In the choral worlds, focus is frequently on mixed choruses, and the treble chorus is often overlooked when it comes to special opportunities, programming exciting repertoire, and status within a choral program. As conductors, it’s our responsibility to cultivate distinct identities and nurturing environments for each ensemble within our program, ensuring they feel valued and unique. This session will explore ways to foster community within your treble chorus, inspire singers with relevant repertoire, and elevate them within your choral program. Strategies for leadership opportunities for both individuals and ensemble will be shared, as well as ways to develop community. Individuals within our treble chorus might not align with what has been the traditional gender of these ensembles, and it’s important to select repertoire that reflects the diversity of our current singers. We can celebrate familiar repertoire while seeking out new works, allowing our values to determine what pieces should remain in our libraries, and which ones may need to be set aside. Repertoire will be shared that is accessible, will allow singers to see themselves, as well as those different from them, while having age-appropriate text that will put them in a position of strength. Leadership opportunities both within and beyond the ensemble will be discussed, providing directors with numerous ideas to cultivate a sense of distinction for this chorus within their program. Participants will receive tangible resources and tools to bring back to their rehearsals, including new octavos, strategies for curriculum and their choral community, and a plethora of programming ideas that will help celebrate and prepare this next generation of choral singers.
Together We Sing: Celebrating the Power of the Treble Chorus
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Amy Kotsonis
University of New Hampshire
Amy Kotsonis is the Director of Choral Activities at the University of New Hampshire, where she conducts Chamber Singers and Concert Choir, and teaches choral methods, and is the Artistic Director for the Community Chorus at South Berwick. Previously, she was Associate Professor of Choral Ensembles and Music Education at the University of Northern Iowa, Assistant Conductor for the Young People’s Chorus of New York City, and taught public school in Boston and New York City. She holds degrees from New York University, the University of New Hampshire, and Florida State University.
