of sheep & shepherds September 26, 2023

A Note from the Director

Really?! Why are you doing a whole concert about sheep and shepherds? Well, the better question to be asking is: why is it even possible to do a whole concert about woolly lambs? Why is there so much choral music written about this pastoral scene?! The answers are many, date back thousands of years, and are deeply connected to human culture across the world. To learn more, check out this presentation I prepared for the students as we studied this great music.

The MV Choir Program is a great place to be, and this year is no exception. These students are energetic, passionate, and capable artists who are constantly growing musically, vocally and as people. All three of these categories are important to me, but the latter is far superior. I want each student to feel how they contribute to a greater whole, a mini-society that we create in the choir ensemble. I want them to learn the importance of commitment and responsibility. I want them to learn how to focus and work hard, and to be accountable for personal preparation. If they happen to learn some music along the way, all the better. Thank you for supporting them in their journey, and allowing me the opportunity to teach them. It is a responsibility I do not take lightly, as well as a privilege, and I am a better man because of it.

As always, I'd like to thank my assistant and accompanist Donna Millard for sharing the journey with us. She loves these kids and wants them to shine. We all appreciate her work to help us look our best for concerts, as well as her artistic music making. I appreciate her counsel and friendship and how she always supports me in whatever crazy new idea I concoct.

Brett Taylor, director