In the choral rehearsal, few things are more important than starting well. In this demonstration session, we will work/sing/talk through logical progressions that can help our singers move from the “just walked into rehearsal” stage to one in which they are fully engaged and able to rehearse. This progression will likely include aspects of posture, […]
Thomas HolmVocal Pedagogy
Establishing Excellence in the Urban Choral Classroom: The Milwaukee High School of the Arts Story
Is there are correlation between a child’s zip code and the quality of their education? Should there be? This session will focus on how to mitigate the effect of poverty on the quality of a child’s music education experience. Specific focus will center on tried and true vocal pedagogy, establishing the highest expectations of your […]
Sioux Falls SD.Raymond Roberts
Voice Teachers vs. Choral Directors? A Unified Approach to a Dynamic Relationship
Choral directors and voice teachers at any institution of higher education have the same responsibilities and ultimate goals: the optimal education of their shared voice students. Historically, however, this relationship is often strained because choral and voice programs run at odds against each other. A coordinated approach to vocal training and to expectations of the […]
Boston MA.Heather J. Buchanan, Lori McCann
Managing Sound: Finding Unification through Prioritization
Given the limited amount of preparation time, variance in levels of musicianship and experience, and contrasting vocal timbres in large, non-auditioned choirs, conductors can view developing a sound (unified tone, blend, and clear intonation) too overwhelming to be prioritized or accomplished. This interactive and demonstrative session will present approaches that help conductors expand the musical […]
Boston MA.Cory Ganschow
The Choral Director as the Voice Teacher: Pushing the Boundaries of Your Rehearsal
Having students in your ensembles participate in voice lessons can be invaluable, but the reality is that access to these lessons is not always available or affordable. This participatory session will introduce vocal techniques, literature ideas, and rehearsal tips that will strengthen your singers’ musicality and promote healthy vocalism throughout your rehearsals. This session is […]
Boston MA.Derrick Fox
Building Sound and Spirit
Choruses and conductors of every level can benefit from an increased understanding of the principles of resonance in the trained voice. Through the use of new technology—Overtone Analyzer—we can see the presence of overtones, the singer’s formant, vibrato, and other elements. Most importantly, we are able to pinpoint which adjustments made in rehearsal can quickly […]
Salt lake City, UT.
