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

What I Did on My Summer Vacation

What I Did on My Summer Vacation

Kelsey Menehan | Adults/Seniors, Families, Impact/Value, Participation, Singing, Volunteer

The Berkshire Choral Festival is summer camp for adults who can't get enough of choral singing during the year. A first-time attendee shares her adventure in choral fantasy land. Read more

  • Views (485)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (0)
Final Thoughts Before A Concert

Final Thoughts Before A Concert

An Interview with Craig Jessop

Chorus America Staff | Conducting, Rehearsal, Technique/Tool

Do you ever wonder what choral conductors think about after the last orchestra rehearsal before the big performance? Chorus America contributor Kelsey Menehan sat down with Craig Jessop at the Berkshire Choral Festival to find out. Read more

  • Views (338)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (0)
Does Portable Music Isolate Listeners?

Does Portable Music Isolate Listeners?

Michael Shaughnessy | Impact/Value, Participation, Singing

How iPods are changing the dynamic of music-listener interactions. Read more

  • Views (243)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (0)
Operas Move to the Silver Screen

Operas Move to the Silver Screen

Michael Shaughnessy | Audiences, Impact/Value, Singing

New ways of consuming opera performances may help reinvigorate the art form. Read more

  • Views (262)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (0)
I Sincerely Regret to Inform You...

I Sincerely Regret to Inform You...

Anonymous | Participation, Profile

On being a choir reject. Read more

  • Views (286)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (0)
The Letter Every Singer Wants to Receive

The Letter Every Singer Wants to Receive

Chorus America Staff | General, History, Participation

I don't know about you, but I have received at least one letter telling me that, no, I would not be singing in the chorus next year. So it was a great balm to read this post-audition letter from the late great choral director Robert Shaw to the members of one of his early choral groups, The Cleveland Orchestra Chorus. Read more

  • Views (400)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (0)
A Young Singer's Olympic-Sized Adventure: Part One

A Young Singer's Olympic-Sized Adventure: Part One

Kelsey Menehan | Children/Youth, Health, Impact/Value, Profile

The Olympic Games always bring forth moving stories of athletes overcoming great odds to participate in this grand quadrennial event. This year there's another "Olympic" story, just as inspiring, not about an athlete, but about a 14-year-old singer named Gianna Horak. Read more

  • Views (292)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (0)
Choruses in the Movies: Part One

Choruses in the Movies: Part One

Kelsey Menehan | Adults/Seniors, Impact/Value

Aged rock stars, protesting Estonians, South African orphans—all play starring roles in three films that sing of the power of choral communities. Read more

  • Views (244)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (0)
Why People Who Hate Choral Music Love Carmina Burana

Why People Who Hate Choral Music Love Carmina Burana

Conductor Tom Hall on Why Its So Exciting

Chorus America Staff | Innovation, Repertoire, Singing, Symphonic

Since its premiere in 1937, Carl Orff's bawdy rollick through the fields and swamps of Love, Lust, and Booze has commanded the kind of following that rock bands dream of. Among the zipped up, stiffly starched giants of the choral repertoire, Carmina Burana is the bad girl who can't seem to keep her blouse buttoned. Read more

  • Views (650)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (0)
Marilyn Horne's Second Act

Marilyn Horne's Second Act

Kelsey Menehan | Community Outreach, Education, Profile

Marilyn Horne, one of America's most celebrated opera stars, decided to shine the spotlight on the next generation. Read more

  • Views (344)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (0)

Resources

The Feldenkrais Method for Singers—Relaxing the Tongue

The Feldenkrais Method for Singers—Relaxing the Tongue

Karen R Clark | Health, Singing, Technique/Tool

The practice of Feldenkrais can help singers perform with minimum effort and maximum efficiency. In this video, Feldenkrais practitioner Karen Clark demonstrates how to train the powerful tongue muscle to cooperate with rather than hinder the singing process. Read more

  • Views (2,002)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (0)
The Choral Warm-Ups of Robert Shaw

The Choral Warm-Ups of Robert Shaw

Pamela Elrod | Rehearsal, Singing, Technique/Tool

Believing that the chorus was a corporate entity with a spirit of kinship, famed conductor Robert Shaw used the warm-up period to focus on matters of tuning, tone color, ensemble blend, acoustical conditions, and development of the dynamic palette. We've compiled several of his warm-ups. Read more

  • Views (24,255)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (1)
The Feldenkrais Method for Singers—Achieving Relaxed Alertness

The Feldenkrais Method for Singers—Achieving Relaxed Alertness

Karen R Clark | Health, Singing, Technique/Tool

The practice of Feldenkrais can help singers perform with minimum effort and maximum efficiency. In this video, Feldenkrais practitioner Karen Clark demonstrates how being both relaxed and alert can bring greater freedom in singing. Read more

