arrange • compose • conduct
A popular business expression goes “Underpromise and overdeliver.” But I can’t think of a single important relationship in which that is the best approach. Do people underpromise in their wedding vows? Do parents underpromise to their children? Do you underpromise to your friends? Underpromising is always, to me, a subtle […]
Many of the activities that bring me the most joy in life are all the things that require – or compel! – total focus from me. Writing music. Writing words. Puzzles. Making music with an ensemble. Ensemble music is the trickiest, because it relies on the whole ensemble committing to […]
I have observed consistent memory challenges throughout this year. Music that students have shown no problem memorizing in the past have stymied students this year. They just can’t seem to hold onto the salient details. I think it comes down to a few things together: Singers have had less frequent […]
Without fail, sometime every Sunday this year a list has come pouring out, filling a notecard with current and future projects. My Sunday List is a form of David Allen’s Brain Dump, supercharged by the gift that keeps on giving: my Singing Brook Day. Freed from the temptation, support, and […]
The other side of the concert. I spent Saturday feeling utterly wiped – to the point of taking a long nap, which I almost never do. It was only late in the day that I realized I was suffering from a concert “hangover.” Hadn’t had one in 15 months. The […]
I was part of my first live concert in 15 months today. The first concert after the long quiet. The last time I went that long between musical performances, I was a toddler. Thank you, Shades of Blue, for your yesness. For facing the many challenges of 2020 and 2021, […]
Sometimes, when my ensemble is having trouble with a spot, I say, “and now…a pause for literacy.” Actually, I usually say music theory, but music literacy is s friendlier and more accurate term. Sometimes a problem spot is a problem spot because there is some structural component that the ensemble […]
Please join me and GRCC Shades of Blue this Friday for a real, live, in-person concert! We’ll be presenting an evening of vocal jazz outdoors on GRCC’s campus. There will be lawn seating – bring blankets! Music will include three group numbers, as well as five solo songs that Shades […]
Some say it as, “Early is on time; on time is late.” My family calls it “Scott Time.” It’s the habit of arriving early so you’re ready when an activity starts, instead of hustling to be on time. I prefer the way I heard it, repeatedly, throughout my college career […]
…however you live,There’s a part of you always standing by,Mapping out the sky,Finishing a hat… Excerpt from “Finishing the Hat” from Sunday In The Park With George by Stephen Sondheim I don’t always feel like Sondheim’s George Seurat does in that remarkable musical, but I do feel drawn to lean […]