This clinic will be a lecture/demonstration of techniques that have been found to be effective, efficient, and productive for vocal jazz ensemble directors at all levels. The topics covered will include: introducing a new piece, using technology in your rehearsal, rhythm section involvement, standing orders and positions, developing vocal improvisation skills in rehearsal, and transitioning […]
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Make a Joyful Noise: Achieving Stylistic Nuance in Gospel Music
The African American gospel tradition has become a regular part of choral programs in school, church, community, and professional choruses across the world. As gospel-style selections become increasingly popular within the choral landscape, choral conductors with limited experience and training in this style are seeking technical tools that will allow their choruses to perform with […]
Looking over Handel’s Shoulder at Messiah
Helmuth Rilling’s new book on Handel’s Messiah is aimed at conductors, singers, instrumentalists, and all those who know and love this masterwork. In this session, he will provide an overview of important issues related to performing Messiah from the perspective of a dialogue with the composer himself. Rilling will discuss specific areas that influence the […]
Kodály Pedagogy In The Choral Rehearsal
This choral reading/group participation session will address readiness, preparation, and presentation of choral repertoire for young choirs, along with continued development of singing, reading, writing, part-work, and aural skills in the choral setting. In this workshop, participants will explore Kodály-based strategies for analyzing and teaching choral music for beginning, intermediate, and advanced children’s choirs. A […]
Innovative Warm-Ups for the Volunteer Choir: Creative Concepts to Improve Choral Sound
Directing volunteer choirs necessitates building choral sound, solving vocal problems, enhancing musicality, and motivating singers. But how should we get started? This session will introduce Michael Kemp’s new book, Innovative Warm-Ups for Volunteer Choirs, which provides a stimulating approach to building choral skills with volunteers, with twenty-two innovative warm-ups,each with useful presentation ideas for directors. […]
Honoring the 50th Anniversary of Chichester Psalms by Leonard Bernstein
This will be an interactive session with recordings, conversation, and study of the ageless Psalms and the psychological power of healing and hope using the three movements set by Leonard Bernstein in 1965 for the Chichester Festival in England. Focus will be placed on melodic contour, rhythmic numerology (Gematria), orchestration, and the use of the […]
