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    • HOW TO TEACH ANYONE TO MATCH PITCH!
  • Rubrics/Assessments
    • Aural Training Products
      • The Best Aural Training Exercise (major)
      • The Best Aural Training Exercise Rubric
      • The Best Aural Training Exercise (major) and Assessment Rubric
      • Pitch-Matching Rubric
      • Scale-Singing Rubric
      • Simple Alternative Solfege Pattern Rubric
      • Ultimate Aural Training Bundle
      • Minor Aural Training Sheet(s)
      • Minor Aural Training Sheet(s) with Assessment Rubric
    • Concert Assessments
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    • Self-Assessment Rubrics
      • Post Concert Self-Assessment
      • Daily/Weekly Rehearsal Participation Self-Assessment
      • Monthly Rehearsal Participation Self-Assessment
      • Small Group Lessons Self-Assessment
      • Part-Learning Self-Assessment
      • Remote Learner Self Assessment
      • SIght-Singing Homework Self-Assessment
    • Sight-Singing Developmental Rubric
      • Note-Labeling Rubric
      • Rhythm Labeling/Performing Rubric
    • Solo Vocal Performance Rubric
    • Voicing Your Choir
      • How to Voice Your Choir (free)
      • Voicing Your Choir Spreadsheet
  • Sheet Music
    • Rounds
      • 2 Fall Rounds
      • 3 Fun Holiday Rounds
      • 4 Unique Holiday Rounds
      • 5 Holiday Rounds – Best Value!
      • Alleluia Round by Mozart (free)
      • American Memorial Round
      • Dona Nobis Pacem (free)
      • December Holiday Round
      • Jubilate Deo (free)
      • Lacrimosa son’io round by Mozart (free)
      • Music Alone Shall Live (free)
      • Thanksgiving/Fall Gratitude Round
      • Trick or Treat Round
      • Valentine’s Day Round
      • Viva La Musica Round (free)
    • SATB/SAB
      • Answer Me When I Call (SATB)
      • A Prayer (SATB)
      • Dance (SATB)
      • Hiney Ma Tov (SATB)
      • Peace (SATB)
      • Rain In My Heart (SATB)
      • To A Stranger (SATB)
      • The Road Not Taken (SATB)
      • Simple Gifts (SAB)
      • Siyahamba (SATB) (free)
      • Star-Spangled Banner (SAB)
      • Unborn Lullabye (SATB)
    • SSAA/SSA/SA
      • A Clear Midnight (SSA)
      • Beauty Shines (SSA)
      • Citizen (Sih-Tih-Zihn) (SSAA)
      • Hiney Ma Tov (SSA) & (SSAA)
        • Hiney Ma Tov (SSA)
        • Hiney Ma Tov (SSAA)
      • Oseh Shalom (SSAA) & (SA)
        • Oseh Shalom (SA)
        • Oseh Shalom (SSAA)
      • Shall I Compare Thee (SSAA)
      • Simple GIfts (SA) & (SSA)
        • SImple Gifts (SA)
        • Simple Gifts (SSA)
      • Siyahamba (SSA) (free)
      • Star-Spangled Banner (SSA)
      • Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening (SSAA)
      • Truth (SSA)
    • TTBB/TTB/TB
      • Sih-Tih-Zihn (TTBB)
    • God Bless America
      • God Bless America (SATB)
      • God Bless America (SSA)
    • Star-Spangled Banner
      • Star-Spangled Banner (SAB)
      • Star-Spangled Banner (SSA)
      • Star-Spangled Banner Blog
      • Star-Spangled Banner Blog 2
    • Hanukkah/Christmas Sheet Music
      • Deck the Halls (SATB)
      • Dreidel
        • Dreidel (SATB)
        • Dreidel (SATB – caroling version)
        • Dreidel (SSA)
        • Dreidel (SA)
      • Holiday Caroling Packet (Christmas & Hanukkah)
      • Jingle Bells (SATB)
      • Joy to the World (SATB)
      • O Come Emmanuel (SATB)
      • Oh Hanukkah
        • Oh Hanukkah (SAB – accompanied))
        • Oh Hanukkah (SSA – accompanied)
        • Oh Hanukkah (SATB Caroling Version)
      • Two Hanukkah Carols (for Caroling Packet)
      • We Wish You a Merry Christmas (SATB)
    • Rehearsal Tracks for Choral Clarity
      • Choral Rehearsal Tracks
  • About
    • About me
    • Contact
    • Coaching Sessions
    • Request a P.O.
    • Podcast Appearances
    • Workshops Offered
  • Blog
    • Assessment
    • Self-Assessments
    • Choral Rehearsal Tracks
    • Choir Sheet Music
    • Concert Season
    • Cultivating Choir Culture
      • Choir Officers
      • Recruitment/Retention
    • Demo Lessons
    • Ear Training
