arrange • compose • conduct
There are a lot of things you can do when not actively practicing in rehearsal. If the tenors are being drilled on their part, for example, what should you do to make the best use of rehearsal. There are a lot of options, but I think the best is to […]
As I watch the snow keep coming down, it’s hard to believe it, but it’s true: it’s time to think about Summer Music Camps. In particular, I’m thinking about camps appropriate for students interested in advancing their understanding of vocal jazz – as soloists, as ensemble singers, and as improvisers. […]
As I reflect a few weeks ago, the in-between moments really are the most valuable parts of a conference to me. What most struck me, at this weekend’s Michigan Music Conference, was how many times I ran into someone and had a quick chat that felt less like a catch-up […]
Let’s make our music-making lead with humanity. Don’t lead with challenging. (Although, you can find humanity in music of every difficulty level.) Don’t lead with cohesive. (You can find humanity in choirs who dress exactly alike, and those who dress individually or have creatively dyed hair.) Don’t lead with precise. […]
Love is lovelier the second time around.Just as wonderful with both feet on the ground. – Sammy Cahn, from The Second Time Around (music by Jimmy Van Heusen) The second time doing an event has a special place. In a few years, you’ll find yourself in traps of “we always do it this way.” […]
One of the best ways to get better at effective rehearsal management is to play, “What would I choose?” It’s easy. Simply find ways to watch masterful directors in rehearsal: you can take a personal day, or duck into an all-state rehearsal, or find any number of ways. Sit as […]
Most days, I walk a two-mile path twice with our enthusiastic dog, Bijou. Each time, when I arrive at a corner around a quarter-mile into the walk, I hear myself say, “This walk is going to take forever.” And each time I get to the corner 1 1/2 miles into […]
It all came from somewhere. How many conference sessions have you attended where a presenter has said, “I stole this warmup from [Someone].” I have certainly heard it dozens of times. Of course you did. Of course I did. It all came from somewhere. We aren’t called upon to reinvent […]
There is a moment when a choir is starting to dig in its heels, hoping that, perhaps, they won’t have to put in the hard work to learn a tricky language or harmonic progression. Or maybe not digging in their heels, just in denial about the personal work it will […]
Whenever I go to conferences, I’m always amazed by the sophisticated, polished music-making delivered by the choirs my colleagues conduct. And I also try to remind myself: you are viewing a cropped frame. A photographer or filmmaker crops her image to show what she wants you to see. She cuts out […]