  • Views (1,100)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (0)
The Feldenkrais Method for Singers—Vocalizing To Release Tension

The Feldenkrais Method for Singers—Vocalizing To Release Tension

Karen R Clark | Health, Singing, Technique/Tool

Through a self-discovery process using movement, the practice of Feldenkrais can help singers perform with minimum effort and maximum efficiency. In this video, Feldenkrais practitioner Karen Clark guides a singer to notice and then release tension while vocalizing. Read more

  • Views (1,310)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (0)
The Feldenkrais Method for Singers—Releasing Eye Tension

The Feldenkrais Method for Singers—Releasing Eye Tension

Karen R Clark | Health, Singing, Technique/Tool

The practice of Feldenkrais can help singers perform with minimum effort and maximum efficiency. In this video, Feldenkrais practitioner Karen Clark demonstrates how releasing tension around the eyes contributes to less effortful singing. Read more

  • Views (951)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (0)
The Feldenkrais Method for Singers—Opening the Throat

The Feldenkrais Method for Singers—Opening the Throat

Karen R Clark | Health, Singing, Technique/Tool

The practice of Feldenkrais can help singers perform with minimum effort and maximum efficiency. In this video, Feldenkrais practitioner Karen Clark demonstrates how opening the throat releases tension and allows for greater freedom in singing. Read more

  • Views (2,084)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (0)
The Feldenkrais Method for Singers—Centering with the Breath

The Feldenkrais Method for Singers—Centering with the Breath

Karen R Clark | Health, Singing, Technique/Tool

The practice of Feldenkrais can help singers perform with minimum effort and maximum efficiency. In this video, Feldenkrais practitioner Karen Clark demonstrates the use of breath to center and stabilize the singing process. Read more

  • Views (4,939)
  • Favorites (1)
  • Comments (6)
The Feldenkrais Method for Singers—Introduction

The Feldenkrais Method for Singers—Introduction

Karen R Clark | Health, Singing, Technique/Tool

You know that freed-up feeling where it seems your body is singing itself? Singers yearn for more of that, but myriad stresses, tensions, confusions, and vocal issues can get in the way. Through a self-discovery process using movement, the practice of Feldenkrais can help singers perform with minimum effort and maximum efficiency. In this video series, Feldenkrais practitioner Karen Clark describes and demonstrates how this approach has helped her—and the singers she works with—release tension and find greater freedom in their singing. Read more

  • Views (22,576)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (4)
Virtual Voice Lesson: The Farinelli Breath Exercises

Virtual Voice Lesson: The Farinelli Breath Exercises

Shauna Fallihee | Singing, Technique/Tool

Carlo Broschi, known as Farinelli, was a famous, and wildly popular castrato of the early 1700s. One of the secrets to his magnificent voice was the seemingly unending stream of breath that supported it. Voice teacher Shauna Fallihee demonstrates the breathing exercises Farinelli created to strengthen the intercostal muscles. Read more

  • Views (3,808)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (0)
Warm-Ups for What Ails You: Lack of Breath Control

Warm-Ups for What Ails You: Lack of Breath Control

Rebecca Achenbach | Singing, Technique/Tool

Work on your breath control with these exercises from choral conductor and voice teacher Rebecca Achenbach. Read more

  • Views (960)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (0)

Events

The Rhinebeck Choral Club

The Rhinebeck Choral Club

Rhinebeck, New York/ Poughkeepsie, New York

Rhinebeck Chora... | Performance

  The Rhinebeck Choral Club will be performing it  Spring 2013 concert series. Saturday, May 18 ~ 7:30pm Rhinebeck Reform Church 6368 Mill Street, Rhinebeck  Sunday, May 19 ~ 3:00pm New Beginnings Church 35 DeGarmo Road, Poughkeepsie     General Admission is $10   Student Admission is $8 Our Guest Artist, The Strawberry Hill Fiddlers Raspberries will join us on Saturday May 18 only. There will be a small tribute to the United States Armed Services. There will also be an optional basket collection to benefit Hudson Valley Community Services. The Rhinebeck Choral Club invites all adult voices to join us in September 2013.  On September 11 and 18 new members are encouraged to come join us for our fall/winter holiday season.  We will be holding informal vocal placements at the the Ferncliff Nursing Home in Rhinebeck, New York at 7:30 pm For more information call (845) 849-5865 Read more

  • Views (61)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (0)
Concert: The American Choral Tradition

Concert: The American Choral Tradition

545 Meadow Road, W. Windsor, NJ

Princeton Pro Musica | Adults/Seniors, Audiences, General, Performance, Repertoire

Princeton Pro Musica closes its 34th concert season with a celebration of The American Choral Trandition on Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 3pm in the Princeton Meadow Event Center. Read more

  • Views (70)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (0)
Spring Hymn Sing