    • Holiday & Caroling
    • Homework
    • Ice Breakers
    • New Teacher
    • Senioritis (High School)
    • Sight-Singing
    • The Solo Singer
    • The Healthy Teacher
    • Voicing A Choir
      • Store
  • Online Courses
    • HOW TO TEACH ANYONE TO MATCH PITCH!
  • Rubrics/Assessments
    • Aural Training Products
      • The Best Aural Training Exercise (major)
      • The Best Aural Training Exercise Rubric
      • The Best Aural Training Exercise (major) and Assessment Rubric
      • Pitch-Matching Rubric
      • Scale-Singing Rubric
      • Simple Alternative Solfege Pattern Rubric
      • Ultimate Aural Training Bundle
      • Minor Aural Training Sheet(s)
      • Minor Aural Training Sheet(s) with Assessment Rubric
    • Concert Assessments
      • Alternate Concert Assignment
      • Concert Preparation Checklist (free)
      • Post Concert Self-Assessment
      • Post Concert/Alternative Concert Bundle
    • Choir Midterm Exam (free)
    • Self-Assessment Rubrics
      • Post Concert Self-Assessment
      • Daily/Weekly Rehearsal Participation Self-Assessment
      • Monthly Rehearsal Participation Self-Assessment
      • Small Group Lessons Self-Assessment
      • Part-Learning Self-Assessment
      • Remote Learner Self Assessment
      • SIght-Singing Homework Self-Assessment
    • Sight-Singing Developmental Rubric
      • Note-Labeling Rubric
      • Rhythm Labeling/Performing Rubric
    • Solo Vocal Performance Rubric
    • Voicing Your Choir
      • How to Voice Your Choir (free)
      • Voicing Your Choir Spreadsheet
  • Sheet Music
    • Rounds
      • 2 Fall Rounds
      • 3 Fun Holiday Rounds
      • 4 Unique Holiday Rounds
      • 5 Holiday Rounds – Best Value!
      • Alleluia Round by Mozart (free)
      • American Memorial Round
      • Dona Nobis Pacem (free)
      • December Holiday Round
      • Jubilate Deo (free)
      • Lacrimosa son’io round by Mozart (free)
      • Music Alone Shall Live (free)
      • Thanksgiving/Fall Gratitude Round
      • Trick or Treat Round
      • Valentine’s Day Round
      • Viva La Musica Round (free)
    • SATB/SAB
      • Answer Me When I Call (SATB)
      • A Prayer (SATB)
      • Dance (SATB)
      • Hiney Ma Tov (SATB)
      • Peace (SATB)
      • Rain In My Heart (SATB)
      • To A Stranger (SATB)
      • The Road Not Taken (SATB)
      • Simple Gifts (SAB)
      • Siyahamba (SATB) (free)
      • Star-Spangled Banner (SAB)
      • Unborn Lullabye (SATB)
    • SSAA/SSA/SA
      • A Clear Midnight (SSA)
      • Beauty Shines (SSA)
      • Citizen (Sih-Tih-Zihn) (SSAA)
      • Hiney Ma Tov (SSA) & (SSAA)
        • Hiney Ma Tov (SSA)
        • Hiney Ma Tov (SSAA)
      • Oseh Shalom (SSAA) & (SA)
        • Oseh Shalom (SA)
        • Oseh Shalom (SSAA)
      • Shall I Compare Thee (SSAA)
      • Simple GIfts (SA) & (SSA)
        • SImple Gifts (SA)
        • Simple Gifts (SSA)
      • Siyahamba (SSA) (free)
      • Star-Spangled Banner (SSA)
      • Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening (SSAA)
      • Truth (SSA)
    • TTBB/TTB/TB
      • Sih-Tih-Zihn (TTBB)
    • God Bless America
      • God Bless America (SATB)
      • God Bless America (SSA)
    • Star-Spangled Banner
      • Star-Spangled Banner (SAB)
      • Star-Spangled Banner (SSA)
      • Star-Spangled Banner Blog
      • Star-Spangled Banner Blog 2
    • Hanukkah/Christmas Sheet Music
      • Deck the Halls (SATB)
      • Dreidel
        • Dreidel (SATB)
        • Dreidel (SATB – caroling version)
        • Dreidel (SSA)
        • Dreidel (SA)
      • Holiday Caroling Packet (Christmas & Hanukkah)
      • Jingle Bells (SATB)
      • Joy to the World (SATB)
      • O Come Emmanuel (SATB)
      • Oh Hanukkah
        • Oh Hanukkah (SAB – accompanied))
        • Oh Hanukkah (SSA – accompanied)
        • Oh Hanukkah (SATB Caroling Version)
      • Two Hanukkah Carols (for Caroling Packet)
      • We Wish You a Merry Christmas (SATB)
    • Rehearsal Tracks for Choral Clarity
      • Choral Rehearsal Tracks
  • Round and Rounds We Go in Concert!

