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Choral Pedagogy Books and DVDs

We've all had that music teacher or choir director who made music fun for us. We've admired these people, and their knowledge. They had that spark we wanted to share and here, we can. Some of the most important things for a healthy singer to know about producing a clear, strong and reliable voice are here in these books, and more importantly, they will teach you how to teach it to others. Whether you’re teaching adult sopranos or kids, teaching sight-singing or Jazz, take a wander through this section and enjoy.


Songbooks, Arrangements and/or Media

Displaying 1-56 of 56 items.


Micheal Houlahan and Philip Tacka : Choral Artistry : Book : 9780197550496

Micheal Houlahan and Philip Tacka : Choral Artistrynew

Offers a new understanding of the connection between performance, repertoire, music theory, sight-reading, improvisation, and musicological knowledge. Uses a Performance to Notation model for teaching music theory in the context of the choral rehearsal. Provides choral directors with a curriculum and rehearsal models that place performance, audiation, partwork, music theory, and sight-signing skills at the heart of the choral experience

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2104b | Book | $49.95


Stephen Sieck : Teaching with Respect: Inclusive Pedagogy for Choral Directors : Book : 196288092179 : 1705172989 : 01060098

Stephen Sieck : Teaching with Respect: Inclusive Pedagogy for Choral Directorsnew

Teaching with Respect prompts us to ask deeper questions about the language we use, about systems of power, about our heritage and inheritance. In this book we look closely at our teaching strategies. The book suggests an ethical approach to teaching choral music that is centered on respecting the singers in front of us. Readers will discover ways to maintain and elevate their artistic standards of excellence while also expanding their mindset.

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2187b | Book | $29.95


Alan Gumm : The Choral Director's Cookbook : Book : 884088126438 : 1574630784 : 00317164

Alan Gumm : The Choral Director's Cookbook

This valuable collection of quick-to-read yet deeply insightful strategies is like finding expert trade secrets from around the world all placed in one easy source. With outstanding records of performance, workshop clinics, recordings, research, composition, leadership, and teaching, the 57 authors provide their favorite "recipes" that range from overviews of successful programs to specific topics that will inspire all levels and types of choirs. The directors include Ronald Boender, Simon Carrington, Rollo A. Dilworth, Mary Goetz, Henry Leck, Diane Loomer, Weston Noble, Paris Rutherford, Z. Randall Stroope and many, many others.

Songlist: Foreword, Acknowledgments, About the Authors, The Choral Gourmet: Music Selection and Presentation, A Cappella Vocal Jazz in Eight-Part Harmony, Pedagogical Pie, Does Your Verbal Feedback Nurture or Starve Your Students? Food for Thought, Increased Individual Learning in the Ensemble Setting through Problem Solving, It's All in the Ingredients: Considerations for Choosing Repertoire, Tasting the Text: The Missing Ingredient, Putting the Zest Back Into Intonation: Alternatives to Simmering or Stewing in the Choral Rehearsal, Invitation Etiquette: The Do's of Building Choral Participation, Kinesthetics and Movement in the Choral Rehearsal, Diction al Dente: Preparing Texts "To Taste", Learning About Music While Learning the Music, Vowel Modification for a Resonant and Healthy Tone, Enhancement of Choir Sound through Ensemble Spacing, A Recipe for Sight-Singing Success, How to Get Your Ensemble to Make M.U.S.I.C., Soup & Salad: Improving Sight-Singing in Two Directions, Table of Acceptable Substitutes: Turning Score Terminology into Expressions, Eight Essential Ingredients for Preparing Choirs for Performance, Stocking the Shelves for a Full Cupboard of Vowels, Spice Up Your Warm-Ups, Old-Fashioned Learning-Tree Stew: Good for Building Honor, Respect, and Self-Esteem, Leaven to Counteract Loafing: Developing a Self-Responsible and Collaborative Choir, Turning Thoughts Into Words: Writing to and with Your Choir, Superior Stew: How to Achieve Top Ratings at Choral Festivals, Preparing the Mind, Preparing the Ear: Developing Subvocalization Skill to Improve Intonation, Choir Curry: Seasoning for Success, and more

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6616b | Book | $24.95


Barham & Nelson : The Boy's Changing Voice : Book : 029156299557  : 00-EL03594

Barham & Nelson : The Boy's Changing Voice

For the middle school/junior high choral teacher. This text takes out much of the guesswork of teaching boys whose voices are changing . Includes testing methods, extensive warm-up and voice development exercises, self-image concepts, an extensive list of appropriate choral works, and other welcome information.

Songlist: Voice Placement, Recognizing Change, Testing Prodecures, Time-Savers, Variables With Change, Good Strokes For Your Singing Folks, Putting The Pieces Together - The Puzzle of Selecting, Life With Chameleons, Tips for Training The Tigers, Teacher Prescriptions For Sanity, Scores That Don't Bore, Breathing and Posture, Tone Quality, Range Development and Flexibilty, Ear Training

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6244b | Book | $14.95


David Hill : Training Your Choir : Book : David Hill : 3611172

David Hill : Training Your Choir

Whatever kind of choir you direct, whether it is a large professional body or small ad hoc group, this book will be invaluable in developing your own training skills, giving you the confidence to bring out the very best in your singers. Many aspects of choir training are covered, including: warm-ups and vocal exercises, the physiology of singing, an illustrated section on beating patterns, conducting techniques, group dynamics and psychology, preparation of rehearsals and music.

Songlist: Introduction, The Approach, The Singers and the Singing, The Voice, The Alchemy of Singing, Mechanics of the Voice, The Registers within the larynx, The Psychology of Singing, The Choir Director, Conducting: Role and Techniques, Use of the Body, Conducting Language, The Rehearsal, Warming-up, Warming-up Exercises, Voice Production and Projection Excercises

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6791b | Book | $18.95


Debbie Daniel / Janice Killian / Linda Rann : Essential Elements for Choir Teacher Resource Kit : SATB : Book & 1 CD : 073999883206 : 0634007343 : 00866120

Debbie Daniel / Janice Killian / Linda Rann : Essential Elements for Choir Teacher Resource Kit

Includes lesson plans, activities and reproducible student pages for music theory, history, listening, assessment, cross-cultural activities and more and is compatible with any volume or level of EE for Choir. The professional Listening CD included in the kit is designed for use with many of the lessons.

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Voicing: SATB | 1809b | Book & 1 CD | $29.95


Debra Spurgeon : Conducting Women's Choirs  : 01 Book & DVD : G-8367

Debra Spurgeon : Conducting Women's Choirs

Conducting Women's Choirs: Strategies for Success is a pioneering yet practical book and DVD devoted to all aspects of the women's choir - a groundbreaking contribution and a true collaborative effort from top professionals in the field. For the first time in a book, choral leaders bring together historical, philosophical, psychological, sociological, pedagogical, and real-world considerations to the women's choir - information missing from most choral methods and conducting texts. Sections also focus on mentoring, auditions, seating arrangements, historical women's repertoire, healthy vocal development, gender issues, history, status of the women's choir, and much more. This book features research, practical insights, and round-table discussions. The included DVD demonstrates choral techniques and teaching ideas with two women's choirs: Aurora, from Luther College, conducted by Sandra Peter; and The University of Kentucky Women's Choir, conducted by Lori Hetzel. Conducting Women's Choirs is, quite simply, essential for anyone who is involved in the women's choir movement and the culmination of decades of experience and wisdom by leaders in the profession.

Songlist: The Status of Women's Choirs, The History of Women Singing in Groups, The Sacred Choral Works of the Venetian Ospedali, Brahms and his Work with Women's Choruses, Canadian Repertoire for Women's Choruses, We Sing Ourselves - An Essay about Teaching and Learning with Women, Building Community in the Women's Choir, The Y Factor in an X Chromsome World, Choral Works for Women's Voices, Writing for Women's Voices, Mentoring the Women's Choir thru Voicing, Labeling and Seating, Warm-Ups for Women's Choir, Working with the Women's Community Choir, Understanding the Young Female Singer, Healthy Development of the Beginning Women's Choir, Improving the Sound, Working with Sopranos and Altos, Formations, Acoustics and Singer Preferences, Building Excellence in a Women's Choir

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7822b | Book & DVD | $42.95


Dennis Shrock : Music for Beginning Conductor : Book : G-7911

Dennis Shrock : Music for Beginning Conductor

Music for Beginning Conductors is an anthology of music designed to include all repertoire necessary for beginning choral conducting classes. Organized from simple to complex, the 103 pieces in the anthology address all the basic techniques, including entrances on and off beats, phrasings and articulations, fixed and changing dynamic levels, varied tempos and meters, fermatas, extended beat patterns, and mixed meters. In addition, each of these categories is explained at the beginning of the anthology. The pieces are scored so students gain experience with unison, canonic, independent two-part, homophonic four-part, independent four-part, a cappella, and simple keyboard-accompanied textures. Much of the music consists of folk songs and other familiar melodies that have been arranged with a simple harmonic bass part that can be played, if desired, on a keyboard instrument. All of the music is accessible in terms of melody, rhythm, and harmony, thus allowing it to be read with relative ease and to be adaptable to classes of varying sizes and resources.

