What Are Retreats For?
As I see it, retreats are for these five things.
Choral Music
Posts specifically about choral music
Good Enough For Today
At the beginning of the school year, this is an important phrase.
“Good”
My preferred lead-off word when I cut off an ensemble in rehearsal is “Good.”
Read With Your Eyes Closed
That’s how to get good a sight reading. Well, kind of.
Do An Audition, Get A Cookie
Everyone auditions better when they feel less stressed an anxious. Why not hear the best versions possible of every audition?
You Think I’m A Choir Director
You think I’m a choir director, but actually….
The Case For Repeating Songs
There are many reasons for repeating repertoire from year to year. I’m listening to my son learn the high school “fight song” clarinet part – and so I’m thinking about music we play or sing again and again. Is there value in repeating songs from year to year? I know […]
Not Because We’re Ready
We don’t do the concert because we’re ready. We do it because it’s concert day.
The Programming Meal
As you’re programming your music this year, reject the programming/meal metaphor. You know the one: we should spend the bulk of our choral year on nourishing, nutrient-rich music that enhances the education of our students – so that they can have dessert (aka “fun” music, which by definition is not […]
What Are The Most Important?
What are the most important things you want your choirs to end this school year with? Got the list? If you’re like me, there are at least a dozen major goals on it. You have to shorten it. Make it three. You’ll get more done, but you can only guarantee […]