| Comment: Re: Sure On This Shining Night by Lauridsen, Conducting Ideas | R. Daniel Earl | April 17, 2012 |
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Kevin - I would suggest that you contact Dr. Lauridsen at USC. If perchance you can't get a hold of him.............direct what you see. Dr. Lauridsen is very specific in what he wants and what he expects. Best of luck.
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| Comment: Re: CJ Replay: Sensitivity to Choral Students | R. Daniel Earl | April 3, 2012 |
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I think that most of us would hope that we would respond like number like the second response, however a lot depends on if we have prepared ourselves to respond coherently. When I began teaching at the high school level I was the 4th teacher in as many years and yet I got those types of react... |
| Comment: Re: Becoming a choral conductor | R. Daniel Earl | March 24, 2012 |
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Sara - Everything that has been suggested above is good and neccessary. While piano skills are nice they aren't the end all. Ear training is mega important. If you can't hear what is wrong, how will you ever fix it. But I really wanted to suggest is for you to take some "Tai Chi" (sp?) cla... |
| Comment: Re: Show Choir as PE Credit? | R. Daniel Earl | March 7, 2012 |
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While I can understand the attempt to open up a period, in what is a very full school day, I personally object to the concept. I find it comparable to our district putting the 'arts' requirement and 'foreign language' in the same field. What your district (all districts) needs to do is recogn... |
| Comment: Re: Looking for Multimetered Song for Choral recital | R. Daniel Earl | October 22, 2011 |
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Ah so many from which to choose! The one that 'pops' into my head at first is Jean Berger's "It is Good to be Merry and Wise". Mixed/multi metered and fun! Good luck!
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| Comment: Re: Stick Time: Faces Matter | R. Daniel Earl | October 11, 2011 |
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Yes Scott - Faces do matter, as well as body, as well as memorization. Now retired from full time teaching (high school) it was always a challenge to "engage" the whole person...........but when we/they did the music "breathed". Tom Carter has a book called "Choral Charisma" that should be a '... |
| Comment: Re: Taping kids doors on trips? | R. Daniel Earl | October 7, 2011 |
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Kimberlee Ann,
I think that whatever approach you take - you need to be comfortable with it: tape or no tape, dogs or no dogs, search or no search. I've taken my kids on MANY tours - domestic and foreign - and each trip has had its fair share of challenges. Through the trial and ... |
| Comment: Re: High School Men's Chorus - Your top picks! | R. Daniel Earl | October 5, 2011 |
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Hi! I can't believe that the Mead - Down in the Valley hasn't been mentioned. But it is lovely and when sung well - the girls will swoon. Thompson's Tarantella is also a favorite............but more of a challenge.....however certainly within the grasps of solid high school men's groups.... |
| Comment: Re: New to High School | R. Daniel Earl | August 29, 2011 |
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Reese - I think it would be appropriate to be a little careful on how you/we describe music vendors. Perhaps a personal note would be the place to share this type of information. Personally I've have nothing but good things to say about JW Pepper and how they have helped us here in CA with o... |
| Comment: Re: Alister McAlpiaes Lament | R. Daniel Earl | August 9, 2011 |
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Right again. I didn't see your second web site. Thanks!
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| Comment: Re: Alister McAlpiaes Lament | R. Daniel Earl | August 9, 2011 |
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You are right. Somehow I missed "arrangements". Now if only I can find out if it is still published. Thank you.
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| Forum message: Alister McAlpine's Lament | R. Daniel Earl | August 8, 2011 |
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Hi again. I am trying to find Ralph Vaughan Williams arrangement of Alister McAlpine's Lament. It is not listed on the Vaughan Williams Society web page. It is not listed on JW Pepper or Sheet Music Plus, and yet I have a recording by the Westminster Choir and it is on YouTube. Any su... |
| Comment: Re: Linden Lea - Vaughan Williams | R. Daniel Earl | August 6, 2011 |
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Wow! I am continually surprised and grateful for so many of you to take the time to research this request and to respond. I am in your debt. Dan
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| Comment: Re: Linden Lea - Vaughan Williams | R. Daniel Earl | August 5, 2011 |
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THANK YOU to all who responded. I think that ChoralNet is such a great tool. It is one of the first emails I open. Thank you to all that make this possible. Blessings!