Spring Hymn Sing

1000 Elm Street, Glenview, IL 60025

Sheryl1017 | Adults/Seniors, Audiences, General, Participation, Performance, Singing

Come and sing praises at a Hymn Festival led by acclaimed organist and improviser Bruce Neswick.        Read more

  • Views (98)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (0)
BRAVA! Sings of . . . Love and Laughter

BRAVA! Sings of . . . Love and Laughter

6200 Colonial Way, Edina, MN 55436

Mary Scott | Adults/Seniors

BRAVA! Spring Concert Read more

  • Views (57)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (0)
Symposium: The American Choral Tradition

Symposium: The American Choral Tradition

7 Vendeventer Street, Princeton, NJ

Princeton Pro Musica | Adults/Seniors, Community Outreach, Education, General

  Symposium panel discussion: Marjorie Herman of WWFM’s “Sounds Choral” and Dr. Amanda Quist of Westminster Choir College and Dr. Ryan Brandau, discuss American Choral Tradition – its roots and its future – including some of the repertoire on the upcoming program. Read more

  • Views (66)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (0)
Symposium: The American Choral Tradition

Symposium: The American Choral Tradition

7 Vendeventer Street, Princeton, NJ

Princeton Pro Musica | Adults/Seniors, Community Outreach, Education, General

  Symposium panel discussion: Marjorie Herman of WWFM’s “Sounds Choral” and Dr. Amanda Quist of Westminster Choir College and Dr. Ryan Brandau, discuss American Choral Tradition – its roots and its future – including some of the repertoire on the upcoming program. Read more

  • Views (56)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (0)
Reservation Period Open for Encore "Singing at Sea" Danube River Cruise May 2014

Reservation Period Open for Encore "Singing at Sea" Danube River Cruise May 2014

Budapest to Prague

Jeanne Kelly | Adults/Seniors, Performance

Join Encore Creativity for Older Adults on a 12-day trip starting May 21, 2014 combining land and river cruise from Budapest to Prague.  This "Singing at Sea" adventure is for singers 55+ and will include 2 or 3 concert performances along the way, including in Vienna.  Encore Chorale is the largest and fastest growing choral program in the US for singers 55+ but you need not be a current Encore singer to join us on this journey.  Reservations are now being accepted with a modest deposit, and space is limited! Read more

  • Views (68)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (0)
CHORAL CHAMELEON SUMMER INSTITUTE for Composers & Conductors

CHORAL CHAMELEON SUMMER INSTITUTE for Composers & Conductors

New York City

JefferyThyer | Adults/Seniors, Composing/Commissioning, Conducting, Education, Innovation, Networking, Participation, Performance, Professional, Rehearsal, Repertoire, Singing

The Choral Chameleon Institute is an eight-day intensive workshop in New York City, designed to immerse emerging composers and conductors of choral music in the intricacies of the choral idiom in a nurturing environment surrounded by respected professionals. It gives students an opportunity to explore and experiment with writing and conducting techniques in a "best-case scenario". During the course of the institute, many new pieces of choral music are cultivated and ultimately publicly performed, with live recording of the concert. Standards of the choral repertoire serve as a springboard for young conductors to work on challenging matters of gesture, musicianship, and rehearsal technique. Generous lab and podium time is given to all participants to ensure maximum practical and hands-on experience. The Choral Chameleon Institute also places heavy emphasis on ear training and analysis as means of deep, joyful discovery and informed, innovative interpretation.   Read more

  • Views (90)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (0)
A-Tisket, A-Tasket, Help Us Fill Our Basket! Pro Coro Alexandria Spring Concert and ACS Fundraising Event

A-Tisket, A-Tasket, Help Us Fill Our Basket! Pro Coro Alexandria Spring Concert and ACS Fundraising Event

Alexandria, VA

Alexandria Chor... | Adults/Seniors, Audiences, Children/Youth, Community Outreach, Families, Fundraising, General, Performance, Singing

Join us in celebrating the arrival of spring with songs of love, beauty, and the springtime, performed by Pro Coro Alexandria, the chamber choir comprised of select members from Alexandria Choral Society. In between sets, you'll have a chance to mingle with singers and patrons alike while you enjoy refreshments and peruse the offerings of our fundraiser raffle.  Read more

  • Views (86)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (0)
Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 - Choralis and Alexandria Choral Society

Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 - Choralis and Alexandria Choral Society

Alexandria, VA

Alexandria Chor... | Audiences, Children/Youth, Community Outreach, Families, General, Performance, Singing, Symphonic

Beethoven’s final masterpiece will be brought to life in its entirety by the Choralis Orchestra with the combined voices of Choralis and the Alexandria Choral Society, with a stellar cast of soloists. Also on the program is Brahms’ Schicksalslied (Song of Fate), making this concert a must for the lover of symphonic works as well as the choral aficionado. Read more

  • Views (73)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (0)

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

  • Views (770)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (4)