The session will explore techniques for recruiting young men, assessing voice classifications, and building esprit de corps in the ensemble. The session will also offer ideas on effective management of the many unique nuances of the all-male middle school ensemble. It will equip teachers to design a daily rehearsal regimen that addresses the sequential development […]
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Reposition Your Singers: Refine Your Sound
A live demonstration will show how strategic placement of singers benefits all types of ensembles, improving accuracy, balance, blend, and intonation. With the demonstration choir, Charlene Archibeque shares how to devise effective positioning. Factors influencing choices include repertoire, performance venue, and particular strengths and weaknesses of ensembles. “Before and After” segments show thirty different standing […]
Rejoice: Honoring the Jewish Spirit
This session will survey the history of choral music inspired by Jewish themes, suitable for concert performances. It will give repertoire ideas to directors of junior and senior high schools, college, and community choirs and will feature examples from Judith Clurman’s Hal Leonard series and other relevant works. Indiana University musicologist Dr.Judah Cohen will join […]
Programming for the Twenty-First Century: Quality, Inclusion, and Diversity
Current choral climate is evolving. Repertoire choices must serve a diverse population while maintaining quality. What are best criteria and practices? How do we present the music to capture the interests of singers and audiences? How do we create balance and flow in programming? How do we address musical and social needs? We address these […]
A Paradigm Shift: Teaching Beginning Conductors to Develop Creativity, Musicianship, and Ownership Before Traditional Patterns
Attendees will experience an interactive and hands-on approach to experimenting with sound,alignment, gesture, and creative conducting pedagogy in this paradigm-shifting approach. The process recommended here is aimed at relieving all students of self-consciousness and putting them in a position of always being “right” in early lessons by enabling them to make musical decisions and take […]
Meaningful Improvisation in the Choral Rehearsal
This session will provide an approach to planning improvisation activities in choral rehearsals that can be tailored to fit any level of musical skill and experience. We will discuss and practice specific improvisation activities intended to facilitate musical thinking and musicianship.By understanding the unlimited potential of this approach, participants will gain confidence in developing improvisation […]