Choral Rehearsal Techniques

Description. An advanced workshop open to upper division and graduate students in music, dedicated to a free discussion, practical application, and further understanding of the processes, psychology, and desired outcomes of a choral rehearsal.

Purpose. Through participation in this class, students will:

gain a thorough knowledge of techniques used in preparing for performance, including integral related areas such as history, stylistic considerations, and literary backgrounds;
strengthen communication skills through the development and enhancement of choral rehearsal techniques;
grow in music wisdom and maturation;
learn more of the resources on hand in written and electronic forms;
and strengthen a personal desire for excellence in all avenues of life by being challenged to achieve the best possible result in every choral ensemble.

Attendance. This is one week only. Attend every minute of every session.

Grading. You may construct the grade you wish to earn by observing the attendance policy stated above; by being punctual at class sessions; by participating fully in all seminar sessions; and by completing written work as required.

Students will complete five brief written reviews of articles in the bibliography and submit them by the beginning of class on Friday.

Students will be assigned various other written or participatory activities during the week.

Students will submit a final project, due by 5 p.m. July 11 to jcarter2@bsu.edu. This project will include a personal journal written daily during the course of the workshop. The project will also include a two- or three-page discussion of how you intend to put to work the concepts we've workshopped during the week.

Since grading is very nebulous in these seminar settings, expect to do your very best work at all times in order to receive the highest possible marks.

Topics of discussion.

rehearsal preparation
beginning of rehearsal activities and vocalizes
score interpretation
performance practice
balance
blend
intonation
color
energy
dynamics
SAS approach
vocal health
If I could start over
a philosophy of teaching
passion and transformational leadership
pacing
important resources
score preparation
motivation
sight singing
ear training

Dr. Jeffrey Carter