KimChoralColumn Kroeger

ChoralChair

We are fortunate to live in a time when we can honestly say, “It’s a whole new world” with regard to the unprecedented opportunity we have to exchange information and ideas. I can remember my early years at Drake University when I would slip down into the dark corner of the college library to dig out scratchy LPs to listen to music from different cultures and different times. (For you old timers, you’ll remember what LPs are, and, for you younger people, look it up!) With the advent of the Internet, I can sit in a comfort- able sofa with my laptop and have access to anything I wish to listen to. Another plus is that I can occasionally see other cultures performing on Youtube.

I encourage each of you to broaden your horizons—branch out and experience music from a diverse culture. As lovers of music, allow yourself and your students to step into the exciting opportunities that are presented to us. Be brave! Need help? I have found that, by placing a simple email or a phone call to a composer, arranger, or publisher, most questions can be answered. These folks are eager to help with cultural innuendoes, pronunciation, and movement ideas.

The 2009 OMEA Conference will give you the opportunity to explore conducting from motion to emotion through multicultural music and much, much more. Attend!!!!

See you in January!