One of the joys I’ve experienced as a prison choir facilitator is volunteering alongside of students in my college classes and in choir assistantship capacities. Most semesters since the inception of the OMAG Choir I have selected one or two undergraduate students who serve as OMAG Choir Assistants. These students typically have bass/tenor voices andContinue reading “College Student Choir Assistants”
Tag Archives: building relationships
An Existential Crisis
When I reflect on my time facilitating group-singing with the Grafton OMAG v.1 and v.2 Choirs, I find myself grateful that these music-making experiences have become a life “passion point.” You know, those experiences that bring great joy, satisfaction, occasional heartbreak and frustration, and connection to others. I’ve learned so much about myself, my values,Continue reading “An Existential Crisis”
Endings & Beginnings
It was the Spring of 2018. The OMAG members and I were told that there would be a “de-population” at the minimum-security, reintegration prison in which we rehearsed. What did that mean? The prison administration said that the reintegration center would be undergoing significant construction (primarily roofing), so they needed to place the residents inContinue reading “Endings & Beginnings”
The Thrill of Victory, The Agony of Defeat
Many of you might remember ABC’s Wide World of Sports that aired each Saturday afternoon in the 1970s. Jim McKay’s voice narrated, dramatic music played, while the visuals showcased the variety of sports events covered in the show. As a child, I was in awe of the strength and excitement of the athletes, but invariably, I couldn’tContinue reading “The Thrill of Victory, The Agony of Defeat”
Flaring Emotions
In any long-term human relationship—with best friends, family members, spouses, students, community members—we invariably experience times that are “bumpy.” Although uncomfortable for brief or perhaps longer periods of time, I suspect these moments of potential volatility occur as a way of realigning, rebalancing, our relationships. One person might present a statement or do something with which weContinue reading “Flaring Emotions”
Singing Behind Bars 