My name is Jason, and, like you, I am an addict. My addiction is to the joy of choral music, and it is not being fed in the usual ways at the moment, as I am hunkered down with my family in this warfare of the "silent enemy."
COVID-19 respects no one. It crosses all socio-economic lines. It doesn’t respect skin color, sex, religion, background or lifestyles — from the homeless guy with his hand-painted sign begging for change, all the way up the social ladder to doctors and lawyers.
My nerves are on edge as I miss the music-making process and interacting with my students. However, let me give you a peek into what has been keeping me sane. From my immediate family, my Aeolian family and me, we want to share this gift with you.
Your fellow choral addict,
Jason Max Ferdinand, director The Aeolians of Oakwood University
Looking back but moving forward
This school year has been one filled with wonderful guest-conducting opportunities across the United States and abroad. Honestly, I am still profoundly overwhelmed at the fact that so many have shared how they were positively impacted by our presentation at the last National ACDA Convention. Fun fact: I have not had the guts to look at the program in its entirety! Perhaps I will join you now in looking at it. During these challenging times, does this program bring you hope? If so, please share your thoughts.
Are you looking for fresh, riveting and inspiring music? If so, I am excited to share with you that the Jason Max Ferdinand Choral Series is now available from Walton Music. Thank you to Alec Harris, CEO of GIA Publications, and Susan LaBarr, music editor for Walton Music, who have made this all possible. Look at these interviews to get an exclusive sneak peek of this series, and hopefully you will garner some of the scores for your choirs.
It is my innermost desire to create high art with musicians of all color, culture and creed. My little girl Jamē has opened my eyes on the meaning of "Seize the day; put very little trust in tomorrow." She lives every day festively, fearlessly and ferociously, with little regard for anything but that moment.
For many years, I have had a strong desire to form a professional choral ensemble that will have a special twist. So, Choral Stream, you have seen it here first: MAXIMUS will be launched as soon as we exit this pandemic. Interested in singing with us? Just send me an email. It is going to be exciting!
Exclusive: Choral Stream Download
J.S. Bach - St. Matthew Passion: Kommt, ihr Tochter, helft mir klagen
Cologne Cathedral Boys Choir; Dresden Chamber Choir; Cologne Chamber Orchestra
Helmut Müller-Brühl, conductor
At this time of year, this movement by Bach always resonates with me.
The Choral Stream Download is a free handpicked, downloadable piece of chorus music available exclusively to Choral Stream newsletter subscribers.