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6917b | Book | $28.95


Dr. Brenda Smith : Choral Pedagogy Third Edition : Book : Brenda Smith : 978-1-59756-535-6

Dr. Brenda Smith : Choral Pedagogy Third Edition

Choral Pedagogy, Third Edition, is the ideal text for voice teachers, choral conductors, church musicians, and professional and amateur singers who wish to develop strategies for lifelong singing. It concisely and clearly presents the principles of voice pedagogy from the perspective of both conducting and voice science in a user-friendly fashion, including helpful charts and simple anatomic diagrams. In addition, it offers teaching methods from history and philosophy, medical and voice science, and pedagogical concepts from active musical experts. Special attention is given to the needs of amateur singers and conductors. Topics covered include choral diction, posture and seating, rehearsal practices, and matters of vocal health.

Songlist: Preface, Amateur and Professional Choral Singers, The Rehearsal Process, Introduction, Vocal Health and Pedagogy, The Vocal Approach to Choral Music, Anatomy and Physiology of the Voice, Medical Care of Voice Disorders, Performing Arts Medicine and the Professional Voice User, Seating Problems of Vocalists, Historical Overview of Vocal Pedagogy, Voice Building for Choirs, The Singing Voice and the Choral Tone, Choral Singing Techniques, Choral Diction, Rehearsal Techniques, Children's Choirs

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5283b | Book | $77.95


Duane Richard Karna : The Use of the International Phonetic Alphabet in the Choral Rehearsal : Book : 978-0-8108-8169-3

Duane Richard Karna : The Use of the International Phonetic Alphabet in the Choral Rehearsal

"The fusion of text with music is one of the most powerful methods by which a composer can express emotion to an audience, yet, all too often, the diction of choral groups is lacking to such a degree as to make the text unintelligible." So argues Duane R. Karna, who in The Use of the International Phonetic Alphabet in the Choral Rehearsal brings together 30 essays by experts from around the world to describe how the character symbols of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) can be used by singers in the choral rehearsal. In an effort to conquer one of the greatest challenges facing choral directors and their choirs, contributors explore the use of the IPA system in a vast range of languages. Readers will find essays devoted to the use of IPA on matters of lyric diction for the following tongues: Baltic Languages, Basque, Brazilian Portuguese, Chinese, Dutch, Ecclesiastical Latin, English, Finnish, French, Georgian, German, Germanic Latin, Greek, Hawaiian, Hebrew, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Swahili, and Swedish. Holding firmly to the belief that basic instruction in IPA character is part of a choir's training, Karna and his contributors see enormous potential for choirs to expand considerably their foreign-language repertoire and save considerable rehearsal time. The Use of the International Phonetic Alphabet in the Choral Rehearsal is the ideal primer for choral directors and choirmasters as well as choir members.

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8216b | Book | $59.95


Ed Lisk : The Creative Director - Intangibles of Music Performance : Book : Ed Lisk : 073999556797 : 0962430854 : 00317003

Ed Lisk : The Creative Director - Intangibles of Music Performance

With a foreword by Mark Camphouse, Intangibles...deals with the instructional techniques of teaching expression, ensemble interpretation, characteristic performance, musical identity, and the decision making process surrounding the subtle details of artistic response.

Songlist: Foreword, by Composer Mark Camphouse, Acknowledgments, Introduction, Chapter 1: The Mystery of Musical Expression, The Search for Meaning, Communication, Mind and Body Connection, The 'Eye' Has No Intelligence, Release Student Potential, Practicing, Other Factors for Consideration, Chapter 2: The Meaning of Ensemble, Inter- and Intra-personal Development, Listening and Hearing, Making Musical Decisions, To Answer or Not to Answer, Chapter 3: The Natural Laws of Musical Expression, Low Searches for High, High Searches for Low, Short Looks for Long, Style ... Characteristic ... Interpretation, 5 Steps for 'Feeling' and 'Style', Language of Articulation, Intensity, Teaching Intensity, Chapter 4: Free Form Expression, Memorization, The Grand Master Scale, The 'Key' to Improvisation, Building Chords through Scale Tones, and more

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8736b | Book | $24.95


Ed Lisk : The Musical Mind of the Creative Director : Book : 884088509453 : 1574631608 : 00317203

Ed Lisk : The Musical Mind of the Creative Director

Chapters that address the connection of nuance and inflections with language and music and that expand the meaning of the words "ensemble and entrainment" are but a few of the insightful topics covered by this award-winning author. Ed Lisk's extensive professional career has enabled him to train many of today's leading music educators and provide materials used in schools and universities both here and abroad. The Musical Mind of the Creative Director expands his previous publications creating a greater awareness of the many components that surround the beauty of musical expression.

Songlist: Preface, Introduction, How This Book Is Organized, Chapter 1: The Immersed Musical Mind, Metacognition, The Conductor's Responsibility, Chapter 2: Designing Effective Rehearsals, Questioning Traditional Rehearsal Techniques, Designing A Rehearsal, Importance of the Warm-Up, Infusing Variety, Establishing Mental and Physical Readiness: The Warm-Up, Exercise 2.1. Teaching from the Circle of 4ths, More Thoughts on Removing the Notation, Chapter 3: Entrainment: The Invisible Communication System, Exercise 3.1. Aligning Ensemble Pulse, Exercise 3.2., Exercise 3.3. Making a Mind-Body Connection, Exercise 3.4. Apply Chord Qualities, Exercise 3.5. Breath Support, Chapter 4: Teaching Musical Artistry and Expression, Chapter 5: Connecting The Nuance and Inflections of Language With Music, Exercise 5.1. The Energy of Rhythm, Chapter 6: Connecting Feeling To Rhythm, Exercise 6.1. Expression Through Rhythm, Chapter 7: Developing and Exercising Musical Expression, Exercise 7.1. Discovering the Soul of Musical Expression, Exercise 7.2. Dynamics: Reading With True Expression, Why Practice Expression, Three Natural Laws of Musical Expression, and more

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8737b | Book | $24.95


Eric Ericson : Teaching : DVD : Eric Ericson : CAP21815

Eric Ericson : Teaching

The tenaciously active superstar Eric Ericson celebrated his 90th birthday on October 26 2008. His international celebrity status is exceptional, and people everywhere talk with reverence of the "Swedish Choral Miracle" - an expression that is very much synonymous with his life work. In this unique 14-part documentary film "Teaching", Birgitta Ohman and Swedish Television have captured Eric Ericson's playful yet inspirational style of teaching at the Royal College of Music. Caprice Records in collaboration with the Royal Swedish Academy of Music presents this TV series on one DVD along with a bonus interview with Ericson from 2008. Experience for yourself the process of interpreting and performing choral music from all eras. Appearing is Eric Ericson, Anne Sofie von Otter, Marianne Eklof, Thomas Jennefeldt, Stefan Parkman, among others.

Songlist: Conducting lesson with a. o. Anne Sofie von Otter, Conducting lesson: J.S. Bach & Sven-Erik Back, Conducting lesson: Arne Mellnas & Thomas Morley, Conducting lesson: David Wikander, Karl-Erik Welin & Bela Bartok, Thomas Morley & Orlando di Lasso, Lars Edlund, Kurt Lindgren & Bela Bartok, Warming up with Stefan Parkman, August Soderman, Alf Cranner, A.F. Lindblad & H.L Hassler, "Samtalssinfonietta": Georg Riedel, Sven-Erik Johanson & Johannes Brahms, En visa: Sven-Erik Back, No bird soars to high: Lars-Erik Larsson, Scherzo: Lars Edlund, Scherzo & "Femton finnar" arr. Lars Edlund, Bonus: Eric Ericson interview 2008

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6451dvd | DVD | $24.95


Eric Wilkinson : Habits of a Successful Choir Director : Book : G-9416

Eric Wilkinson : Habits of a Successful Choir Director

Habits of a Successful Choir Director presents effective teaching principles and provides a practical approach to everyday issues choir directors face. Building on the successful Habits series, Eric Wilkinson andvScott Rush have created a practical guide to all aspects of a successful choral program. Additional sections address musicianship, classroom management, working with parents and colleagues, the importance of warm-up time, building student leadership, professional development, field trips, fundraising, schoolwide scheduling, developing a mission statement, and quality of life issues. This is a comprehensive book that will exponentially inspire as teaching skills grow. It will serve as a constant and essential companion throughout the career of any choir director.

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4510b | Book | $29.95


Frank Abrahams and Paul D. Head : The Oxford Handbook of Choral Pedagogy : Book : 9780197528884

Frank Abrahams and Paul D. Head : The Oxford Handbook of Choral Pedagogy

As the landscape of choral education changes - disrupted by Glee, YouTube, and increasingly cheap audio production software - teachers of choral conducting need current research in the field that charts scholarly paths through contemporary debates and sets an agenda for new critical thought and practice. Where, in the digitizing world, is the field of choral pedagogy moving? Editor Frank Abrahams and Paul D. Head, both experienced choral conductors and teachers, offer here a comprehensive handbook of newly-commissioned chapters that provide key scholarly-critical perspectives on teaching and learning in the field of choral music, written by academic scholars and researchers in tandem with active choral conductors.

