Choral Clarity Blog - 200 posts by Adam Paltrowitz

Conferences: Why Inspiration Alone Isn’t Enough
Conferences: Why Inspiration Alone Isn’t Enough

Conferences: Why Inspiration Alone Isn’t Enough

By Adam Paltrowitz|2025-03-24T06:19:07-04:00March 24th, 2025|Cultivating Choir Culture|

Why YOU Have Senioritis in Your Choir — And How to Fix It for Good
Why YOU Have Senioritis in Your Choir — And How to Fix It for Good

Why YOU Have Senioritis in Your Choir — And How to Fix It for Good

By Adam Paltrowitz|2025-03-20T23:23:30-04:00March 20th, 2025|High School Seniors, Senioritis|

“I Treat All Students Fairly” Is the Wrong Approach: Why Equity Matters
“I Treat All Students Fairly” Is the Wrong Approach: Why Equity Matters

“I Treat All Students Fairly” Is the Wrong Approach: Why Equity Matters

By Adam Paltrowitz|2025-03-10T21:47:34-04:00March 9th, 2025|Ideology of Intentional Inspiration, mentorship, Rehearsal Techniques|

The Essential 4Bs Every Choir Director Needs To Master
The Essential 4Bs Every Choir Director Needs To Master

The Essential 4Bs Every Choir Director Needs To Master

By Adam Paltrowitz|2025-03-08T14:11:42-05:00March 7th, 2025|Cultivating Choir Culture, mentorship, The Healthy Teacher|

Overworked & Burnt Out? Choir Directors, You Deserve Better!
Overworked & Burnt Out? Choir Directors, You Deserve Better!

Overworked & Burnt Out? Choir Directors, You Deserve Better!

By Adam Paltrowitz|2025-03-01T13:44:28-05:00March 1st, 2025|mentorship|

Preparing for Your Concerts: THE BIG KEY TO MINIMIZING STRESS!
Preparing for Your Concerts: THE BIG KEY TO MINIMIZING STRESS!

Preparing for Your Concerts: THE BIG KEY TO MINIMIZING STRESS!

By Adam Paltrowitz|2024-11-17T21:40:46-05:00November 17th, 2024|Concert Season, Uncategorized|

WHAT TO DO IF REHEARSAL BEHAVIOR IS OUT OF CONTROL……
WHAT TO DO IF REHEARSAL BEHAVIOR IS OUT OF CONTROL……

WHAT TO DO IF REHEARSAL BEHAVIOR IS OUT OF CONTROL……

By Adam Paltrowitz|2024-09-29T11:23:08-04:00September 29th, 2024|Cultivating Choir Culture|

How I Streamlined Sight-Singing Homework Using Sight Reading Factory’s Auto-Assessment
How I Streamlined Sight-Singing Homework Using Sight Reading Factory’s Auto-Assessment

How I Streamlined Sight-Singing Homework Using Sight Reading Factory’s Auto-Assessment

By Adam Paltrowitz|2024-09-17T14:05:05-04:00September 17th, 2024|Homework, Sight-Reading|

How to End a Rehearsal Effectively: Make the Last Moments Count
How to End a Rehearsal Effectively: Make the Last Moments Count

How to End a Rehearsal Effectively: Make the Last Moments Count

By Adam Paltrowitz|2024-09-29T09:44:40-04:00September 10th, 2024|Cultivating Choir Culture, Ideology of Intentional Inspiration|

The One Required Activity That Can Derail Your Choir Rehearsal
The One Required Activity That Can Derail Your Choir Rehearsal

The One Required Activity That Can Derail Your Choir Rehearsal

By Adam Paltrowitz|2024-09-10T17:00:55-04:00September 8th, 2024|Cultivating Choir Culture, First Rehearsals, New teacher, Uncategorized|

The 2-Minute Rapid-Fire Sight-Singing Drill!
The 2-Minute Rapid-Fire Sight-Singing Drill!

The 2-Minute Rapid-Fire Sight-Singing Drill!

