How many rehearsals until our next concert? What repertoire should I choose to provide an interesting program for the audience or to challenge my singers? Can my singers handle such a program and will they even enjoy it? What can I hope that my choir will take away from this experience? Questions such as these […]
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William Levi Dawson and the Transformation of the Negro Spiritual
William Levi Dawson (1899–1990) was one of the towering figures of twentieth-century choral music. The son of a slave, he rose from humble beginnings in rural Alabama to become, at a relatively early age, the director of the Tuskegee Institute Choir. Dawson arranged many spirituals for his choir, including Ain-A That Good News, Ev’ry Time […]
Where the Body Goes, the Voice Follows: Movement in the Choral Rehearsal
In this session, Janet Galván will demonstrate ways to strengthen vocal technique, musicianship, musical understanding, and enhancement of musical performance through movement. Galván will involve participants in unique and meaningful movement activities that will help singers to internalize the music. Specifically, movement ideas will be presented to address breath management, vowels, consonants, tension, body energy, […]
Ten Keys to Unlocking Artistic Choral Performances
This session will explore a multitude of ways to improve the artistry of choral performances. Issues to be addressed include melodic shape and phrasing, choosing and interpreting text, conducting gesture and artistry, tone color, movement, articulation and dynamics, the teacher as first artist, and the impact of interpersonal relationships on artistry. Participants will receive a […]
Taking the Pain Out of Sight-Singing!
While almost every choral director wants musically literate musicians, the sight-singing process can often be a vulnerable and downright painful one, especially for middle and high school choristers. This interactive session will provide teachers with a practical and comprehensive Music Learning Theory-based skill set that will make sight-singing accessible, enjoyable, and successful, thus inspiring confidence, […]
Recruiting and Retaining Adolescent Males in Urban School
Gender studies have shown that boys and girls respond to school music differently; generally boys are less interested and involved in music, especially choral programs. Singing in a school choir for a male can sometimes carry gender stereotypes that exist for their male counterparts who play instruments that are stereotypically labeled as feminine—i.e., flute. Sexual […]
