Circle singing, a form of vocal improvisation devised by Bobby McFerrin, has the potential to transform choral music education and school choral performances. Living somewhere between notated choral music and purely improvised sounds, this process can lead students toward improvisation using elements of a more “traditional” choral experience. Circle singing presents a new possibility for […]
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Raising the Bar: Teaching World Music More Authentically
Mollie Stone and Patty Cuyler will teach participants a selection of polyphonic choral repertoire from South Africa, Bulgaria, and the Republic of Georgia using their Raising the Bar book/teaching DVD series while demonstrating techniques and keys for successful rehearsal and performance practice. They will provide guidance in teaching proper vocal tone, style, rhythm, movements, pronunciation, […]
Parlez-vous IPA? Tips and Tools for Great Choral Diction
Since communication and expression of the text is at the heart of choral music making, beautiful and clear diction is essential. In addition, singing a choral composition in its original language is both faithful to the composer’s vision and educational for our students. So don’t let the challenge of teaching foreign-language diction get in our […]
Off the Beaten Path: Undiscovered Gems from CPDL
The Choral Public Domain Library represents a wealth of free music: the site currently hosts free scores of over 17,000 choral and vocal works by over 2,000 composers, and its stores continue to grow daily. As schools of all levels battle reduced budgets, a free resource such as CPDL represents a treasure trove of easily […]
Mentoring the New Choral Conductor: Essential Tips for the First Five Years
The number of college students who will soon be new conductors as well as conductors with less than five years experience is on the rise. The first few years in any position can be simply overwhelming, and one can often feel unprepared. Even with strong undergraduate programs preparing students through ensemble and studio work as […]
Interpreting and Understanding Romantic German Choral Repertoire: Phrasing, Pronunciation, Agogic, and Beyond
Mendelssohn, Brahms, Bruckner… German and choral music composed in German language truly holds countless treasures. Pronunciation, the handling of text, word-music relationship, and characteristics of agogic and phrasing will be the focus of this interest session. The Webern Chamber Choir serves as a studio choir, who will, with the help of Alois Glassner, introduce attendees […]
