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 […]
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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 […]
Bel Canto Methods in a Choral Setting
The term Bel-canto is oft applied and perhaps often misunderstood in both solo vocal and choral music circles. This session will examine the term “bel-canto,” explore methods and philosophies that are associated with the term, and demonstrate how they can be used within a choral set-ting. What the bel-canto writers actually say about vocal issues […]
An Introduction to ACDA’s Service-Learning Initiative
At the national level, ACDA is actively developing outreach initiatives to deepen our connections with diverse communities and better equip the next generation of choral directors to serve in settings that may be outside their previous experience. ChorTransform is a service-learning initiative that was piloted at the University of South Carolina, beginning in the fall […]
Access Strategies for Creating an Inclusive Choral Ensemble
This session will present developmental strategies that support access for all people who want to join a choir. Foundational to this goal is the assumption that adding singers who need help transitioning into a choir will in no way diminish the performance success of the group. After examining three populations, session participants will learn creative […]
