Rehearsal
Articles
Should Choruses Memorize Their Music?
Kelsey Menehan | Adults/Seniors, Conducting, Impact/Value, Performance, Rehearsal, Singing, Technique/Tool
Memorizing music can be daunting, but choruses that require it report that their singers connect better with the conductor, with the music, and ultimately with the audience. The memorization techniques that worked for them can help ease the process. Read more
- Views (2,590)
- Favorites (0)
- Comments (1)
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
- Views (992)
- Favorites (0)
- Comments (1)
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
- Views (1,120)
- Favorites (0)
- Comments (1)
Chorus America's Top 10 Most Viewed Web Articles
Lauren Rosenthal | Performance, Recruitment, Rehearsal, Repertoire, Research/Data, Singing, Technique/Tool, Volunteer
The beginning of a new year is a time for reflections, resolutions—and top 10 lists. Here are 2012's most viewed articles from the Chorus America website. Read more
- Views (1,862)
- Favorites (0)
- Comments (1)
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
- Views (1,131)
- Favorites (0)
- Comments (2)
Member Spotlight: Justin Montigne, Clerestory, San Francisco
Chorus America Staff | Adults/Seniors, General, Health, Impact/Value, Performance, Professional, Rehearsal, Singing, Technique/Tool
Justin Montigne, a professional choral singer, voice teacher, and registered yoga teacher, teaches workshops, classes, and private lessons in the Bay Area and around the country. His interest in the free and easy alignment of body and instrument led him to yoga, which helped revolutionize his singing and teaching. Read more
- Views (1,005)
- Favorites (0)
- Comments (0)
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
- Views (1,706)
- Favorites (1)
- Comments (2)
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
- Views (580)
- Favorites (0)
- Comments (0)
“Call Me Maybe” Gets a Choral Twist
Viral Video Shines New Light on Choral Music
Lauren Rosenthal | Composing/Commissioning, Conducting, Impact/Value, Innovation, Performance, Profile, Rehearsal, Singing
If you’ve been on the internet during the past month, you’ve probably seen the quirky viral video of a chorus and orchestra covering the popular, can’t-get-it-out-of-your head song “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen. There are hundreds of other videos online covering the song, ranging from topics like NFL replacement referees to the United States Olympic swim team, so what makes this one so special? With more than two million hits and counting on YouTube, mentions in newspapers around the country, and even a featured performance on the Today Show, who knew choral music could go so viral? Read more
- Views (1,500)
- Favorites (0)
- Comments (1)
Vocal Health: Save Your Voice Through Pacing
Leda Scearce | Health, Rehearsal, Singing, Technique/Tool
Between corralling the kids, leading meetings at work, socializing with friends, and singing, the voice can reach its limit. In this Chorus America interview, vocal health expert Leda Scearce of the Duke Voice Care Center offers tips about how to pace yourself to protect your voice from overuse. Read more
- Views (1,873)
- Favorites (0)
- Comments (3)
Resources
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
- Views (901)
- Favorites (0)
- Comments (0)
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 (25,429)
- Favorites (0)
- Comments (1)
Choral-Orchestral Engagements: Common Practices
Chorus America Staff | Management/Leadership, Operations, Performance, Rehearsal
This practical resources for choruses provides guidance on collaborating successfully with orchestras, based on conversations with more than 30 artistic administrators. Originally published in 2004, the report was reviewed and republished in 2013. Read more
- Views (45)
- Favorites (0)
- Comments (0)
Virtual Voice Lesson: Singing Legato
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
- Views (1,252)
- Favorites (0)
- Comments (0)
Virtual Voice Lesson: Getting to Know Your Instrument
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
- Views (1,076)
- Favorites (0)
- Comments (0)
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)
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
- Views (6,053)
- Favorites (0)
- Comments (1)
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
- Views (1,495)
- Favorites (0)
- Comments (0)
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
- Views (771)
- Favorites (0)
- Comments (0)
