For Singers

Chorus America champions the dedicated choral singer by developing online resources and tools to advance skills and promoting connections between singers. We recognize that choral singing is the most popular form of participation in the performing arts, that choral singers are active and engaged citizens, and that children who sing have greater academic success and social skills.

Articles

Advocating for the Arts: One Chorister's Advice

Advocating for the Arts: One Chorister's Advice

Glen Howard | Impact/Value

In times of economic drought, singers and choruses wonder if and how their chorus will survive. Glen Howard, arts consultant and choral singer, shares his insights about approaching potential funders and making a compelling case for choral music. Read more

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What Is "Shape-Note" Singing?

What Is "Shape-Note" Singing?

Elisabeth Higgi... | History, Repertoire, Singing, Technique/Tool

In this musical tradition, singers read a variety of different note shapes—each one corresponding to a different syllable: fa, so, la, or mi. Read more

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From Choral to Solo...and Back Again?

From Choral to Solo...and Back Again?

Kelsey Menehan | Careers, Professional, Singing

Like oil on water, there's probably good reason for the conventional wisdom that solo singing and choral singing just don't mix. And yet, there are growing numbers of professional singers who are bridging both worlds and are building complete and joyful careers singing both solo and choral repertoire. In fact, for many, it is the choral part of their careers that is most gratifying to them. Read more

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Why I Love Singing with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus

Why I Love Singing with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus

...And What I Learned

Meaghan Curry | Impact/Value, Profile, Singing, Symphonic

What does a singer learn after a year-and-a-half and 28 performances with a chorus? Singer Meaghan Curry, an alto with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus, reflects on just that. Read more

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Ligeti in Winter

Ligeti in Winter

Gregory Boals | Audiences, Impact/Value, Rehearsal, Repertoire, Singing, Symphonic

Much in the same way you might stop and get to know your neighbors during a snowstorm, a difficult piece can draw singers together in solidarity amdist the flurry of notes. Read more

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Drink Up!

Drink Up!

Michael Shaughnessy | Health, Singing

You might think that, as singers, we'd be much more in tune, so to speak, with the need for regular replenishment of our "precious bodily fluids." But this is not necessarily so. Read more

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Deliberate Practice

Deliberate Practice

Michael Shaughnessy | Education, Participation, Rehearsal, Singing

You might consider any type of practice to be deliberate, but it may take a very specific kind of practice to achieve real proficiency. Read more

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Conquering the B Minor Mass

Conquering the B Minor Mass

Chorus America Staff | Composing/Commissioning, History, Rehearsal, Repertoire, Technique/Tool

The Bach B Minor Mass takes Olympian fortitude to learn and perform. In this interview with conductor and historian Dennis Shrock, we take a look at the history of the work and what singers can do to make the performance experience easier on themselves. Read more

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Music Theory Crash Course: The Very Basics

Music Theory Crash Course: The Very Basics

Chorus America Staff | Technique/Tool

What is a staff? Which note goes where? And what does Botox have to do with it? Read more

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Music Theory Crash Course: Scales

Music Theory Crash Course: Scales

Chorus America Staff | Education, Technique/Tool

You can admit it: You have often thought about the many traits that reptiles and musicians share, haven't you? So then you know that, besides exceptional dexterity and slightly odd-looking faces, reptiles and musicians both need scales. Read more

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Resources

Singer Handbook Table of Contents

Singer Handbook Table of Contents

Chorus America Staff | Operations, Performance, Rehearsal, Sample/Template, Singing

Most choruses provide singers with a handbook for participation; use this sample table of contents to make sure you haven't forgotten any policies. Read more

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Access and Accommodation Resources

Access and Accommodation Resources

Chorus America Staff | Diversity, Legal/Licensing, Operations, Singing, Technique/Tool

A list of resources to help choruses provide reasonable accommodation in accordance with ADA regulations. Read more

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Daily Warm-Ups to Prepare for the New Choral Season

