Choral singing that begins with the sounds of the music rather than with the notation can be vital to choral singing, namely by promoting pitch and rhythm-matching accuracy, increasing error detection, promoting critical listening, and enhancing musicianship skills. Gospel music, an example of a music that can be experienced aurally, has become a curriculum staple […]
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Fostering Proper Vocal Technique in the Primary (K-3) Grades
How do we encourage correct vocal technique in our youngest musicians? This session will explore the musical activities common to the general music classroom (e.g., singing games, play parties, lullabies) and look specifically at how elementary music educators can encourage proper singing technique through the use of these activities. Specific applications from Kodály, Orff Schulwerk, […]
The Ensemble Trilogy: Conductor, Collaborative Pianist, Choir
In this session, the clinicians will discuss and demonstrate the importance of the conductor/accompanist partnership and how it affects artistry, choral rehearsals, and community. Areas of focus include establishing a relationship of trust between the conductor/collaborator/choir triangle to build a foundation for ultimate artistry, team-teaching from behind the stand and at the bench: what they […]
Creating Safe People: Honoring LGBTQ Singers in the Choral Classroom
Though they are not always openly acknowledged, singers bring their gender and sexual identities to the process of rehearsing, interpreting, and performing choral music. While the creation of safe spaces is a vital consideration for LGBTQ singers, more can be done to explicitly value, honor, and respect singers’ experiences and identities. The clinician will suggest […]
Considering the Commission: Interesting Ideas and Intriguing Projects
Composers Andrea Ramsey and Tom Shelton share the “ins and outs” of their favorite commissioning projects, addressing the following topics: what conductors can expect in the process; parameters for a commission; special considerations for the commissioning organization; commissioning fees; instrumentation; poetry considerations; and other factors that are of importance for both parties. Each composer will […]
Choral Construction: Building Beautiful Voices in the Choral Setting
Co-presented by a university voice professor and a college choral conductor, this session both demystifies the systematic instruction of vocal technique and provides specific strategies and exercises for addressing vocal issues. Choral conductors will be challenged to adopt a “conductor as constructor” mentality—one that facilitates healthy, free, beautiful, and (yes!) growing voices in choirs of […]
