Elena Sharkova will present a session on Russian choral music of the late twentieth century and the three composers that profoundly influenced the genre. The turbulent twentieth century brought on revolutions, elimination of religion, wars, and mass repressions and new freedoms, hopes, and uncertainties at the fall of the Soviet Union. With their prolific vocal […]
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Forty Warm-ups that Work… and Why! Improving Vocal Technique through the Warm-up
Because many students have no music teacher besides their choral director, their musical and vocal limitations are our responsibility. The vocal warm-up, in addition to helping singers meet the immediate demands of the repertoire for their next concert, should systematically build the vocal skill set of our singers over time.
Fine Tuning For Your Choir
Choir directors at all levels battle intonation problems at some point in the choral rehearsal. The focus of the session will be how a director might rehearse a choir in such a way as to avoid as many intonation pitfalls as possible. This will include standing formation within a section, choir formation, choral warm-ups,melodic vs. […]
Embodying Music: Transferring Movement from Rehearsal to Performance
Come discover a practical approach to help choir directors of all levels teach their students about the embodiment of music. This concept is derived from a movement exercise called NIA and allows students all the benefits of rehearsal movement that they can also use during performance. Help students release inhibitions and reservations and make authentic […]
Conductor “Creature” vs. Conductor-Teacher: Empowering Singers through Authenticity in the Choral Rehearsal
This session will illuminate the dynamic relationship between the chorus and the conductor/teacher. Through a series of “mini-rehearsals,” a wide variety of teaching strategies will be demonstrated to help attendees shape positive, meaningful relationships with their students and facilitate excellence in their own choral programs.
Black Gospel Music: What it Was, What is and Who May Sing it
This session will take a brief look at the historical development of Black Gospel Music in America and its connection to the Negro spiritual. Consideration will be given to the stylistic and theological treatment of gospel songs over more than a century. The lecture/demonstration will highlight significant changes over this time period that affect its […]
