arrange • compose • conduct
Among the most pervasive arguments for reopening school buildings centers around student mental health. Here’s a quote from the initial guidance from the American Association of Pediatrics: “COVID-19 Planning Considerations: Guidance for School Re-entry” stresses the fundamental role of schools in providing academic instruction, social and emotional skills, safety, nutrition, […]
My dad sent me an article (he likes to avidly read opposing viewpoints) that outlines many of the arguments being made by people opposed to school building closures. I read three paragraphs before I had to take a break, but I went back and finished it. While I don’t want […]
What would you do if you wanted to win the first round you played of a new, tricky game? Say you’re playing Settlers of Catan or Scrabble or poker, never having played before. With complex games, I think losing a few rounds is a great way to learn how to […]
I’ve been thinking a lot about what sorts of musical characteristics will be effective in arrangements and compositions written for virtual choirs. Here are a few I’ve settled on: Guided aleatoric writing. A freely sung section lessens the burden on lonely singers to master tricky rhythmic timing. Great voice leading. […]
I am strongly advocating for an online start to the school year. I cannot wait to begin teaching again. I live for the moments when a student finally grasps an elusive concept. As a choral educator, I get to discuss, shape, and make art with inspired and motivated young people, […]
When the at-home orders started in March, choral leaders everywhere reinvented the wheel, over the weekend or a few short days. It was amazing to see. Part of the reason it worked is because the singers we led were primed by four, five, six months of in-person rehearsals. We had […]
“How many years will we try to cram into one?” Thankfully, Ben Folds has asked it. Ben Folds is surely one of the finest songsmiths, singers, and pianists alive. I think his new song 2020 is a perfect example – the lilting waltz is a perfect setting for his lyrics […]
I am a choral music educator. I don’t know about you, but the last five months have made it easy to be reactive to day-to-day concerns, and forget the underlying truth. In preparation for the year to come, with all its many unknowns, maybe you, too, would benefit from making […]
With the size of the COVID-19 pandemic, I’ve found it hard to look directly at the challenges ahead. I’ve found it equally hard to look away from it. Where do you look when both looking and looking away cause anxiety? I think it best, in these months of preparation, to […]
I’m a big believer of digging in and doing the work. One of my favorite expressions is JKMF. Just. Keep. Moving. Forward. But it’s also acceptable to take some time off. To let go of the ever-present To Do List. JTSMF Just temporarily stop moving forward. Give yourself permission. The […]