Instructional Material for the Beginning Choir Director

The choir director does more than conduct and lead a choir, he is also tasked to make sure the members attend rehearsals and be at their best when performing. He carefully chooses the pieces that the group will perform and makes sure everything is in order; from the vocal harmony down to the stage formation. A good choir director is one who has strong leadership skills. He must be able to motivate and inspire the group, be firm and creative. A choir director sometimes acts as an accompanist, is a good singer himself, knows rules and techniques that make a vocal performance stand out. Choir directors usually have a background in teaching, music theory, conducting, harmony and vocal production. He is also knowledgeable of various musical styles that can be performed by the group. Here is a selection of material that will help you become this kind of choir director.

Walter Lamble: Handbook for Beginning Choral Educators

Building A Choral Program Choosing and Purchasing Music Choral Basics in the Rehearsal Warming Up The Choir The Unison Sound Vowels, Diphthongs, and Constonants Choral Sound and Vocal Production Teaching Sight Singing Presenting a Basic Sight Singing Lesson Acquiring Basic Skills in the Choral Classroom The Boy's Changing Voice The Extracurricular Program Travel, Parent Groups and Travel Preparing a Budget Fifty Things Nobody Told Me

This book comes from a very fine music educator with exceptional experience, who has common sense and a real understanding of what a beginning teacher should know. The book puts into print issues that are widely discussed at conventions and at conferences, and that are common knowledge for the experienced teacher, but that are not covered in a music education class. It is a plain and simple book, written in a language that is easy for anyone going into the profession to understand. It makes valuable suggestions in just about every aspect of the role of a choral music teacher. Walter Lamble is a retired choral educator with more than 30 years’ experience in the classroom. He has a Ph.D. in music education from the University of Iowa.

5289 BOOK $22.95

Nancy Jorgensen / Catherine Pfeiler-Bielawski : From The Trenches

Great Expectations Round And Round I Hear America Singing So Many Notes - So Little Time To Everything There is A Season...And A Reason Give My Regards to Broadway Law And Order Extra! Extra! Sample Letters And Forms Round Repertoire Recommendations Musical Theatre Licensing Agents Publisher Information Index Biographies

This book comes from a very fine music educator with exceptional experience, who has common sense and a real understanding of what a beginning teacher should know. The book puts into print issues that are widely discussed at conventions and at conferences, and that are common knowledge for the experienced teacher, but that are not covered in a music education class. It is a plain and simple book, written in a language that is easy for anyone going into the profession to understand. It makes valuable suggestions in just about every aspect of the role of a choral music teacher. Walter Lamble is a retired choral educator with more than 30 years’ experience in the classroom. He has a Ph.D. in music education from the University of Iowa.

Russell Robinson: I Know Sousa, Not Sopranos!

Foreword Stranger in a Not-So-Strange Land Let's Start at the Very Beginning Good to Great My SOP for the SAB is MIA And in the End Resources for the Choral Director Publishers of Educational Choral Music About the Author

Here’s a sobering thought for many a band or orchestra director: you’ve been given the “opportunity” to work with a choir! Whether or not the decision was made by you or for you, moving from the realm of Sousa or Tchaikovsky to the land of sopranos can be a disconcerting prospect for even the most experienced (not to mention even-keeled) band or orchestra director. But fear not—trained instrumentalist turned choral director (and educator, clinician, composer, and arranger) Russ Robinson, has written I Know Sousa, Not Sopranos! to help you survive your foray into this strange land. Drawn from his very successful clinics on this subject, Dr. Robinson’s goals with this guide are simple—to show those educators who have been trained in instrumental music that they already possess many of the musical skills necessary to teach choral music, and to present, in a straightforward and accessible manner, knowledge and awareness of key areas unique to directing a choir.

Oliver Douberly: Choir Director Basics

Singing From The Same Page Organization and Paperwork The Importance of Personal Preparation Posture and Breathing Warm Up - Making the Sound Rehearsing Hymnody Rhythm and Pulse Rhythmic Phrases Diction Skills Making the Ensemble Sound Gesture Technique Conducting from the Console Recruiting New Choir members Maintenance of Choir Members

The latest volume in the 'Basics' series is an excellent new resource for choir directors from a recognized expert in the field. Choir director Basics supports and guides the reader through the process of organizing new ensembles as well as developing and improving existing choirs. The book is divided in five parts, each addressing specific aspects of the choir director's work: The Place for the Choir and Preparing to Direct the Choir; The Rehearsal; Making the Choral Sound; Ritual Celebrations; and Administration.

