One of the secrets to changing how your choir sounds lies in changing how they hear. The configurations your choir stand in make a big difference in making that happen, and rehearsal formations are even more important than those in concerts. This session explores via demonstration the many ways directors can improve almost every aspect […]
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Aesthetic Choices in Historical Tuning
This session will investigate, experience, and sing historical tunings, timbres, and scale constructions. Composers represented will be Palestrina, Alma Redemptoris Mater; Telemann, Laudate Jehovem; Brahms, Shlafe in mir Gott; and Ives, Psalm 90. Participants will sing exercises in creating aesthetically appropriate intonations.
Vocal Warm-Ups that Serve Both the Singer and the Music
In the choral rehearsal, few things are more important than starting well. In this demonstration session, we will work/sing/talk through logical progressions that can help our singers move from the “just walked into rehearsal” stage to one in which they are fully engaged and able to rehearse. This progression will likely include aspects of posture, […]
Using Vocal Jazz Techniques to Improve Your Choir
This session will serve students and directors by proposing strategies used by vocal jazz ensembles that you can use in the large choir setting to improve your choirs musicianship skills, intonation, and confidence. Practical warm-ups and strategies will be offered to improve articulation, ear training, intonation, greater contrasting dynamics, sectional balance, and improvisation skills that […]
Putting Humpty Dumpty Back Together Again: Rebuilding Choral Programs
Choir programs are destroyed and resurrected all around the country at every level. This session will look at what can be done to take a program that is on life support and turn it into a successful, thriving, and vibrant program. We will examine best practices from around the profession, what does not work, and […]
Promoting Creativity and Critical Thinking in the Choral Classroom
Large ensemble music instruction may well be more teacher-directed than any other aspect of schooling. Often the process is relegated to merely recreating the conductor’s musical ideas—and doing so as quickly as possible! Students are frequently placed in a role to service the needs of the ensemble, not necessarily with an eye toward individual musical […]
