CRAIG HELLA JOHNSON While reading John Yarrington's In Pursuit of Musical Essays on Musicality , I had the feeling of being in conversation with both a wise and wonderful friend and an inspirational teacher. It is clear on every page that these are the words of one who has dedicated his life to the choral craft. His talent, imagination and skills were shaped by a powerful lineage of legendary choral leaders and he now stands among them with his own distinctive voice and significant contributions to offer. He plays host to these choral luminaries along with several other important cultural voices by including many impactful quotations and unpublished notes. He writes both about the inspirational and the practical, always with a keen eye to eliminating anything in our work or process that is not essential in order that we may ultimately attempt to reveal the essence of a work. In the introduction, John writes, "I read constantly to be renewed, to be reminded, to be encouraged." In reading this collection of essays, I was consistently renewed, reminded and encouraged in many ways about this sacred and ennobling craft of choral music. I enjoyed this book immensely and I am deeply grateful for John Yarrington and for his outstanding contributions to our field. 
Hilary Apfelstadt, PhD. Author John Yarrington has amassed great wisdom in a career that spans more than 50 years working with choral ensembles in communities, churches, and universities. He presents his observations and those of some of his mentors and colleagues in a practical, direct manner, with no words wasted. In Chapter 6 we read, "You are beginning to get the focus of this what is not efficient needs to be eliminated." Whether that refers to words, gestures, or actions, we also learn that "singing is relational," and that as conductors, we need to care for the music makers, just as we care for the music itself. There are practical rehearsal strategies, discussions of musical examples, advice about programming and the importance of text, about working with instrumentalists, and about being true to the music, among other concepts. Chapter 1 mostly comprises a series of quotations from musicians and each of these would serve as the basis for an excellent discussion in itself. 
This book would serve as valuable reading material for prospective conductors and seasoned musicians who would benefit from practical reminders, delivered in a kind and sometimes humorous way. Yarrington knows the field intimately, having dedicated his life to choral music. One can trust these words. I highly recommend this book.

In Pursuit of Musical Excellence: Essays On Musicality

Arts & Photography

Yarrington, John

Music

Peniel Unlimited

You have just completed the choir warm-up prior to the worship service when you hear these dreaded words from a choir member, "Somebody's got my hymnal!" John Yarrington has experienced this and more in his years of experience as a church musician. This informative and entertaining book will intrigue you with chapters such as "I've Got the Blue jeans Blues", "I Come to the Garden... Alone", and "I Dance...They Play." Throughout Somebody's Got My Hymnal John Yarrington shares the importance of taking the art of church music and leading a choir very seriously. He tackles topics such as score preparation, conducting, interpersonal relationships in church music, and choral technique. He challenges each church musician to strve for their spirtual and muscial best. Known for his love of humor, John also shares the many humorous situations he has found during his experiences as church musician and clinician. You will find jokes, humorous quotes, and stories throughout the book.

Somebody's Got My Hymnal: Another Lighthearted Look at Choir Directing

Religion & Spirituality

ABINGDON PRESS *

As John Yarrington tells it, one Wednesday he put the agenda for the choir rehearsal on the board as was his custom, and about halfway on the list he wrote, "Go to the sanctuary." A few minutes into the rehearsal, one of his tenors boldly stated, "I don't have 'Go to the Sanctuary.'" Choir rehearsals are full of such humorous and lighthearted moments. Somebody's Got My Robe takes a seriously humorous look at the music ministry and its people: choir members, pastors, and, yes, other musicians who serve in it. The book contains a series of anecdotes and illustrations that may be used as lighthearted, motivation reading for directors who may need to step back and take a look at themselves and their work. Also included is a serious look at the many tasks performed by the church musician: conducting technique, literature, diction, and so forth. Rookies and veterans alike will find explanation, information, and inspiration needed for their vital ministry of music.

Somebody's Got My Robe: A Lighthearted Look at Choir Directing

Yarrington provides practical advice on how to get started, offers techniques that work to establish a good sound, suggests music suitable for youth, deals with the challenge of changing voices, and more.

Building the Youth Choir

Children's Books

Augsburg Fortress Publishing

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Yarrington, John. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Yarrington, John

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Yarrington, John. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

In Pursuit of Musical Excellence: Essays On Musicality

Somebody's Got My Hymnal: Another Lighthearted Look at Choir Directing

Somebody's Got My Robe: A Lighthearted Look at Choir Directing

Building the Youth Choir