    Round and Rounds We Go in Concert!

Round and Rounds We Go in Concert!

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2022-06-29T21:46:35-04:00 June 20th, 2022|Rounds|

Throughout the internet, choral directors are always searching for round and rounds. It's amazing how overlooked rounds can be as part

Read More
  • The Star Spangled Banner Sheet Music – one arrangement that fits all

    The Star Spangled Banner Sheet Music – one arrangement that fits all

The Star Spangled Banner Sheet Music – one arrangement that fits all

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2022-06-16T14:42:18-04:00 June 16th, 2022|Patriotic Music|

I see monthly posts in Facebook groups for "the best" Star Spangled Banner sheet music.  Of course, "the best" depends

Read More
  • A New Sight Singing Tool That Has My Choir SHOOK!

    A New Sight Singing Tool That Has My Choir SHOOK!

A New Sight Singing Tool That Has My Choir SHOOK!

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2022-05-11T06:09:28-04:00 May 10th, 2022|Sight-Reading, Technology|

There's a new feature on Sight Reading Factory. It is a game-changer. I can't wait to share it with you.

Read More
  • Choir Senioritis…….11 Ways To Minimize the Symptoms

    Choir Senioritis…….11 Ways To Minimize the Symptoms

Choir Senioritis…….11 Ways To Minimize the Symptoms

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2022-06-28T22:21:06-04:00 May 1st, 2022|Choral Caste System, Cultivating Choir Culture, Senioritis|

Our seniors are done. They have no reason to try. They have already been accepted into college. Many of their

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  • Basic Math or Matching Pitch: Which Skill Is More Important?

    Basic Math or Matching Pitch: Which Skill Is More Important?

Basic Math or Matching Pitch: Which Skill Is More Important?

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2022-03-26T23:16:09-04:00 March 26th, 2022|Matching Pitch|

Imagine if learning to matching pitch was treated like learning basic math:   We certainly believe everyone can learn addition

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  • Self-Selected Choir vs Non-Auditioned Choir: 12 BIG DIFFERENCES!

    Self-Selected Choir vs Non-Auditioned Choir: 12 BIG DIFFERENCES!

Self-Selected Choir vs Non-Auditioned Choir: 12 BIG DIFFERENCES!

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2022-05-16T11:54:38-04:00 March 14th, 2022|Self-Selected|

What is a self-selected choir? A self-selected choir is any choir where students of all ability levels participate together.  A

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  • The Fastest “Tone Deaf Quiz” You’ve Ever Given!

    The Fastest “Tone Deaf Quiz” You’ve Ever Given!

The Fastest “Tone Deaf Quiz” You’ve Ever Given!

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2022-06-20T21:07:23-04:00 March 6th, 2022|Ear Training, Matching Pitch|

I am convinced that 4-5% of the population, who are described to suffer from "amusia", are misunderstood. My strong belief

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  • 18 Tips To Prevent Choral Director Burnout

    18 Tips To Prevent Choral Director Burnout

18 Tips To Prevent Choral Director Burnout

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2022-05-23T14:53:05-04:00 February 25th, 2022|The Healthy Teacher|

It's so easy to be so invested in our school community and the lives of our students. Unfortunately, as a

Read More
  • 9 Last Minute Choir Valentine’s Day Rehearsal Ideas

    9 Last Minute Choir Valentine’s Day Rehearsal Ideas

9 Last Minute Choir Valentine’s Day Rehearsal Ideas

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2022-05-10T02:12:35-04:00 February 11th, 2022|Ideology of Intentional Inspiration, Rehearsal Techniques, Valentine's Day|

Nobody should feel alone on Valentine's Day, especially during our Valentine's Day rehearsal. We can spread love throughout our room and

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  • Valentine’s Day Choir Rehearsal – 12 Ways to Make It Productive!

    Valentine’s Day Choir Rehearsal – 12 Ways to Make It Productive!

Valentine’s Day Choir Rehearsal – 12 Ways to Make It Productive!

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2022-01-30T11:18:19-05:00 January 29th, 2022|Cultivating Choir Culture, Ideology of Intentional Inspiration, Valentine's Day|

Valentine's Day may seem like a holiday that should be ignored in choir, but I think it could be a missed

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  • How To Navigate Struggling Singers in A Chorus Rehearsal

    How To Navigate Struggling Singers in A Chorus Rehearsal

How To Navigate Struggling Singers in A Chorus Rehearsal

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2022-01-26T23:22:17-05:00 January 26th, 2022|Matching Pitch|

From time to time, we get singers who struggle to match pitch. Some of them really love singing. While many

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  • The Moral Dilemma of Allowing “TONE-DEAF” Singers into our Choir

    The Moral Dilemma of Allowing “TONE-DEAF” Singers into our Choir

The Moral Dilemma of Allowing “TONE-DEAF” Singers into our Choir

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2022-01-22T23:34:10-05:00 January 22nd, 2022|Ear Training, Matching Pitch|

There was a time where pianos were commonplace in homes and it was just "normal" to sing. Families would gather

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  • Your 10 Question Choir Midterm Exam

    Your 10 Question Choir Midterm Exam

Your 10 Question Choir Midterm Exam

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2022-01-23T05:49:02-05:00 January 17th, 2022|Assessment, Cultivating Choir Culture, Ideology of Intentional Inspiration, Rehearsal Techniques, Self-Assessment|

As we reach the middle of our academic year, students are likely taking exams to evaluate their progress, while teachers

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  • 11 Quick-Fix Rehearsal Changes You Can Make to Start the New Year

    11 Quick-Fix Rehearsal Changes You Can Make to Start the New Year

11 Quick-Fix Rehearsal Changes You Can Make to Start the New Year

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2022-01-03T19:22:07-05:00 January 2nd, 2022|New Year|

If you want your rehearsals to improve, now is a GREAT time to make the appropriate changes. https://www.choralclarity.com/4-reasons-to-make-major-rehearsal-changes-right-now/   Think

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  • 4 Reasons To Make Major Rehearsal Changes RIGHT NOW!

