Conducting & Performing

Chorus America advances the artistry of choruses by providing masterclasses for choral conductors, sessions on repertoire and performance practice, convenings of artistic directors, research on conducting careers and transitions, information on performance trends and innovations, and forums for discussion of artistic issues.

Articles

On Tour with the Eric Whitacre Singers

On Tour with the Eric Whitacre Singers

Kelsey Menehan | Audiences, Conducting, Performance, Repertoire, Singing, Venue

The Eric Whitacre Singers recently made its debut U.S. tour in March, organized and presented by Distinguished Concerts International New York (DCINY.) Chorus America asked four of the Singers to provide some insight into life on the road, performing in American venues, and working with a choral "rock star."    Read more

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Singing and Healthy Aging

Singing and Healthy Aging

Kelsey Menehan | Adults/Seniors, Health, Performance, Singing

Whether taking up a new activity or continuing a lifelong practice, older adults who sing are reaping a host of social and health benefits. Read more

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Conductor's Corner: Tips for Healthy Rehearsals

Conductor's Corner: Tips for Healthy Rehearsals

Kelsey Menehan | Conducting, Health, Rehearsal, Singing, Technique/Tool

As wonderful and therapeutic as choral singing can be, the rehearsal process is sometimes stressful for both singers and conductors. Here are a few ideas for creating a hospitable and healthy space that enhances the body, mind, and spirit of all involved.  Read more

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Member Spotlight: Dominick DiOrio, Composer and Choral Conductor, Indiana University

Member Spotlight: Dominick DiOrio, Composer and Choral Conductor, Indiana University

Kelsey Menehan | Composing/Commissioning, Education, General, Impact/Value, Innovation, Participation, Performance, Professional, Singing

Dominick DiOrio is one of the youngest people ever to be hired on the conducting faculty at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. He leads the Contemporary Vocal Ensemble, a 30-member auditioned ensemble that specializes in music of the last 50 years. Chorus America talked to DiOrio about his own compositions and his passion for finding and performing the music of contemporary composers. Read more

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Can Everybody Sing?

Can Everybody Sing?

Singer and Composer Melanie DeMore Says Yes!

Kelsey Menehan | Audiences, Community Outreach, Conducting, Diversity, Participation, Performance, Rehearsal, Singing, Technique/Tool

Singer and composer Melanie DeMore enjoys nothing more than gathering together a group of people and forming a spontaneous choir. “I think that singing in a community allows people to have a certain bigness that they cannot have in a solitary way,” she says. In this Chorus America interview, DeMore talks about the importance of spreading the gift of choral singing far and wide.  Read more

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Member Spotlight: Jerry Rubino, Voices of Experience, Minneapolis

Member Spotlight: Jerry Rubino, Voices of Experience, Minneapolis

Kelsey Menehan | Adults/Seniors, Community Outreach, Conducting, Education, General, Health, Professional, Singing, Symphonic

After 23 years of many roles with the Dale Warland Singers, including associate conductor, Jerry Rubino is leading a new "artistically ambitious" choir of seniors called Voices of Experience. Chorus America talked to Rubino about what he calls his "ministry" of music—how he encourages singers to bring their full, expressive selves to singing. Read more

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Celebrating the Life of Diane Loomer, C.M. 1940-2012

Celebrating the Life of Diane Loomer, C.M. 1940-2012

Chorus America Staff | Careers, General, Profile

On December 10th, the choral world lost one of its celebrated and respected choral conductors. Diane Loomer died in Vancouver, Canada after a short illness. She was 72. Here Chorus America board members Susan Knight and Leonard Ratzlaff remember their colleague and friend. Read more

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Remembering Dave Brubeck

Remembering Dave Brubeck

Tom Hall | Careers, Composing/Commissioning, General, Impact/Value, Profile

Music director and radio host Tom Hall remembers his friend and colleague, jazz musician Dave Brubeck, who passed away just short of his 92nd birthday. Read more

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Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem

Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem

An Act of International Reconciliation

Dr John Evans | Audiences, Composing/Commissioning, Conducting, History, Impact/Value, Performance, Repertoire

As the world celebrates the centenary of this central figure of 20th century classical music, noted scholar John Evans illuminates the power and impact of his great choral-orchestral work. Read more

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Conductor's Corner: When What You Say Is Not What You Get

Conductor's Corner: When What You Say Is Not What You Get

Axel Theimer | Adults/Seniors, Conducting, Education, Performance, Rehearsal, Research/Data, Singing

Do you feel like the instructions you are giving your singers in rehearsal are not getting the desired result? Conductor Axel Theimer, the founder and artistic director of the Twin Cities-based Kantorei, has developed new approaches that align with research on how humans learn best. Consider his strategies for putting your singers at ease and tapping into their abilities. Read more