As chapters in this book demonstrate, choral pedagogy encompasses everything from conductors' gestures to the administrative management of the choir. The contributors to The Oxford Handbook of Choral Pedagogy address the full range of issues in contemporary choral pedagogy, from repertoire to voice science to the social and political aspects of choral singing. They also cover the construction of a choral singer's personal identity, the gendering of choral ensembles, social justice in choral education, and the role of the choral art in society more generally. Included scholarship focuses on both the United States and international perspectives in five sections that address traditional paradigms of the field and challenges to them; critical case studies on teaching and conducting specific populations (such as international, school, or barbershop choirs); the pedagogical functions of repertoire; teaching as a way to construct identity; and new scholarly methodologies in pedagogy and the voice.

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2106b | Book | $49.95


Guy Webb : Up Front! Becoming the Complete Choral Conductor : Book : 4638

Guy Webb : Up Front! Becoming the Complete Choral Conductor

While many fine volumes have already been written on Training to be a choir director it is evident that singing in a college choir, taking one or two courses in conducting and a choral techniques class is all too frequently the extent of a choral conductor's training. Also, the path to conducting a choir is often approached from different areas of expertise - from one's keyboard skills or instrumental background, leaving many conductors without a concept of diction or choral tone. So much is involved in the learning process to become an effective choral director. A publication which would articulate basic concepts would be an invaluable research tool in the training of choral musicians. The learning process is the sum total of many things - courses taken, books read, conventions attended, and most importantly, on-the-job training. Though this book is written for the student, it is written for every choral director who is still striving to grow in the profession. It is not limited to those who have yet to find their first choral position.

Songlist: The Challenge of Choral Leadership in the Twentieth-First Century, Choral Literature: Research References, Current Sources, and Future Directions, Score Selection, Study, and Interpretation, Coming to Terms with Historical Performance Practices, Mastery of Choral Ensemble, Conducting, Choral Tone, Diction, Rehearsal Technique: A Guide for Planning the Choral Rehearsal, The Tools of a Choral Musician, Effective Choral Programming, Resources for the Choral Conductor

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6334b | Book | $31.98


Henry Leck : Creating Artistry Through Choral Excellence : Book & 1 CD : Henry Leck : 884088236502 : 142343711X : 08748555

Henry Leck : Creating Artistry Through Choral Excellence

Henry Leck, Founder and Artistic Director of the Indianapolis Children's Choir and Director of Choral Activities at Butler University, has influenced thousands of young musicians and teachers through his dedication to choral excellence and the idea that children can perform music with artistry and understanding. This comprehensive text, written with Dr. Flossie Jordan, is an insightful guide for choral directors in the field and in training to help develop the teaching skills, leadership abilities, conducting technique, knowledge of repertoire and organizational skills necessary for success. As an added bonus, the book includes a CD-ROM with dozens of helpful forms and documents from the Indianapolis Children's Choir covering organizing a children's choir, auditions, governing documents, managing volunteers, fundraising, grant writing and much more!

Songlist: Going Beyond the Craft of Music Making, Vocal Techniques for the Young Singe, Director Preparation, Musical Expression through Visualization, Dalcroze Techniques in the Choral Rehearsal, Creating Artistry Through a Kodaly Curriculum, The Boy's Expanding Voice: Take the High Road, Leadership Style, Organization, Epilogue

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6664b | Book & 1 CD | $34.95


Henry Leck : The Boy's Changing Voice (Take The High Road) : DVD : Henry Leck : 073999420944 : 0634009567 : 08742094

Henry Leck : The Boy's Changing Voice (Take The High Road)

Join Henry Leck and a choir made up of young male singers from the Indianapolis Children's Choir and the Indianapolis Youth Chorale. They explore the historical, physical, emotional, and individual musical perspective of the boy's changing voice as well as how the process affects the choral ensemble as a whole. This video offers choir directors, studio voice teachers and young singers the opportunity to examine the process of vocal maturation and how that process might be approached within the choral ensemble. Includes warmups and vocal exercises, ranges and guidelines for vocal classification, technical data, interviews with several young singers, and several excerpts of solo and choral repertoire in performance.

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6228dvd | DVD | $29.95


James Jordan : The Conductor's Gesture : Book : James Jordan : G-8096

James Jordan : The Conductor's Gesture

The culmination of almost thirty years of research, writing, and teaching, this important book by James Jordan presents a vision of conducting gesture and technique as a movement language. In this comprehensive resource, Jordan applies the theories of movement education icon Rudolf Laban, as inspired by the pedagogical insights of Jordan's mentor and teacher Gail B. Poch. Each section is detailed through research, extensive discussion, and suggestions for study. Dr. Jordan's pioneering research and writing on this subject will make this seminal volume an indispensible resource for the development of conducting technique and the foundation of many approaches to conducting pedagogy. Also in this volume are contributions by Giselle Wyers and Meade Andrews. Dr. Wyers explores in depth the application of States and Drives, and makes direct applications to specific works in the choral literature. Dr. Andrews details a sequential curriculum for the practice and development of expressive conducting technique, all demonstrated on the DVD included with this book.

Songlist: An Examination of the Perception of Movement, Laban as a Gestural Morphology, The Consequences of Gesture, A New Pedagogy and Theory for Conducting, An Overview of Psychological Research, Behaviorism, The Importance of the Body Map, How Movement and Conducting Affects Ensembles, Explanation of Morphology, Toward an Understanding of Effort, Overview of the Importance of Breath, Dimensional Architectures of Movement, Rhythm Impulse and Conducting, Teaching Architecture of Sound, The Sound Membrane, The Impulse to Move: Harmonic Rhythm, Harmonic Progression, States and Drives, Effort Elements, Movement Signatures, Modes of Shape Change, Developing a Kinesthetic Vocabulary, Acquiring Conducting Technique Using the Principles of Laban

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6734b | Book | $44.95


James Jordan : Conducting Technique Etudes : Book & 1 CD : James Jordan : G-8419

James Jordan : Conducting Technique Etudes

In this volume of etudes for conductors, James Jordan details a ground-breaking pedagogy for the development of conducting skills. This method is based on a sequential harmonic process to inform and define conducting gesture. This book is revolutionary because it employs a process of score study to develop what Dr. Jordan calls "kinesthetic/harmonic audiation." Conductors of all skill levels will profoundly benefit from these new ideas. While instrumentalists and keyboardists for decades have had books of daily "etudes" for the development of technique, conducting pedagogy has not had the benefit of such a rigorous technical course of study. This book teaches conductors to make gestural decisions based upon harmonic rhythm and uses the gestural vocabulary of Rudolf Laban as the beginning "vocabulary" from which a conductor can make decisions. This book of etudes differs from other approaches because it views harmonic progression as the primary vehicle by which to learn conducting technique.

Songlist: Knowledge and Awareness of your Architecture, Patterning, Respond Intuitively, Breathing within the Envelope, Root Analyis, Density Analysis, Developing Harmonic / Kinesthetic Audiation, Spatial Audiation, Audiational Assimilation, Breath as an Etude, Pedagogical Path of these Etudes, Foundation of Harmonic Rhythm, Does Gesture Influence Sound?, Use and Study of the Harmonic Etudes, Body mapping, The Labian Rudiments, Practices

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6893b | Book & 1 CD | $34.95


James Jordan : The Musician's Breath : Book : James Jordan : G-7955

James Jordan : The Musician's Breath

In this provocative book, James Jordan examines why and how the breath is the "delivery system" for human and musical ideas in performance. "The breath," Dr. Jordan writes, "is the most magical and human thing we can engage as artists." This book makes a compelling case for the power of the breath and the power of submitting oneself to its miracles. The Musician's Breath is divided into two sections: The first discusses the "why" of breathing, while the second provides the "how" with practical applications for singers, instrumentalists, and conductors. Co-authors and Westminster Choir College colleagues, voice teachers Mark Moliterno and Nova Thomas, add their unique perspectives through chapters on yoga and other paradigms that reveal the power of the breath. A companion DVD (available separately) guides viewers through yoga practices that can provide access points to understanding breath, free points of tension, and "holding" in the breathing process. With The Musician's Breath, all musicians-from choral directors to solo instrumentalists-will deepen their understanding of the miracle of human expression through breath. This pioneering book is also a passionate and compelling call for the use of the breath as a pedagogical tool for performers of all ages and levels.