By Adam Paltrowitz|2024-09-08T21:37:17-04:00September 8th, 2024|Sight-Reading, Technology|

Sight Reading Factory’s Auto-Grading Tool – HERE’S THE TRICK…
Sight Reading Factory’s Auto-Grading Tool – HERE’S THE TRICK…

Sight Reading Factory’s Auto-Grading Tool – HERE’S THE TRICK…

By Adam Paltrowitz|2024-09-17T14:14:35-04:00September 5th, 2024|Grading, Homework, Sight-Reading|

Why I Ditched FINALE for FLAT.IO
Why I Ditched FINALE for FLAT.IO

Why I Ditched FINALE for FLAT.IO

By Adam Paltrowitz|2025-01-08T06:43:41-05:00August 26th, 2024|Technology, Composers|

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

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

By Adam Paltrowitz|2024-08-25T10:09:08-04:00August 25th, 2024|Ice-breakers, Cultivating Choir Culture, First Rehearsals|

How to Voice Your Choir Quickly & Effectively
How to Voice Your Choir Quickly & Effectively

How to Voice Your Choir Quickly & Effectively

By Adam Paltrowitz|2024-08-22T12:18:28-04:00August 22nd, 2024|Voicing a Choir, Assessment, New Year, Rubrics, Self-Assessment, Vocal Technique|

11 Things to Avoid Doing at the First Choir Rehearsal
11 Things to Avoid Doing at the First Choir Rehearsal

11 Things to Avoid Doing at the First Choir Rehearsal

By Adam Paltrowitz|2024-08-16T10:38:04-04:00August 15th, 2024|Cultivating Choir Culture, First Rehearsals, New teacher, New Year, Rehearsal Techniques|

One BIG Advantage of Choir Over Band and Orchestra
One BIG Advantage of Choir Over Band and Orchestra

One BIG Advantage of Choir Over Band and Orchestra

By Adam Paltrowitz|2024-08-14T12:01:29-04:00August 14th, 2024|Sight-Reading|

The First Step to Building A Successful Choral Program
The First Step to Building A Successful Choral Program

The First Step to Building A Successful Choral Program

By Adam Paltrowitz|2024-08-10T22:13:16-04:00August 8th, 2024|Cultivating Choir Culture, Ideology of Intentional Inspiration, mentorship, New teacher|

First Day Advice for the New School Year: 3 Tips for Setting the Stage for Success
First Day Advice for the New School Year: 3 Tips for Setting the Stage for Success

First Day Advice for the New School Year: 3 Tips for Setting the Stage for Success

By Adam Paltrowitz|2024-08-04T00:26:49-04:00August 3rd, 2024|Cultivating Choir Culture, First Rehearsals, New Year|

You Can Teach INTRINSIC MOTIVATION To Your Students!
You Can Teach INTRINSIC MOTIVATION To Your Students!

You Can Teach INTRINSIC MOTIVATION To Your Students!

By Adam Paltrowitz|2024-07-27T07:59:20-04:00July 23rd, 2024|Cultivating Choir Culture, Empowerment, Ideology of Intentional Inspiration, mentorship|

Do THIS When Asking Questions: Clarity over Context
Do THIS When Asking Questions: Clarity over Context

Do THIS When Asking Questions: Clarity over Context

By Adam Paltrowitz|2024-07-25T19:00:35-04:00June 24th, 2024|Cultivating Choir Culture, Ideology of Intentional Inspiration, Rehearsal Techniques|

18 Tips To Prevent Choral Teacher Burnout
18 Tips To Prevent Choral Teacher Burnout

18 Tips To Prevent Choral Teacher Burnout

By Adam Paltrowitz|2024-02-24T23:18:51-05:00February 24th, 2024|The Healthy Teacher|

8 Reasons I Repeat the Same Holiday Choir Music Every Year
8 Reasons I Repeat the Same Holiday Choir Music Every Year

8 Reasons I Repeat the Same Holiday Choir Music Every Year

By Adam Paltrowitz|2023-11-26T16:26:38-05:00November 25th, 2023|Holiday & Caroling, Concert Season|

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|2023-10-22T05:26:49-04:00September 25th, 2023|The Soloist/Solo Singing, Cultivating Choir Culture|

The 6 Choir ROUNDS I Use Every Year – and WHY!
The 6 Choir ROUNDS I Use Every Year – and WHY!

The 6 Choir ROUNDS I Use Every Year – and WHY!

By Adam Paltrowitz|2024-02-12T02:26:48-05:00September 16th, 2023|Rounds|

How To Find a Choir Mentor: The 5 “T”s that you need
How To Find a Choir Mentor: The 5 “T”s that you need

How To Find a Choir Mentor: The 5 “T”s that you need

By Adam Paltrowitz|2023-08-28T10:00:22-04:00August 28th, 2023|New teacher, New Year, Rehearsal Techniques, The Healthy Teacher|

The 2 Guidelines Every Choir Director Should Have
The 2 Guidelines Every Choir Director Should Have

The 2 Guidelines Every Choir Director Should Have

By Adam Paltrowitz|2023-08-16T07:14:48-04:00August 16th, 2023|First Rehearsals, New teacher|

