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

Mind Over Meter

Mind Over Meter

Michael Shaughnessy | Adults/Seniors, Composing/Commissioning, Repertoire, Singing

So you thought you could count...that is, until you met the 7/8 and 5/4 time signatures. Honestly, why are those meters so troublesome? Read more

  • Views (436)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (0)
L.A. Rising

L.A. Rising

Michael Shaughnessy | Profile, Singing, Symphonic

The "left coast" is fast becoming a center for creativity in the choral arts. Read more

  • Views (420)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (0)
Music and the Mind

Music and the Mind

Michael Shaughnessy | Adults/Seniors, Health, Profile, Science, Singing

Unraveling the mystery of music's profound impact on the human brain. Read more

  • Views (890)
  • Favorites (1)
  • Comments (0)
The Wow Factor

The Wow Factor

Kelsey Menehan | Composing/Commissioning, Impact/Value, Innovation, Marketing/Public Relations, Repertoire

Think choral music is only found in drafty churches or formal concert halls? Think again! These innovators are stretching our imaginations and taking choral performances to the next level. Read more

  • Views (440)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (1)
Commercial's Soundtrack Uses Only Human Voices

Commercial's Soundtrack Uses Only Human Voices

Michael Shaughnessy | Innovation, Singing

This car commercial features a soundtrack that seems to include many different instruments, but actually there's just one—the voice. Read more

  • Views (436)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (0)
Why I Love Singers

Why I Love Singers

Alice Parker | Impact/Value, Professional, Profile, Rehearsal, Singing

Renowned choral composer and conductor Alice Parker shares with us her observations about singers and tells us why we are a special bunch. Read more

  • Views (493)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (0)
Knowing When to Say No

Knowing When to Say No

Cory Davis | Careers, Health, Networking, Professional

When you're a freelance musician eager for work, why would you ever pass up a gig? Read more

  • Views (573)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (0)
"Blend, You Rascals!"

"Blend, You Rascals!"

A Choral Cliché Explained

Kelsey Menehan | Conducting, Education, Participation, Rehearsal, Singing

The late Robert Shaw used to give this directive—right before explaining what a ridiculous request it was. Even so, choral directors continue to say it, and singers continue to wonder, Is it me? What should I do? Read more

  • Views (629)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (2)
Best Little-Known Choral Recordings

Best Little-Known Choral Recordings

Helene Whitson | Repertoire, Singing

Choral music sleuth Helene Whitson has sifted through used CD bins and trolled the Internet to bring you some of the hidden gems of the choral repertoire. Read more

  • Views (572)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (0)
Eric Whitacre Speaks Out

Eric Whitacre Speaks Out

An Interview With Choral Music's Rock Star

Kelsey Menehan | Composing/Commissioning, Education, Impact/Value, Innovation, Profile, Social Media

Eric Whitacre muses on how he gets inspired to compose, his special connection with young people, and what he thinks about the future of choral music. Read more

  • Views (472)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (0)

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

  • Views (937)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (0)
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

  • Views (431)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (0)
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

  • Views (737)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (0)
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

  • Views (502)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (0)
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

  • Views (676)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (1)
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

  • Views (778)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (0)
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

  • Views (850)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (0)
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

  • Views (576)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (0)
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

  • Views (468)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (0)
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

  • Views (561)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (0)

Events

ProMusica Arizona presents "A Night with Stradivarius"

ProMusica Arizona presents "A Night with Stradivarius"

Phoenix, Arizona

yvonne dolby | Adults/Seniors, Audiences, Children/Youth, Families, General

ProMusica Arizona Chorale & Orchestra(PMAZ) is partnering with celebrated violinist Elizabeth Pitcairn to present “A Night with Stradivarius.”  The signature artist performs in partnership with one of the world’s most legendary instruments, the Red Mendelssohn Stradivarius of 1720, said to have inspired the Academy Award-winning film “The Red Violin.” The event is a milestone for PMAZ—the group’s first concert in Phoenix’s beautiful and historic Orpheum Theatre, as well as its first collaboration with an artist whose performance credits include the great concert halls of the world. The concert is also the first appearance by the artist in Arizona.            Read more

  • Views (186)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (0)
Bucks County Choral Society - Verdi Requiem

Bucks County Choral Society - Verdi Requiem

Doylestown, pA

Rick Rosen | Performance

 The Bucks County Choral Society, under the direction of artistic director Thomas Lloyd, presents Giuseppe Verdi’s Requiem, considered by many to be the composer’s masterpiece, with internationally acclaimed soloists and the Riverside Symphonia on Sunday afternoon, April 7, at our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Doylestown, PA. Read more

  • Views (171)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (0)
Spring Concert: Poetry! Words in Search of a Song

