arrange • compose • conduct
The second chapter of Dare To Lead is called “Call to Courage” (it’s the second of five sections in Part One, “Rumbling With Vulnerability”). I think the purpose of this chapter is to compel us to act by convincing us of the value of adopting vulnerability in our leadership. As she […]
Arranger, conductor, educator, and vocal jazz legend Phil Mattson passed last week at the age of eighty. I didn’t know Phil Mattson as well as his closest students, but I knew him pretty well, thanks to attending his week-long boot camp four times (known officially as the Phil Mattson Vocal […]
A choir director’s skill set is diverse and includes many strengths that might be forgotten on résumés and other skill lists. For example, consider: logistics. Human logistics and institutional logistics form a huge part of what you do. Transporting risers, keyboards and attire to and from performances. Making sure singers […]
I have a deep love of the Great American Songbook – the songs that form the core of the jazz repertoire (as well as the songs we reach for at weddings, in romantic comedy movies, and when pop singers want to make a “retro” album). With that in mind, I’m […]
As we focus so determinedly (and for good reason) on improving the musicianship skills of our students, let’s not forget that there is special value in teaching by rote. I’ve had two experiences this year where, with the octavos available, I have taught portions of the music with nothing in […]
There are a lot of voices out there telling you what kind of music you should teach. Simon Carrington says every program at an ACDA conference should include some Renaissance or Baroque music. Your state organization might insist that you program from a certain list to participate in festivals. I strongly […]
Student tiredness is cyclical, and doesn’t line up personally across your entire student population. However, we all deal occasionally with rehearsals where, because of other activities, because of personal issues, school calendar, illness, or other challenges, the group as a whole appears to be more tired than usual. What can you do in […]
Q: I’m working on extending my jazz standard repertoire. What songs do you recommend I add? Your repertoire should reflect your own personal artistic self, while remaining primarily in the jazz standard repertory. That list, of course, contains hundreds and hundreds of excellent songs, so choosing a few that connect well shouldn’t be a […]
The biannual ACDA 2017 National Conference starts tonight in Minneapolis. Although I won’t be attending this year, I have many colleagues who are and want to share some previews. I’ve prepared a cheat sheet of conference offerings that appeal to my particular interests: vocal jazz, TTBB Choirs, and composing/arranging. I’ll offer separate posts with each area, […]
The biannual ACDA 2017 National Conference starts tonight in Minneapolis. Although I won’t be attending this year, I have many colleagues who are and want to share some previews. I’ve prepared a cheat sheet of conference offerings that appeal to my particular interests: vocal jazz, TTBB Choirs, and composing/arranging. I’ll offer separate posts with each area, […]