Another is self-actualization, which, as you know, there is nothing more vulnerable as singing for self-actualization. Another is spiritual, or giving of oneself to others. I’m sorry, but just winning a football game may be satisfying, but it is not changing people’s hearts and minds. Lastly, let’s explore attachment. Athletes may attach to themselves as a team or to the coach, and while this also happens in the ensemble setting (attaching to one another, attaching to the choral director), they ultimately get to attach to the entire audience.


WV: Also in your book, Te Perfect Rehearsal, you asked conductors to describe their own definition of a “perfect rehearsal” and the responses are enlightening. I noticed you didn’t answer your own question in that book. What is your definition and vision of a “Perfect Rehearsal”?


TS: It’s not about “I had a rehearsal plan and I just nailed it” - that’s not the goal for me. At the end of the evening, I think a “Perfect Rehearsal” is when the chorus, and maybe me, has that “a-ha” moment. It could be vocal technique, why I chose this music, etc. If I can get an “a-ha” moment at every rehearsal, I think I’ve done really well.


WV: Last question, you carried the Olympic torch and conducted the World’s Longest Choral Concert as declared by Guinness World Records (the show lasted 20 hours as a celebration of the 20th anniversary of Te Turtle Creek Chorale). Which was more stressful?


TS: For the 20-hour concert, there are so many rules and regulations, I had lots of good people helping me, and it was so well planned - we could not fail. It turned out to be fun and not stressful. As for carrying the torch, I was so blown away by the honor, but I don’t run, it was hot and summer in Dallas, there’s no place to pee…. You wonder what if the torch doesn’t light? But, in the end, I was hugely honored for being allowed to do that not as a musician, but because it was felt that I had done good things for the community.


Dr. Tim Seelig has, indeed, done good things for the Dallas and San Fransisco communities, for the LGBTQ+ commu- nity and for an entire community of choral educators. I thank him for sharing his time and music education prow- ess with us.


More great humor, choral exercises and techniques can be found in Dr. Timothy Seelig’s books, available through Shawnee Press (www.ShawneePress.com) and at www.tim- seelig.com. We wish Dr. Seelig and the entire San Fransisco Gay Men’s Chorus the best of luck on their upcoming Lav- ender Pen Tour, as they kick things off on October 8th in Jackson, MS. For more information on the tour, or if you’d like to donate to the tour, visit www.sfgmc.org.


Tis article originally appeared in the School Music News (Oct. 2017 Vol. 81/No. 2), an official publication of the New York State School Music Association, and is used with permis- sion.


A graduate of Te Crane School of Music in Potsdam, NY, Mr. Verity currently directs choral activities in the Plattsburgh City School district, where he conducts the Mixed Chorus, the Select Vocal Ensemble, teaches classroom music and provides small group vocal lessons. Additionally, Verity teaches applied voice at SUNY Plattsburgh where he


has also conducted the College Chorale and Men’s Ensemble. Verity is active as a guest conductor in local and regional festivals. Under Verity’ leadership, the Select Vocal Ensemble consistently earns highest ratings at major festivals, perform- ing level six repertoire, rated most difficult by NYSSMA. Recently, members of the SVE were privileged to perform onstage with world-renowned violinist, Andre Rieu as well as the rock group, Foreigner. Verity serves as choral editor for Te School Music News, the official publication of the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA).


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