Conducting
Articles
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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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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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
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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Is It Okay to Ask Questions During Rehearsal?
Kelsey Menehan | Conducting, Management/Leadership, Operations, Performance, Rehearsal, Singing, Technique/Tool
Chorus America polled a number of choral directors and singers about the pros and cons of allowing questions in rehearsal. Their answers shed light on different teaching and learning styles and the collaborative process in general. Read more
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Learning Leadership
“More than just waving our hands”
Don Lee | Careers, Conducting, Governance, Management/Leadership, Professional, Strategic Planning, Technique/Tool
Many choral directors take on administrative responsibility with little formal preparation. Here are strategies to excel in the office and boardroom as well as the concert hall. Read more
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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
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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Is it Ok to Ask Questions During Rehearsal? Tips and Strategies
Kelsey Menehan | Conducting, Governance, Management/Leadership, Participation, Performance, Rehearsal, Singing, Technique/Tool
Here are more techniques for both conductors and singers to consider after reading the article "Is It Okay to Ask Questions During Rehearsal" by Kelsey Menehan. Read more
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The Art of Strategic Alliances: Best Practices
Matthew Sigman | Composing/Commissioning, Conducting, Governance, Innovation, Professional, Strategic Planning, Technique/Tool
Considering a strategic alliance? You might also want to consider these best practices drawn from the major findings of the Mendelssohn Club's Strategic Alliances study featured in the article "The Art of Strategic Alliances" by Matthew Sigman. Read more
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Resources
The Choral Works of Hamish MacCunn (1868–1916)
Jennifer Oates | Audiences, Composing/Commissioning, Conducting, History, Performance, Repertoire, Research/Data, Singing
This issue provides insight into the music of Hamish MacCunn, Scottish romantic composer, conductor, and teacher. Jennifer Oates gives us a complete listing of MacCunn's choral works, including audio file examples. Read more
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David Hamilton’s Music for Choir and Instrumental Ensemble
Chorus America Staff | Composing/Commissioning, Conducting, Performance, Rehearsal, Repertoire, Singing
Research Memorandum Series No. 202 This issue provides insight into the music of David Hamilton, prolific composer and music educator from New Zealand. Jennifer Morgan Flory gives us a complete listing of Hamilton's works for choir and intstrumental ensemble. Read more
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The Choral Works of Stephen Chatman
Chorus America Staff | Conducting, Repertoire, Research/Data
Research Memorandum Series No. 201. This issue provides insight into the music of Stephen Chatman, internationally known Canadian composer and teacher. Graeme Langager gives us a complete listing of Chatman's published and unpublished choral compositions. Read more
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Renaissance and Baroque Performance Practice: Invaluable Resources for the Choral Conductor
Chorus America Staff | Conducting, Research/Data
Research Memorandum Series No. 200. A thorough and definitive compilation of resources in Renaissance and Baroque performance practice spanning, approximately, the past 70 years. This issue provides a broad yet in-depth overview of the manifold issues faced by choral conductors in preparing performances of music from these time periods. Read more
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Navigating a Music Director Transition
An Online Seminar
Chorus America Staff | Careers, Conducting, Governance, Operations, Strategic Planning, Technology
Responding to survey data that revealed that 33% of responding conductors were founding directors that anticipated retiring from their ensembles within 5-10 years, Chorus America created this online seminar, Navigating a Music Director Transition. Packed full of video interviews with leaders in the field who have addressed this transition from all different roles (departing music director, incoming music director, board president, executive director, search committee member, etc.), as well as practical worksheets and tools, the 4-part seminar is a vital resource for any choruses anticipating an artistic change. Read more
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Kent Tritle on Monteverdi Vespers
Kent Tritle | Conducting, Performance, Repertoire
Conductor Kent Tritle, who conducted Monteverdi's Vespers at the 2011 Berkshire Choral Festival, offers his insights on the challenges of singing this seminal choral work. Read more
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Music Director Search Audition Evaluation Form
A Sample from the Dessoff Choirs
Chorus America Staff | Careers, Conducting, Evaluation, Management/Leadership, Operations, Recruitment, Sample/Template
A rating form for singers to use when evaluating all potential conductors during a search. Read more
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Music Director Search Audition Evaluation Form
Template for Evaluating Finalists
Chorus America Staff | Careers, Conducting, Evaluation, Management/Leadership, Operations, Recruitment, Sample/Template
A rating form for singers to use when evaluating conductors who have been identified as finalists during a music director search. Read more
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Choral Conductors Today: A Study
Chorus America Staff | Careers, Conducting, Management/Leadership, Recruitment, Research/Data
Chorus America interviewed more than 700 conductors about their career paths, levels of education, salary, job satisfaction, and more in 2005. The resulting data provides a profile of the "typical" choral conductor that may be surprising. Read more
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28 American Master Choral Composers
A Repertoire and Recording Listing to Support NEA's American Masterpieces
Chorus America Staff | Composing/Commissioning, Conducting, Government/Policy, Repertoire
Celebrating America's greatest choral composers, this publication provides repertoire and recording lists for 28 composers from Billings to Whitacre. Read more
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Events
San Gabriel Valley Choral Company Presents "Tell It!"
