Approaching New Arab Choral Repertoire for Mixed Voices
Session Abstract: There is a vast wealth of beautiful choral repertoire from Arab countries, but many choral directors feel daunted approaching it. This session will provide an introduction to Arabic pronunciation and vocal style by exploring five Arabic vocal pieces which are contemporary choral settings of traditional musical material. These varied settings present accessible examples of the many different genres, rhythms, scales, and musical styles within Arab vocal music, and are appropriate for multiple levels of choral ensembles. For each song, we will not only cover historical and musical context but also give participants substantial experience singing the music.
Shireen Abu-Khader
Dozan World Inc.
Dr. Shireen Abu-Khader is a Palestinian-Jordanian Canadian composer and educator with degrees in music education and choral conducting from the University of Toronto, the University of Southern California, and Oberlin Conservatory. After working with the National Conservatory of Music in Palestine from 1998 to 2000, she returned to Jordan and in 2002 founded Dozan wa Awtar Music Establishment. Her CD "Introducing Dozan" was released in 2008. Based in Toronto now, Shireen composes and collaborates with performers in introducing music from her native region. She recently founded Dozan World, which aims to increase international access to this repertoire through music publishing.
William Culverhouse
Binghamton Unversity
Dr. William Culverhouse serves as Director of Choral Activities at Binghamton University where he directs three curricular choirs as well as the professional-level Southern Tier Singers' Collective. He holds degrees in choral conducting and music education from the University of Maryland and Oberlin Conservatory. He previously taught public school general and choral music in Ohio, Illinois, and Virginia, directed the principal choir at St. Matthew's Cathedral in Washington, D.C., and served on the faculty at Earlham College. He has traveled extensively in the Middle East collaborating with musicians and directing choirs, including on a Fulbright grant in 2016.