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| Forum message: Linden Lea - Vaughan Williams | R. Daniel Earl | August 4, 2011 |
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I am trying to find out if Vaughan Williams arranged his song "Linden Lea" for chorus. All I seem to find are arrangements by others. If he didn't arrange his own song, what arrangement might you suggest? Thank you,
Dan Earl - Santa Rosa Symphonic Chorus. I am also interested in other fo... |
| Comment: Re: First First Year Problem | R. Daniel Earl | August 4, 2011 |
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Hi Samantha - Many years ago as I began my teaching career, I had two choruses 7th grade and 8th grade. No boys except one in the 7th grade. (Robert Daniel Spriggs - love the guy) I went to the principal and said I needed/wanted to take my prep and start a boys chorus. I did. Some how I g... |
| Comment: Re: Sitting vs. Standing | R. Daniel Earl | July 13, 2011 |
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Hi Clay - For ALL singers (high school, middle school, college, adult, church) I highly recommend standing. I found that when they sit, the singing-posture is very difficult for them to maintain. When they are standing there is at least some hope that it is better. When I am talking about... |
| Comment: Re: How do I get more boys involved?? | R. Daniel Earl | July 6, 2011 |
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Oh so many years ago....... My first teaching experience was a brand new 7-8 school. I had two choirs 7th grade and 8th grade. In my 7th grade choir I had had ONE boy by the name of Robert Daniel Spriggs................I will never forget him. Any way I went to the principal and said that... |
| Comment: Re: Goals for enrollment | R. Daniel Earl | July 2, 2011 |
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Hi Bruce - A short answer would be 10 % of the student body. It is a goal I always kept in mind and I often attained. When I taught in a 7-8 school very early in my career I had around 200 singers in a school of 600....those were the days! Best of luck!
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| Comment: Re: Music folder policies | R. Daniel Earl | June 11, 2011 |
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And if it were a History book or Math book would leaving them in the class room be valid. I don't think so. Text books and our music is our text book, once assigned are the responsibility of the student I would therefore charge them accordingly. I know that music is expensive however $5.0... |
| Comment: Re: To Memorize or Not to Memorize | R. Daniel Earl | June 2, 2011 |
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As a high school choral director for more years than..........well for a long time - we memorized almost everything. Things we did not memorize: combined high school 'festivals' music (one or two rehearsals with a clinician, some major/minor choral works or things we sang with the local symp... |
| Comment: Re: Teaching privileges as a church music director | R. Daniel Earl | May 23, 2011 |
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In the churches where I have been the Music Director, it was made clear that as part of my "pay" I had the privilege of teaching voice, piano, organ or whatever. However I would not know of the legal ramifications. I would suggest that you ask a lawyer in your church as well as a tax adviso... |
| Forum message: Patriotic or American music | R. Daniel Earl | May 13, 2011 |
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Friends - I am charged with a task (maybe that is a harsher word than I want) responsibility might be a better way saying it, to put together a Patriotic or a program of American music together for the Veterans Day weekend. Any great ideas? I am looking at Hanson's Song of Democracy.......... |
| Comment: Re: ACDA Chicago from another perspective | R. Daniel Earl | April 8, 2011 |
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Thank you Michael - I too think we are a blessed Nation (amidst all our difficulties). Sometimes we "can see the forest for all the trees". It was a wonderful convention!