    4 Reasons To Make Major Rehearsal Changes RIGHT NOW!

4 Reasons To Make Major Rehearsal Changes RIGHT NOW!

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2022-01-02T14:57:49-05:00 January 2nd, 2022|Cultivating Choir Culture, New Year|

Strike while the iron is hot. Now is a good time to make sweeping changes to your daily rehearsal. If

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  • How to “Fill” Those Last Few Rehearsals Before Break

    How to “Fill” Those Last Few Rehearsals Before Break

How to “Fill” Those Last Few Rehearsals Before Break

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2022-03-13T11:32:36-04:00 December 19th, 2021|Concert Season, Ice-breakers, Rounds|

The vacation is so clearly here and everyone has one foot out the door.  We may have just held our

Read More
  • missed concert
    Your Singer MISSED the Concert….What do we do? – Use the 5 “E”s

    Your Singer MISSED the Concert….What do we do? – Use the 5 “E”s

Your Singer MISSED the Concert….What do we do? – Use the 5 “E”s

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2021-12-24T14:36:03-05:00 December 12th, 2021|Concert Season|

Your Singer MISSED The Concert....What do we do? - Use the 5 “E”s It can be quite frustrating when we

Read More
  • auditorium
    17 (Last Minute) Things to Avoid – to Ensure a Smooth Concert!

    17 (Last Minute) Things to Avoid – to Ensure a Smooth Concert!

17 (Last Minute) Things to Avoid – to Ensure a Smooth Concert!

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2021-12-06T06:21:26-05:00 December 5th, 2021|Concert Season, Cultivating Choir Culture, Holiday & Caroling|

17 (Last Minute) Things to Avoid - to Ensure a Smooth Concert! We've just spent many months learning notes and

Read More
  • The 11 Winter Concert Songs I Repeat Every Year

    The 11 Winter Concert Songs I Repeat Every Year

The 11 Winter Concert Songs I Repeat Every Year

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2021-12-05T08:19:08-05:00 December 1st, 2021|Concert Season, Holiday & Caroling|

We have 11 traditional songs that we repeat year after year. Two songs have been traditions of the choir dating

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  • 7 LAST MINUTE Holiday Repertoire Ideas that WILL work – even Remotely!

    7 LAST MINUTE Holiday Repertoire Ideas that WILL work – even Remotely!

7 LAST MINUTE Holiday Repertoire Ideas that WILL work – even Remotely!

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2021-11-28T20:42:31-05:00 November 27th, 2021|Concert Season, Distance Learning, Holiday & Caroling|

Sometimes we need a last minute holiday piece to fill out or balance our program. We may have chosen a

Read More
  • 5 Do’s (and Don’ts) for Requiring Students to Sing Solo

    5 Do’s (and Don’ts) for Requiring Students to Sing Solo

5 Do’s (and Don’ts) for Requiring Students to Sing Solo

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2022-03-13T12:00:36-04:00 November 6th, 2021|Cultivating Choir Culture, Homework, The Soloist/Solo Singing|

When I took over the entire high school choral program more than two decades ago, the previous choir director had

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  • singing alone
    Should Choir Members Be Forced To Sing Solo?

    Should Choir Members Be Forced To Sing Solo?

Should Choir Members Be Forced To Sing Solo?

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2021-11-01T06:00:56-04:00 October 30th, 2021|Cultivating Choir Culture, The Soloist/Solo Singing|

Should choir members be forced to sing solo?   The simple answer is: no student should ever be forced to

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  • black and white blur boy
    How to Self-Assess their Way toward Rehearsal Success

    How to Self-Assess their Way toward Rehearsal Success

How to Self-Assess their Way toward Rehearsal Success

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2021-12-25T21:51:42-05:00 October 12th, 2021|Assessment, Rubrics, Self-Assessment|

The two main components of any successful rehearsal are the planning/execution of the director and the planning/execution of the students.

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  • How to Get Students to Accurately Self-Assess

    How to Get Students to Accurately Self-Assess

How to Get Students to Accurately Self-Assess

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2021-10-09T05:01:50-04:00 October 5th, 2021|Self-Assessment|

Giving self-assessment assignments, for many choral directors, seems like a ridiculous waste of time. Usually, these directors shun the idea

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  • Assigning and Grading Sight-Singing Homework – Made Simple!

    Assigning and Grading Sight-Singing Homework – Made Simple!

Assigning and Grading Sight-Singing Homework – Made Simple!

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2021-10-11T08:04:34-04:00 September 20th, 2021|Assessment, Homework, Sight-Reading|

Sight-singing is a core element in my choral program. The development of sight-singing comes after several other individual skills have

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  • The 5 “ROUNDS” I Use in my Choral Program Every Year – and WHY!

    The 5 “ROUNDS” I Use in my Choral Program Every Year – and WHY!

The 5 “ROUNDS” I Use in my Choral Program Every Year – and WHY!

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2022-06-29T11:38:16-04:00 September 13th, 2021|Rounds|

Rounds are an excellent learning tool and performance vehicle for choirs of all levels. Even refined high school choirs can

Read More
  • 10 Choral Teaching Tips for Navigating Another Unpredictable School Year

    10 Choral Teaching Tips for Navigating Another Unpredictable School Year

10 Choral Teaching Tips for Navigating Another Unpredictable School Year

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2021-10-11T08:04:54-04:00 August 22nd, 2021|New teacher, New Year|

We had one year end abruptly followed by another year of complete turmoil. What will this school year bring us?