Paul F. Roe: Choral Music Education - Second Edition

Promotional Activities and Recommendations for Scheduling and Curriculum Organizing the Singers Extra-Class Responsibilities of the Teacher Vocal Fundamentals Vocal Fundamentals, Continued Sight-Reading The General Music Class and Some Junior High Problems Conducting Class Control and Rehearsal Techniques Style and Musical Traditions Performances

Unusually comprehensive coverage! This highly regarded volume covers the many facets of vocal music education. It is a practical tool for those preparing to be choral conductors and vocal music educators. It is abundant in constructive and insightful information and will remain an important source of many useful ideas and solutions. Special features include: addresses nuts and bolts administrative concerns such as budgets, music, supplies, and equipment; offers particular insight to the challenges of junior high vocal music education; presents topics related to conducting, rehearsal technique, style, and performance so that students of conducting may be introduced progressively, starting with the basic skills and leading to the finer points of style and performance.

John Bertalot: How To Be A Successful Choir Director

Encourage Punctuality Begin Rehearsals Efficiently Cure Irregular Attendence Raise Musical Standards Make Demands On Your Choir Conduct More Creatively Train Your Choir To Listen To You Teach Them how To Breathe Sing As Well On Sunday As At Rehearsal An Inspiring Experience Stop Your Singers Talking Keep Your Singers In Order Watch Out For The Second Law Of Thermodynamics Ten Basic Points For Musical Rehearsal Create A Positive Atmosphere Warm-ups More Tips About Singing In Tune Some More Advanced Techniques Some Hints For Organists Playing Right Notes Confidently And Musically More Practical Tips Random Hints For Choir Practice Rehearsal Hints For Church Choir Practice Rehearsal Techniques At A Glance Searching Questions Which Demand Action Running A Children's Choir Problems With Clergy New Music The New Choir Director Finding Sufficient Energy The Christian Element A Lesson In Dedication This Is What It's All About Five Key Words

Dr. John Bertalot has drawn on more than forty years' experience as a renowned choir director and organist to share his knowledge and expertise with those who, like himself, are dedicated to the highest standards of choral training and musical expression. His practical guidance is clear and detailed, illumined by his use of apt analogy, personal anecdote and lively humor, and informed throughout by his psychological and spiritual insights and Christian convictions. This is more than a book of instructions; it is a book of passion and inspiration which can be summed up in one word--love: love for music, love for his singers and love for God. It might well have been called 'Love in Practice,' but you need to read the book before you can fully appreciate how fitting that title would be.

Kenneth H. Phillips: Basic Techniques of Conducting

The Study of Conducting Posture and Position The Four Pattern Varying the Articulation Videotaping The Three Pattern Selecting a Baton Baton Grip The One Pattern Release on Beat Two Midterm Conducting Exam Functions of the Left Hand Left Hand Sustaining Gestures Left Hand Strenthening Subdivision Composer's Intent Entrances on Incomplete Beats Videotaping #6 Fermatas Asymmetric Meters Accents Conducting Synthesis

Systematic, practical, and thorough, Basic Techniques of Conducting offers a clear instructional strategy and a basic methodology for teaching the physical gestures and concepts essential for the development of a convincing conducting technique. Taking a competency-based approach, this text provides a clear, step-by-step system for mastering the physical gestures required for good conducting. Paying special attention to the psychomotor skills needed for clear and expressive conducting, it establishes a solid foundation on which to build an advanced and personal conducting style. Based on ten years of teaching and class-testing, the text is carefully organized to establish essential conducting skills over a one-semester period. Each of the thirty lessons introduces basic conducting techniques in a developmental sequence, and includes a review of previous techniques, "guided practice" segments for group practice of new techniques, and "assignment" sections for independent study and practice. The text is fully illustrated with many conducting diagrams, photographs of hand and body movements, and numerous musical examples for directed conducting practice. Emphasizing complete musical examples rather than short excerpts, it features both choral and instrumental exercises for drill and practice. Engaging and accessible, Basic Techniques of Conducting offers all of the content necessary to build a solid foundation of conducting skills for all vocal and instrumental music education majors

Randy Pagel with Linda Spevacek: The Choral Director's Guide to Sanity ... and Success!