Pasadena, CA 91101
San Gabriel Val... | Adults/Seniors, Audiences, CA News, Community Outreach, Conducting, Performance, Repertoire, Singing
The San Gabriel Valley Choral Company presents a concert entitled “Tell It!” Complete with soloists and instrumentalists, this rousing concert features folk songs, spirituals, and American classics by Aaron Copland, Stephen Foster, and more. Tickets are now available at the cost of $9 to $15 for two performances: June 8 at 6:15 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Monrovia and June 15 at 5:00 p.m. at All Saints Church in Pasadena. More information can be found at www.choralcompany.org or by calling 626-579-2433. Read more
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San Gabriel Valley Choral Company Presents "Tell It!"
Monrovia, CA 91016
San Gabriel Val... | Adults/Seniors, Conducting, Families, Performance, Repertoire, Singing
The San Gabriel Valley Choral Company presents a concert entitled “Tell It!” Complete with soloists and instrumentalists, this rousing concert features folk songs, spirituals, and American classics by Aaron Copland, Stephen Foster, and more. Tickets are now available at the cost of $9 to $15 for two performances: June 8 at 6:15 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Monrovia and June 15 at 5:00 p.m. at All Saints Church in Pasadena. More information can be found at www.choralcompany.org or by calling 626-579-2433. Read more
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Breath of Inspiration: An evening of Gospel, Classical, Jazz and More!
111 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012
iris@DCINY.org | Adults/Seniors, Audiences, Children/Youth, Composing/Commissioning, Conducting, Diversity, Education, Families, General, Marketing/Public Relations, Participation, Performance, Repertoire, Schools, Singing, Symphonic, Venue
An evening of triumphant music! Members of Toronto Youth Wind Orchestra, Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony and Gwen Wyatt Chorale (CA) provide an entertaining palette of unique genre-bending sounds. From Gospel to Classical, these passionate, energetic artists perform with a supreme gusto and enthusiasm that is sure to delight and entertain audiences of all ages and tastes. Read more
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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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IT'S OUR PARTY! A SWEET/SASSY 16 PARTY
200 South Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA
Vox Femina Los ... | Adults/Seniors, Audiences, CA News, Children/Youth, Civic Engagement, Community Outreach, Composing/Commissioning, Conducting, Diversity, Education, Families, General, Performance, Schools
MISSION: Vox Femina Los Angeles gives women voice through the performance of quality choral literature. Diverse in culture, age, race, belief and sexual identity, we are a chorus committed to commissioning new works and raising awareness about issues that affect us as a family of women. Through music, we aim to create a world that affirms the worth and dignity of every person. Read more
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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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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
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Heritage Presents: 13th Annual Concert Sing On!
4101 Nebraska Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20016
Miriam Dixon | Adults/Seniors, Audiences, CA News, Children/Youth, Civic Engagement, Community Outreach, Composing/Commissioning, Conducting, Diversity, Education, Families, Fundraising, General, Impact/Value, Innovation, Management/Leadership, Marketing/Public Relations, Networking, Participation, Performance, Professional, Recruitment, Schools, Singing, Social Media, Symphonic, Venue, Volunteer
We Preserve the Past. We Inspire the Community. We Sing On. Join Heritage Signature Chorale for our annual concert which promises to stir your soul. Tickets may be purchased at www.heritagesignaturechorale.org or by phone (202) 808-0583. Read more
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The Son of Man
Santa Clara and San Francisco, CA
Susan Rooke | Adults/Seniors, Audiences, CA News, Civic Engagement, Community Outreach, Composing/Commissioning, Conducting, Innovation, Performance, Repertoire
The Peninsula Women's Chorus and The Golden Gate Men's Chorus collaborate in a West Coast premiere. Read more
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“Made in America!”
1501 W. Ingomar Road Pittsburgh, PA 1237
PCCsing | Adults/Seniors, Audiences, Composing/Commissioning, Conducting, Performance, Professional, Singing
An exciting concert saluting America and celebrating American composers! Music by Aaron Copland, Samuel Barber, Morten Lauridsen and a new commissioned work by Dale Warland, plus spirituals, patriotic songs, folk songs and more! Read more
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