Ditch your Choir “Rules” and lose the “Consequences”
Ditch your Choir “Rules” and lose the “Consequences”

Ditch your Choir “Rules” and lose the “Consequences”

By Adam Paltrowitz|2023-08-12T00:26:52-04:00August 11th, 2023|New teacher, First Rehearsals, New Year|

The Power of Positive Planning for Choir
The Power of Positive Planning for Choir

The Power of Positive Planning for Choir

By Adam Paltrowitz|2023-11-01T02:41:56-04:00July 24th, 2023|Cultivating Choir Culture, First Rehearsals, New teacher, New Year|

Your Choir Won’t Thrive Without These 12 IMPORTANT Things!
Your Choir Won’t Thrive Without These 12 IMPORTANT Things!

Your Choir Won’t Thrive Without These 12 IMPORTANT Things!

By Adam Paltrowitz|2023-06-28T14:37:33-04:00June 28th, 2023|Cultivating Choir Culture|

14 “Secrets” Indicators Your Choir is Outstanding (#1 may surprise you!)
14 “Secrets” Indicators Your Choir is Outstanding (#1 may surprise you!)

14 “Secrets” Indicators Your Choir is Outstanding (#1 may surprise you!)

By Adam Paltrowitz|2023-06-28T07:36:15-04:00June 7th, 2023|Cultivating Choir Culture, Choral Caste System, Ideology of Intentional Inspiration, Rehearsal Techniques|

10 Ways to FIND Choral Repertoire for High School
10 Ways to FIND Choral Repertoire for High School

10 Ways to FIND Choral Repertoire for High School

By Adam Paltrowitz|2023-11-01T02:42:32-04:00June 4th, 2023|Choral Sheet Music|

Choir Elections Are A Bad Idea. Here’s an Alternative Approach…
Choir Elections Are A Bad Idea. Here’s an Alternative Approach…

Choir Elections Are A Bad Idea. Here’s an Alternative Approach…

By Adam Paltrowitz|2023-05-08T21:39:42-04:00May 8th, 2023|Choral Caste System, Choir Officers, Cultivating Choir Culture, High School Seniors, Ideology of Intentional Inspiration|

Here’s Why My 3-Year-Old Son Appears Tone-Deaf….
Here’s Why My 3-Year-Old Son Appears Tone-Deaf….

Here’s Why My 3-Year-Old Son Appears Tone-Deaf….

By Adam Paltrowitz|2023-05-01T21:24:40-04:00April 28th, 2023|Matching Pitch|

Concert Success without Stress: 3 Ways Singers Take Ownership!
Concert Success without Stress: 3 Ways Singers Take Ownership!

Concert Success without Stress: 3 Ways Singers Take Ownership!

By Adam Paltrowitz|2023-05-29T18:46:14-04:00April 23rd, 2023|Concert Season, Empowerment, Self-Assessment|

How to Nail Your Choir Rehearsal Observation – 8 Simple Steps
How to Nail Your Choir Rehearsal Observation – 8 Simple Steps

How to Nail Your Choir Rehearsal Observation – 8 Simple Steps

By Adam Paltrowitz|2023-05-29T18:58:58-04:00April 15th, 2023|Demo lessons, Lesson Plans, Rehearsal Techniques|

How To Give A Killer Choir “Demo Lesson” – 14 Things To Avoid
How To Give A Killer Choir “Demo Lesson” – 14 Things To Avoid

How To Give A Killer Choir “Demo Lesson” – 14 Things To Avoid

By Adam Paltrowitz|2023-05-07T20:43:22-04:00April 1st, 2023|New teacher, Demo lessons|

How to Grade a Concert Performance
How to Grade a Concert Performance

How to Grade a Concert Performance

By Adam Paltrowitz|2023-05-08T07:39:57-04:00December 10th, 2022|Self-Assessment, Assessment, Concert Season, Rubrics|

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

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

By Adam Paltrowitz|2023-05-29T19:07:11-04:00December 10th, 2022|Concert Season|

Here’s the Ultimate Substitute Choir Lesson Plan when YOU are Absent:
Here’s the Ultimate Substitute Choir Lesson Plan when YOU are Absent:

Here’s the Ultimate Substitute Choir Lesson Plan when YOU are Absent:

By Adam Paltrowitz|2024-08-03T21:49:50-04:00October 16th, 2022|Assessment, Homework, Technology|

Hocus Pocus: 12 Tricks for Rehearsal Focus
Hocus Pocus: 12 Tricks for Rehearsal Focus