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| Comment: Re: Finding a Word in the Still, Small Voice | R. Daniel Earl | March 15, 2011 |
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Tim and many others: Thanks for a wonderful conference, a truly "monumental" experience - to be able to "bathe" ourselves in the multitude of "sound" and on occasion "silence". I can't wait to do it again and again and again. Wish I'd taken the time to walk across the street to the muse... |
| Comment: Re: Sight Reading in Middle School...Is It Possible? | R. Daniel Earl | March 15, 2011 |
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I would only add - that the sight singing with whatever method you use (Solfege is my preference) is paramount. Getting away from the piano develops great ears! Only wish I had been trained (brought up using it), once I began teaching myself, my students became much less reliant on me.............. |
| Comment: Re: Ezye Sheleg! (Five Hebrew Love Songs) Eric Whitacre | R. Daniel Earl | February 16, 2011 |
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My only comment would be "Ask the composer". Although he is busy I'm sure he would be more than willing to answer via email or phone call. All the best!
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| Comment: Re: Hey Soul Sister Lyrics Question | R. Daniel Earl | January 31, 2011 |
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Surely there must be something out there where the text would more appropriate and yet the kids would enjoy singing. Better yet have them sing some "folk song" that they should know but don't! There are many funny and "fun" songs out there. On the other side I applaud you for "reviewing"... |
| Comment: Re: Repertoire for an All-State TTBB Choir | R. Daniel Earl | January 26, 2011 |
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Two pieces which I’ve done and love “to death” are Mead’s – Down in the Valley and Randall Thompson’s Tarantella.
Have fun!
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| Comment: Re: Pay Us and We Might Give You a Prize | R. Daniel Earl | January 21, 2011 |
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Interesting discussion. I remember a time when choirs auditioning for ACDA Conventions did not have an "entry fee". Now there is a fee. So while I've been fortunate to have my choirs selected from time to time ( and of course we pay all the expenses to attend the convention) there have been ti... |
| Comment: Re: Motivation | R. Daniel Earl | January 7, 2011 |
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Hi Lynn - Assuming that you are really talking about "motivation" I would suggest that your 'focus' be not so much on the festival/competition but on making the music 'come alive'. In my estimation the singing needs to be about making music and not about impressing the adjudicators.............. |
| Comment: Re: Battle hymn: How to pronounce "transfigures" | R. Daniel Earl | January 3, 2011 |
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Wow, how much fun this has been to read! Basic rule in my choir is we will all sing it "one way". That way we will all be right or wrong but at least we will be singing it together! "To sing is to love!"
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| Comment: Re: Choral Rehearsal Video Library | R. Daniel Earl | December 1, 2010 |
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Hi Ryan,
I don't know of any such library.........perhaps you can start one. Contact local directors in your area and offer to video tape them, with the understanding that you want to start a "Choral Rehearsal Video Library" for the "World" to see. My guess is that you might meet... |
| Comment: Re: Could this be blasphemy in this forum? | R. Daniel Earl | December 1, 2010 |
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Kevin,
Who has not at times felt; over worked, under appreciated, not gifted, etc. after 11 years of successful years by all accounts at the 7 & 8 grade level, I went into high school teaching. Taught for ten years (again a success) and yet I felt I wanted/needed more, went back to... |
| Comment: Re: John Rutter: High School Music | R. Daniel Earl | November 30, 2010 |
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There are so many Rutter pieces that could/should be included. Off the top of my head: from Icicles Hang – Blow, Blow Thou Winter Hang, and Bring Us In Good Ale are two that come into mind – plus you could do the entire work.
For the Beauty of the Earth
Seed Grow to plants
Fancies... |
| Comment: Re: Questions about River in Judea arranged by John Leavitt | R. Daniel Earl | November 30, 2010 |
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While I am not familiar with this piece, regarding pronunciation.............why not contact Mr. Leavitt. I sure he would be glad to tell you what he had in mind...............and he would be happy to know that you are singing his piece. That is one of the great things about today's technol... |
| Comment: Re: Shared band/choir time or longer rehearsals? | R. Daniel Earl | November 15, 2010 |
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Garrett - Very interesting situation. Sorry to hear that the band program is suffering, glad that the choral program is growing. I'll speak from almost 40 years in the public school system (11 at a 7 & 8 school, 28 at high school). My 'one side' says go for it, the other wonders if, you ... |
| Comment: Re: Choir vs Band issues | R. Daniel Earl | November 14, 2010 |
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Lori - I like the first answer - Hogwash! It seems to me that you should copy all of these responses and ask them for their 'data'. Good luck!
