We all do it: we ignore those things we don’t do well, or that we might find difficult. It’s a natural human trait. Unfortunately, it seems, far too many choral directors ignore the incredibly important matter of TONE. In her article, “Developing Tone Quality in Choral Ensembles,” Karen Willie explains: Healthy tone quality […]
Coming in August: “From Gesture to Sound”
New Music Week: “Alleluia, Cantate Domino” (Matsushita)
A premiere performance of “Alleluia, Cantate Domino” (Matsushita) by the Iowa State University Cantamus (Kathleen Rodde, conductor) during the 2013 ACDA National Conference in Dallas, Texas.
“Five from the Folder” by Madlen Batchvarova
FIVE FROM THE FOLDER by Madlen Batchvarova 1. "Bogoroditse Devo," Sergei Rachmaninoff, Musica Russica Ra028 A movement from the “All Night Vigil,” this homophonic unaccompanied setting of the Ave Maria text is a symbol the beauty of Orthodox sacred tradition, and the spirit of Romanticism. 2. "Cherubic Hymn No.7," Dmitri Bortniansky, Musica Russica […]
Stick Time: Fundamentals
Want to know how a collegiate choir is going to sound when they perform in eight years? Look no farther than the elementary classroom today. The fundamentals being taught in the early years of music education are THE determining factor for the success of our craft in the future. Thus, we owe it to our […]
Stick Time: Big Choirs
Every ensemble type carries with it a litany of opportunities and challenges. As conductors, we are expected to understand the differences and be able to prepare accordingly. Let’s ponder the size of the choir. Sometimes we determine the number of singers based on the repertoire to be performed (a Mozart Requiem with twelve voices? […]