Approaching Contemporary Irish Choral Repertoire
Session Abstract: What is Irishness? How does the Irish experience present itself in contemporary Irish choral literature, and what are some effective rehearsal strategies to introduce students to the rich musical heritage of Ireland within the framework of Culturally Sustaining Pedagogies? The aim of this Interest Session is to highlight representative works of contemporary Irish choral music, and to provide conductors and music educators with the knowledge and pedagogical skills to effectively introduce this repertoire to singers of diverse cultural backgrounds. Attendees will have the opportunity to sing through folksong arrangements and newly composed works, with sample scores and lesson plans provided.
Kevin Boushel
Dublin City University
Kevin Boushel is a doctoral candidate at Dublin City University, specialising in contemporary and sacred choral repertoire. In 2022, he was conferred as a graduate of Ireland’s first MA in Choral Studies at DCU. His doctoral research focuses on stylistic trends in contemporary American choral music. As a conductor and tutor, Boushel works with choirs of all age ranges and abilities. Following his studies in Advanced Choral Conducting and Music Pedagogy at the Kodály Institute in Hungary, he has taught in primary and secondary schools across Dublin. Boushel is a fluent Irish speaker and Irish-language activist.
