Tonight

A good night. The return of the long-silent “Arts at the Aviary” Sunday evening gathering. Here are some slices of what went down… Meet John. {insert picture of John with your imagination} John has an audition tomorrow at the Chanhassen Dinner Theater. He wanted feedback on his audition selection – a song from The Light…

Bird and Byrd on the Value of Voice Lessons

The other day I found a perfect excerpt to share with you.  In my beloved Weiss & Taruskin textbook from college lie some words as true today as they were when written 425 years ago. William Byrd, who I like to believe is one of my husband’s ancestors, was a 16th century English church composer and…

I Didn’t and I Don’t and It’s OK

Welcome to day 8 of sickness and cancellations here at the Aviary.  Let me take you on a little tour of the nonhappenings of the Birds this week. Last Friday – One year old Lil P was coughing pretty bad so I stayed home from teaching to tend to the girls so that Nathan could…

Daily Practices Toward Peace and Creative Improvisation

I’m a fan of vocalist and improvisor Bobby McFerrin. The year after I graduated from my community choir, the group attended a choral festival for which Bobby McFerrin was one of the clinicians: 0ne more reason to consider flunking senior year. But alas, I did not, and have never seen the man in person. I’m not even sure how I…

On Mommyhood, Tears, and a Little Chopin

This post is of a little bit different nature than my usual.  Typically I prefer to avoid entering the realm of parenting issues in such a public manner. Nonetheless, I am compelled to write about something I just experienced, so I’m running with it. Many of you know that my husband has been out of…