In this Quick Hits, Director of Sacred Music Timothy McDonnell talks childhood, hobbies, and travel. 

What was your favorite subject in high school?

Greek and Latin.

Where is your favorite place to travel?

Italy.

What are some choral pet peeves?

The rhotic R.  The tongue root yanks up on the larynx and all manner of problems ensue.  

Why teach at Hillsdale?

The students. They are, by far, the best thing about the place.

What is your favorite piece of music? Why?

Bach’s “Mass in B Minor.” It’s just perfect.

What is your favorite piece to conduct?

“Carmina Burana.” It’s definitely a conductor’s piece.

What accomplishment are you most proud of? Why?

My family. Being an only child, I didn’t expect having a family to be so much fun.

What’s your favorite book? Why?

“Phaedrus,” by Plato. That part about poets, speechwriters, and lawyers is spot on.  

What lesson from early childhood has stayed with you?

Take the toothpick out of the club sandwich, first thing.

If you could have dinner with anyone, alive or dead, who would it be and why?

Pope Pius V.  I want to talk over “Quo Primum” with him.

What are some of your hobbies outside of music?

Fishing, but in saltwater. Also, teaching Latin to my kids.

What advice do you have for students?

Something I stole from someone else: “Calm down. There are no career mistakes before the age of 30. Just calm down.”

What is your favorite season?

Summer, by the sea.

How do you stay productive?

Make your to-do list the day before. It’s too late once the day starts.

If you could trade lives with any composer, alive or dead, who would it be?

Well, among the famous ones, they all had pretty torturous lives. So, I’m good.

Do you have a favorite pet?

Not a favorite per se. But our most impressive pet was a Betta fish named Dorny.  He actually had a personality. Never got feedback from a fish before or since.

What is your favorite aspect of teaching?

Phronesis: learning with my students at every turn in our collaboration.