Creating the Chemistry
It is obvious from the downbeat. The eyes of the choir light up, they sing with sincere emotion and musicality, and there is an intense synergy that connects all the…
Category: Choral Education
The importance of vocal production in choral music
At the 2010 Summer ACDA conference in Atlanta, clinician Kevin Fenton mentioned in one of his sessions that choral tone was at the root of many problems he hears when…
The Challenge of Balance in Choirs
Unequal balance of choral parts is probably the most common challenge conductors face. How does a conductor handle a choir comprised of 30 girls and four boys? What literature makes…
Navigating the Voice Change, Repertoire
“Now that we know our boys’ voices, what do we do?” ask Janice N. Killian and John B. Wayman. “Select music! Remember, range is more important than anything else in…
Navigating the Voice Change, Voicing
“Range is everything,” say NAfME members Janice N. Killian and John B. Wayman. Even a school year can make a huge difference. Killian and Wayman share some techniques that work…
Solutions To Sisyphean Song Selection
Figuring out what to sing with your classes and performance ensembles is a perennial challenge. What standards or guidelines should lead you as you move through this process? In “How to…
Some Tips for Inspired Choral Rehearsals
“Novice and experienced choral teachers alike need inspiration from time to time, especially now that the school year is up and running at a furious pace,” says choral music and…
Top 10 Tips for First Year Directors, Part 2
“I work to make music with my students and find personal fulfillment in sparking the interest of my students in music. As a music teacher, I am but one facet…
Top 10 Tips for First Year Directors, Part 1
“I think the most important thing for teachers to remember is to put the student first. Teaching music, whether instrumental or choral, must be about bringing new experiences to the…
Boys to Men
“I have boys in choir! What now??” We desperately want boys in our elementary and middle school choruses, but what do we do with them once they get there? There…
