“Why not take choir? It’s an easy A!” As choral educators we cringe when we hear those words, not only because we don’t like the stigma of our ensemble being an “easy A,” but also because we know how much…
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Singing in the brain Neuroscience takes mental note of our affinity for music. “Humans use music, collectively and individually, in ways that we are just now beginning to scientifically understand.” http://legacy.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20071115/news_lz1c15brain.html Note: If this link doesn’t work, please copy the above address…
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One of the best activities I have built into my advanced choir’s schedule is our Fall Retreat. It has proven enormously beneficial to the choir on many levels, most of which are extra-musical. The retreat gives the students a chance…
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Some of us may laud Benjamin Franklin for inventing the “double spectacles” because they allow us to read up close and see far away with one pair of glasses. Some of us may curse bifocals as we strain our necks…
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Today’s technology offers a wide variety of options to incorporate the use of digital recording in our classrooms and also to efficiently distribute these recordings to our students. Whether or not you have a recording setup in your classroom currently…
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At a recent ACDA state meeting, our president, Richard Ingram, had us break into small groups and discuss the future of our state chapter and some visions we have. When it came around to me, I shared with the group…
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RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION In my experience, two of the most difficult aspects of running and maintaining a professional organization are recruitment and retention. It can take tremendous effort to inform prospective members on campus that your organization exists. Getting your…
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New Web Address: ACDA.ORG In its surge of technology renovations, the American Choral Directors Association has adopted a new domain name: acda.org. The domain name was formerly owned by the Antique and Collectibles Dealers Association. ACDA obtained the name through…
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The focus for our Fall ACDA-MI conference was multicultural music. Our clinicians introduced us to some new and exciting titles. Although many of these pieces may sound complex, most are quite accessible. Please click on the link below to see…
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“Where do you find all that interesting music?” I get this question a lot. In fact, as your Repertoire and Standards Chair for Ethnic and Multicultural Music I’m delighted to get this question. For a long time I’ve placed a…
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