Archive for June, 2009
Choral Singing Is Good For You
A new study commissioned by Chorus America has concluded that choral singing is good for children, adults and communities. The study says:
… singing in one of the 270,000 choruses in the U.S., such as a community chorus or a school or church choir, is strongly correlated with qualities that are associated with success throughout life, the study finds. Greater civic involvement, discipline, and teamwork are just a few of the attributes fostered by singing with a choral ensemble.
The study goes on to say that “Children who participate in a chorus get significantly better grades than children who have never sung in a choir.” It is unclear from my reading of the summary whether the students get better grades because they participate in a chorus, or only better students choose to participate in chorus.
What is clear is that choral singing is a great way to introduce children to the arts. They don’t have to buy an instrument and they don’t need any special training to start, so their is usually no monetary investment required. This means that choral singing can be available to almost everyone, so encourage a child to participate in a chorus or choir.
Amandla Arts Trio in LaGrange, Georgia
The Amandla Arts Trio is appearing in LaGrange, GA during the “Summer Festival of Music” event sponsored by The West Georgia Chapter of Morris Brown College National Alumni Association. I hope that I can get down to LaGrange for this event. I have heard Amandla Arts Trio before and it is definitely worth the $10.00 admission to hear them.
“Porgy and Bess” in San Francisco
Some friends of mine are singing in the current production of “Porgy and Bess” playing in San Francisco at The War Memorial Opera House this month. I just read a glowing review in The San Francisco Chronical. Looks like the ticket holders are in for a real treat.
I heard that the production is sold out. “Porgy and Bess” seems always to sell well. I hope that the singers are treated well.
More about repeats – D.C. and D.S.
In an earlier lesson we learned about simple repeats. In this lesson you will learn about the following repeat instructions:
- Da Capo or D.C.: Repeat from the beginning
- Da Capo al Fine or D.C. al Fine: Go back to beginning and sing to Fine
- Dal Segno or D.S.: Repeat from the sign
- Dal Segno al Fine or D.S. al Fine: Go back to the sign and sing to Fine
- Opera Noir: Alban Berg's 'Wozzeck'As he struggles with jealousy and poverty in this powerful tragedy, the psychologically disturbed title character endures ridicule from his superiors and undergoes bizarre medical experiments. […]
- First Listen: 'Cantique,' With The Music Of Arvo PartThe Estonian composer's evocative music has opened a window into a world of spiritual ideals and aspirations, and attracted many fans along the way. Hear Cantique, the new CD of Pärt's music, in its entirety. […]
- Turtle Island Quartet Re-Imagine Jimi Hendrix, With StringsThe group, led by violinist David Balakrishnan, has earned rave reviews for their jazzy take on traditional chamber music. Their latest album, Have You Ever Been ... ?, features interpretations of Jimi Hendrix compositions and continues to push the boundaries of classical fusion. […]
- Renee Fleming Sings 'Lucrezia Borgia'Acclaimed soprano Renee Fleming tackles the unforgiving title role, with Placido Domingo conducting, in a Washington National Opera production of Donizetti's steamy historical drama. […]
- Photo: Lucia MicarelliA Blog Supreme is on vacation. Until we return, we are periodically leaving you with some shots from The NPR Jazz Photography Pool on Flickr. Here, Scott Bump writes about capturing a great violinist on film at the Newport Jazz Festival. […]
- Nir Felder: Introducing The Next Big Jazz GuitaristThe Brooklyn youngster has already played with John Scofield, Joe Lovano and Jason Moran. With a debut album slated for early 2011, Felder recently stopped by WBGO's The Checkout to give host Josh Jackson a taste of what's to come. […]
- Photo: Anthony BraxtonA Blog Supreme is on vacation. Until we return, we are periodically leaving you with some shots from The NPR Jazz Photography Pool on Flickr. Here, Tom Wiebe writes about capturing the great composer on film last winter. […]