Daily Warm-Ups to Prepare for the New Choral Season

Kathy Fitzgibbon | Singing, Technique/Tool

You wouldn't run a marathon on your first day back from a jogging hiatus. The same concept applies to singing. Head of faculty at Berkshire Choral Festival and director of choral activities at Lewis and Clark College, Kathy Fitzgibbon, offers her advice for coming back to singing after a summer off. Read more

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Sing Along with Melanie DeMore

Sing Along with Melanie DeMore

Melanie DeMore | Singing, Technique/Tool

Warm up your voice with Melanie DeMore during this "Morning Sing" at Chorus America's 2011 Conference in San Francisco. Her exuberant energy and innovative technique for teaching the songs are at the core of these refreshing and uplifting clips. Read more

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Yoga for Singers: Introduction

Yoga for Singers: Introduction

Justin Montigne | Health, Singing, Technique/Tool

The ancient practice of yoga can help you establish good singing posture, become aware of your body, and use your breath effectively. Read more

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Yoga for Singers: Why Yoga?

Yoga for Singers: Why Yoga?

Justin Montigne | Health, Singing, Technique/Tool

Instructor Justin Montigne explains how the practice of yoga or proprioceptive awareness can benefit singers. Read more

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Yoga for Singers: Twists

Yoga for Singers: Twists

Justin Montigne | Health, Singing, Technique/Tool

Long seated rehearsal? Alleviate tiredness in the lower back with this simple twist. Read more

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Yoga for Singers: Pose for Sitting and Singing

Yoga for Singers: Pose for Sitting and Singing

Justin Montigne | Health, Singing, Technique/Tool

Learn to find your "sitting bones" and develop a grounded posture for seated singing. Read more

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Yoga for Singers: Lunge

Yoga for Singers: Lunge

Justin Montigne | Health, Singing, Technique/Tool

Learn how tension in the tailbone can negatively affect your singing, and how to counteract it with a lunge exercise. Read more

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Yoga for Singers: Internal/External Rotation

Yoga for Singers: Internal/External Rotation

Justin Montigne | Health, Singing, Technique/Tool

The bones in the body can move in internal or external rotation -- learn how to recognize the difference between these two motions and develop an awareness for how they can be used to reduce tension. Read more

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Events

Choral Arts presents Life Stories: The Choral Music of Eric Barnum

Choral Arts presents Life Stories: The Choral Music of Eric Barnum

Seattle, WA

Choral Arts | Audiences, Children/Youth, Community Outreach, Composing/Commissioning, Conducting, Education, General, Performance, Repertoire

An extraordinary concert devoted to the luminous harmonies and deep spirituality of one of America's foremost choral composers, Eric Barnum. This program features many of Barnum's most alluring works and includes the Seattle premiere of "Human Heart", performed as a combined finale with six exceptional student choirs. During the evening, Choral Arts will also premiere "Chronologic", its annual Finding Your Voice poetry contest commission. For more information visit: http://www.choral-arts.org/concerts/life-stories.html Read more

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NATURE SINGS:  A Celebration of Earth, Sea and Sky

NATURE SINGS: A Celebration of Earth, Sea and Sky

Washington, DC

Debby McConnell | Performance

From the triumphant majesty of snow covered mountains to the hypnotic tranquility of a babbling brook, the sights and sounds of nature have been a source of inspiration for some of the the world’s most powerful and transcendent music. Come experience a diverse selection of choral works inspired by the beauty of the earth, from the warble of a songbird to the crashing waves of the sea. It will be an evening of music that will energize your spirit and lift your soul. Features 80 members of the Congressional Chorus and over 100 members of the American Youth Chorus.  General Admission tickets are $25 - available at congressionalchorus.org or at the door.   National City Christian Church, 5 Thomas Circle NW, Washington DC Read more

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Auditions Choral Arts Ensemble of Rochester (MN)

Auditions Choral Arts Ensemble of Rochester (MN)