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  • 9 Ways to FIND Choral Repertoire for High School

    9 Ways to FIND Choral Repertoire for High School

9 Ways to FIND Choral Repertoire for High School

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2022-01-10T06:37:43-05:00 May 28th, 2021|Choral Sheet Music|

Between the brick and mortar publishing companies, the online publishing companies, and the online self-publishers, there is more music to

Read More
  • 8 Ideas to “Fill up” the Last Rehearsals of the Year

    8 Ideas to “Fill up” the Last Rehearsals of the Year

8 Ideas to “Fill up” the Last Rehearsals of the Year

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2021-05-19T21:38:53-04:00 May 16th, 2021|End of Year|

If your concert season is over and you still have weeks of rehearsals left, you have a great opportunity; there's

Read More
  • 3 Things to Avoid when Closing Out the School Year

    3 Things to Avoid when Closing Out the School Year

3 Things to Avoid when Closing Out the School Year

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2021-10-11T08:05:31-04:00 May 15th, 2021|End of Year|

Closing out the school year is always tough, especially this year. What do we do after our concert season is

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  • Head to Head Audio: Choral Tracks vs Kinnision Choral Co.

    Head to Head Audio: Choral Tracks vs Kinnision Choral Co.

Head to Head Audio: Choral Tracks vs Kinnision Choral Co.

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2021-10-11T08:06:11-04:00 April 21st, 2021|Choral Rehearsal Tracks|

Head to Head: Choral Tracks vs Kinnision Choral Co. If your choir is interested in finding a permanent solution to

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  • How Our Partnership with Kinnison Choral Co. Can Benefit You!

    How Our Partnership with Kinnison Choral Co. Can Benefit You!

How Our Partnership with Kinnison Choral Co. Can Benefit You!

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2021-04-05T10:49:26-04:00 April 5th, 2021|Choral Rehearsal Tracks|

Why is Choral Clarity choosing to partner with Kinnison Choral Co. and how can you benefit?   Over the past

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  • Why Choral Rehearsal Track Usage Should Spread AFTER Covid

    Why Choral Rehearsal Track Usage Should Spread AFTER Covid

Why Choral Rehearsal Track Usage Should Spread AFTER Covid

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2022-06-28T22:19:41-04:00 March 24th, 2021|Choral Rehearsal Tracks|

Choral rehearsal tracks, for many of us, have been indispensable throughout the pandemic. With that said, I believe they will

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  • Is Using Choral Rehearsal Tracks Cheating?

    Is Using Choral Rehearsal Tracks Cheating?

Is Using Choral Rehearsal Tracks Cheating?

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2022-02-04T09:47:48-05:00 March 18th, 2021|Choral Rehearsal Tracks|

Is using choral rehearsal tracks cheating?   The better question may be:   Are you cheating your singers by giving

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  • Get Anyone to Match Pitch: 5 Minutes & 5 Easy Steps

    Get Anyone to Match Pitch: 5 Minutes & 5 Easy Steps

Get Anyone to Match Pitch: 5 Minutes & 5 Easy Steps

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2022-05-26T15:39:59-04:00 March 3rd, 2021|Ear Training, Matching Pitch|

Anybody can be taught to match pitch, almost instantly, in 5 simple steps. This entire process takes a maximum of

Read More
  • The Future of Black History Month in my Choir

    The Future of Black History Month in my Choir

The Future of Black History Month in my Choir

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2021-02-25T22:14:46-05:00 February 25th, 2021|Black History Month, Cultivating Choir Culture|

(photo credit to my esteemed choral colleague, Maria A. Ellis, who designed and sells this shirt on her website)  

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  • 6 Realizations from this White Director about Inherent Racism within my Choir

    6 Realizations from this White Director about Inherent Racism within my Choir

6 Realizations from this White Director about Inherent Racism within my Choir

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2021-10-09T02:13:08-04:00 February 17th, 2021|Black History Month, Cultivating Choir Culture|

In more than two decades of teaching at the same high school, I've had less than a dozen African American

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  • Two-Minute Remote (or in-person) Rapid Fire Sight-Singing Drill

    Two-Minute Remote (or in-person) Rapid Fire Sight-Singing Drill

Two-Minute Remote (or in-person) Rapid Fire Sight-Singing Drill

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2022-01-03T04:43:53-05:00 January 18th, 2021|Distance Learning, Sight-Reading|

Do you have 2 minutes a day to devote to sight-singing? If so this approach could work well for you,

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  • New Year, New Approach – TAKE A CHORAL BREAK!

    New Year, New Approach – TAKE A CHORAL BREAK!

New Year, New Approach – TAKE A CHORAL BREAK!

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2021-01-07T07:26:34-05:00 January 4th, 2021|Distance Learning, Ear Training, Sight-Reading, The Soloist/Solo Singing|

For more than a decade, my rehearsal approach for the month of January can be described as a choral break!

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  • No winter concert? Now what do you do instead?

    No winter concert? Now what do you do instead?

No winter concert? Now what do you do instead?

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2020-12-24T07:44:59-05:00 November 28th, 2020|Concert Season, Holiday & Caroling|

  It is super disappointing when our concert season is cancelled. Each scenario across the country may be different, but

Read More
  • How to Effectively Engage Your Remote Learners

    How to Effectively Engage Your Remote Learners

How to Effectively Engage Your Remote Learners

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2020-11-18T23:06:19-05:00 November 18th, 2020|Distance Learning, Rubrics, Self-Assessment|

It can be quite difficult to engage our remote learners, especially since most of us have less than six months

Read More
  • google classroom
    7 Simple Choir Hacks for Google Classroom

    7 Simple Choir Hacks for Google Classroom

7 Simple Choir Hacks for Google Classroom

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2020-11-11T22:33:09-05:00 November 11th, 2020|Distance Learning, Rehearsal Techniques, Technology|

If you have students who are hybrid or remote, it is likely that Google Classroom has become your new classroom.