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
- Views (820)
- Favorites (0)
- Comments (0)
Events
Great River Chorale (St. Cloud, MN) Announces Auditions for the 2013-2014 Concert Season
St. Cloud, Minnesota
Great River Chorale | Adults/Seniors, Community Outreach, Education, General, Networking, Participation, Performance, Professional, Rehearsal, Repertoire, Singing, Symphonic, Volunteer
Great River Chorale is a select, auditioned 45-voice choral ensemble based in St. Cloud. The chorale rehearses Sunday nights and holds extra rehearsals prior to concerts. Members (ages 18 and up) are skilled professional and avocational musicians and choral enthusiasts who desire to sing high quality repertoire at the highest level of excellence. Read more
- Views (80)
- Favorites (0)
- Comments (0)
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 (124)
- Favorites (0)
- Comments (0)
Registration Open for Encore Creativity for Older Adults Summer Institutes at Chautauqua
Chautauqua, NY
Jeanne Kelly | Adults/Seniors, Participation, Performance, Rehearsal, Repertoire, Singing
Encore Creativity for Older Adults returns to Chautauqua for the 6th year to present the Summer Institutes for Adults 55+. Three concurrent tracks in Choral singing, Movement and Theatre. Visit www.encorecreativity.org for more information and to register. Read more
- Views (162)
- Favorites (0)
- Comments (0)
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
- Views (424)
- Favorites (0)
- Comments (0)
The Complete Conductor: Orchestral Conducting for the Choral Director
New York City
Jeffery Thyer | Conducting, Education, General, Networking, Performance, Professional, Rehearsal, Repertoire, Technique/Tool
The Complete Conductor: Orchestral Conducting for the Choral Director is an intensive program for choral directors to gain more experience in working with an orchestra. Read more
- Views (218)
- Favorites (0)
- Comments (0)
New York City Master Chorale: Tenors Wanted
New York, NY
elee | Diversity, General, Participation, Performance, Professional, Recruitment, Rehearsal, Repertoire, Singing, Symphonic, Volunteer
The New York City Master Chorale, a 70-member classical chorus, is auditioning tenors with significant choral experience and strong sight-reading skills. Auditions for the spring 2013 season will be held in January 2013. Rehearsals are held Wednesday evenings in Manhattan. Repertoire this spring will be Poulenc Gloria and Stabat Mater. Spring concerts include a spring concert and a March performance as part of Trinity Wall Street’s Concerts at One series. To schedule an audition please contact info@nycmasterchorale.org. For more information about the chorus and to listen to audio clips of the chorus, please see www.nycmasterchorale.org. Read more
- Views (306)
- Favorites (0)
- Comments (0)
Community Show Choir Auditioning for 80th Anniversary Season
3606 Beauchamp Street, Houston, TX 77009
Houston Choral ... | Adults/Seniors, Community Outreach, General, Participation, Recruitment, Rehearsal, Singing, Volunteer
Houston Choral Showcase is seeking men and women to audition for the Fall season. Try-outs will be August 20 and 27 at Zion Lutheran Church in The Heights. Houston Choral Showcase is Houston's only community adult show choir, singing arrangements in pop, jazz, swing, gospel, and Broadway styles. For more information, visit the web site at http://www.houstonchoralshowcase.org or call 281-346-0161. Read more
- Views (389)
- Favorites (0)
- Comments (0)
Choral Arts Institute
Bellingham, Washingtn
WWU Extended Ed... | Audiences, CA News, Conducting, Education, General, Networking, Participation, Performance, Rehearsal, Repertoire
Explore vocal and conducting techniques under Maestro Vance George, Maestro Michael Palmer, Fabiana Katz, and Dinah Helgeson. Choral Arts Institute is an intense study for: Music Educators Choral Directors Voice Teachers Orchestral Conductors Choral Arts Students Perform Mozart’s Mass in C Minor at the Bellingham Festival of Music, one of America's premier virtuoso orchestra festivals. www.wwu.edu/choralinstitute Read more
- Views (601)
- Favorites (0)
- Comments (0)
Dialogue
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 (817)
- Favorites (0)
- Comments (4)
Questions During Rehearsal?
Anonymous | Rehearsal, Singing
Conductors, do you let your singers ask questions during rehearsal? What are the pros and cons? Read more
- Views (724)
- Favorites (0)
- Comments (0)
Related Terms
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.
