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

“Choirs Transforming Our World” at the Yale International Choral Festival

“Choirs Transforming Our World” at the Yale International Choral Festival

Micah Hendler | Community Outreach, Performance, Singing

It is not every day that in a recital hall at an Ivy League university you hear discussions of how to bring music to the imprisoned, the disadvantaged, the disabled, and the dying. But here I was, a research fellow at the Yale International Choral Festival Symposium, “Choirs Transforming Our World,” and surrounding me were people who spent their lives doing just that. Almost every context in which choral music could be used to repair the world seemed to have an expert. And those experts were in the Morse Recital Hall at the Yale School of Music, presenting, discussing, singing, thinking, together.  It was truly amazing. Read more

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A Chorister's Front Row Seat on History

A Chorister's Front Row Seat on History

Singing for the Soviets during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis

Jody Kerssenbrock | Community Outreach, History, Impact/Value, Participation, Performance, Professional, Repertoire, Singing, Symphonic

The Robert Shaw Chorale and Orchestra’s 1962 tour of Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union was more than anyone bargained for. Jody Kerssenbrock, then a 25-year-old chorister, remembers what it was like to be in "enemy" territory during the Cuban Missile Crisis, when the world came as close as it ever has to a nuclear war. Read more

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Member Spotlight: Jane Ramseyer Miller, One Voice Mixed Chorus

Member Spotlight: Jane Ramseyer Miller, One Voice Mixed Chorus

Confronting Bullying Through Song

Chorus America Staff | Audiences, Children/Youth, Community Outreach, Diversity, Education, Families, Impact/Value, Innovation, Schools

One Voice Mixed Chorus, Minnesota's gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and allies chorus, is committed to building community and creating social change. The group's music director, Jane Ramseyer Miller, talked with Chorus America about how their mission propelled a unique outreach to public school students in the Twin Cities. Read more

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The Human Singing Voice in the Age of Twitter

The Human Singing Voice in the Age of Twitter

Eric Friesen | Community Outreach, General, History, Impact/Value, Innovation, Participation, Singing, Social Media

Though the river of time engulfs us in change, the purity and beauty of the human singing voice remains a constant. Read more

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The Evolution of Choral Concerts: Creating Multisensory Experiences

The Evolution of Choral Concerts: Creating Multisensory Experiences

Kevin Frey | Adults/Seniors, Audiences, Community Outreach, Conducting, Diversity, General, Impact/Value, Innovation, Participation, Performance, Singing

No longer is choral music constrained to choristers standing on risers at the front of a church or concert hall. In recent years, the traditional format has evolved into multisensory, multimedia experiences. Read more

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Member Spotlight: Brooks Firestone

Member Spotlight: Brooks Firestone

Discovering Choral Singing in the "Evensong" of Life

Chorus America Staff | Audiences, Health, Participation, Performance, Singing

Brooks Firestone was looking for an activity that would enliven his retirement years. Little did he know that choral singing would become his passion. Chorus America asked him to describe his unlikely journey. Read more

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Sing for Your Life: What We Can Learn from the “Singing Cultures”

Sing for Your Life: What We Can Learn from the “Singing Cultures”

Chorus America Staff | Adults/Seniors, Children/Youth, Health, Impact/Value, Participation, Research/Data, Singing

In Finland, people sing in choirs well into their golden years. Julene Johnson, PhD, a research professor at University of California, San Francisco, tells what she has learned about the importance of choral singing and healthy aging. Read more

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Should the United States Change Its National Anthem?

Should the United States Change Its National Anthem?

Kevin Frey | History, Performance, Repertoire

"Get rid of the 'Star Spangled Banner,'" said political commentator Bill Press on a recent episode of his talk radio show. He skewered the song for its violent and militaristic language, and called for its end. But is this view justified? Chorus America's Kevin Frey examines the history of the song, current performance practices, and its significance to Americans. Read more

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Changing Your Chorus from Within

Changing Your Chorus from Within

David Costanza | Diversity, Innovation, Management/Leadership, Participation, Recruitment, Singing

How chorus leaders can use the principles of organizational culture to implement change and get the best results for their organizations Read more

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Alice Parker: The Belle of Hawley

Alice Parker: The Belle of Hawley

Matthew Sigman | Composing/Commissioning, Conducting, Singing

This peripatetic Jenny Appleseed of melody continues to traverse the country as a distinguished teacher, coach, conductor, and advocate for words and melody Read more

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Resources

Yoga for Singers: How Yoga Supports Concentration

Yoga for Singers: How Yoga Supports Concentration

Justin Montigne | Health, Singing, Technique/Tool

As singers, we all need to be able to concentrate for long periods of time. Try improving yours with this mindfulness exercise. Read more

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Yoga for Singers: Exploring the Chakras

Yoga for Singers: Exploring the Chakras

Justin Montigne | Health, Singing, Technique/Tool

Chakras are believed in Eastern traditions to be invisible energy "organs" of the body. Justin explains how singers can tap into expressive performances by becoming aware of the chakras. Read more

