Sephardic Jews are descendants of Spain where Ladino was the spoken language. Ashkenazi Jews come from the “Pale of Settlement” in Eastern Europe where Yiddish was the vernacular. This session will introduce and explore a sampling of the choral repertoire available in these two languages, each a hybrid language of its own. Ladino is similar […]
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How a Conductor Thinks: Real-Time Decision Making in the Rehearsal
Do I stop for that? What are the most effective techniques to “fix”things? Are first rehearsals different from second rehearsals? What are the roles of the conductor’s energy, high expectations, humor, and improvisation in creating efficient and productive rehearsals? Using an ensemble composed of volunteer singers from the audience, the clinician will demonstrate and reflect […]
Got a Mind to Do Right: Approaching, Discussing, and Performing Spirituals Respectfully
This session will aim to inspire directors and choirs to prepare and perform arranged spirituals in away that recognizes spirituals for the life-affirming art they are. The panel will take as its point of departure a dialogue about race, power, representation, and consent that took place in the Swarthmore College Garnet Singers surrounding the programming […]
Giving Voice Chorus— Defying Dementia through Singing
In this session, the clinicians will share an overview of the Giving Voice Tool Kit, which describes the execution of the Giving Voice Chorus program’s design, development, implementation, funding, research, evaluation, sustainability, and impact. The demonstration chorus is fifty singers from Giving Voice who will perform four musical examples representing basic content and structure within […]
From Anonymous to Insta-Famous: Building Your Brand in the Digital Age
In the age of social media and viral videos, the ability to connect with students, colleagues, and audiences online has changed from a convenience to a necessity. In this environment, the most efficient way for a choral program to reach its full potential is through a well-crafted digital presence. This session will provide you with […]
Fooling Father Time: The Art and Science of Engaging Rehearsals
In recent years, scientists have made great strides in unraveling the mysteries of the brain, in particular how people learn, retain, and recall information. At the same time, in our increasingly connected digital age, the demands for our singers’ attention have grown, challenging a conductor’s ability to maintain singer focus during rehearsal. Fortunately, the fields […]
