This session will explore ways to kinesthetically engage and inspire singers in a choral setting. Solfège techniques, kinesthetic movement, a few warm-ups, motivation and management techniques, and word wall and brain break activities will be highlighted. This session is based on the premise that good repertoire selection has occurred, score study has informed the rehearsal, […]
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The Contemporary Acappella Ensemble and its Role in the Choral Program
With the increased popularity from movies like Pitch Perfect, ensembles such as Pentatonix, and TV’s The Sing-Off; the contemporary unaccompanied ensemble has an opportunity to augment participation, patronage, and education in vocal/choral music. This session will present many of the major factors of establishing or maintaining these ensembles. Topics will include: repertoire, voicing, vocal percussion, […]
Considering the BIG questions
This session will provide sometime to think about the “why” and “what” we do in our work, in our relationships, and in our lives. Topics to be discussed will include balancing routine and spontaneity, investing time versus spending time, finding templates for making choices, moving from ideation to action, and looking for gifts in every […]
Conduct with Me: The Gestural Language of Mirroring and Empathy
The science of mirror neurons continues to have strong applications in the choral community. Drawing from this science, research in music education has begun to understand how meaning, empathy, intent, and feeling are communicated through gesture. From this research, a gestural language is created, upon which efficient and meaningful rehearsal pedagogy may be developed. The […]
Conduct What You Mean: Synthesizing and Conducting a Consistent Conducting Vocabulary
Utilizing concepts from piano and dance, this session will help beginning and advanced conductors develop a consistent gestural vocabulary in-formed by the musical ideas within a phrase, including articulation, harmony, vocal considerations, and text. Gestural ideas that will be explored include the ictus, weight, lift, acceleration, arm motion, wrist motion, and left hand. Through this […]
Choral Maxims and the Performance Pyramid
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 […]
