arrange • compose • conduct
When we teach dynamics, students learn that forte means loud. In Italian, forte more precisely means strong. But I think even that doesn’t do enough. Dynamics are relative – a forte passage in a vocal jazz piece might feel very different from a forte passage in a Gospel piece, for […]
I like to program only repertoire I love – I love the text, or I love the arrangement, or I love the melody, or I love the concepts it teaches – but it’s never attainable for all singers in a choir love all the pieces in their folders. As a […]
Love must be at the center of great music-making. Not always romantic love, but love nonetheless. Love of friends. Love for the human connection. Love for music. Deep connection is at the core of all the best music I’ve ever experienced. The connection comes from love. Without that core, the […]
I’m working on a MIDI guide track for part-learning, and am heeding the advice of Anders Edenroth, who suggested moving beyond a simple clave-style click track. Even though the final track will be a cappella, there is value in giving a rhythmic foundation that helps singers feel the groove as […]
Setting intentions at the beginning of rehearsal is great. For example, I might say, “Let’s set an ensemble intention to have fewer side conversations during rehearsal.” But this intention is more effective if, in the previous rehearsal, I provided feedback at the end. In other words, setting an intention for […]
I’ve been attending a great series of physical and vocal warmups on Wednesdays, presented by Katarina Henryson and The Real Group Academy. She leads a group on Zoom for a 40-minute warmup that leaves me feeling recharged, ready to sing, and inspired. She pointed out today that her warmup has […]
Musical retention and forward progress can be a challenge with an intermittent rehearsal schedule. Short daily personal practice can make the difference between continued growth and stagnation or repetition. Weekly rehearsal with no practice in between is like going up the down escalator. You can get it done, but the […]
I’m in the background watching my son discuss a merit badge he’s working on with a counselor, and thinkng about the motivation that comes from discrete, earnable achievements. Of course, concerts are the ultimate discrete achievements – specific pieces are brought from unfamiliarity to performance in a limited amount of […]
My overarching philosophy as a choral leader can come down to these four words: “Wear your authority lightly.” Of course that applies to not overstepping or abusing your authority. That should be obvious and universal. But it also applies to every single interaction. My authority doesn’t make me more right […]
I like to imagine myself ready to answer this question at any moment in my rehearsal. Why are we doing this particular warmup? Why are we singing this particular repertoire? Why are we spending ten minutes on this particular 4-bar phrase? Why are you taking time away from singing to […]