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  • 3 Reasons I’ve Ditched SmartMusic for Sight Reading Factory

    3 Reasons I’ve Ditched SmartMusic for Sight Reading Factory

3 Reasons I’ve Ditched SmartMusic for Sight Reading Factory

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2022-05-22T08:35:09-04:00 October 17th, 2020|Assessment, Sight-Reading|

Dear Smartmusic, After 10 years, you have worn me out and I'm leaving you. Sincerely, Former Smartmusic Advocate & Cheerleader

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  • VIRTUAL CHOIRS: The Two Reasons many of us HATE them!

    VIRTUAL CHOIRS: The Two Reasons many of us HATE them!

VIRTUAL CHOIRS: The Two Reasons many of us HATE them!

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2021-02-25T22:16:36-05:00 March 29th, 2020|Distance Learning|

Most of us had absolutely no opinion on "the value of VIRTUAL CHOIRS" until two weeks ago; since then, we

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  • Choosing the RIGHT Distance Learning Option!

    Choosing the RIGHT Distance Learning Option!

Choosing the RIGHT Distance Learning Option!

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2020-03-23T06:32:54-04:00 March 22nd, 2020|Distance Learning, Homework, The Healthy Teacher|

This is a time like no other. Most of our schools are closed indefinitely as we are grieving the loss

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  • School Closed? FREE Sight Reading Factory! DISTANCE LEARNING IDEAS!

    School Closed? FREE Sight Reading Factory! DISTANCE LEARNING IDEAS!

School Closed? FREE Sight Reading Factory! DISTANCE LEARNING IDEAS!

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2020-03-22T21:39:29-04:00 March 11th, 2020|Distance Learning, Homework, Sight-Reading|

Sight Reading Factory is a fantastic resource to use at home, especially during a potential period of online learning. My

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  • What is the deal with your Ridiculous Choir Rules?

    What is the deal with your Ridiculous Choir Rules?

What is the deal with your Ridiculous Choir Rules?

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2020-03-31T06:52:45-04:00 March 6th, 2020|Cultivating Choir Culture, First Rehearsals|

I came across a post in a very prominent choral director's Facebook group that asks: “What are your simple, short

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  • Choir Ice-Breakers: Why So Many Fail……..

    Choir Ice-Breakers: Why So Many Fail……..

Choir Ice-Breakers: Why So Many Fail……..

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2021-12-24T15:21:04-05:00 February 22nd, 2020|Cultivating Choir Culture, Ice-breakers|

WWeIce-breakers are a great means to help a choir to bond; many can be fun, productive, and have positive results

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  • 3 Non-Choral Activities my Choir does in February

    3 Non-Choral Activities my Choir does in February

3 Non-Choral Activities my Choir does in February

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2020-01-29T21:27:09-05:00 January 29th, 2020|A-Cappella, Cultivating Choir Culture|

February is a very busy month for my high school choral program and yet we have no choral concerts scheduled

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  • 6 Creative & Engaging Rehearsal Sight-Singing Ideas – no prep required!

    6 Creative & Engaging Rehearsal Sight-Singing Ideas – no prep required!

6 Creative & Engaging Rehearsal Sight-Singing Ideas – no prep required!

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2020-01-29T21:27:50-05:00 January 14th, 2020|Sight-Reading|

Let's face it, sight-singing can get boring and/or stale in choir rehearsals. The more we do it, the more they

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  • This is NOT A “BEST OF 2019” Choral Clarity Blog!

    This is NOT A “BEST OF 2019” Choral Clarity Blog!

This is NOT A “BEST OF 2019” Choral Clarity Blog!

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2019-12-30T13:57:06-05:00 December 30th, 2019|A-Cappella, New Year, The Healthy Teacher, The Soloist/Solo Singing|

The end of the year is the time where virtually every online publisher and podcaster releases a "Best of 2019"

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  • 15 Tips for Caroling with Seasonal Spirit & Maximum Impact

    15 Tips for Caroling with Seasonal Spirit & Maximum Impact

15 Tips for Caroling with Seasonal Spirit & Maximum Impact

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2019-12-17T21:28:59-05:00 December 15th, 2019|Concert Season, Holiday & Caroling|

Caroling Day is my choir's favorite day of the year. We carol every year, the day before the Winter Break.

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  • carols
    11 Reasons Why Your Choir Should Go School Caroling This Year!

    11 Reasons Why Your Choir Should Go School Caroling This Year!

11 Reasons Why Your Choir Should Go School Caroling This Year!

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2021-12-04T15:43:14-05:00 December 14th, 2019|Concert Season, Cultivating Choir Culture, Holiday & Caroling|

The most fun day of the entire year for my high school choir is Caroling Day. On this special day, we

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  • What NOT to do IN CLASS the day AFTER the concert….

    What NOT to do IN CLASS the day AFTER the concert….

What NOT to do IN CLASS the day AFTER the concert….