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Yoga for Singers: Aligning with Mountain Pose

Yoga for Singers: Aligning with Mountain Pose

Justin Montigne | Health, Singing, Technique/Tool

Justin shows us how to find "Tadasana," or Mountain Pose—very similar to good singing posture! Read more

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Virtual Voice Lesson: All About Alignment

Virtual Voice Lesson: All About Alignment

Shauna Fallihee | Rehearsal, Singing, Technique/Tool

All of our "singing structures" are along the spine. If your spine is out of alignment or your body is in an uncomfortable position, you cannot support your sound easily. Voice teacher Shauna Fallihee shows how to sit or stand in a way that supports and frees the voice. Read more

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Virtual Voice Lesson: The Importance of Warming Up

Virtual Voice Lesson: The Importance of Warming Up

Shauna Fallihee | Rehearsal, Singing, Technique/Tool

In a series of video lessons, soprano soloist and voice teacher Shauna Fallihee guides you in the essential steps to freeing your natural voice and singing with ease. Read more

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Virtual Voice Lesson: Placing the Sound

Virtual Voice Lesson: Placing the Sound

Shauna Fallihee | Rehearsal, Singing, Technique/Tool

In a series of video lessons, soprano soloist and voice teacher Shauna Fallihee guides you in the essential steps to freeing your natural voice and singing with ease. Read more

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Virtual Voice Lesson: Feeling the Breath

Virtual Voice Lesson: Feeling the Breath

Shauna Fallihee | Rehearsal, Singing, Technique/Tool

In a series of video lessons, soprano soloist and voice teacher Shauna Fallihee guides you in the essential steps to freeing your natural voice and singing with ease. Read more

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Virtual Voice Lesson: Maintaining Vowel Shape

Virtual Voice Lesson: Maintaining Vowel Shape

Shauna Fallihee | Rehearsal, Singing, Technique/Tool

In a series of video lessons, soprano soloist and voice teacher Shauna Fallihee guides you in the essential steps to freeing your natural voice and singing with ease. Read more

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Virtual Voice Lesson: Breathing with Ease

Virtual Voice Lesson: Breathing with Ease

Shauna Fallihee | Rehearsal, Singing, Technique/Tool

In a series of video lessons, soprano soloist and voice teacher Shauna Fallihee guides you in the essential steps to freeing your natural voice and singing with ease. Read more

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Vehicular Vocalises

Vehicular Vocalises

Chorus America Staff | Rehearsal, Singing, Technique/Tool

Warm-ups to do in the car on your way to rehearsal, brought to you by the Washington Vocal Consortium. Read more

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Events

San Jose Symphonic Choir Performs Mendelssohn's ELIJAH

San Jose Symphonic Choir Performs Mendelssohn's ELIJAH

345 South First Street, San Jose, CA 95113

Pam McCulloch | Audiences, Children/Youth, Families, Performance, Singing, Symphonic

San Jose Symphonic Choir, under the direction of Maestro Leroy Kromm, will perform Felix Mendelssohn’s acclaimed oratorio, Elijah.  The 135-voice choir will be joined by Peter Tuff, baritone, singing the role of Elijah, and Bay Area favorite and Opera San Jose alumnus Christopher Bengochea, tenor, as Obadiah. The performance will also feature Yemonja Stanley, soprano, Cassandra Cardenas, mezzo soprano, members of Vivace Youth Chorus of San Jose, and the Nova Vista Symphony.    TICKETS   General $30; Senior/Military/Student $24; Group rate (10 or more) $20 Tickets go on sale February 5, 2013 at Symphony Silicon Valley box office, 408-286-2600, ext. 23. The box office is open from 10-5, Monday-Friday.  Any questions email us at office-manager@sanjosesymphonicchoir.org.   About San Jose Symphonic Choir   San Jose Symphonic Choir is supported, in part, by a Cultural Affairs grant from the City of San Jose, by a grant from the Farrington Foundation, and is funded by Applied Materials Excellence In The Arts Grants, a program of Arts Council Silicon Valley.   Read more

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Celebration of French Masterworks

Celebration of French Masterworks

Princeton University, Princeton, NJ

Princeton Pro Musica | Performance

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"Letter from Italy, 1944"

"Letter from Italy, 1944"

LaRosa Lane, Middletown, CT

Joyce Kirkpatrick | Adults/Seniors, Audiences, Civic Engagement, Community Outreach, Composing/Commissioning, General, History, Performance, Repertoire, Singing, Symphonic

             Veterans, PTSD, world premiere, Connecticut artists, letters from Italy – what do these have in common?   On April 28, 2013 an epic musical drama will unfold in Connecticut. It is about a World War II, 10th Mountain Division soldier, Dr. John K. Meneely, Jr., who served as a medic in the Aleutians and Italy. At the end of the war suffering from PTSD, he returned home to his young family. For the next 18 years he and his family struggled with his internal battles. Half a century later, their collective story is being told and their triumphs being sung.               The soldier’s daughters, Grammy-nominee composer Sarah Meneely-Kyder and poet Nancy Meneely, both Connecticut residents, have woven their physician father’s letters and their family’s story into a poignant saga of courage and compassion. Meneely-Kyder has set her sister’s ringing lyrics to music in a major musical drama, Letter from Italy, 1944. It calls for a cast of five soloists, a large chorus and orchestra.                              Read more

