In episode 49 of ChoralEd, Ken Wakia, founder and director of the acclaimed Nairobi Chamber Chorus, provides guidance on authentically performing Kenyan choral music including a discussion of movement [14:43], instrumentation [17:51], suggested resources [32:51], and notable composers [37:36]. Kenyan choral music is extremely diverse stemming from over 50 distinct tribes and sub-tribes. Because of […]
ChoralEd
ChoralEd, Performing Choral Music – Nigeria – Jude Nwankwo
In a recent ChoralEd episode, host Micah Bland sat down with Jude Nwankwo, a distinguished Nigerian composer and choral director, to explore the vibrant world of Nigerian choral music. For those outside of the culture, approaching this music can feel daunting, but as Nwankwo explains, with a little research and a lot of respect, it’s […]
ChoralEd, Performing Choral Music – India – Shruthi Rajasekar
In episode 47 of ChoralEd, Indian-American composer and vocalist Shruthi Rajasekar shares her expertise on performing choral music from Indian musical traditions. Rajasekar strongly emphasizes that embarking on the journey of performing music from another culture begins with thorough research. It’s not merely about reading; it’s about connecting with the culture. The most impactful approach, […]
ChoralEd, Performing Choral Music from Diverse Cultures
In ChoralEd episode 46, Dr. Arreon Harley-Emerson of Equity Sings offers some insights and practical guidance on respectfully performing music from diverse cultures. Before sharing music from another culture with our choirs and audiences, Dr. Harley-Emerson suggests we look inward (before outward) by asking ourselves three simple questions: This internal reflection is a critical first […]
ChoralEd, Advantages of Curwen Hand Signs
Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a rehearsal, wishing you had a secret window into your singers’ minds?[i] A way to see, not just hear, if they’re truly grasping the music? If so, you may want to consider incorporating Curwen hand signs. For those unfamiliar, Curwen hand signs are a system of […]
ChoralEd: Fun Vocal Exercises, Part 2
To promote an engaging classroom environment, choral directors often incorporate fun vocal exercises in their rehearsal. ChoralEd, Episode 44 features eight fun vocal warm-ups for your choral ensemble. Keep in mind, while these exercises are fun, they also provide opportunities to work on vocal technique. To view a demonstration of each exercise, click the corresponding […]