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| Comment: Re: Choral Dresses from Southeastern Apparel | R. Daniel Earl | October 13, 2010 |
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When teaching high school, we too used Southeastern Apparel with few if any issues that could not be easily solved. My only complaint with any of these companies, is that now (as I direct a community choir) everything seen is made for teen age girls. When is a company going to make dresses for... |
| Comment: Re: All State Conductors | R. Daniel Earl | August 16, 2010 |
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I would add Dr. Paul Head - Delware University......he's is outstanding!!
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| Comment: Re: What is, and what is not Important | R. Daniel Earl | August 11, 2010 |
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We all must have such stories, even though we cannot all tell them with such poetic insite. Not so many years ago my high school director gave me a set of cufflinks, which were given to him by the parents of his first choir. Ever since then I have worn them at every concert I conduct or sing, ... |
| Comment: Re: Touring company for Russia | R. Daniel Earl | July 8, 2010 |
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Hi Holly - My high school choirs have toured with ACFEA almost exclusively and while they are a 'bit' more expensive I believe they are worth it. Just my "two cents". Good luck. Dan
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| Comment: Re: What so proudly we raised . . . | R. Daniel Earl | July 4, 2010 |
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That is how the National Anthem should/can be sung. Thank you! Is there a way this clip can be sent to others that are not on Choral Net? Dan - Happy Fourth of July to all. We are blessed to be United States Citizens..................even though we have many challenges.
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| Comment: Re: Earth, Wind (air), Water and Fire | R. Daniel Earl | June 24, 2010 |
| I want to sincerely thank each of you for taking the time to respond to this request. I am anxious to find these pieces and study them. Many thanks and continued joy in the Choral Art. Dan |
| Forum message: Earth, Wind (air), Water and Fire | R. Daniel Earl | June 23, 2010 |
| First I would like to say how much I enjoy ChoralNet, it is one of the first emails I open daily. - Thank you to those of you put this together.
Now to the purpose of this post. I am trying to put together a program on "The Four Elements: Earth, Wind, Water and Fire" for my "community choir" o... |
| Comment: Re: What I learned as a new director | R. Daniel Earl | June 22, 2010 |
| Dear Lisa,
What a great idea! I am hardly a "new" teacher, but every day or opportunity can be "new". My only comment regarding your post is "easy and fun" pieces. While all music should have an element of "fun" - I rather think of it as a "challenge", be careful of thinking of "easy" as good.... |
| Comment: Re: Advice ASAP Scheduling classes Middle School | R. Daniel Earl | June 8, 2010 |
| Hi Joseph - It sounds like you have a 'wonderful' problem. The following worked for me 30 plus years ago when I first starting teaching: basically I had all the boys in one class (7th & 8th grades) and the girls were in two separate classes 7th grade girls and 8th grade girls. It was a very ... |
| Comment: Re: Middle School mixed choir - need advice | R. Daniel Earl | May 18, 2010 |
| Hi Katie - You've already got the suggestions that you need the only thing I would add is that you live in the "hot bed" of choral music in California and there are many vibrant and successful middle school programs in your area. Give a call to the schools around you and you will find great teache... |
| Comment: Re: Singing and Pregnancy | R. Daniel Earl | May 11, 2010 |
| Hi Dan - I've not had much experience with "pregnancies" however this past weekend seven of my former students came home to do a fund raiser with me. My soprano in the group is 7 months pregnant and while at times she complained of not have the breath she was use to she was "brilliant". She is 3... |
| Comment: Re: DMA/PhD = overqualification for high school positions? | R. Daniel Earl | May 4, 2010 |
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Hi Steven - You do not say if you are presently teaching or not. If you are not presently in a high school, find one and find out if you enjoy it and are good at what you do. If you have good success at your high school, they will often give you either a "sabbatical" or at least time off to ba... |
