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.
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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 […]
Before the Downbeat: Marking the Music Before Making Music
A thoughtful interpretation of music begins with a thoughtful study and effective marking of music. This session is a step-by-step approach to prepare a score for performance. Participants will be given a sample score and guided in the process of large, overall analysis moving to smaller sections and phrases.
