This research was inspired by the clinician’s own personal struggles as a beginning choir director with teaching novice male singers. As a part of her masters thesis, Jaclyn Johnson created a survey to see if other directors (in particular, female high school directors) had experienced similar struggles. During this session, Johnson will briefly discuss the […]
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Growing the Population of Male Choral Singers: Boys Tell Us How
This session will focus on findings from an analysis of narrative research about adolescent boys and choral singing, with specific attention to three questions: 1) what attracts boys to choral singing, 2) what deters boys from choral singing, and 3) what are boys’ suggestions for reform in choral pedagogy and performance? The goal of the […]
Get Off the Score with Gospel Music: Increasing Choral Singers’ Aural Skills Using an Oral Tradition
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 […]
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 […]