Songlist: The Hear The Inaudible, The Ignorance of Breath, The Clairvoyant Breath, The Moment of Silence, Intention and Revelation, The Audiational Breath, Understanding the Mechanics of Breathing, Breath Defines Our Interiority, The Idea Informs the Body, The Power Within the Rest, Breathing into the Idea, Breath as Initator, Action-Reaction, What is "In The Moment"?, Toward a Deeper Artistry, The Conductors Intimate Connection to Breath, Empathatic Constant Exhalation, The Troughed Beat, Breath and Body Movement, Inhalation, Insipration, Qigong Practice, Basic Qigond Exercise Sequence

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7454b | Book | $26.95

Other Voicings: Solo


James Jordan : The Ensemble Movement Warm-Up : Book : James Jordan : G-9937

James Jordan : The Ensemble Movement Warm-Up

James Jordan's The Ensemble Movement Warm-Up explores how to organize and sequence movement activities in a choral setting to increase artistry and help raise the performance level of any ensemble, regardless of age. Building on the ideas of Rudolf von Laban and Edwin E. Gordon's Music Learning Theory, James Jordan creates an exciting new rhythm/movement pedagogy. Introduces simple movements-stepping and clapping-to help the ensemble explore kinesthetic feeling connected to harmonic rhythm, not meter. Teaches fundamental principles of artistic phrasing. Revolutionizes ensemble teaching to focus on how sound moves forward, and not on rhythm notation. Teaches the important distinction between rhythm and tempo, and harmonic rhythm. Builds legato and sense of line. Introduces the new concept of "projection" to teach and conceptualize phrase shape. The Ensemble Movement Warm-Up is the culmination of 40 years of experimentation, thought, and study using the wealth of ideas provided by Laban and is a major contribution to the choral art.

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7761b | Book | $21.95


James Jordan : Discovering Chant : Book & 1 CD : G-8812

James Jordan : Discovering Chant

Discovering Chant asks conductors, teachers, and music educators to reconsider the use of plainchant as an essential pedagogy for teaching intonation, phrasing, and understanding of musical line - while building community within an ensemble. This revolutionary pedagogical application uses chant for teaching aural awareness and a natural and intuitive understanding of musical line. The pedagogy was borne out of the Westminster Choral Institute at Oxford, where chant has become a part of the daily regimen of the Grammy-nominated Westminster Williamson Voices. James Jordan incorporates this pedagogy into the daily warmups of his choirs. Collaborating with James Whitbourn and Isabella Burns, this book provides the philosophical and pedagogical foundation for this method. The enclosed CD demonstrates the performance of chants for study by conductors.

Songlist: Transfigurative teaching through chant, A pedagogical experience, Balancing on a fascinating pedagogical tightrope, Communitas, Revisiting the pedagogical wisdom of chant, Teaching the beauty and simplicity of chant, Being in a sacred space and place, Balancing energy and gaining awareness of breath, Basic Qigong exercise sequences, Qualities of the sound beneath the surface, What chant always knew about music learning, Understanding Resonant Rhythm within plainsong, Gaining an understanding of entrainment, Listening, Using effort/shape to experience plainchant, Understanding the movement physics of the oval, Ascent and descent, Musical will, I see shapes, Conclusions

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8346b | Book & 1 CD | $32.95


James Jordan , Kathy Kessler-Price , Sean McCarther : Anatomy of Tone : Book : G-9421

James Jordan , Kathy Kessler-Price , Sean McCarther : Anatomy of Tone

This important volume brings together the latest knowledge of voice science, voice pedagogy, conducting, and accompanying into a single volume. It is a valuable resource for choral conductors, no matter the age or experience of their ensembles. The Anatomy of Tone explores essential aspects of anatomy, physiology, and acoustics, and describes their impact on choral teaching and rehearsal. In addition, this book reviews groundbreaking scientific information on spacing of singers and its effect upon intonation and vocal health.

Songlist: Breathing, Resonance, Formants in the Choral Rehearsal, Structuring the Choral Warm-Up, The Use of Breath, The Use of Legato, Choral Spacing for Balanced Resonance, Teaching of Specific Vowels, Use of Harmonically Based Warm-Ups, Piano Accompanying to Support Good Vocalism

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9975b | Book | $29.95


Jameson Marvin : Emotion in Choral Singing : Book : Jameson Marvin : G-9607

Jameson Marvin : Emotion in Choral Singing

Emotion in Choral Singing explores what it truly takes to experience the transcendent power of choral music and achieve genuine emotional connection between composer, performer, and listener. With unmatched detail and authority, legendary conductor Jameson Marvin surveys the history of singing; effective rehearsal; score study; repertoire selection; and the relationship between a composer's intentions, music notation, and expression.

A particularly noteworthy feature of this book is its emphasis on polyphony, which, Marvin reminds us, encourages an individual expressivity and musicality in singers that can be applied to all styles of choral music, making it as relevant and vital today as ever. Links to recordings included within this book provide a range of examples from throughout Marvin's career.

Emotion in Choral Singing offers a new perspective on the choral art. It is chock-full of practical ideas, tips, and wisdom that will empower and inspire choral directors and musicians of all levels to achieve authentic emotional connection in their work.

Jameson Marvin is Emeritus Director of Choral Activities and Senior Lecturer at Harvard University. Under his leadership, the Harvard-Radcliffe Collegium Musicum, Harvard Glee Club, and Radcliffe Choral Society rose to be among the premier collegiate choruses in America. Dr. Marvin's choral artistry is mirrored by his knowledge of style and performance practice of historical eras and his insightful, communicative, and inspiring performances.

Songlist: Musical Gesture and Emotion, Notation and Expression, Performing Polyphony in the 21st Century, Style and Expression in Renaissance Choral Performance, The Conductor's Process, Mastery of Choral Ensemble

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7744b | Book | $24.95


Jeff Johnson : Ready, Set, Sing! : DVD : Jefferson Johnson : 964807005821 : SBMP582

Jeff Johnson : Ready, Set, Sing!

Popular choral clinician Jeff Johnson, Director of Choral Activities University of Kentucky, activates the mind, spirit and singing voice using visual, auditory and kinesthetic activities. Movement is used to alleviate tension and energize the body; motion is used to create emotion. Includes rehearsal techniques for posture, breath management, tone, expression, blend, intonation, articulation and rhythmic awareness.

Songlist: Activating the Mind, Posture and Breathing, Learning Styles, Activating the Voice, Tone, Resonance and Placement, Expression: Dynamics and Phrase Shaping, Intonation, Articulation, Rhythm

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6052dvd | DVD | $29.95


Joan Conlon : Wisdom, Wit and Will - Women Choral Conductors on Their Art : Book : Joan Conlon : G-7590

Joan Conlon : Wisdom, Wit and Will - Women Choral Conductors on Their Art

Women have had a profound impact on the choral arts. This groundbreaking volume is a celebration and affirmation of this critical role, both through history and looking into the future, written by thirteen of the most significant voices in the choral profession. Wisdom, Wit, and Will is a refreshing perspective on the choral field, rebutting conventional attitudes toward conducting and gender, and including distinctive biographies of some of the pioneering female choral conductors. But even more importantly, this book is of tremendous value to anyone seeking fresh insights into the choral conducting profession. Divided into three sections-Our Music, Our Teaching, and Our Lives-this book is about creating the best possible experiences for choral conducting students and choral singe rs. Among just a few examples, Ann Howard Jones discusses "Analyzing the Choral-Orchestral Score," Doreen Rao focuses on "Feminine Perspectives on Conducting and Teaching Choral Music," and Hilary Apfelstadt enlightens us about "Finding Balance: Professional and Personal." This book also includes concise presentations of the score preparation techniques of Robert Shaw, Margaret Hillis, Nadia Boulanger, and many others. What do women want? They want the same things men want, or should want: exciting musical performances, sensitivity to text, attention to sound learning strategies in rehearsal, solid vocal technique, knowledge of the score, and more. Wisdom, Wit, and Will is a wonderful resource for anyone who aspires to develop his or her role as a professional and artistic choral conductor and teacher.

Songlist: Introduction, Analyzing the Choral-Orchestral Score, Must We Sing of Women Only as Men Have Sung?, Building Bridges: Choruses Engaging Communities, Conducting the Choral-Orchestral Work, Passion and Authenticity: A Conversation With Marin Alsop, Women Conductors as Leaders and Mentors, Women, Conductors, and the Tenure Process: What's Up In the Academy, Feminine Perspectives on Conducting and Teaching Choral Music, Teaching Graduate Conductors, Artistry Through Improvisation in the Choral Rehearsal, Finding Balance, Nadia and Me, Biographies of Selected American Women Choral Conductors, Charlene Archibeque, Tamara Brooks, Elaine Brown, Fiora Contino, Margaret Hawkins, Iva Dee Hiatt, Margaret Hillis, Eva Jessye, Colleen Kirk, Alice Parker, Lorna Cooke DeVaron, Jane Hardester

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5301b | Book | $39.95


John Bertalot : How To Be A Successful Choir Director : Book : John Bertalot : 50604665

John Bertalot : How To Be A Successful Choir Director

Dr. John Bertalot has drawn on more than forty years' experience as a renowned choir director and organist to share his knowledge and expertise with those who, like himself, are dedicated to the highest standards of choral training and musical expression. His practical guidance is clear and detailed, illumined by his use of apt analogy, personal anecdote and lively humor, and informed throughout by his psychological and spiritual insights and Christian convictions. This is more than a book of instructions; it is a book of passion and inspiration which can be summed up in one word--love: love for music, love for his singers and love for God. It might well have been called 'Love in Practice,' but you need to read the book before you can fully appreciate how fitting that title would be.