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Resources

'Music Director Transition' Tool: Orientation Materials Checklist

'Music Director Transition' Tool: Orientation Materials Checklist

Chorus America Staff | Careers, Conducting, Governance, Operations, Sample/Template, Strategic Planning

A checklist of documents and organizational background to prepare for the incoming music director. Read more

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'Music Director Transition' Tool: Developing a Communications Plan

'Music Director Transition' Tool: Developing a Communications Plan

Chorus America Staff | Careers, Conducting, Governance, Marketing/Public Relations, Sample/Template, Strategic Planning, Technique/Tool

A worksheet to help choruses communicate to all constituents in the event of an artistic founder transition. Read more

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'Music Director Transition' Tool: Determining Your Organizational Direction

'Music Director Transition' Tool: Determining Your Organizational Direction

Chorus America Staff | Careers, Conducting, Governance, Strategic Planning, Technique/Tool

Thirteen questions to help determine the future of the chorus when an artistic founder transition is imminent. Read more

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'Music Director Transition' Tool: Building Your Search Budget

'Music Director Transition' Tool: Building Your Search Budget

Chorus America Staff | Careers, Conducting, Finance, Governance, Operations, Strategic Planning, Technique/Tool

Searching for new artistic leadership requires its own budget. This list of income and expense considerations will help. Read more

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'Music Director Transition' Tool: Annual Employee Performance Evaluation Guidelines

'Music Director Transition' Tool: Annual Employee Performance Evaluation Guidelines

Chorus America Staff | Careers, Conducting, Evaluation, Governance, Strategic Planning, Technique/Tool

Ten helpful guidelines to help establish a healthy annual performance review process for the music director of your chorus. Read more

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'Music Director Transition' Tool: Action Plan Matrix

'Music Director Transition' Tool: Action Plan Matrix

Chorus America Staff | Careers, Conducting, Governance, Sample/Template, Strategic Planning

A worksheet to help choruses plan for founding artistic leadership transitions. Read more

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'Music Director Transition' Tool: 4 Tips for Building Your Board

'Music Director Transition' Tool: 4 Tips for Building Your Board

Chorus America Staff | Careers, Conducting, Governance, Recruitment, Strategic Planning

A founder transition requires strong leadership from the board. Is your board ready? Read more

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'Music Director Transition' Tool: 3 Key Transition Questions

'Music Director Transition' Tool: 3 Key Transition Questions

Chorus America Staff | Careers, Conducting, Governance, Operations, Sample/Template, Strategic Planning

Questions to answer as you begin a founding music director transition. Read more

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The Choral Music of Ruth Watson Henderson

The Choral Music of Ruth Watson Henderson

Chorus America Staff | Composing/Commissioning, Conducting, Repertoire, Research/Data

Research Memorandum Series No. 198 Read more

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Events

Annual Holiday Concert featuring Handel's "Messiah"

Annual Holiday Concert featuring Handel's "Messiah"

222-05 56th Avenue, Bayside, Queens, NY

LeeAnn Close | Adults/Seniors, Audiences, General, Performance, Singing

The Oratorio Society of Queens performs portions of Handel's “Messiah,” as well as traditional Christmas favorites and Chanukah songs on Sunday, December 16 at 4:00 pm in the Queensborough Performing Arts Center. This Queens’ institution will continue its 85th Anniversary Season with 125-plus members under the direction of Maestro David Close. Featured soloists performing include Geraldine McMillian, soprano, Dory Schultz, tenor, Vaughn Fritts, bass-baritone, and Guest Artist Cantor Jerry Korobow with the Orchestra Arts Ensemble of Queens. Read more

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Pacific Mozart Ensemble's The Warmth of Holidays Around the Globe

Pacific Mozart Ensemble's The Warmth of Holidays Around the Globe

2727 College Avenue, Berkeley, CA

Dale Engle | Diversity, Performance

The Pacific Mozart Ensemble presents The Warmth of Holidays Around the Globe, with new and traditional music from Cuba, England, Russia, Brazil, Europe and the U.S. More info at www.pacificmozart.org Read more

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Pacific Mozart Ensemble's The Warmth of Holidays Around the Globe

Pacific Mozart Ensemble's The Warmth of Holidays Around the Globe

401 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA

Dale Engle | Diversity, Performance

The Pacific Mozart Ensemble presents The Warmth of Holidays Around the Globe, with new and traditional music from Cuba, England, Russia, Brazil, Europe and the U.S. More info at www.pacificmozart.org Read more

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Twentieth-Century Voices

Twentieth-Century Voices

Boston, MA

Coro Allegro | Adults/Seniors, Diversity, General, Performance, Singing, Volunteer

