When guided through a systematic learning process, choirs will produce a quality musical experience and communicate more effectively to the listener. To prepare, inspire, teach voice, and motivate singers in an orderly, step-by-step manner is the foundation of my system of teaching choral music. This session will offer strategies for recruiting, detailed score preparation, and […]
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Balance, Blend, and Vocal Voodoo: Principles for Achieving Ensemble Unity
This session will explore the factors that impact balance and blend and illustrate principles to improve these aspects of choral performances. Topics to be discussed include standing formations, voicing the choir, stylistic issues, registers and balance, vowel modification, intonation and unity, vibrato, and repertoire choices. Session participants will be led through many rehearsal tools and […]
Back to Bach: Making Baroque Accessible for You and Your Choir
Do you avoid programming Baroque repertoire? You can make Baroque music enjoyable for your choir, perform it well, and develop versatile singers. This session will explore stylistic vocal techniques, historical practice guidelines, and use of foreign languages to enhance your performances, and how to make an orchestral-reduction accompaniment more playable. Participants will leave with stylistically […]
Bach to Basics: Making Bach Accessible for Young Singers
It is incredibly beneficial to expose young singers to the masterworks of the choral cannon. Utilizing the works of J. S. Bach in the context of sight-reading and performance provides students with knowledge and understanding of the preeminent composer of the Baroque era. Brian Murray will explore strategies for selecting and teaching appropriate repertoire by […]
Applying for a College Position: The Known and the Unknown
Becoming a collegiate choral director takes more than desire or being a “stick jockey.” A collegiate choral director must document a proven life of service to the field of education and music. Likewise with job applicants. The preparation and action begins in the undergraduate years and extends well beyond when a position is offered. Using […]
Worshipful Singing: The Role of Choral Music in Worship
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in his little book Life Together (1939) wrote, “It is the voice of the church that is heard in singing together.” Bonhoeffer cited a number of passages from both the Hebrew and Christian scriptures to support his view that the song of a faith community is an indispensable expression of the community’s essence. […]