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2019-12-11T05:58:34-05:00 December 10th, 2019|Concert Season|

When it comes to rehearsals immediately following a concert, there are two things that irritate me beyond belief: When teachers

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  • 11 Annual Alumni Choir Songs OTHER than “Hallelujah”

    11 Annual Alumni Choir Songs OTHER than “Hallelujah”

11 Annual Alumni Choir Songs OTHER than “Hallelujah”

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2019-12-10T21:12:51-05:00 December 7th, 2019|Concert Season, Cultivating Choir Culture, Holiday & Caroling, Religious Music|

I hope you are reading this blog after my previous BLOG about why we must retire the Hallelujah Chorus. Prefacing

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  • 10 SIMPLE Things That Will Make Your Concert More Successful!

    10 SIMPLE Things That Will Make Your Concert More Successful!

10 SIMPLE Things That Will Make Your Concert More Successful!

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2021-12-25T22:29:32-05:00 December 5th, 2019|Concert Season|

\Believe it or not, most of what our audience members see and hear have nothing to do with how well

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  • 11 Tips To Eliminating Rude Audience Behavior!

    11 Tips To Eliminating Rude Audience Behavior!

11 Tips To Eliminating Rude Audience Behavior!

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2019-12-10T21:11:24-05:00 December 3rd, 2019|Concert Season|

I recently read a blog post entitled,  "Calling All Adults: Grow UP."  It was an interesting read about the disintegration

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  • 8 Reasons I Repeat the Same Holiday Concert Music Every Year

    8 Reasons I Repeat the Same Holiday Concert Music Every Year

8 Reasons I Repeat the Same Holiday Concert Music Every Year

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2021-11-27T14:21:29-05:00 November 19th, 2019|Concert Season, Holiday & Caroling|

There's plenty of great choral music available for the holiday season. Large works such as Pinkham's "Christmas Cantata" or Britten's

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  • christmas
    Don’t Get Rid of the Previous Director’s Alumni Piece!

    Don’t Get Rid of the Previous Director’s Alumni Piece!

Don’t Get Rid of the Previous Director’s Alumni Piece!

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2019-12-06T21:06:45-05:00 November 17th, 2019|Concert Season, Cultivating Choir Culture, Holiday & Caroling, New teacher|

Don't get rid of the previous director's alumni piece, even if you hate it. Even if it's a disaster. At

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  • Sight Reading Factory vs Smart Music? I NEED BOTH!

    Sight Reading Factory vs Smart Music? I NEED BOTH!

Sight Reading Factory vs Smart Music? I NEED BOTH!

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2019-11-04T05:21:33-05:00 November 3rd, 2019|Sight-Reading, Technology|

I've seen many Facebook posts asking the question of whether Sight Reading Factory or Smart Music is preferred for sight-singing.

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  • 7 Reasons ALL Choirs Should Sing Rounds!

    7 Reasons ALL Choirs Should Sing Rounds!

7 Reasons ALL Choirs Should Sing Rounds!

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2022-06-03T05:48:08-04:00 October 13th, 2019|Rounds|

Rounds are an excellent learning tool and performance vehicle for choirs of all levels. Even refined high school choirs can

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  • Ditch Choir Auditions: Everyone can sing!

    Ditch Choir Auditions: Everyone can sing!

Ditch Choir Auditions: Everyone can sing!

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2022-01-07T12:45:15-05:00 October 5th, 2019|Podcasts/Interviews, Self-Selected|

When did our culture stop singing, and what are we, the choir directors, doing to bring singing back into our

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  • 4 Definitive Steps to Assess & Develop EVERY Singer’s Ear!

    4 Definitive Steps to Assess & Develop EVERY Singer’s Ear!

4 Definitive Steps to Assess & Develop EVERY Singer’s Ear!

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2022-01-11T19:40:08-05:00 September 29th, 2019|Assessment, Aural Training, Ear Training, Matching Pitch, Sight-Reading|

There are 4 tangible steps that can be taken to develop EVERY singer's ear, and in turn, develop their singing

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  • How to Write An Effective Choir Handbook – Everything you need to know!

    How to Write An Effective Choir Handbook – Everything you need to know!

How to Write An Effective Choir Handbook – Everything you need to know!

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2019-07-22T21:19:01-04:00 July 22nd, 2019|First Rehearsals, New teacher, New Year|

Why should we take the time to write a choir handbook?   A handbook may seem like a tedious booklet

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  • Is Modern “A-Cappella” Healthy or Harmful to Building a HS Choral Program?

    Is Modern “A-Cappella” Healthy or Harmful to Building a HS Choral Program?

Is Modern “A-Cappella” Healthy or Harmful to Building a HS Choral Program?

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2019-07-08T07:10:24-04:00 July 3rd, 2019|A-Cappella|

Creating a contemporary A-Cappella group can be the best thing that has ever happened to your traditional high school choral

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  • 10 Tips for Gaining Rehearsal Time

    10 Tips for Gaining Rehearsal Time

10 Tips for Gaining Rehearsal Time

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2019-01-23T13:14:37-05:00 January 20th, 2019|Rehearsal Techniques|

Our rehearsal time is finite, so finding ways to maximize rehearsal time can be extremely important. Many of us have

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  • tone-deaf
    “Tone-Deaf” is an Excuse….not a Diagnosis

    “Tone-Deaf” is an Excuse….not a Diagnosis

“Tone-Deaf” is an Excuse….not a Diagnosis

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2022-05-28T08:01:15-04:00 November 4th, 2018|Assessment, Aural Training, Ear Training, Matching Pitch, Rubrics, Self-Selected, Sight-Reading, Vocal Technique|

"Tone-Deaf" is an Excuse....not a Diagnosis.....and I blame the person who makes the diagnosis. Anyone can learn to sing. If

