Others

(An excerpt from the interest session "Honoring the 50th Anniversary of Chichester Psalms by Leonard Bernstein,” presented by Timothy Peter during the 2015 ACDA National Conference.)          As we look back on choral/orchestral repertoire that has been impactful, timeless, and relevant, we recognize the enduring success and popularity of Leonard Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms written […]

(An excerpt from the interest session “Brain-Friendly Strategies for Singer-Friendly Rehearsals,” presented by Charlene Archibeque & Debbie Glaze during the 2015 ACDA National Conference.)          The Brain loves and makes connections through variety and novelty.  Synapses fire and connections are made through new experiences and focused awareness.  The creative choral director must do everything […]

(An excerpt from the poster session “Musical Realization of an Ancient Poetic Prayer Form in the Penitential Psalms by Alfred Schnittke,” presented by Zhanna A. Lehmann during the 2015 ACDA National Conference.)          The texts of Alfred Schnittke’s Penitential Psalms appeared in a 1986 publication of the sixteenth century’s manuscripts of the ancient Rus’.1 […]

(An excerpt from the interest session “Reclaiming the Ancient Hymnal: the Art, Devotion and Practice of Psalm-Singing,” presented by Howard Helvey during the 2015 ACDA National Conference.)          I suspect that many of us find ourselves here: at those intersections between our professional training and chosen vocation, and with those subjects about we become […]

(An excerpt from the poster session “Effects of two conductor final release gestures on perceptions of individual singers’ vocal sound,” presented by Jeremy N. Manternach during the 2015 ACDA National Conference.)          ACDA conventions frequently include interest sessions on choral conducting gesture.  Given that these sessions often feature differing schools of thought, we have […]

More from Daniel Coyle:  Tip #32 Make positive reaches   “There’s a moment just before every rep when you are faced with a choice: You can either focus your attention on the target (what you want to do) or you can focus on the possible mistake (what you want to avoid). This tip is simple: […]