CJ Replay: If You Can Speak, You Can Sing

In just under a month, ACDA is proud to be part of hosting America Cantat 8 in Nassau, Bahamas, the first time this exciting festival is being held in a primarily English-speaking country. The current issue of Choral Journal is a focus on the music, people, and places of this international festival. Even if you are not able to attend America Cantat, you can experience the music of the Americas through this special issue, guest edited by Eden Badgett, ACDA’s festival development director. Click here to learn more about America Cantat 8.

A full list of the articles included in this issue is below. Today’s blog will focus on the article “Voices of Youth—Joy of Singing!” by Zimfira Poloz. She writes in the introduction: “My belief is that if you can move, you can dance; if you can speak, you can sing… It is easy to label a child as a monotone singer. They all, however, have the ability; sometimes the voice is just hiding!”

She continues in the conclusion:

“Children’s choral music is not just an art form but a critical role in the growth of every child. A children’s choir conductor’s job is demanding but also creative and artistic. Working with young singers, we have to study so many aspects of not only the music and conducting but also the voice and singers as a whole. To study and train young voices is a fascinating and rewarding challenge!”

Click here to read the full issue online or to download the PDF. (Note: You must be logged into the acda.org site as a member in order to access the Choral Journal online.)

Do you conduct a children’s choir? What do you find the most rewarding? Do you agree with the author that if you can speak, you can sing? What do you think about the statement that children’s choral music has a critical role in the growth of every child?

Other articles in the current issue of Choral Journal:

The Islands of The Bahamas: Home of America Cantat 8

Choral Symphonic Music from Latin America

Social Integration and Choral Music

A Pedagogical Approach to Contemporary Resources

Theatrical Elements in Choir Concerts

The Story of Songbridge

Music in Paradise: Learning the Rhythm of Bahamian Culture