(From the Choral Journal article, “The Singer as Surgical Patient: What the Choral Director Should Know,” by Carol E. Jorgensen and Albert L. Merati.) For anyone, the mere prospect of surgery can be terrifying; from the perspective of the professional vocalist, the added concern over potential injury to the larynx may supersede the […]
CJ Replay: Ten Singing Sins
(From the Choral Journal article, “An Adjudicator Lists Ten Common Sins,” by Pamela S. Wurgler.) Group vocal training is possible, even in a large choral setting, but in one-on-one instruction, when the choral director assumes the role of voice teacher, the individual singer really progresses toward the ideals of efficient, artistic singing. The […]
CJ Replay: New Thoughts on Warm-Ups
(From the Choral Journal article, “Aural Theory Training in the Choral Warm-Up: A Warm-Up Curriculum,” by Edward Cetto and Gabrielle Dietrich.) The first five minutes of the choral rehearsal have the potential to be a dynamic, vital, interactive learning experience. It can be a time to engage the kinesthetic, musical, and cognitive intelligences […]
CJ Replay: The Conductor’s Personality Type
(From the Choral Journal article, “The Psychologist and the Conductor: Solving Rehearsal Problems Using Awareness of Personality Types,” by Barbara Pollack and Harriet Simons) Why do some rehearsals energize conductors while others drain them? Some rehearsals cry out for a celebration afterward; others induce headaches, anger, insomnia, and the like. What can conductors […]
CJ Replay: Give The Pianist’s Fingers a Break
(From the Choral Journal article, “The Unaccompanied Choral Rehearsal,” by Jerry Ulrich.) Most choral directors agree that a fine accompanist is an integral part of many a successful choral rehearsal. A person with excellent keyboard skills who is also a sensitive accompanistis a rare and valued commodity. Just as a fine accompanist can […]
U.S. Senate Offers Choral Resolution
Cincinnati 2012 Resolution of the U.S. Senate July 2012 announced as World Choir Games month Two Ohioan U.S. senators, Rob Portman (Republicans) und Sherrod Brown (Democrats), expressed in a press release their happiness about the confirmation of a resolution that had been turned in November 2011. The resolution states the global importance of the […]