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Eric Whitacre and the Eric Whitacre Singers | Inspirations: North American Debut Tour

Eric Whitacre and the Eric Whitacre Singers | Inspirations: North American Debut Tour

New York, NY

DCINY | Audiences, Conducting, Impact/Value, Performance, Singing

  Announcing the debut US tour of Eric Whitacre and his professional choir, the Eric Whitacre Singers in March 2013 – Washington DC, Boston, Philadelphia and New York City. The programme will include recent works from Eric such as “Alleluia” and “The City and the Sea” as well as some of the greats of his catalogue, “When David Heard“, “A Boy and a Girl” and “Leonardo Dreams of his Flying Machine“. Other composers featured include Lauridsen, Monteverdi and Bach. Read more

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Eric Whitacre and the Eric Whitacre Singers | Inspirations: North American Debut Tour

Eric Whitacre and the Eric Whitacre Singers | Inspirations: North American Debut Tour

Philadelphia, PA

DCINY | Audiences, Conducting, Impact/Value, Performance, Singing

  Announcing the debut US tour of Eric Whitacre and his professional choir, the Eric Whitacre Singers in March 2013 – Washington DC, Boston, Philadelphia and New York City. The programme will include recent works from Eric such as “Alleluia” and “The City and the Sea” as well as some of the greats of his catalogue, “When David Heard“, “A Boy and a Girl” and “Leonardo Dreams of his Flying Machine“. Other composers featured include Lauridsen, Monteverdi and Bach. Read more

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Eric Whitacre and the Eric Whitacre Singers | Inspirations: North American Debut Tour

Eric Whitacre and the Eric Whitacre Singers | Inspirations: North American Debut Tour

Boston, MA

DCINY | Audiences, Conducting, Impact/Value, Performance, Professional, Singing

  Announcing the debut US tour of Eric Whitacre and his professional choir, the Eric Whitacre Singers in March 2013 – Washington DC, Boston, Philadelphia and New York City. The programme will include recent works from Eric such as “Alleluia” and “The City and the Sea” as well as some of the greats of his catalogue, “When David Heard“, “A Boy and a Girl” and “Leonardo Dreams of his Flying Machine“. Other composers featured include Lauridsen, Monteverdi and Bach. Read more

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Eric Whitacre and the Eric Whitacre Singers | Inspirations: North American Debut Tour

Eric Whitacre and the Eric Whitacre Singers | Inspirations: North American Debut Tour

North Bethesda, MD

DCINY | Audiences, Composing/Commissioning, Conducting, Impact/Value, Performance, Professional, Singing

  Announcing the debut US tour of Eric Whitacre and his professional choir, the Eric Whitacre Singers in March 2013 – Washington DC, Boston, Philadelphia and New York City. The programme will include recent works from Eric such as “Alleluia” and “The City and the Sea” as well as some of the greats of his catalogue, “When David Heard“, “A Boy and a Girl” and “Leonardo Dreams of his Flying Machine“. Other composers featured include Lauridsen, Monteverdi and Bach.     Read more

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Choral Conducting Master Class with Dr. Jan Harrington

Choral Conducting Master Class with Dr. Jan Harrington

Princeton, NJ

The Princeton F... | Adults/Seniors, Conducting, Education, General, Performance, Rehearsal, Technique/Tool

This 5-day professional choral conducting master class will offer practical rehearsal strategies, choral warm-up ideas, and sessions on performance issues, score study and preparation, creating compelling performances, and readings of new and recently published choral literature for choirs of all levels. Read more

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Harmonium Hosts Gala Celebration Honoring the 25th Anniversary of Dr. Anne Matlack as Artistic Director

Harmonium Hosts Gala Celebration Honoring the 25th Anniversary of Dr. Anne Matlack as Artistic Director

Morristown, NJ

Harmonium Chora... | Composing/Commissioning, Singing

The event, entitled "The Artistry of Anne Matlack:  Celebrating 25 Years of Visionary Leadership," includes cocktails, dinner, silent auction, and private concert by Harmonium.  The New York composer and Western Wind Vocal Ensemble baritone Elliot Z. Levine, from whom Harmonium has commissioned a number of new works, will be a celebrity guest.  Matlack and Levine will discuss the importance of commissioning new works for choruses. Read more

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SA Choral Society presents The Choral Works of Brahms

SA Choral Society presents The Choral Works of Brahms

205 James St., Boerne, TX 78006 & 227 W. Woodlawn Ave., San Antonio, TX 78212

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

This season we are proud to be a part of the 2013 Brahms Festival, sponsored by the San Antonio Symphony. 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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