Songlist: Encourage Punctuality, Begin Rehearsals Efficiently, Cure Irregular Attendence, Raise Musical Standards, Make Demands On Your Choir, Conduct More Creatively, Train Your Choir To Listen To You, Teach Them how To Breathe, Sing As Well On Sunday As At Rehearsal, An Inspiring Experience, Stop Your Singers Talking, Keep Your Singers In Order, Watch Out For The Second Law Of Thermodynamics, Ten Basic Points For Musical Rehearsal, Create A Positive Atmosphere, Warm-ups, More Tips About Singing In Tune, Some More Advanced Techniques, Some Hints For Organists, Playing Right Notes Confidently And Musically, More Practical Tips, Random Hints For Choir Practice, Rehearsal Hints For Church Choir Practice, Rehearsal Techniques At A Glance, Searching Questions Which Demand Action, Running A Children's Choir, Problems With Clergy, New Music, The New Choir Director, Finding Sufficient Energy, and more

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6303b | Book | $29.95


John Bertalot : Immediately Practical Tips for Choral Directors : Book : John Bertalot : 9780806628103

John Bertalot : Immediately Practical Tips for Choral Directors

In this book you'll learn such things as secrets to help fill your choir stalls, advanced choir training techniques, the "ten commandments" for leading successful rehearsals, pastoral concerns, contract information, and much more!.

Songlist: Beginning a New Job, Recruiting New Children, Auditions, Four Immediately Practictal Tips, Two Secrets To Help Fill Your Choirstalls, Choosing Music, A Training For Children's Choirs, Twelve Practical Suggestions, How To Create A Choir, Working With Colleagues, Choir Ceremonies, How To Ensure Good Behavior, Boys' Changing Voice, Choir Meals, Organizing Concert Series, Pastoral Concerns

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6438b | Book | $17.95


Jonathan Palant : Brothers, Sing On! : Book : 884088882808 : 148032843X : 00116787

Jonathan Palant : Brothers, Sing On!

Brothers, Sing On!: Conducting the Tenor-Bass Choir by Jonathan Palant is a welcome addition to the choral pedagogy literature addressing the training of male singers. An ideal resource for choral directors, teachers-in-training, singers and choral enthusiasts, this practical volume explores the challenges and rewards of working with evolving adolescent-through-adult male singer. In addition to his own valuable insights, Dr. Palant includes interviews with over two dozen seasoned vocal music educators.

Songlist: A History of Men's Choral Singing, Anatomy of the Male Voice, The Product: Choral Tone, Intonation, Parts and Placement, The Adolescent Male Voice, Categorization to Maturation, Programming and Repertoire Selection, Auditions, Warm-Ups, Sight-Singing, Recruiting, Fund-Raising, Travel, Sample Programs

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8400b | Book | $22.95


Katie O'Connor-Ballantyne : Finding Your Teacher Voice : Book : 75-1070H

Katie O'Connor-Ballantyne : Finding Your Teacher Voice

Singing is an integral part of any music classroom, but the voice works differently than other instruments and needs its own specific strategies. Whether you're an instrumentalist who finds yourself teaching choir, or a vocalist who is an expert at singing, this book can make your rehearsals more successful. Beginning with an exhortation to use your own voice as a singing example - even if it's not perfect - it presents all the skills your singers need to learn: posture, diction, pitch, notation, and the list goes on. Each chapter offers a clear overview of a singing goal, then lists several strategies you can use to achieve it with your group

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10061b | Book | $29.95


Kenneth H. Phillips : Directing the Choral Music Program  - 2nd Edition : Book : 9780199371952 : 0195132823

Kenneth H. Phillips : Directing the Choral Music Program - 2nd Edition

Directing The Choral Music Program is a comprehensive introduction to developing and managing choral music programs from elementary through high-school and adult levels. Designed primarily as a choral methods text for the undergraduate music education curriculum, it is also useful for choral directors in schools, churches, and communities. Broad in scope and practical in orientation, the book is structured around three basic units: the administrative process, rehearsal and performance planning, and choral techniques. In addition to core topics - including recruitment and audtioning, classroom managment, vocal development, and curriculum and performnace planning - it features many subjects not covered in other texts, such as student discipline, philosophy of choral music education, and history of choral conducting. The author presents material on directing show choirs and musicals; organizing choir tours, festivals, and contests; working with adolescent singers; teaching sight-singing skills.

Songlist: Becoming A Choral Music Director, Developing A Philosophy For The Music Program, Promoting And Recruiting For Choral Success, Planning And Building The Choral Program, Processing The Flow Of Information, Managing The Choral Program, Optional Projects, Working With Adolescent Singers, Planning For Discipline And Choir Conduct, Choosing The Music, Preparing The Rehearsal, Organizing Performances, Popular Music Presentations, Optional Projects, Vocal Development Part 1, Vocal Development Part 2, Energizing The Choral Warmup, Teaching Sight Singing Skills, Rehearsing The Choir, Understanding Styles And Performance Practices, Presenting The Performance, Directing Other Choral Organizations, Optional Projects

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6459b | Book | $87.95


King's Singers : A Workshop : DVD : 073999409567 : 142341294X : 08740956

King's Singers : A Workshop

Experience the insights, the expertise, the inspiration and the fun of the King's Singers in concert at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Hall in Dallas, Texas, in rehearsal, in informal interviews and in workshops. The group uses various high school choirs, in a workshop setting, to demonstrate their philosophy and approach. The King's Singers, wearing casual apparel, gently and humorously coach their charges on important but subtle details of phrasing, dynamics and most importantly, interpretation, as on Bob Chilcott's arrangement of "Shenandoah." The group, in spite of their daunting technical know-how, make the point that fun while singing is the purpose; the obviously warm rapport they have amongst themselves is ample evidence that this is so!

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Performed by King's Singers | 6130dvd | DVD | $24.95


Linda Spevacek : The Choral Director as Voice Teacher : DVD : 000308109559 : 99/2024H

Linda Spevacek : The Choral Director as Voice Teacher

Choral singing is an extension of proper phonation from each individual singer, and this 2 -hour master class on DVD is a gold mine of techniques, concepts and practical exercises to improve singing at every stage of vocal development. Singers and conductors will appreciate master-teacher Linda Spevacek's expertise in harnessing the entire body to achieve a focused tone production. Enjoy Linda's infectious enthusiasm as she introduces and works with a room full of choral directors just like you. Watch Linda put her ideas into practice by leading the assembled group through three octavos (included in the kit) and see firsthand how she incorporates the powerful techniques she has developed and has just shared with you. More than an idea bank for proven vocal techniques, "The Choral Director as Voice Teacher" is a comprehensive and practical approach to achieving choral and musical excellence - an invaluable resource for every choral director.

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6377dvd | DVD | $59.95


Martin Ashley : Singing in the Lower Secondary School : Book : 9780193399006

Martin Ashley : Singing in the Lower Secondary School

This is an essential text on an important area of the music curriculum consistently judged weak or inadequate by school inspectors in Britain. It covers social, physiological, musical, and pedagogical aspects of young adolescent singing, with focus on Key Stage 3 (ages 11-14) and the progression from primary school. Grounded in extensive research and authoritatively written, it uses case studies to illustrate best practice, and introduces the principles of cambiata, a dedicated approach to the adolescent voice. Other chapters contain practical and proven advice on repertoire, technique, and the motivation of reluctant singers, boosting the confidence of teachers for whom choral work is not the main specialism.

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2110b | Book | $35.95


Mary Goetze, Angela Broeker and Ruth Boshkoff : Educating Young Singers : Book & DVD : G-9205

Mary Goetze, Angela Broeker and Ruth Boshkoff : Educating Young Singers

Organized into three sections, Educating Young Singers offers strategies for integrating pedagogical and musical knowledge into your rehearsals that can help to lay a foundation for rewarding performances. Each section provides ideas, processes, demonstrations, and activities that will help promote singing and musicianship in young choristers and inspire you to find new ways to bring the joy of learning and performing music to the young people in your choirs.

Unit one-First Things First-addresses the steps taken prior to rehearsal including choosing repertoire, embracing the world of vocal music, learning the score, and developing conducting gestures. Unit two-The Toolbox-provides a vast array of pedagogical techniques and materials like tools for developing the voice, musical literacy, part-singing, and creativity. The final unit-Putting It All Together-offers suggestions for application such as presenting the songs, rehearsal planning, and dealing with choral challenges.

Songlist: Choosing Repertoire, Embracing the World of Music, Learning the Score, Developing Conducting Gestures, Tools For Vocal Development, Tools for Music Literacy, Tools for Teaching Part-Singing, Tools for Kindling Creativity, Presenting the Songs, Planning Rehearsals, Addressing Choral Chalenges

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4220b | Book & DVD | $39.95


Melissa Mills : Working with Young Singers - Vol 1 : Book : G-9290

Melissa Mills : Working with Young Singers - Vol 1

This important resource is the culmination of a lifelong dream of author Melissa M. Mills to share the wisdom of many of the most influential community children's choir directors in North America, especially those responsible for pioneering and shaping this wonderful art form.

Across two volumes, Mills collects and organizes interviews with 23 expert conductors. Through their conversations, Mills gleans wisdom about their training, teaching philosophy, motivations, and practice, and provides a special focus from each conductor on topics ranging from assigning vocal parts and teaching healthy tone production to planning rehearsals and developing independent musicians.

