arrange • compose • conduct
“It stings to have the creator of such an amazing universe openly mock and criticize your existence. […] How do I continue to enjoy her work? Or can I?” Submitted question to Dear Hank & John Ep. 245 [Hank] We put a lot of stock in the creators of the […]
In recent days, I’ve been doing a lot of listening. George Floyd’s murder ignited a broad conversation about systemic racism in our country, and I am deeply committed to being a part of that conversation, listening deeply, and amplifying the reality. I have been quiet for three good reasons and […]
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. The […]
Social Distancing for me will include some extra time to arrange music, and I’m incredibly excited to get started on some new vocal arrangements thanks to the new class of public domain songs in 2020. If you’re an arranger, I encourage you to do the same – check out this […]
If you listen to Bobby McFerrin’s collected recordings in chronological order, you will find an artist who reinvented his musical approach with each album. Here are his albums just from the 1990’s: 1990: Medicine Music. a cappella group vocals with original songs, in collaboration with his Voicestra. 1992: Play. Live […]
I am sitting in rehearsal watching 19 outstanding high school singers from across Michigan on system, working hard through a multiple-divisi arrangement by Tim Buchholz, in preparation for their concert Friday night at the Michigan Music Conference. I am sitting in rehearsal watching 19 outstanding high school singers from across […]
My sole tenor in GRCC Shades of Blue was home sick today with stomach flu – unable to come to our final concert of the semester tonight. Here are the lessons I learned along the way today. Vocal jazz singers are resilient. They’ve worked so hard to master their very […]
It’s not always possible–because conductors and singers alike want to do as much repertoire as possible, and that’s a good thing!–but I always love it when I’ve saved time to experiment. Time to experiment with tempo, with key, with phrasing, with hundreds of small and large musical choices. I love […]
Today was my first time delivering a new talk about jazz harmony and rhythm – the intent of the session was to provide the tools needed for choir directors to confidently tackle vocal jazz repertoire. I called it the “Next Session” – all the topics I hadn’t had time to […]
Welcome to Week 21 of The Definitive Version, a regular feature of my website. You can read more about the project here and read all past entries here. Song: “Satin Doll” (1953)Composer: Duke Ellington & Billy StrayhornLyricist: Johnny MercerForm: AABAStandard Key: C Major Duke Ellington (1899-1974) was one of the most important compositional […]