Spring Concert: Poetry! Words in Search of a Song

400 Field Avenue East, Venice, FL

Ruth F Packing | Singing

Sunday, April 14 at 3:30 p.m., Exsultate! Chorale presents “Poetry! Words in Search of a Song” in the Grace United Methodist Church sanctuary on Venice Island. Nationally renowned composer Dr. David Brunner will be present for the very first performance of two pieces he has added to his works of Wendell Berry poetry set to music. Exsultate! commissioned the pieces specially for this concert with grants from The Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, and the Woman’s Exchange, Inc. of Sarasota. Also included will be composer Randall Thompson’s musical rendition of select Robert Frost poems. Get the $17 tickets (or Students $5) at the door, Paper Pad in Venice, online, or by calling 484-8491. See www.exsultate.org for group rates and more. Read more

  • Views (143)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (0)
Spring Concert: Poetry! Words in Search of a Song

Spring Concert: Poetry! Words in Search of a Song

400 Field Avenue East, Venice, FL

Ruth F Packing | Singing

Sunday, April 14 at 3:30 p.m., Exsultate! Chorale presents “Poetry! Words in Search of a Song” in the Grace United Methodist Church sanctuary on Venice Island. Nationally renowned composer Dr. David Brunner will be present for the very first performance of two pieces he has added to his works of Wendell Berry poetry set to music. Exsultate! commissioned the pieces specially for this concert with grants from The Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, and the Woman’s Exchange, Inc. of Sarasota. Also included will be composer Randall Thompson’s musical rendition of select Robert Frost poems. Get the $17 tickets (or Students $5) at the door, Paper Pad in Venice, online, or by calling 484-8491. See www.exsultate.org for group rates and more. Read more

  • Views (168)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (0)
Voce Chamber Singers presents I LOVE YOU MUCH

Voce Chamber Singers presents I LOVE YOU MUCH

2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston, Virginia

Joan Winter Skerritt | Adults/Seniors, Audiences, Awards, CA News, Families, General, Innovation, Performance, Repertoire, Singing, Volunteer

Don't miss this exciting concert featuring the world premiere performance of Voce’s newest commission: a stunning setting of the e.e. cummings poem, i love you much(most beautiful darling) by award-winning composer Matthew Harris, who will be in attendance. A reception and silent auction will follow. Read more

  • Views (122)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (0)
Voce Chamber Singers presents I LOVE YOU MUCH

Voce Chamber Singers presents I LOVE YOU MUCH

432 Van Buren Street, Herndon, Virginia

Joan Winter Skerritt | Adults/Seniors, Audiences, Awards, CA News, Families, General, Innovation, Performance, Repertoire, Singing, Volunteer

Don't miss this exciting concert featuring the world premiere performance of Voce’s newest commission: a stunning setting of the e.e. cummings poem, i love you much(most beautiful darling) by award-winning composer Matthew Harris, who will be in attendance. A reception and silent auction will follow. Read more

  • Views (134)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (0)
Choral Chameleon Presents WIDE WATERS

Choral Chameleon Presents WIDE WATERS

Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, NY

Jeffery Thyer | Adults/Seniors, Audiences, Composing/Commissioning, Performance, Professional

Choral Chameleon will then wade deep with the choral water music of Palestrina, Conrad Susa, Simon and Garfunkel and more. Read more

  • Views (130)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (0)
Jazz in the Key of Joy

Jazz in the Key of Joy

Phoenix, Arizona

Carolyn Eynon | Fundraising

Vocal Jazz Cabaret Concert featuring solos and ensemble Jazz at the Phoenix Zoo on May 5, 2013. Wine and Hors D'eurves served at 4;00pm. contact www.carolyneynonsingers.com tickets $30 Read more

  • Views (155)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (0)
Time Zones ~~ Bach and Chaplin Merge!

Time Zones ~~ Bach and Chaplin Merge!

Pittsburgh, PA

BriGuySinger | Adults/Seniors, Audiences, Children/Youth, Conducting, Diversity, Families, History, Impact/Value, Innovation, Performance, Repertoire, Singing, Symphonic

The season of examining time and travel finishes with a juxtaposition of two distinct Time Zones, the first being that of our forebear and namesake, Johann Sebastian Bach, and the second being that of a writer, star and legend of the silent screen, Charlie Chaplin. In combining the musical genius of Bach with the brilliant silent narratives of Chaplin’s films, the Bach Choir bridges these two bountiful eras, creating a thought-provoking connection between artistic genres. Read more

  • Views (172)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (0)
Johannes Brahms German Requiem

Johannes Brahms German Requiem

Norwalk CT 06856

Fairfield Count... | Audiences

As we continue our 50th anniversary season, the Fairfield County Chorale will perform Johannes Brahms Requiem with the Fairfield County Chorale Orchestra at the Norwalk Concert Hall on Saturday, March 16th, 2013 at 7:30PM. Eminent soloists Fancesca Mondanaro, soprano and Suchan Kim, tenor will perform with the chorale. The performance will also feature three pieces by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Kyrie in D minor, Ave Verum Corpus and Masonic Funeral Music.   Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the door (general admission). Student tickets are $5 at the door.   For more information, call (203) 254-1333 or visit www.fairfieldcountychorale.org     Read more

  • Views (149)
  • 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 (816)
  • Favorites (0)
  • Comments (4)
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.

HelpMembership FAQHelpemail a question to webmaster

Join Choral Community