arrange • compose • conduct
I wrote a post describing the details of my virtual choir strategies early in the quarantine phase of the 2019-2020 school year. Having now completed eight of those projects, I want to share some things learned and best practices. This is what I would add to my earlier suggestions. Advice […]
Today, take a minute to read the wise words of the elder stateswoman of song, Alice Parker, as she reflects on the COVID-19 pandemic, and, relatedly, the overdue steps to right systemic wrongs. No one can take away from us the ability to sing. Remember that it is always present […]
My wife, Mandy Mikita Scott, made a little video for fun, talking about some of the pitfalls of filming your virtual choir video. It’s good fun and super informational as well. We worked together to make the list from actual examples of virtual choir submissions – lots to learn and […]
How do you end without an ending? Musicians are well accustomed to clear endings. Whether it’s the exuberantly repetitive final cadence in a classical symphony, a wailing 13(#11) chord for a big band, or the Plagal Amen at the end of a hymn, we pay a lot of attention to […]
I think I know what choirs are for. Well, choirs are for everyone. But specifically, a choir should be about creating a deep connection and a single intentional throughline among all the singers, and then sharing that as clearly as possible with an audience. It’s when the audience receives the […]
Four virtual choirs, a senior tribute. Countless hours of work. I’m delighted with the results of our weeks and weeks of work together/apart. Here are the four virtual song performances we presented at the Virtual Aces Concert last night. (We also debuted a track from our new album, “Take Me […]
I’m typically particularly exhausted in the couple of days after a big concert. Switching to online concerts makes that completely backwards. The last two weeks have been full of mixing, video editing, and cajoling singers for their files. In particular, I’ve clocked 16-18 hour days since Wednesday putting the final […]
One of the things I love most about the choral community is how proactive it is. Choral leaders are planners and communicators. They see what’s coming, and they want to plan for it, face it head on, and communicate about it. With the very real issues facing group singing in […]
Almost exactly a year ago, a college student named David Sikabwe made a video performing his version of “Fly Me To The Moon.” He capitalized on the impetus for the song, which was the 1960’s space-craze, to write an inspired, funny, and delightful rap. It quickly went viral, which is […]
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. How […]