Programming concerts for beginning mixed-voice collegiate choirs can be a daunting task, especially with small ensembles, uneven voice part distributions, and a varied spectrum of familiarity with choral musicianship. How do we create an artistically meaningful and intellectually fulfilling experience for our young adult singers while also building foundational skills and vocal technique? Moreover, how can we transcend troubleshooting to truly celebrate the musical achievements of these ensembles as a crucial component of our local choral communities and of the broader choral ecosystem? This interactive session explores methods for nurturing artistic integrity in the beginning collegiate choral experience through creative programming practices and the inclusion of extra-choral artistry to build cohesive performances. In addition to programming approaches and strategies, participants will receive a useful database of flexible repertoire for their ensembles in SAB, SSAB, and SA(T)B voicings, as well as SATB repertoire which can be revoiced through transposition, shifting voice parts, or the addition of instruments. Our repertoire exploration will include music from Bulgaria and the Republic of Georgia written for three voices, works which help to build community through the learning process, and numerous new works which exist in the public domain.
Celebrating Accessible Artistry: Repertoire and Practices for Open-Enrollment Collegiate Choirs
Aaron Peisner
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Aaron Peisner is the Director of Choral Activities at University of North Carolina Wilmington, where he conducts the Chamber Singers and University Chorale and teaches courses in choral methods, aural skills, conducting, and voice. He is the artistic director of Cape Fear Chorale, and serves as chorus master for Opera Wilmington. Dr. Peisner received his BA in music from Wesleyan University, his MM in choral conducting from the Yale School of Music, and his DMA in choral conducting from University of Maryland.
Stephanie Tubiolo
Rutgers University
Stephanie Tubiolo teaches at Rutgers University, where she won the Irene Alm Prize for Excellence in Performance and Scholarly Research upon completion of her D.M.A. She directs the University Choir and Voorhees Choir, teaches conducting, and works collaboratively with Opera Theater Rutgers and New Brunswick Schools. From 2011-2023, she taught with the Yale Music in Schools Initiative, where she founded a free choir for New Haven students and received the Distinguished Teaching Artist Award. Dr. Tubiolo holds a B.A. in Music from Yale College and an M.M. in Choral Conducting from the Yale School of Music.
