The history of human music is very complex. Over millenniums, the human voice has been musically used to express different feelings and ideas. After my research I have come to understand that singing is probably the oldest musical form. Originally, music from the voice was most likely influenced by birdsong and by the sounds of other animals communicating. Music has transcended history -- the fall of Rome, the baths of England, wars, kings and queens, and ever-evolving cultural societies...read more >
As Meredith got into the car, breathing in the sweet aroma of fresh cut flowers, she wondered how flower giving ever started. When and where did people begin giving flowers? What do they mean? Is there a reason why people give flowers?...read more >
The great news for all young people interested in a career in vocal music is that the educational journey is exciting and filled with opportunity. However, attaining your future goal will take focus, determination, and a lot of preparation. In order to reach this goal, you want to start preparing as soon as possible...read more >
Very few concert-goers truly know proper etiquette, what type of camera to bring, or what clothes to wear and when. My hope is that by reading this, I will prevent you from becoming one of the many, boorish, loudly coughing, camera-flashing, annoyances that all too often infest theaters....read more >
Auditioning for a choir can be a very positive experience, especially if you prepare and know what will be expected. In this article you will be reading about which choirs require auditions, what foods to avoid prior to auditioning, getting familiar with the section terms of a choir, the difference between private and group auditions, how to keep your cool under pressure, and what happens if you do or don’t get in...read more >
By examining Henry Purcell’s life, I illustrate a portion of music history in the late 1600’s.
Henry Purcell is buried beside the Westminster Abbey organ. His epigraph reads, “Here lies Henry Purcell Esq., who left this life and is gone to that blessed place where only his harmony can be exceeded.”..read more >
Choirs come in all shapes and sizes. They can be made up entirely of children, young adults, all boys or all girls, or a mixture of any of the above. One day you go to a performance and you hear all these incredible voices. But did you ever ask your self, how do all of these wonderful voices come together to make such a wonderful sound? How do they sing in unison, so crisp and clear? Well, someone very important is behind the scenes...read more >
We’ve all experienced the joy of fundraising. At one point in time, you’ve been faced with the pressure of buying cookies from the Girl Scouts, so that they could go on their big camping trip; or maybe it was buying chocolate from the neighbor’s kids, so that the drama club at school could afford costumes. And there’s the other side of it: Maybe you are the mother or father of the kid being asked to sell something different every few weeks for this team or that group. Chances are, if you or your child is involved in a choir, you’ll participate in a fundraiser or two...read more >
It is a well-known fact throughout the choral community that men are beginning to become spots of blue in a sea of pink, or the minority compared to the many women in most choirs. Men just don’t seem to be in the running anymore, and choirs of the 21st century are beginning to suffer...read more >
“And the solo for our choir’s opening piece goes to . . ." Lillian crossed her fingers as her choir director announced who would perform the solo for their Spring concert. She had been working very hard on the solo that was being announced, having sung it more times than she could count, and she hoped that all of her work would pay off...read more >
Attending the 2003 International Children’s Choir Festival with my choir in Canterbury, England, was one of the greatest experiences of my life. From the very second I arrived in England, I entered a whirlwind of music and friends...read more >
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