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  • 11 Choir Halloween Tricks (and Treats)

    11 Choir Halloween Tricks (and Treats)

11 Choir Halloween Tricks (and Treats)

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2021-10-16T20:37:06-04:00 October 9th, 2018|Cultivating Choir Culture, Halloweeen, Rehearsal Techniques|

As we search for ways to unify our ensemble as well as opportunities to change-up the monotony of the daily rehearsal, alas,

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  • secret
    The “Secret” Your Weakest Sight-Singers May Be Hiding

    The “Secret” Your Weakest Sight-Singers May Be Hiding

The “Secret” Your Weakest Sight-Singers May Be Hiding

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2019-09-30T06:26:26-04:00 October 2nd, 2018|Assessment, Aural Training, Ear Training, Rubrics, Self-Assessment, Sight-Reading|

A wise man once told me to never believe anything you hear and only half of what you see. Your

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  • swimming
    8 Keys to Turn Sight-Singing Fear into Fun!

    8 Keys to Turn Sight-Singing Fear into Fun!

8 Keys to Turn Sight-Singing Fear into Fun!

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2019-09-03T06:12:36-04:00 September 18th, 2018|Sight-Reading|

Turning Fear into Fun My 3-year-old daughter, Lyla, and I have the same natural disposition when it comes to starting

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  • rules
    What To Do When They Break The Rules….

    What To Do When They Break The Rules….

What To Do When They Break The Rules….

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2019-07-07T08:14:02-04:00 September 1st, 2018|Cultivating Choir Culture, First Rehearsals, New teacher, New Year|

Our Choir culture stems from both how we prepare AND how we instill the fabric of our desired ideals. When we prepare our Guidelines

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  • self assessment
    Before Testing Their Sight-Singing, Assess This….

    Before Testing Their Sight-Singing, Assess This….

Before Testing Their Sight-Singing, Assess This….

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2022-05-16T02:15:16-04:00 November 19th, 2017|Assessment, Aural Training, Sight-Reading|

Before Testing Their Sight-Singing, Assess This.... Sight-singing is not an all or nothing skill, but when it comes to assessing

Read More
  • antique
    The 7 Keys to Having Awesome Sight-Singers Throughout Your Choir

    The 7 Keys to Having Awesome Sight-Singers Throughout Your Choir

The 7 Keys to Having Awesome Sight-Singers Throughout Your Choir

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2019-09-30T06:26:40-04:00 October 3rd, 2017|Aural Training, Ear Training, Ideology of Intentional Inspiration, Rehearsal Techniques, Sight-Reading, Technology|

If you've always wanted to have a choir filled with singers who can sight-sing, this blog post is for you!

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  • The Best Ear-Training Exercise You Will Ever Use

    The Best Ear-Training Exercise You Will Ever Use

The Best Ear-Training Exercise You Will Ever Use

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2022-06-29T22:25:54-04:00 September 26th, 2017|Aural Training, Ear Training, Rehearsal Techniques, Sight-Reading|

Kodaly & Me I'm ashamed to admit it, but I'm not a Curwen hand signal user; I know it is

Read More
  • sight-singing
    6 Reasons Why Your Singers Can’t Sight-Sing

    6 Reasons Why Your Singers Can’t Sight-Sing

6 Reasons Why Your Singers Can’t Sight-Sing

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2019-09-30T06:27:06-04:00 September 9th, 2017|Aural Training, Choral Caste System, Ear Training, Rehearsal Techniques, Sight-Reading|

6 Reasons Why Your Singers Can't Sight-Sing All students, regardless of talent or prior experience, can learn how to sight-sing.

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  • pexels photo 1036620
    11 Things to Avoid Doing at the First Rehearsal

    11 Things to Avoid Doing at the First Rehearsal

11 Things to Avoid Doing at the First Rehearsal

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2019-08-09T20:36:55-04:00 August 8th, 2016|Cultivating Choir Culture, First Rehearsals, New teacher, New Year, Rehearsal Techniques|

Prior to my first day of teaching high school, I was given advice from the person who had just hired

Read More
  • The Erosion of the Choral Middle-Class

    The Erosion of the Choral Middle-Class

The Erosion of the Choral Middle-Class

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2019-08-05T16:20:17-04:00 June 23rd, 2016|Choral Caste System, Self-Selected|

My previous post describes the traditional Choral Caste System which consists of “The Best” vs. “The Rest”. For those of

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  • If You Singer’s Can’t Sight Sing, Here’s Why…

    If You Singer’s Can’t Sight Sing, Here’s Why…

If You Singer’s Can’t Sight Sing, Here’s Why…

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2022-06-23T22:24:45-04:00 June 23rd, 2022|Sight-Reading|

The path to sight sing    The ability to sight sing is the result of developing 6 individual skills: 1.

Read More
  • Memorial Day Performance? Keep It Simple!!

    Memorial Day Performance? Keep It Simple!!

Memorial Day Performance? Keep It Simple!!

By Adam Paltrowitz| 2022-06-16T14:46:19-04:00 May 14th, 2022|Holiday & Caroling, Memorial Day|

If your choir is integral to your school and local community, there is a good chance it will be asked

Read More
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15 Bar Beach Road
Port Washington, NY 11050
Email: choralclarity@gmail.com

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  • A New Sight Singing Tool That Has My Choir SHOOK!
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