Teachers of young singers will find a broad and deep exploration of the issues that conductors must consider, leading to more purposeful instruction and increased effectiveness in the choral setting. The philosophies and principles discussed in these books offer insights for teachers of the youngest singers through teenagers, in all choral settings (children's choirs, church choirs, and elementary, middle, and high school choirs).

The growing interest in both community children's choirs and choral conducting philosophy makes Working with Young Singers a timely and invaluable resource for all choral music educators.

Contributors: Betty Bertaux - Emily Ellsworth - Christy Elsner - Janet Galvan - Helen Kemp - Janeal Krehbiel - Henry Leck - Doreen Rao - Barbara M. Tagg - Anne Tomlinson

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9976b | Book | $16.95


Michael Kemp : The Choral Challenge : Book : G-6776

Michael Kemp : The Choral Challenge

From common to not-so-common problems facing choral conductors of all experience levels (from "a" for agility to "y" for yawning), Michael Kemp brings a lifetime of experience living and working in the choral world to create a truly remarkable and practical book. Kemp starts with a myriad of quick-fix solutions to common "choral challenges" and then provides in-depth explanations for choir directors who need more. He follows with sections on planning and preparation (including 62 warm-up exercises), as well as an enlightening discussion on motivating and recruiting choir members. The result is a truly comprehensive handbook representing true best practices poured into a single incredibly useful and well-organized resource. Michael Kemp is an internationally respected choral clinician, conducting more than 300 workshops and festivals over 35 years. He is conductor of the choruses and orchestras of Germantown Academy in Ft. Washington, Pennsylvania, and is a member of the legendary Kemp family of choral musicians.

Songlist: Introduction: The Human Voice, Ch 1: Loosening Up the Articulators, Ch 2: Posture And Spinal Alignment, Ch 3: Open Throat, Ch 4: Breath Support and Airflow, Ch 5: Tone Placement and Vocal Registers, Ch 6: Vowel Color and Diction, Ch 7: Vibrato, Ch 8: Other Concerns Related to the Voice, Ch 9: How To Place Singers into Correct Voice Parts, Ch 10: Considerations in Choosing Repertoire, Ch 11: Conductor Study Procedures, Ch 12: Warm-Up Exercises, Ch 13: Conductor Concerns Regarding Rehearsal, Ch 14: Additional Ideas for Energizing Rehearsal, Ch 15: What Is Different About Conducting Instruments?, Ch 16: Get Yourself Motivated First, Ch 17: The Discipline of the Conductor, Ch 18: Motivational Aspects of Rehearsing, Ch 19: Steps Toward Increasing Your Effectiveness, Ch 20: Stuck In A Rut?, Ch 21: Getting Ready for Rehearsals, Ch 22: A Successful Rehearsal Comes From A Stimulating Plan, Ch 23: Keeping Rehearsal Alive, Ch 24: Teaching Through Sports Analogies, Ch 25: People Skills for Choir Directions, Ch 26: Getting Singers to Aim Higher, Ch 27: Developing Teamwork, Ch 28: Building The Support System, Ch 29: Motivating Yourself Past Problems, and more

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6659b | Book | $39.95


Nancy Jorgensen / Catherine Pfeiler-Bielawski  : From The Trenches : Book : 000308072495 : 30/1877H

Nancy Jorgensen / Catherine Pfeiler-Bielawski : From The Trenches

So you've gotten your first choral directing job. You've assembled your rehearsal plans, beautified the choir room, and are now ready to greet your students with wide-eyed enthusiasm. The first day has begun. You wish you had a pause button. While we obviously can't help you alter the time-space continuum, From the Trenches does offer a plethora of insightful and practical information perfect for the new teacher. Written by choral educators for choral educators, this "easy read" is also a welcome resource for experienced teachers who are looking for ways to refresh and rejuvenate their choral programs.

Songlist: Great Expectations, Round And Round, I Hear America Singing, So Many Notes - So Little Time, To Everything There is A Season...And A Reason, Give My Regards to Broadway, Law And Order, Extra! Extra!, Sample Letters And Forms, Round Repertoire Recommendations, Musical Theatre Licensing Agents, Publisher Information, Index, Biographies

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7089b | Book | $19.95


Ramona M. Wis : The Conductor as Leader : Book : 7071

Ramona M. Wis : The Conductor as Leader

How do you inspire the musicians in front of you, help them to catch the fire of your vision for the group, and learn to work together as people, instead of just learning to sing or play on the beat together? How do you lead them? The leadership role of conductors is, on the one hand, obvious. As leaders, conductors have the job of cueing entrances, holding fermati, and executing final cutoffs with a flourish. But there is so much more to musical leadership: Vision, Trust, Persuasion, and Character are just a few of the concepts explored in this remarkable volume that brings the wealth of leadership literature to bear on the business of running a musical ensemble. Think Stephen Covey (of 7 Habits fame) meets Benjamin Zander (of the Boston Philharmonic). At last there is a book that applies the principles business leaders have turned to for years to the task of leading a musical ensemble. Whether you stand before a fourth grade chorus or a philharmonic orchestra, The Conductor as Leader will inspire you to go beyond teaching notes and rhythms to learning how to build connections between people that enhance their quality of life - and their musical performance.

Songlist: Acknowledgments, Opening Our Eyes, Maestro or Bob?, The Journey Begins: A Look at Leadership, To the Skeptics, the Cynics and the Realists, Lead With Vision, Little School, Big Vision, Lead Upon Trust, Are Kids Artists?, Lead By Teaching, Zoom In / Zoom Out, Lead By Persuasion, The Bully Seed, Lead With Character, Not Superheroes, Just Super Willing, The Journey Continues: Leading for the Long Term, The Greatest Leader, A Clearer Vision for Influence, About the Author

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6621b | Book | $24.95


Randy Pagel with Linda Spevacek : The Choral Director's Guide to Sanity ... and Success! : Book : 000308099256 : 30/1962H

Randy Pagel with Linda Spevacek : The Choral Director's Guide to Sanity ... and Success!

When two master teachers speak, student-and teachers-should listen. And Randy Pagel and Linda Spevacek have spoken eloquently here, befitting their combined years of incredibly successful teaching experience. Succinctly written and fully-charged with practical, step-by-step instructions, you will find nugget after nugget concerning issues confronting every choral educator every day. Wisdom on classroom management, choral rehearsal management, working with the changing male voice, developing musicianship and a complete child, organizational tips, public-relations hints, pointers for participating in tours and/or festivals, and thought-provoking quotes from a wide spectrum of sources-it's all here, written from the unique perspective of both a male and female teacher who explore how gender really affects teaching the opposite sex. Tools, rules and tips for teaching-all leading toward making your classroom a positive atmosphere, ensuring a successful choral experience for every student.

Songlist: A Music Teacher is A Teacher, Managing Your Classroom, Developing the Complete Child, Yin and Yang in the Choral Classroom, Managing Your Rehearsal, Strengthening Your Organization, Turning Your Critics into Supporters, Showcasing Your Program, Festivals, Contest and Guest Conductors, Voice Lessons in the Choral Classroom, Working with the Boy's Voices, Working with the Girl's Voices, Developing Musicianship in the Choral Classroom, Reherarsing for Musical Success, Selecting Your Choral Repertoire, Anticipation: A Key to Sustaining Success

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6399b | Book | $19.95


Royal Stanton : Dynamic Choral Conductor : Book : Royal Stanton : 35005661

Royal Stanton : Dynamic Choral Conductor

Based on Stanton's years of experience working in day-to-day conducting situations, this unrivalled book views the conductor's image, abilities, personal involvement and relationship with the singers. Full of successful rehearsal techniques, vocal exercises, programme suggestions and repertoire planning, plus practical assignments.

Songlist: Changing Conditions Of Choral Conducting, The Conductor's Communicative Techniques - Verbal, The Conductor's Communicative Techniques - Non-Verbal, The Conductor And Choral Tone, The Choral Conductor's Role In Voice Training, The Conductor And Group Musicianship, The Conductor's Many Jobs, The Conductor's Attitudes About Styles And Repertoire, The Impact Of The Conductor's Image

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9809b | Book | $19.95


Russell Robinson : Middle School Singers - Turning Their Energy Into Wonderful Choirs! : DVD : Russell L. Robinson : 00-27467

Russell Robinson : Middle School Singers - Turning Their Energy Into Wonderful Choirs!

This extraordinary DVD is packed with ideas and techniques especially for middle school and junior high choral directors, or for choral music education students. Filmed both during a convention appearance and in a classroom, Dr. Russell Robinson (along with a demonstration choir from Eisenhower Middle School, FL) shows us new and tried-and-true ways to make young and developing singers look and sound better. Learn how to take your singers' energy and put it to great use!

