Category Archives: Etcetera

letters to PCC: approaching our performance

Posted on May 5, 2012 by mllama4

R – So… how do we approach a “performance”? As we near the end of our rehearsals together, this is worth asking. How DO we approach performance? For me, it comes down to whatever our fundamental goal is, and unfortunately … Continue reading →

Posted in Etcetera | 1 Comment

chopped

Posted on April 11, 2012 by mllama4

R – I have some shows that I have set from time to time to digitally record on my TV (American Pickers anyone? Hello???). I’m home intermittently, so when I do get to be home and watch television, it’s nice to … Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Assessment, Etcetera, Programming | Leave a comment

talking shop

Posted on April 7, 2012 by mllama4

R – “Ostriches bury their heads in the sand.” No they don’t. Ostriches don’t bury their heads in the sand at all. I looked it up. When they feel threatened, they actually lay down on the ground and feign being … Continue reading →

Posted in Etcetera, Rehearsal | Leave a comment

the concert: audience as performer

Posted on April 2, 2012 by jpolberg

J – This video is from our January Grades 6-12 Combined Chorus Concert. About 3/4 of the way through our concert I had the Middle School and Upper School Choirs walk right into the audience and taught them all Freedom is Coming (a traditional African … Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Etcetera, Performance | 2 Comments

melting pot

Posted on March 31, 2012 by mllama4

R – Scenario #1: An auditioned, balanced ensemble of like-minded, like-motivated singers with the same skill set, backgrounds, reference points and reasons for being in the ensemble. They share the same ideals and beliefs and those resonate through every minute … Continue reading →

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the concert: – promoting music literacy #1

Posted on March 30, 2012 by jpolberg

J – This video contains the Sight Reading segment from the Lower School Concert in December. The audience joined me in an exercise very similar to the one the 4-5ers partake in weekly. WHY DO THIS? 1) TO TEACH THE … Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Etcetera, Performance | 6 Comments

reading books: philosophical foundation (why)

Posted on March 24, 2012 by mllama4

R – I will always preach to every beginning teacher: know your complete philosophy of why you do what you do, and then let your actions – ALL of them – flow from that philosophy (why vs. what). Music teachers … Continue reading →

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risk taking

Posted on February 18, 2012 by mllama4

“Do you want to be safe and good, or do you want to take a chance and be great?”                                           … Continue reading →

Posted in Etcetera | 4 Comments

the concert

Posted on February 11, 2012 by jpolberg

J – Yes, I know it’s a little late. I am feeling a little guilty about taking this long… but here it is. THE CONCERT! Of course most of you know- EVERYTHING that could go wrong in the couple of weeks … Continue reading →

Posted in Etcetera, Performance | 1 Comment

what does it take

Posted on February 11, 2012 by mllama4

R – I watched last night as a wonderful friend and colleague of mine, Dr. Sandra Howard of Keene State College, warmed up her own Chamber Singers along side those of York and Brunswick High Schools. She is on tour … Continue reading →

Posted in Etcetera, Rehearsal | 6 Comments