This session will present strategies for developing expressive singing and independent musicianship skills throughout the rehearsal, especially focusing on the vocal preparation period. Connections between vocal preparation and rehearsal of literature will be emphasized with primary focus on the musical phrase as the foundation of musical experience and understanding. A variety of musical devices and […]
Sylvia MunsenRehearsal
Connecting the Dots: Creating Warm-Ups to Match Your Repertoire
Conductors agree that a productive choral warm-up often results in an equally productive rehearsal. However, an exhaustive warm-up that address every technical aspect can be time consuming. How can conductors make efficient use of the choral warm-up while ensuring these concepts are effectively applied to their repertoire? This session will identify ways to include elements […]
C. Michael PorterC. Michael Porter
Building Connections: Bridging the Gap between Conductors and Pianists
Often conductors and pianists have a difficult time communicating due to a myriad of misinformation and misunderstanding, resulting in a frustrating situation for both the choristers and leaders. This session will explore the skills necessary to be a successful collaborator in the rehearsal room and performance space. What are mistakes that conductors make when addressing […]
Seattle WA.Jeremy Mims, Melissa Loehnig
Work Less, Get More: Ways of Building Musical Independence and Personal Responsibility from Your Ensemble
This session will focus on ways the conductor can build and instill personal responsibility for music making within the ensemble both in performance and rehearsal. Focus will be on three key components: 1. The development and expectations of the conductor, 2. The development and expectations of individual members of the ensemble, and 3. Ensemble-building skills […]
Jacksonville FL.Ryan Hebert
Sight-Singing Alchemy: Transforming Singers into Musicians
This session will present techniques, strategies, tips, tools, and resources for creating and developing a comprehensive sight-singing curriculum in the choral classroom. Special attention will be given to teaching beginning singers with no background in sight-singing. Topics to be discussed include the role and methods of individual assessment, unison and harmonic sight-singing, incorporating reading skills […]
Jacksonville FL.Joshua Markham
Resonance in the Choral Voice: All Things are Possible!
Singing in the resonance of the voice makes possible all things choral: intonation, blend, dynamics, and tonal color. The coordination of two vital components produces resonant singing reliably: the appoggio breath posture and acoustical vowels. This interactive session teaches specific exercises that enable directors to train singers organically in rehearsal and presents underlying principles that […]
Jacksonville FL.Constance Chase
