For several years general music students explore the elements of music, developing a basic understanding of melody, harmony, texture, tone, dynamics, rhythm, etc., through the creation of mini-compositions. These same techniques, in a slightly modified form, are also beneficial to the choral ensemble and particularly so at the high school level where abstract thinking skills begin. Composition in the choral classroom presents an exciting opportunity; singers experience the
creation of music beyond the realm of performance.
Composition is a justifiable venture in the choral ensemble because it integrates theory and interpretation into a setting where they are immediately applicable. Many school music programs do not offer music theory or appreciation; hence, most students leave junior and senior high school music programs with only a performance-based education. Many of these young musicians never again perform in a choral ensemble. Their training, therefore, must give them an understanding of music in a spectrum broader than the school performance experience. Moreover, these studies should give them an awareness of the expressive qualities of all music.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.