Marie Grass Amenta

I love Messiah.  Truth be told, it is probably my favorite large choral work.  There’s a little something for everyone–from show piece arias to choruses that are both difficult and poignant to recitatives that move the story along while being musically interesting. The story that is told, using scriptures from both the Old and New […]

“The art of leadership is saying no, not saying yes. It is very easy to say yes.” Tony Blair As November ends, we head toward December. We will be expected to accomplish miracles this month by our students, other teachers, our choir members and even our families. Our choirs have concerts; and the semester is […]

“I am grateful for what I am and have. My thanksgiving is perpetual.” Henry David Thoreau I always try to be grateful. In this season of Thanksgiving, I am more grateful than usual. Perhaps our world is in upheaval but there is one thing I know for sure; there is plenty more Good than there […]

“…A person can develop ‘la grippe.’” From Adelaide’s Lament It is mid-November in the Midwest and you know what that means. A few leaves still cling to branches after their brethren have made a truly lovely, colorful exit. Birds are gathering on trees and powerlines to migrate en masse as soon as it turns cold […]

“I have to take care of myself. It’s about self-preservation.” Danielle de Niese This month we are exploring ways to take of ourselves during the most intense and busy time of the year for our profession. Getting enough rest, eating regular meals and taking a vacation for your mind are simple ways to take care […]

“The best comfort food will always be greens, cornbread, and fried chicken.” Maya Angelou November begins today and so does our November Choral Potpourri/Choral Ethics series on Self-Care. As we head toward our busy season, I thought it might be good to give you some ideas on how to take care of yourself during this […]

“Do not they bring it to pass by knowing that they know nothing at all?” Jean Racine You know the type; always in the know, the first adapters, the most socially-conscious of us all and will tell you what you’ve been doing wrong, smugly, before you say a word. They might be at a professional […]

“I may be helping to bring harmony between people through my music.” Nat King Cole The world is crazy and times are tough. How do you cope when things turn difficult? Many people sing together. They join their worship community choir; serving their congregation as well as making themselves feel better by singing with others. […]

“People don’t slip. Time catches up with them.” Nat King Cole No one looks forward to leaving our profession or to having to tell someone they should leave. It’s a tough time everyone will face, sooner or later; we all just hope it will be much later. Today’s Choral Ethics Blog will look at three […]

“Tough times don’t last, tough people do, remember?” Gregory Peck This week we begin a series for the month of October called “When Times are Tough.” I like doing series because I am able to expand on our theme and need not get everything I think is important together in one post. As always, I […]