arrange • compose • conduct
We’ve gained so much from easy access to musical recordings. I can sample thousands of recordings as I seek to expand my own knowledge and appreciation. A student can immediately find and impeccable recording of whatever song I assign her. A neophyte can immerse himself in an entire musical world […]
Some of the things you teach today are important for tomorrow. Some are important for the next generation. Most of our time in school – choir and elsewhere – is spent planting annuals. Annual flowers are ready to bloom pretty much when you plant them, and they die with the […]
The music isn’t done until you share it. It’s only when you perform it for another – a recording, a video, a live performance – that you have completed a loop that started when the composer created the song and began to live when you learned it. It’s important to […]
Comfortable conversation can be a powerful tool for team building. Honest sharing, laughter, gentle teasing: really, any kind of verbal connection can be effective in bringing your choir closer together. It’s easy to feel like you’ve failed your choir’s mission if your spend a chunk of time just having conversation. […]
The question I least like to hear from my students or my children – and from my own mind – is this one: “Is that enough?” Better to ask, “Does that solve the problem?” Or “Is that what’s needed?” Or my personal favorite, “What else can I do to help?” […]
The Complete Definitive Versions Read more about this series here. Misty My Funny Valentine How High The Moon ‘Round Midnight Cheek to Cheek Nature Boy Pick Yourself Up The Girl From Ipanema My Romance Fly My To The Moon But Beautiful Lullaby of Birdland Summertime Jingle Bells Have Yourself A […]
My family recently adopted a beautiful 6-year-old lab/Pyrenees mix. She’s a sweet dog, great with the family, and has integrated well into our home. She also likes to walk at least four miles a day. I did not expect that. But here I am, two months in, walking more with […]
I marvel at the instant access my students have to recorded music. There was music I had no chance of hearing until I gained access to a stellar music library in college. It was virtually impossible for me to hear. Now, my students can have a comprehensive education in the […]
Sometimes you do everything right and still get the wrong result. My son did everything responsibly this morning to get on the bus and to school, but owing to a string of strange circumstances, he didn’t make it to school until second period. He sat waiting at the high school […]
After first performances, the smart musician can find much to improve. The smart musician knows how much better they can do, and want to get there. The most important thing we must remind our smart musicians is: be motivated, not mad. Be proud of where you are – even if it’s not […]