Songlist: Introduction, Teaching Middle School Choirs, Uniqueness of This Age Group, Middle School Boys and "Uncertain" Singers, Appropriate Literature and Voicings, Attention Spans, Discipline and Accurare Reinforcement, Rehearsal Techniques with Demonstration Choir, Warm-Ups, "Sing We and Chant It", "Shenandoah", Five Parts to a Warm-Up, Warming Down with the "oo" Vowel, Warming Up with Other Vowels, Diction Exercise, Chordal Warm-Up, Thoughts on the Pre-Performance Warm-Up, Pre-Performance Warm-Up for "Sing We and Chant It", Performance of "Sing We and Chant It", Closing Comments

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6510dvd | DVD | $39.95


Sally K. Albrecht : Harmony Handbook : 2-Part : Songbook : 038081549170  : 00-47906

Sally K. Albrecht : Harmony Handbook

A treasure trove of choral pedagogy! This step-by-step guide will take beginners from unison to two-part singing by focusing on the underlying aural and developmental skills necessary for success. Sequential chapters on unison, echo, round, and partner singing serve as benchmarks along the way to full harmony. Each of ten carefully curated songs is prefaced with a two-page rehearsal guide that targets essential objectives and suggests exercises and activities designed to introduce, explore, and master the pieces. Learn how to anticipate and address musical challenges for this repertoire, then transfer these masterful techniques to your entire program.

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Voicing: 2-Part | 40823b | Songbook | $29.95

Other Voicings: 2-Part,


Sandra Snow : Choral Conducting / Teaching : DVD : Sandra Snow : DVD-800

Sandra Snow : Choral Conducting / Teaching bestseller

On this extraordinary DVD, master conductor Sandra Snow outlines a new paradigm for choral teaching and rehearsing within performance-based classes. Through emphasizing how to develop teaching strategies from the podium, Dr. Snow presents a systematic, pragmatic approach. The heart of this DVD features 38 mini-rehearsal segments of Dr. Snow, Jonathan Reed, and colleagues teaching and leading a variety of mixed, women's, and men's choirs at the high school and college levels. These segments model how to continually analyze and respond to the sounds being produced by an ensemble. Extensive, full-color animated graphics support the score study and analysis sections of this DVD, as well as the helpful, step-by-step demonstrations of the process of improving keyboard and perceptive listening skills. For any practitioner of the choral arts, this DVD takes a groundbreaking approach to the role of the conductor/teacher, helping to bring true growth to the musicianship of choral singers. Sandra Snow is Associate Professor of Music Education and Choral Conducting at the Michigan State University College of Music. She is a nationally known choral clinician, conductor, and music

Songlist: Developing diagnostic rehearsal strategies, Capitalizing on teachable moments in rehearsal, Productive score study, Unlocking imagination in teaching, Formulating a personal yet authentic interpretation of a piece, Planning rehearsals based on one's individual musical interpretation, Increasing keyboard skills for rehearsal, Learning how to listen to one's choir with discriminating ears, Empowering a student's full musical potential, The Role of the Conductor, An Organic Approach to Musical Understanding, Unlocking Imagination, The Productive Rehearsal, Vocal Warm Ups, Rehearsal Techniques

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6666dvd | DVD | $29.95


Shirlee Emmons / Constance Chase : Prescriptions for Choral Excellence : Book : 0-19-518242-1

Shirlee Emmons / Constance Chase : Prescriptions for Choral Excellence

In shaping choral tone, directors often wish to improve the sound of their choir, but are challenged to pinpoint underlying problems or to guide singers toward solutions. Now, in Prescriptions for Choral Excellence, skilled vocal pedagogue Shirlee Emmons and leading choral director Constance Chase equip choral directors with the practical tools they need to help singers achieve peak choral performance. Drawing on years of experience, Emmons and Chase help choral directors and singers effectively diagnose and resolve problems. They cover topics ranging from breath management and diction to range and intonation, and much more. Beyond describing vocal difficulties, the book provides concrete instructions on how to apply the concepts in day-to-day rehearsal and performance. The numerous practical exercises and planning aides allow directors to maximize both time and talent to elicit the highest potential from their singers. While grounded in the most up-to-date research in voice science, the discussion of vocal anatomy and function is accessible to readers with no previous knowledge of voice science. Going beyond other vocal and choral guidebooks, the authors also apply the most current theories in leadership principles and group dynamics to choral settings, helping directors translate their natural musicality and charisma into inspiring and motivational leadership. A comprehensive and unique blend of practical expertise, voice science, and leadership psychology, Prescriptions for Choral Excellence is an invaluable guide for all choral directors seeking to create memorable and remarkable performances.

Songlist: Breath Management, Diction And Intelligibility, Tone And Intonation, The Individual Singer, The Warmup And Training Period, Some Practical Solutions to Leadership Issues, Leadership Theory For Reference, Practice And Imagery, Mental Skills

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6316b | Book | $43.95


Stephen Sieck : Teaching with Respect: Inclusive Pedagogy for Choral Directors : Book : 888680666941 : 1495097668 : 00217537

Stephen Sieck : Teaching with Respect: Inclusive Pedagogy for Choral Directors

This is a book for choral directors who find themselves in conversations they might not feel ready to have. Teaching with Respect prompts us to ask deeper questions about the language we use, about systems of power, about our heritage and inheritance. When we examine our teaching, we may find that, while we do not intentionally act with racism, sexism, or bigotry, we may be complicit in adopting systems and language that marginalize and discriminate. But since we want to be the kind of directors that foster artistic communities built on respect, we must be willing to ask such questions. And the burden cannot be on our singers who are being marginalized to teach us a more respectful path; it is on us to learn how it is that we are marginalizing. In this book we look closely at our teaching strategies. How does our repertoire and instruction intersect with our singers' identities, specifically their learning abilities, gender, sexuality, religion, ethnicity, and race? How do we engage with our audience? The book suggests an ethical approach to teaching choral music that is centered on respecting the singers in front of us. Readers will discover ways to maintain and elevate their artistic standards of excellence while also expanding their mindset.

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4478b | Book | $24.95


Steven Demorest : Building Choral Excellence  : Book : 0195165500

Steven Demorest : Building Choral Excellence

Designed for both the practicing choral director and the choral methods student, this is a compact and comprehensive overview of the many teaching methods, strategies, materials, and assessments available for choral sight-singing instruction. Sight-singing is an important, if sometimes neglected, facet of choral music education that often inspires fear and uncertainty in student and teacher alike. Written in an accessible style, this book takes the mystery out of teaching music reading. Topics covered include the history of sight-singing pedagogy and research, prominent methods and materials, and practical strategies for teaching and assessment. This is the only book to provide such a wealth of information under one cover and will become an essential part of every choral conductor's library.

Songlist: Part I: Why Teach Sight-Singing?, A History of Sight-Singing Instruction in the United States, What Research Offers Teachers, Part II: How to Teach Sight-Singing, System and Methods of Instruction, Sight-Singing Lesson Models, Integrating Sight-Singing into the Choral Rehearsal, Sight-Singing Assessment Procedures, Part III: What Materials Are Available?, Materials, Review of Materials

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6057b | Book | $59.95


Tim Lautzenheiser / James Jordan : The School Choral Program: Student Motivation : DVD : James Jordan : DVD-767

Tim Lautzenheiser / James Jordan : The School Choral Program: Student Motivation

To build a successful high school music program is to empower student leaders. But what does it really mean to be a student leader? How can they make a difference? In this brilliant DVD, master clinician Tim Lautzenheiser speaks to the students of the Central Bucks West High School choir and band about how to bring leadership thinking into their everyday lives and music making. He offers a clear perspective of what is possible when young leaders choose excellence as the foundation of their leadership mission. James Jordan encourages these same students to keep focus on why they connect through music, and on the rewards that come from those connections. And together, James and Tim discuss the risk-taking that is needed by both conductor and ensemble when true music happens. This DVD is a companion to the definitive choral methods text The School Choral Program, which breaks new ground in choral music education and provides choral directors with the tools they need to be successful in the classroom and at the podium.

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6660dvd | DVD | $24.95


Timothy Seelig : Quick Fixes : Book : Timothy Seelig : 747510189909 : 1592352464 : 35023658

Timothy Seelig : Quick Fixes

Rehearsal begins with the same, standard warm-ups. What do you do when the choir starts the repertoire and all of the beautiful singing heard during warm-ups goes out the window? It's obviously too late to run into your office to find a book with answers about choral technique! We have the cure for what ails you! Grab Tim Seelig's Quick Fixes: Prescriptions for Every Choral Challenge from the pocket of your choral folder, quickly identify the symptom in the index, read the plan of treatment, and immediately fix the problem .. right on the spot! This handy budget-stretching book is full of concepts that singers understand and can incorporate into their singing. You'll find that next time the singers reach that problem spot in the music, they will remember the prescription! Remedies without the side effects! This resource is just the insurance you need to provide the specific prescription for every choral vocal challenge. You'll be on the road to a strong, healthy performance!

