Dr. Patrick Freer

Review: Conductor, teacher, and researcher Dr. Patrick K. Freer explores practical solutions to common problems while focusing on an impromptu ensemble of everyday kids. These three fast-paced DVDs demonstrate familiar challenges and Freer's sensitive, real-time solutions to them. You will see the process unfold as it actually happened and how Dr. Freer incorporates research on adolescent learning into the process of teaching choral music. When working with these young adolescents, Dr. Freer clearly demonstrates how challenges associated with male and female changing voices can be handled successfully. Interviews with the students present valuable perspectives on being an adolescent singer, and a special segment on DVD 3 is designed to be shown to students in classrooms and choirs. The manual contains additional materials, including printed instructions for the exercises demonstrated throughout.

Songlist: Video Series Outline, Group Voice Building For Young Adolescents, The Individual Relaxtion, Posture, Breathing, Sound Ball, Whoosh, Whoa, Jazz Circles, Adolescent Vocal Development And Choir Rehearsals, Flow Experience, Learning Differences And Teaching Strategies, Motivation And Choral Instruction, Optimal Classroom Environments, Teacher Language In The Choral Rehearsal, Vocal/Choral Instruction And Choral Conducting

Review: New to teaching chorus? If so, you may be filled with anticipation and anxiety. Getting Started with Middle School Chorus is here to point you in the right directions. Like other books in the Getting Started series, there's enough specific information here to get you started and on your way! This second edition of Getting Started with Middle School Chorus gives you new information on working with young adolescent changing voices, designing optimal rehearsals for middle schoolers, managing growing choral programs, and helping youngsters gain musical skills they can carry with them for a lifetime of making music. This practical outline will help build your confidence as you take on the new responsibilities associated with teaching middle school chorus.

Songlist: In The Beginning, Your School's Choral Department, Budget and Equipment, Developing Your Schedule, Choosing Choral Repertoire, Recruiting Singers, The Young Adolescent, The Young Adolescent Voice, Rehearsal Planning, Teaching Strategies, Performances, Get Started and Keep Going