This module represents suggestions regarding proper breathing for singers. Several exercises are given to us with beginning students and choirs to assist them.
This module demonstrates the study of a choral score for the purposes of rehearsal and finally performance. Attention is given to specific characteristics of the music and to problems that will occur in rehearsal. It also demonstrates an approach that may be used with other music.
This module represents information and suggestions regarding the performance of music from the Baroque period, usually defined as 1600-1750. The pulsating rhythm, soprano-bass polarity, harmonic drive, and the Doctrine of Affections are illustrative of the music of this period. An explanation of several rhythmic devices is given as well as suggestions regarding choral performance. A sample list of composers and of choral compositions of the period is provided.
This module represents information regarding the purchase of music for choral ensembles. Procedures for purchase are noted and recommendations regarding the exact information to include when ordering music to insure the correct music is purchased and received.
This module represents information regarding the formation of a chamber choir and jazz choir. Items discussed include size of ensemble, suggestions regarding performance repertoire, acceptance of performance venues and general guidelines for these ensembles.
This module represents a discussion and includes examples of aids for the conductor to handle tempo changes within a piece of music.
This module represents many of the various choral activities that can enhance a choral program in schools, communities and churches. These include festivals, clinics, exchanges, dinners, and commissioning a choral work for performance.
This module represents the area of developing a choral department budget. While this is directed mostly at the choral director in a school its premise also applies to community and church choral directors. Material is presented to remind the director of budget development, how it must be shown to benefit the students (choir members), and its logical development as it pertains to those who receive the budget request and will make decisions about it.
This module illustrates an ideal high school choral department while noting that successful choral programs exist without the full complement of ensembles or with several but not all. It is important that, no matter the size of the department, the student have a satisfying choral singing experience.
This module represents information regarding making choral department purchases including music and larger purchases such as choral risers, recording equipment, etc. Directors must stay involved in the purchasing process to insure that the best product is purchased.
This module represents a discussion of choral diction with particular attention to English and Latin diction. Questions are given to stimulate one's attention to specific diction problems and solutions. References are also provided.
This module represents a discussion of the planning and organization of choral festivals that engage several or many choirs. These can be held at different levels including at local community level, regional or state levels and, international levels.
The discussion also includes ideas for preparation of the singers prior to the festival.
Festivals can be a source of singing pleasure for the participants.
This module represents recommendations for choral library systems filing music, distributing music for rehearsal and for storing choral music. Various processes are discussed.
This module represents comments regarding the basic choral tone. It is further illustrated by following modules.
This module represents basic information about the choral tone, provides a series of questions and suggested readings.
This module represents a discussion of the music during what is referred to as the Classic Period in music. It is the period of Haydn and Mozart (and others.) Comments are made regarding tempo, rhythm, tone quality, dynamics and other aspects of performing music of this period.
This module represents a discussion of the attributes and detractions of clinics, contests and festivals and elements of each including preparation for them.
This module addresses the importance of good supervision on the part of the college or university faculty member assigned to supervise a student teacher.
This module discusses the several elements of combining various ensembles in a concert. There are logistical issues such as how to move the groups on and to the stage, where ensembles are seated when not performing, and others. The musical concerns are also addressed such as contrasting musical styles and contrasting select ensembles with less select ensembles.
This module includes information to assist in the final logistical preparations for a concert including advertising of the concert, ticketing, programs, wearing apparel and other non-musical but important considerations for the concert.