Coro Allegro kicks off its 20th season with Artistic Director David Hodgkins with a concert of some of their favorite 20th-century composers: Pinkham (Christmas Cantata), Britten (Festival Te Deum), Poulenc (Chansons Françaises) and Kodaly (Missa Brevis). Read more

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'Tis the Season - Holiday Music for Chorus and Brass

'Tis the Season - Holiday Music for Chorus and Brass

101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria, VA

Alexandria Chor... | Singing

Alexandria Choral Society's annual holiday concert, featuring a brass quintet and new chamber ensemble, Pro Coro Alexandria.  Included in the program are the two winning compositions of ACS's annual Winter Carol Competition for Alexandria-area students.  Read more

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Christmas in the Southwest with the New Jersey Chamber Singers

Christmas in the Southwest with the New Jersey Chamber Singers

Toms River, NJ 08753

New Jersey Cham... | Adults/Seniors, Audiences, Diversity, Education, Performance, Repertoire, Singing

Feliz Navidad! This December, the New Jersey Chamber Singers invite you to embark on our journey to the Southwest.  This concert features music inspired by the mysteries of the Old World as well as the dance-infused music from the New World.  Come hear works by composers such as Victoria, Aguiar and Estevez in addition to the concert's focal point, Conrad Susa's Carols and Lullabies: Christmas in the Southwest, featuring guitar, harp and marimba.  Don't miss your chance to spice up this holiday season with NJCS! $20 adults / $5 students Purchase tickets at http://www.eventbrite.com/event/4632887090?ref=ecal or at the door. Read more

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Christmas in the Southwest with the New Jersey Chamber Singers

Christmas in the Southwest with the New Jersey Chamber Singers

Red Bank, NJ 07701

New Jersey Cham... | Adults/Seniors, Audiences, Diversity, Education, General, Performance, Repertoire

Feliz Navidad! This December, the New Jersey Chamber Singers invite you to embark on our journey to the Southwest.  This concert features music inspired by the mysteries of the Old World as well as the dance-infused music from the New World.  Come hear works by composers such as Victoria, Aguiar and Estevez in addition to the concert's focal point, Conrad Susa's Carols and Lullabies: Christmas in the Southwest, featuring guitar, harp and marimba.  Don't miss your chance to spice up this holiday season with NJCS! $20 adults / $5 students Purchase tickets at http://www.eventbrite.com/event/4632879066?ref=ecal or at the door. Read more

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Christmas in the Southwest with the New Jersey Chamber Singers

Christmas in the Southwest with the New Jersey Chamber Singers

New Egypt, NJ 08533

New Jersey Cham... | Adults/Seniors, Audiences, Diversity, Performance, Repertoire, Singing

Feliz Navidad! This December, the New Jersey Chamber Singers invite you to embark on our journey to the Southwest.  This concert features music inspired by the mysteries of the Old World as well as the dance-infused music from the New World.  Come hear works by composers such as Victoria, Aguiar and Estevez in addition to the concert's focal point, Conrad Susa's Carols and Lullabies: Christmas in the Southwest, featuring guitar, harp and marimba.  Don't miss your chance to spice up this holiday season with NJCS! $20 adults / $5 students Purchase tickets at: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/4632869036?ref=ecal or at the door. Read more

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Christmas in the Southwest with the New Jersey Chamber Singers

Christmas in the Southwest with the New Jersey Chamber Singers

Neptune , NJ 07753

New Jersey Cham... | Adults/Seniors, Audiences, Performance, Repertoire, Singing

Feliz Navidad! This December, the New Jersey Chamber Singers invite you to embark on our journey to the Southwest.  This concert features music inspired by the mysteries of the Old World as well as the dance-infused music from the New World.  Come hear works by composers such as Victoria, Aguiar and Estevez in addition to the concert's focal point, Conrad Susa's Carols and Lullabies: Christmas in the Southwest, featuring guitar, harp and marimba.  Don't miss your chance to spice up this holiday season with NJCS! $20 adults / $5 students Purchase tickets at http://www.eventbrite.com/event/4632720592?ref=ecal or at the door. Read more

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Messiah Sing with the New Jersey Chamber Singers November 30, 2012

Messiah Sing with the New Jersey Chamber Singers November 30, 2012

Beach Haven, NJ 08008

New Jersey Cham... | Adults/Seniors, Audiences, Community Outreach, Performance, Repertoire, Singing

Hear snippets of the Christmas in the Southwest concert series, then sing along to Handel's Messiah with the New Jersey Chamber Singers. Admission is free, but a collection will be taken. Buffet dinner follows the event. http://njchambersingers.org/njcs/Concerts/ Read more

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Dialogue

Questions During Rehearsal?

Questions During Rehearsal?

Anonymous | Rehearsal, Singing

Conductors, do you let your singers ask questions during rehearsal? What are the pros and cons? Read more

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