This program year, the church choir I direct sang 19 different pieces by women composers. At the beginning of the season, I made an intentional effort to program music by women composers every Sunday. I didn’t have 100% success but between the choral, organ and other instrumental music, I’m happy to report we had music …
20 Anthems by Women Composers that My Church Choir Sang This Season Read More »
What does “calling” mean? In the inaugural episode of Called – At the Intersection of Life and Ministry, Pastor Bill Smutz and I talk about what calling can mean in all areas of our lives. The call to ministry is an important one, but it’s not the only one.
Let’s talk about books! What are you reading lately? Here are my favorites so far in 2019, including some novels (I feel like I’m getting back into fiction after a lonnggg hiatus….)
Have you ever wanted to give your listeners a map to what they’re hearing? Then, graphical analyses might be a great complement to your next musical event!
Y’all, I am so excited to announce this new podcast! My colleague Bill Smutz and I have been working on a ministry related podcast since the winter and now it’s ready for the world! Here’s what the show is: practical advice for church workers, based on our experiences of over 50 (!) years. We’re talking …
Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen! Me on the other hand – I’m taking a nap 🙂 I’ll be back with a fresh blog post next Monday, and in the meantime I hope you are getting lots of rest! (And if you aren’t a church worker, I hope you’re taking good care of any …
One of my main goals as a choir director creating community in the choir. That might seem strange, since many of the choir members have known each other for decades, whereas I’m the new kid in town. But even though their social roots go deep, my actions still affect the sense of community.
This month’s episode of Music and the Church features a conversation with Dr. J. J. Wright. J. J. directs the University of Notre Dame Folk Choir, one of America’s most influential Catholic music ensembles. He is a Grammy Award winning jazz musician, composer of O Emmanuel, an album which debuted at the top of the …
An Interview with J. J. Wright, Director of the University of Notre Dame Folk Choir Read More »
I’ve got a problem. It’s the first year to come up, but it won’t be the last. What do I DO for my family’s Easter traditions, given that I’ll be, uh, kinda busy on Easter morning and more than a little tired in the afternoon? Oh and! My husband will be working Friday, Saturday AND …
How Much Are Church Musicians Paid? I wish there were a nice easy answer to the perennial question “How much money are church musicians paid?” But even though I can’t give a definite answer, I CAN tell you how to find out what the norms are in your area.