It never fails that attendees say that they look forward to “recharging” at SWACDA. But what does that mean? Aside from spending time with colleagues and being inspired by wonderful clinics and performances, what can you do to take that inspiration and make a tangible difference in your school, church, or community? Robert Ward will […]
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Practical Singing: The Four Things about Singing Every Choir Director Should Know
Kevin Wilson, Director of Vocal Pedagogy at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, will discuss the body systems at play for singing with current scientific research and vocal examples to help you communicate efficient voice use in the choral ensemble. Discussion will include the reality of lotion, potions, and myths in choral singing.
One Voice, One Sound, One Dream: Building a Meaningful Tenor/Bass Ensemble
For a male and a member of a Tenor/Bass choir, singing is built upon myriad emotions and experiences. Any current choral educator knows that it can be difficult for guys to be comfortable and open as singers and members of choirs. Tenor/Bass choirs need special attention regarding unique vocal pedagogy, distinct social dynamics, and often-neglected […]
On the Right Track: Conducting Exercises for Developing Listening, Gesture, and Creativity
This session includes a lecture and demonstration format with ENMU Chamber Singers and beginning conductors (along with audience participation). Examples of exercises for developing listening, gesture, creativity, and ownership will be implemented with all those in attendance. The process recommended here is aimed at relieving all students of self-consciousness and putting them in a position […]
Mentoring the New Choral Conductor: Creating a Meaningful, Lasting Relationship
The number of college students who will soon be new conductors and conductors with less than five years of experience is on the rise. Even with strong undergraduate programs preparing students through ensemble and studio work and methods classes, there is still much left to trial and error. What do you do when you are […]
Maximizing Rehearsal Efficience
An oft-repeated complaint is that there is never enough rehearsal time. On further analysis, however, a staggering amount of wasted time may be lost to a variety of pedagogically poor procedures. A minute here, two minutes there add up to significant amounts of lost rehearsal time. How do we maximize our rehearsal efficiency? It begins […]
