have shaped me and the continue to be sources of inspiration, influence, and solace. It might be rereading a favorite novel, a cherished poem, a movie, or (especially often) a favorite album with a good pair of headphones. I […]
A month and a half ago, lots of people jumped into projects with both feet. Probably too many projects. Lots of them have fallen by the wayside – too big a dip, too much work, or just too much distraction. And lots of us have now fallen into new routines. […]
If I had to add one thing to my Virtual Choir guidelines, it would be this: don’t listen back. Tell your students to let their standard be to say, “That one was good” when they finish recording, rather than one they are satisfied with when they listen back. Listening objectively […]
I made a fussy bread the other day – a rich brioche that took two days and about a half hour in the stand mixer. But the typical breads I bake (around 120 loves a year) are these three: a honey whole wheat sandwich bread that is out of the […]