Hocus Pocus: 12 Tricks for Rehearsal Focus

By Adam Paltrowitz|2024-08-03T22:02:07-04:00October 3rd, 2022|Cultivating Choir Culture, Ideology of Intentional Inspiration, Rehearsal Techniques|

Simply Assess Choir Rehearsal Participation Using the Four “P”s
Simply Assess Choir Rehearsal Participation Using the Four “P”s

Simply Assess Choir Rehearsal Participation Using the Four “P”s

By Adam Paltrowitz|2024-08-03T22:12:10-04:00September 26th, 2022|Rehearsal Techniques, Assessment, Grading, New teacher, Rubrics, Self-Assessment|

Choir Quiz #2 – Here’s The One I Use Every Year!
Choir Quiz #2 – Here’s The One I Use Every Year!

Choir Quiz #2 – Here’s The One I Use Every Year!

By Adam Paltrowitz|2022-09-23T06:47:23-04:00September 21st, 2022|Assessment, Rhythm, Rubrics, Sight-Reading|

Choir Quiz: Here’s The First One I Give Every Year
Choir Quiz: Here’s The First One I Give Every Year

Choir Quiz: Here’s The First One I Give Every Year

By Adam Paltrowitz|2022-09-18T21:53:08-04:00September 17th, 2022|Assessment|

Your Star-Spangled Banner Arrangement Is Too Difficult!
Your Star-Spangled Banner Arrangement Is Too Difficult!

Your Star-Spangled Banner Arrangement Is Too Difficult!

By Adam Paltrowitz|2022-09-18T21:55:30-04:00September 1st, 2022|Cultivating Choir Culture, Patriotic Music, Rehearsal Techniques|

7 Reasons Why Ordering Most Choral Sheet Music Is Ridiculous
7 Reasons Why Ordering Most Choral Sheet Music Is Ridiculous

7 Reasons Why Ordering Most Choral Sheet Music Is Ridiculous

By Adam Paltrowitz|2022-08-01T12:48:14-04:00August 1st, 2022|Choral Sheet Music|

It’s Christmas (Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa) in July!
It’s Christmas (Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa) in July!

It’s Christmas (Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa) in July!

By Adam Paltrowitz|2022-07-28T22:36:18-04:00July 22nd, 2022|Holiday & Caroling, Empowerment|

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|2022-07-04T11:18:35-04:00March 26th, 2022|Matching Pitch|

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|2023-06-28T07:31:33-04:00March 14th, 2022|Self-Selected|

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

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|2022-07-04T12:01:39-04:00January 22nd, 2022|Ear Training, Matching Pitch|

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|2022-12-01T22:11:45-05:00March 3rd, 2021|Ear Training, Matching Pitch|

7 Reasons ALL Choirs Should Sing Rounds!
7 Reasons ALL Choirs Should Sing Rounds!

7 Reasons ALL Choirs Should Sing Rounds!

By Adam Paltrowitz|2023-07-13T11:04:36-04:00October 13th, 2019|Rounds|

Ditch Choir Auditions: Everyone can sing!
Ditch Choir Auditions: Everyone can sing!

Ditch Choir Auditions: Everyone can sing!

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

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

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

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

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|2023-06-19T15:31:03-04:00September 26th, 2017|Sight-Reading, Aural Training, Ear Training, Rehearsal Techniques|

The Erosion of the Choral Middle-Class
The Erosion of the Choral Middle-Class

The Erosion of the Choral Middle-Class

By Adam Paltrowitz|2022-11-28T05:48:15-05:00June 23rd, 2016|Choral Caste System, Self-Selected|

3 Thanksgiving Choir Songs We Use Every Year!
3 Thanksgiving Choir Songs We Use Every Year!

3 Thanksgiving Choir Songs We Use Every Year!

By Adam Paltrowitz|2025-01-08T06:39:47-05:00November 8th, 2024|Thanksgiving|

Choir Halloween Rehearsal – YOUR LAST MINUTE LESSON PLAN!
Choir Halloween Rehearsal – YOUR LAST MINUTE LESSON PLAN!

Choir Halloween Rehearsal – YOUR LAST MINUTE LESSON PLAN!

By Adam Paltrowitz|2025-01-08T06:40:03-05:00October 29th, 2024|Holiday & Caroling, Cultivating Choir Culture, Halloweeen|

Choir Halloween – 9 Last Minute Rehearsal Ideas!
Choir Halloween – 9 Last Minute Rehearsal Ideas!

Choir Halloween – 9 Last Minute Rehearsal Ideas!

By Adam Paltrowitz|2025-01-08T06:40:12-05:00October 25th, 2024|Holiday & Caroling, Cultivating Choir Culture, Halloweeen|

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