Not Because We’re Ready
We don’t do the concert because we’re ready. We do it because it’s concert day.
Choral Music
Posts specifically about choral music
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 […]
After The First Performance
The arc of most choirs’ experience with any piece is predictable.
Tensegrity
I’m fascinated by the idea of tensegrity.
Value Set vs. Skill Set
Do your auditions and interviews give too much weight to skill sets and not enough to value sets?
Just Because Something is Easy
Just because something is easy doesn’t mean you’re not learning.
Five Reasons To Commission New Music
A core of my musical philosophy is around commissioning new music. Here are five reasons I think commissioning music is worthwhile for any music conductor. 5. It’s important for furthering the art! Your commission might be the next piece everyone is singing or playing – moving the community forward. 4. […]
Sing Without Me
I had a quick National Anthem gig for the Aces, but I was double booked. They could be there. I couldn’t. What a great opportunity! A National Anthem performance is the perfect first chance to practice singing without your conductor, for leadership to step up. It’s low-stakes! (The crowd for […]
Not The Special Part
Having a group of singers who can sing well together isn’t the special part. Thousands upon thousands of singers have learned to master vocal jazz and choral music over the decades, singing tight harmony in tune. As hard as it is, it’s not that special. What is special is finding […]