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 […]
Sample Page
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 […]
First Date: Choir Meets Challenging Composition
There is only one “first date” between a choir and a new piece of music. If it goes badly, it’s almost impossible to erase a sense of stress in the singers as we go on to master the score’s details. Conductors need to be armchair psychologists, under-standing what our singers need in order to feel […]
Enhancing the Choral Art through Dalcroze Eurhythmics
This session introduces attendees to the Dalcroze approach and its application to the choral art by providing practical tools for enhancing rehearsals and performances. The goals of Dalcroze Eurhythmics are to develop and increase focus, rhythmic integrity, expression, musicianship skills, and social interaction. The presenters will demonstrate these techniques utilizing a variety of musical examples. […]
Embodied and Expressive: Mapping the Choral Gesture for Poised Performance
Effective choral conductors are artistic communicators with the ability to empower their singers. Body Mapping is a self-inquiry somatic (mind-body) education technique designed to teach musicians skills of self-evaluation and change for performing with sensory-motor integrity. The underlying premise of Body Mapping is the importance of understanding the neuro-physiological connections in the human body that […]
The Creative Process of Programming: Giving Voice to Community
If the choral art is to continue being a vital part of our culture, we must focus on ways to respond to current society. What does it take to reach a modern audience? Many of the ways that we have been taught to program no longer resonate with audiences that live their lives looking at […]
