During this blessed week off from school for the Thanksgiving holiday break, I’m planning to try out some stuff my high school choral students have introduced to me through our daily check-in time:
Books by Sarah J. Maas – this author sparked several minutes of excited Zoom chatter in Chamber Singers, which was at once both deafening and delightful.
The Pentatonix Christmas Album – I know, I know. How have I NOT heard any Pentatonix Christmas albums yet!?
The Idiot by Elif Batuman – another one of the hottest books among my Chamber Singers.
According to one my my trusted Wolverine Chorus basses, Trader Joe’s Microwave Mac n Cheese + White Truffle Potato Chips = Truffle Mac n Cheese.
JackTrip Audio Software – might be a somewhat viable solution to the problem of Zoom latency issues. Here’s a link
Harry Styles – “Only Angel” is a favorite song of one of my sopranos. I love all the retro influence in this artist’s music. Might have to pick up his latest album on vinyl.
May you be inspired and blessed as we take time this week to give thanks for the loved ones whose presence we keenly feel, even when we’re apart.
Composition
New scores for Kwanzaa
Newly-revised official scores of “Umoja” and “Kujichagulia” are now available!
Choral directors: consider adding these cool Kwanzaa pieces to your choral music collections. Visit my website to listen to samples and order scores.
Now, to finish composing the rest of the set, hopefully by the end of this year!
Conducting
I am so excited to start seeing the first versions of the numerous video projects I’ve been working on for my choral students at Harvard-Westlake. I must say, I think my conducting practice has paid off: I actually like the way I look!
Singing
One of the most important adaptations I’ve made to my teaching this year is adding an individual voice coaching requirement for every one of my students. Teaching them 1-on-1 via Zoom has been eye-opening in many ways.
In addition to the benefit of getting to know my singers on a deeper level, my own vocal technique improves every time I work with my students. Individual voice coaching is one aspect of my work that I will keep long after the pandemic ends.
For Fun
It was after midnight when I just finished watching the Stray Kids live virtual concert with Felicity. She had asked me weeks ago if she could buy a ticket. I said yes, and asked her if I could watch it with her when it aired at 10pm PST on Saturday 11/21. It was AMAZING!!
Michael Jackson’s influence on the K-Pop genre is massive. Watching those young people sing and dance together with such joy and athleticism was breathtaking. The songs were super fun, the choreography was gorgeous, and the CG effects were astounding. My favorite songs were “Ta” and “Hellevator.” Felicity was so pumped up she couldn’t sleep afterward! I, on the other hand, was so tired that I pretty much passed out!
I can’t believe The Rev. Zelda Kennedy passed away from cancer almost a year ago. She’s the first person that comes to mind when I think about people I love whose names start with Z. She was so soulful and full of life. Her voice was so warm and low and comforting. Not a day goes by that I don’t smile at her picture on the wall in my home: she’s in our wedding pictures, because she officiated our wedding. It was such a blessing to know her while I was at All Saints Church in Pasadena. And I miss her deeply.
Even as a little kid, I always thought “Zappa” was such a fun name! The iconoclast was one of the most powerful creative forces, across musical and cultures genres, through the 1970s and 80s. If you think he’s not a classical composer, click the link above and check his output. I would have sung his 200 Motels with LA Master Chorale and the LA Phil back in fall 2013 if I hadn’t a conflict – I hear that gig was a lot of fun and “memorable” for various reasons; it’s definitely not rated PG! But the man had skills, and a mind like no other.
(1908-2004)
(1882-1967)