Songlist: Posture/Alignment, Breathing, Phonation, Resonance, Articulation/Vowels, Blend, Intonation, Communication, Memorazition

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6674b | Book | $12.95


Timothy Seelig : The Perfect Choral Workbook : 01 Book & CD-ROM : Timothy Seelig : 747510186007 : 1592351999 : 35022833

Timothy Seelig : The Perfect Choral Workbook

In his third book for Shawnee Press, following the two best-sellers "The Perfect Blend" and "The Perfect Rehearsal," Timothy Seelig (former longtime director of the Turtle Creek Chorale in Dallas, professor at SMU, and current Director of Art at the Hope for Peace and Justice Center,) presents invaluable tools to organizing your choral program - whether you are a church choral conductor, or a school director. The Perfect Choral Workbook is organized into several chapters (reviewing your situation, planning ahead, rehearsing, communicating, vocal resources, post-concert tasks, etc.) with 48 'forms' to help you get organized. The book includes descriptions, practical uses, and samples of the form, and the CD-ROM includes blank versions of each (in Word and as PDFs) for you to print and use. Seelig covers every aspect of choral conducting, from the most exciting to the most mundane yet necessary tasks. Get yourself organized with this great new resource!

Songlist: Looking Back, Looking Ahead, Looking Around, Looking Inside...The Music, It's Time to Rehearse, Communication, After The Concert, Kitchen Sink, Lists, Vocal Resources, Additional Resources

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6855b | Book & CD-ROM | $34.95


Timothy Sharp : Mentoring in the Ensemble Arts : Book : Tim Sharp : G-7961

Timothy Sharp : Mentoring in the Ensemble Arts

Conductors are artists - but they also have a singular responsibility to go beyond the music to nurture the inner voices of their ensemble members. In Mentoring in the Ensemble Arts, author Tim Sharp examines the mentor/protege dynamic and its critical impact on the lives of ensembles and their conductors. Sharp draws from research, his own experience as a choir conductor, mentor, and protege, and his travels as Executive Director of the American Choral Directors Association. The result is a profound portrait of this rarely discussed aspect of a conductor's life. Coming full circle, Mentoring in the Ensemble Arts reinforces a conductor's own desire to develop his or her own personal learning community to continually strive for excellence by being a protege to other leaders. The goal of this book is to help the conductor realize the full potential of the mentor/protege relationship and to assist both mentor and protege in achieving the best possible benefits of these relationships. The result will be better music making and more fulfilled human beings for generations to come.

Songlist: Recititive, The Mentoring Environment of the Ensemble, Arioso, Mentoring Defined, Listening for the Voice, The Power of the Mentor, Are Mentors Born of Built?, The Mentor as Leader, The Ongoing Process, Hearing the Voice, The Imperative of Interconnectedness, Skill Set, What we Learn and What We Do, Refining the Voice, Locate Greatness, Mentoring to Greatness

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7453b | Book | $21.95


Various : The Music Director's Cookbook: Creative Recipes for a Successful Program : Book : 073999473353 : 1574630393 : 00317149

Various : The Music Director's Cookbook: Creative Recipes for a Successful Program

A stimulating collection of unique concepts on teaching and conducting by 57 of today's most outstanding music educators. Contains to-the-point, thought-provoking ideas proven successful by master teacher-conductors. Problem solving tips, philosophical concepts and ensemble-building skills all in one easy-to-read collection. An ideal source of exciting strategies for all levels of performance ensembles. Proceeds from the sale of this book go to The American Music Conference.

Songlist: Saliferous Silence - Mark Aldrich, All Music Begins With A Good Breath - Kenneth Amis, Enhancing Espressiveness Through Accurate Dynamic Placement - Terry Austin, Personal Growth/Development - Frank Battisti, How To Cook Your Favorite Meals Without The Exact Ingredients - Jay Bocook, Food For Thought: Does Your Band Sound Better From The Back - Peter Loel Boonshaft, Guidelines For Choral Music Selection - Lynn M. Brinckmeyer, Marking The Score For Better Eye Contact - Charles F. Campbell Jr., Educating Future Music Consumers - John E. Casagrande, A Healthy Serving - Reber Clark, Healthy Repertoire For Successful Band Programs - James Cochran, Teaching Creativity Through The Use Of Graphic Notation - Michel Colgrass, Linear Balance - Gary Corcoran, Creating Better Balance And Raising Student Awareness - Paula A. Crider, The Z Dimension In Performance - Thomas C. Duffy, Structuring Taped Assignments For Maximum Learning - Cheryl Floyd, For Wholesome Nutrtion, The Music Matters - Richard Flotd, Involving Teachers In The School Band Program - Eileen Fraedrich, Serve It Fresh - Rob Franzblau, Balanced Percussion Education -David C. Fullmer, Commissioning A New Work Of Music - David R. Gillingham, Program Planning - Steven Grimo, Well Rounded Teaching And Balanced Learning Outcomes - Alan Gumm, The Great Musical Adventure - Frederick Harris, Ensuring Success When Matching Beginners With Instruments - Samuel Hazo, Teaching Principles Of Melodic Interpretation - Leslie Hicken, Selecting Music And Methodology - Roy Holder, The Pitch Barometer - Shelley Jagow, Preserving Your Musicians - William Jastrow, First There Was Tone - Barry Kopetz, and more

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6356b | Book | $24.95


Various : Teaching Music through Performance in Choir Volume 2 : Book : G-7100

Various : Teaching Music through Performance in Choir Volume 2

Written, researched, and compiled by choral scholars and educators with a wealth of teaching and conducting experience, Teaching Music through Performance in Choir, Volume 2 aids conductors and educators on the quest toward full musical awareness. This book is an ideal tool for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the preeminent music composed for choir and a wonderful opportunity to learn from some of the most expert voices in the choral profession. Contributing composers: Jerry Blackstone, Janet Giavan, Ann Howard Jones, James Jordan, Libby Larsen, Heather J. Buchanan and Matthew W. Mehaffey.

Songlist: The Teachiing Of Music, Does It Communicate? Finding Musical Nuance And Inspiration Through Score Study, The Literate ChoirTo Text Or Not To Text: That Is The Question, Preparing The Chorus For Performance With Orchestrial Accompianment, The Conductor's Dream: Score BAsed Imagination, Improvisation And Inspiration, Composing Words And Music, Enhancing Musical Performance Through Pedantic Pedogogy

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6469b | Book | $44.95


Various : Choral Reflections: Insights from American Choral Conductor-Teachers : Book : 840126949018 : 1705124674 : 00360490

Various : Choral Reflections: Insights from American Choral Conductor-Teachers

This compendium represents the glimmering of the North Star. All thought-leaders and outstanding practitioners of our time, these authors have provided myriad ways to navigate through the messy, deafening, and sometimes terrifying chaos around us. Choral Reflections offers inspiration, ideas, and insights for conductor-teachers at any stage. The goal for Choral Reflections is to provide a platform for a new and more representative cross-section of American choral conductor-teachers to share their reflections, beliefs, values, and visions for the choral art. The thirty contributors are: Hilary Apfelstadt, Anton Armstrong, Geoffrey Boers, Edith A. Copley, Rollo A. Dilworth, Jason Max Ferdinand, Lynne Gackle, Janet Galvan, Lynnel Joy Jenkins, Craig Hella Johnson, Ann Howard Jones, Henry H. Leck, Iris S. Levine, Fernando Malvar-Ruiz, Kevin McBeth, Marcela Molina, Gary Packwood, Rosephanye Powell, Amanda Quist, Doreen Rao, Jeffery B. Redding, Eugene Rogers, Diana V. Saez, Pearl Shangkuan, Tom Shelton, Sandra Snow, Andre J. Thomas, Betsy Cook Weber, Brad Wells, and Jace Kaholokula Saplan.

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10093b | Book | $29.95


Weston H. Noble, Anton E. Armstrong, Joseph Flummerfelt  : Teaching Music through Performance in Choir : Book : 6534

Weston H. Noble, Anton E. Armstrong, Joseph Flummerfelt : Teaching Music through Performance in Choir

Written, researched, and compiled by scholars with a wealth of teaching and conducting experience, Teaching Music through Performance in Choir is an indispensable resource that enables conductors and educators to move beyond the printed page toward full musical awareness. This book is an ideal tool for anyone who seeks a deeper understanding of the preeminent music composed for choir and who wishes to learn from some of the seminal voices in the choral profession. In Part I of the book, noted choral directors and educators Frank Abrahams, Anton E. Armstrong, Joseph Flummerfelt, Graeme Morton, and Weston H. Noble, cover such topics as breath control, stylistic awareness from polyphony through the Classical period, the challenges of modern music, "Performance Practice in the African American Slave Song," and "Meeting the National Standards through Choral Performance." Part II establishes a new system for grading the difficulty of choral repertoire, and contains nuts-and-bolts analysis of more than 100 of the most significant works for choir composed, Levels 1 through 5. Repertoire Resource Guides include information on the composer and composition, historical background, technical requirements, stylistic considerations, musical elements, suggestions for additional listening, and a guide to selected references. Also included is an in-depth study of Gabriel Faure's Requiem, completed by Bruce Chamberlain, Anthony Reeves, and Matthew Mehaffey. This portion includes, an extended history of the work, graphical analyses, and rehearsal strategies for both choir and orchestra.

Songlist: Does It Sing?, Does It Dance? Stylistic Awareness From Polyphony To The Classical Period, Practical Performance Practice in the African American Slave Song, Modern Music, Meeting National Standards For Music Education Through Choral Performance

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6245b | Book | $44.95

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