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 […]
Sample Page
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 […]
Breaking Social Boundaries through Choir
This session explores how choral experiences can break down social barriers. Drawing on research and lessons learned from “bridge-building” choral projects in four different states, this session seeks to empower choir directors interested in strengthening their own communities through singing. Presenters will-discuss issues related to repertoire selection, cultural sensitivity, effective teaching, and singer recruitment in […]
The Boy’s Changing Voice: Take the High Road
One of the challenges for music educators is understanding the male adolescent changing voice, especially in the choral setting. Henry Leck has been a long-time advocate of keeping the boy’s upper voice working while the new voice settles in. While teaching in China, he worked with the Shenzhen Middle School Golden Bell Choir. This choir […]
Beyond Elijah Rock: The Non-Idiomatic Choral Music of Black Composers
The spirituals and gospel music of black composers are familiar to most choral conductors as evidenced by concert programs across the country. However, non-idiomatic choral music is lacking in the repertoire of many choirs. This session will include the music of familiar and lesser-known black composers. Major contributions include anthems, motets, part songs, cantatas, oratorios,and […]