Rochester, MN

Choral Arts Ensemble |

Auditions are being scheduled for Choral Arts Ensemble's 2013-2014 season Read more

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Coro Allegro: Coming Full Circle, Celebrating 20 Years with David Hodgkins

Coro Allegro: Coming Full Circle, Celebrating 20 Years with David Hodgkins

Boston, MA

Coro Allegro |

Coro Allegro's celebratory season ends by honoring our musical traditions, past & future. We reprise the popular Schubert’s Mass in G, from our first concert under the baton of David Hodgkins, and continue our tradition of introducing premieres and new works to our audiences. As a special treat, we will invite former singers to join us on stage and sing with us again, making this season a true full circle! Read more

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Susquehanna Chorale Auditions

Susquehanna Chorale Auditions

Cocoa Avenue, Hershey, PA

Susquehanna Cho... | Evaluation

You, too, can be a part of our three-decade tradition of singing. Auditions for the Susquehanna Choral are by appointment only at the close of each season. Previous singing experience is required. Please contact us for additional information or to set up an audition.   Read more

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Susquehanna Chorale Auditions

Susquehanna Chorale Auditions

Cocoa Ave., Hershey, PA

Susquehanna Cho... | Participation

  You, too, can be a part of our three-decade tradition of singing. Auditions for the Susquehanna Choral are by appointment only at the close of each season. Previous singing experience is required. Please contact us for additional information or to set up an audition.   Read more

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SA Choral Society presents Beyond the Horizon: Music of the 20th and 21st Century

SA Choral Society presents Beyond the Horizon: Music of the 20th and 21st Century

230 E. Travis Street, San Antonio, TX 78205

Gustavo Rios Jr | Adults/Seniors, Children/Youth, Civic Engagement, Community Outreach, Conducting, Diversity, Education, Families, Fundraising, Participation, Performance, Singing, Volunteer

  Season finalé featuring music of the 20th and 21st century.   Read more

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The Mature Voice:  Adjusting to the Age Factor

The Mature Voice: Adjusting to the Age Factor

Madison, NJ 07940

Harmonium Chora... | Singing

This choral musicianship workshop sponsored by Harmonium Choral Society is lead by Lauran Fulton Corson, a highly talented voice instructor.  Encompassing techniques of interest to singers of all ages, their choir directors and their teachers, it addresses changes that occur in the voice as the singer matures through an entire lifetime of singing.  Advance registration is required.  The workshop costs $35, which includes light refreshments. Read more

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Octavo Presents Their Inaugural Concert-Renaissance Reimagined

Octavo Presents Their Inaugural Concert-Renaissance Reimagined

San Antonio, TX

Octavo | Children/Youth

The newest choral ensemble in San Antonio, Octavo, is proud to announce their inaugural concert, in which they will sing works spanning 150 years of glorious reflection on beloved renaissance repertoire and polyphonic tradition.   Read more

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Voce Chamber Singers presents "Summertime..."

Voce Chamber Singers presents "Summertime..."

432 Van Buren Street, Herndon, Virginia

Joan Winter Skerritt | Adults/Seniors, Audiences, Families, Performance, Repertoire, Singing

Voce welcomes the sultry months with a concert featuring the summer section of Haydn's “The Seasons” along with selections by Gershwin, Brubeck, Piazzolla and many more, all with a summertime theme.     Read more

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Dialogue

Questions During Rehearsal?

Questions During Rehearsal?

Anonymous | Rehearsal, Singing

Singers, does your conductor allow questions during rehearsal? What are the pros and cons from your perspective? Read more

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Conference 2013 Ad
Please visit the 2013 Conference Website for information.
King FM Choral Music Channel

Enjoy Seattle’s First Online Choral Music Channel

In celebration of Chorus America’s Annual Conference coming to the Pacific Northwest, Classical KING FM has launched Seattle’s first all-choral music channel online at www.king.org. Listen 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for music from top choral groups, including winners of Chorus America’s Margaret Hillis Award for Choral Excellence.

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