A Music Teacher is A Teacher Managing Your Classroom Developing the Complete Child Yin and Yang in the Choral Classroom Managing Your Rehearsal Strengthening Your Organization Turning Your Critics into Supporters Showcasing Your Program Festivals, Contest and Guest Conductors Voice Lessons in the Choral Classroom Working with the Boy's Voices Working with the Girl's Voices Developing Musicianship in the Choral Classroom Reherarsing for Musical Success Selecting Your Choral Repertoire Anticipation: A Key to Sustaining Success

When two master teachers speak, student-and teachers-should listen. And Randy Pagel and Linda Spevacek have spoken eloquently here, befitting their combined years of incredibly successful teaching experience. Succinctly written and fully-charged with practical, step-by-step instructions, you will find nugget after nugget concerning issues confronting every choral educator every day. Wisdom on classroom management, choral rehearsal management, working with the changing male voice, developing musicianship and a complete child, organizational tips, public-relations hints, pointers for participating in tours and/or festivals, and thought-provoking quotes from a wide spectrum of sources-it's all here, written from the unique perspective of both a male and female teacher who explore how gender really affects teaching the opposite sex. Tools, rules and tips for teaching-all leading toward making your classroom a positive atmosphere, ensuring a successful choral experience for every student.

Ray Robinson – The Challenge of Choral Leadership in the Twentieth-First Century Timothy W. Sharp – Choral Literature: Research References, Current Sources, and Future Directions Gordon Paine – Score Selection, Study, and Interpretation Melinda O’Neal – Coming to Terms with Historical Performance Practices Jameson Marvin – Mastery of Choral Ensemble Donald Neuen – Conducting Paul Brandvik – Choral Tone Richard Cox – Diction James Jordan: Rehearsal Technique: A Guide for Planning the Choral Rehearsal Guy B. Webb – The Tools of a Choral Musician G. Roberts Kolb – Effective Choral Programming Scott W. Dorsey – Resources for the Choral Conductor

While many fine volumes have already been written on Training to be a choir directorit is evident that singing in a college choir, taking one or two courses in conducting and a choral techniques class is all too frequently the extent of a choral conductor’s training. Also, the path to conducting a choir is often approached from different areas of expertise – from one’s keyboard skills or instrumental background, leaving many conductors without a concept of diction or choral tone. So much is involved in the learning process to become an effective choral director. A publication which would articulate basic concepts would be an invaluable research tool in the training of choral musicians. The learning process is the sum total of many things – courses taken, books read, conventions attended, and most importantly, on-the-job training. Though this book is written for the student, it is written for every choral director who is still striving to grow in the profession. It is not limited to those who have yet to find their first choral position.

Kenneth Kosche: A Novice's Guide to Directing the Church Choir

Understanding Singers as People Understanding People as Singers Getting a Good Sound Rehearsal is the Key Conducting Basics A Matter of Accompaniement A Matter of Organization Musical Growth Concluding Thoughts Resourses

Real solutions for real situations can be found in this helpful resource. Understanding your singers as ordinary people is critically important. Learn how to achieve a basic choral sound, and to effectively conduct your volunteer ensemble, and to utilize and accompanist. Countless resources are available for music literature and a list of professional and denominational organizations are listed to assist you in your ministry endeavors. This book was authored by the director of choral activities at Concordia Univeristy, Wisconsin, Dr. Kenneth T. Kosche..

Janet Day: Choir Director Plan-It

Substitute Teacher Information Student Information Card Rehearsal Plan-It Seating Charts Choir Roster and Grade Record Concert Plan-It Assessment Sheets Choral Repertoire Plan-it Music Listening Plan-It Music Listening Worksheet Audition Sheets Music Performance Evaluation Week-At-A-Glance Month-At-A-Glance My Weekly Schedule Notes

Organizing a choral music program can be like a jigsaw puzzle! Make your life easier with this one-of-kind resource designed just for you - the choir director-with everything in one essential collection. Packed with helpful charts, calendars, reproducible forms and tips for a successful choir, this guide will help you stay organized and plan ahead for the whole school year. Highlights include: 40 weekly rehearsal/lesson planning charts, 12-month calendar, reproducible forms for student information, music performance evaluation, audition forms, concert planning, assessment rubrics based on the National Standards and more.

Imogen Holst: Conducting a Choir - A Guide for Amateurs

Imogen Holst (1907-1984), the daughter of the composer Gustav Holst, was a much-loved source of inspiration for the many musicians and students who encountered her over the years at the Dartington Summer School of Music and the Aldeburgh Festival. In this book, originally published in 1973, she sets out clearly and concisely--and often amusingly--a wealth of practical information that will be of particular interest to the amateur conductor. She gives precise and detailed advice on the technique of conducting, how to form and train a choir, the presentation and rehearsal of music, and how to approach public performances and competitions. Her final chapter offers suggestions for the actual rehearsal of choruses from Purcell's Dido & Aeneas, Handel's l'Allegro, and Britten's Rejoice in the Lamb.

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