nafmeadmin.
nafmeadminHi folks – I’ll be taking on a newly-formed choir next year, which will consist of 7th and 8th graders. One of the goals for this group is to create enthusiasm for vocal music that will extend into high school and motivate the kids to sign up for choir as they move up. I’m not a new teacher, but this is going to take a paradigm shift. I envision this group doing lots of stuff I’m less familiar with – moving, limited (gasp!) dancing, and more pop-oriented stuff. Anybody know of good resources I can read, watch,etc. for ideas on incorporating movement and an element of ‘pop, sizzle and flare’ to this group? I already know a good orthopedic surgeon, living close to Sun Valley, ID, as I do!
nafmeadminThe first thing that comes to mind is – regrettably – Glee / High School Musical material, which is show tunes and oldies. They are lively, include harmonies, and the topics of these songs are relate-able, which is very important. You can arrange them yourself or find arrangements (see JW Pepper or SheetMusicPlus.com). Years ago I bought a nice fake book of Broadway songs.. forget the name offhand, sorry. This is excellent because I could give it to my accompanist with repetitions / cuts and we’d be in business.
Movements should be simple: step to the right and clap, step to the left and clap, slowly spin around and hands up / down. Have the group repeat the melody on “La” with motions so they don’t have to go crazy thinking of too many things at once. Depends on the piece you’re choreographing for. Don’t reinvent the wheel!! Look on YouTube for videos of show choir performances.
nafmeadminTake a look at my website or book (Choral Charisma: Singing with Expression). In both, I discuss how to create a safe and supportive environment, how to help singers move freely, and how to empower singers to connect powerfully to text/music. The approach I offer challenges the traditional paradigm–and offers specific tools and exercises for painless implementation.
The whole approach is based on neuroscience and everyday human behavior. Because of that, it’s very easy for singers and directors to embrace.
All my best,
Christopher M. Johnson, Professor of Music Education and Music Therapy, is currently the Chair of the Music Education and Music Therapy Department and Director of the Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas. Johnson earned his Ph.D. from the Florida State University.
Since his arrival at The University of Kansas, Johnson has taught courses in Instrumental Conducting, Teaching Instrumental Music, Managing Behaviors in the Music Environment, Psychology and Acoustics of Music, and Research Methods in Music Education and Music Therapy. Johnson served two terms as the editor of the International Journal of Music Education: Research, the research publication of the International Society for Music Education. He is currently serving his second term on the National Association for Music Educations Executive Committee of the Society for Research in Music Education. He also served on the editorial board of the Journal of Research in Music Education, and one earlier term as the Chair for the MENC Executive Committee of the Society for Research in Music Education. Johnson also served as the Chair for the Research Commission of the International Society for Music Education.
Johnson’s research interests include applied research in music education, and basic research in all aspects of the psychology of music. He has published articles in many journals including the Journal of Research in Music Education, the International Journal of Music Education, the Journal of Music Therapy, Journal of Band Research, Contributions to Music Education, and the Bulletin of the Council for Research in Music Education, among others. Johnson has also been an active member and contributor to the Research Seminar of the International Society for Music Education and World Alliance for Arts Education.
Johnson received a university teaching award – the Ned N. Fleming Award for Excellence in Teaching and received the recognition for Graduate Teaching Achievement from the Center for Teaching Excellence. Johnson was also awarded a lecturing & research award as a J. William Fulbright Scholar and recently received the Ella Scoble Opperman Citation for Distinguished Achievement from the Florida State University College of Music.
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