I try to write down phrases other choral conductors use, when I find them useful/amusing. These are phrases used by the various conductors I sang under at the Voices United Conference: John Rutter, James Bingham, Joe Eveler, and Patrick Walders.
"Altos, you are my little trouble children there."
"The basses are the most important section in the choir, but the sopranos are its crowning glory."
"Listen more than sing."
"Now you're listening too much."
"Do not sing 'beyond beautiful.'"
"Basses, you've had 'donkey's days' to prepare for that entrance and you still blew it." (I guess an Australian expression)
"I will tolerate no break away factions."
"Sir John will reciprocate your energy."
"The tone should be 'thin and crispy' rather than 'thick and crusty,'" or 'a spot of tea' rather than 'Sam Adams.'" (head tone vs. chest tone)
"Great . . . Right . . . Super." (John Rutter after almost every piece in rehearsal)
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Dr. Poterack, will you reciprocate our energy? :-D
Ah, break-away factions! What good section doesn't break away at least some of the time?
Post a Comment