This post was originally posted to the Embro Thistle Singers blog.  The other day, there was a question about whether or not a choir director should sing while directing.  This is an age old question but as usual I have my own ideas.  I honestly feel that there are very few differences between how you work with singers not matt... read more

How to Handle Negative Comments was first published in the Embro Thistle Singers Blog.   As much as it pains us to admit, we do get negative comments from time to time.  How we handle those can set a tone for our choirs.  Getting upset or defensive can create a combative climate.  Bowing to each negative and trying to change a... read more

This post was originally posted to the Embro Thistle Singers blog.  There is a really fun explanation of the 4 basic choir sections as seen by a young person.  I don't know where the original document came from or I would give proper credit.  I am shortening it up somewhat for our busy readers.  Have a wee giggle but reali... read more

Why are you or aren't you singing regularly?  Are you singing in choir or just the shower?  Have you ever wondered if you really should bother.  Check out this quotation.        1.  Use it or lose it - If we don't join groups such as choirs they will disappear.  They won't be there to entertain, ... read more

Oh I know.  I am really stretching your patience mixing those lines in the title.  I just couldn't help it.  You see, I LOVE to talk.  I don't even need an audience.  I can talk until the wallpaper curls. I do remember many years ago as a student music teacher, after my first foray into the classroom, the music special... read more

This post was originally posted to the Embro Thistle Singers blog.  Isn't it the truth?  Sometimes we can be our own worst enemy.  What is it that is holding you back?  Have you thought that maybe YOU should be the director of the choir.  You can see yourself there but --- .  Do you even know what that 'but' is?... read more

This post was originally posted to the Embro Thistle Singers blog.  They sang the wrong notes and the chord is less than pleasing. Do you have a break down?  I think not.Do you make nasty faces & tell those around you what a bad job that was?  I hope not.Do you smile & stop & say that it was a great effort but no cigar?  I... read more

This was originally published on the Embro Thistle Singers' blog.    Have you ever walked through a mall or downtown and "people watched"?  Oh my.  There are people walking around who, in my mother's words, would be horrified if their faces froze in that expression.  I have a friend who always says, "If you are happy, not... read more

This was originally published on the Embro Thistle Singers blog.  The phrase is that curved line in a piece of music that is like climbing a mountain.  You start out with lots of excitement.  It is hard work to go up that slanted side and you watch every step.  You reach the top and there you are and boy don't you wish you co... read more

This post was orginally published on Embro Thistle Singers blog. When I was 15, I took singing lessons from the nuns at "The Pines".  These ladies were well respected for the results they achieved in musical training.  Our performance group of 8, all dressed in blue taffeta gowns were in the small room once a nun's cell now a teaching ... read more