Podcast

In Episode 11, ChoralEd begins a new series on vocal exercises.  For the first episode of the series, ChoralEd host Micah Bland shares some general considerations for incorporating vocal exercises in the choral rehearsal. In rehearsal, the vocal warm-up should not be taken for granted.  Vocal exercises provide conductors with a dedicated time in rehearsal […]

Choral directors that teach young singers regularly encounter vocal tones that require correction.  In pursuit of choral excellence and the vocal health of the student, it’s important to properly train these voices.  The following are some suggested strategies to implement when working with challenging vocal tones. Breathy/Airy Tone Before making corrections to a breathy tone, […]

Choral directors have unique opinions about choral tone.  In part 2 of our choral tone discussion, ChoralEd talks with Dr. Merrin Guice Gill and Dr. Sean Pullen about their approaches to choral tone.  Episode 8: Choral Tone, Part 3 – Dr. Merrin Guice Gill For Dr. Guice Gill, choral tone changes based on the style, […]

According to Howard Swan in the book Choral Conducting: A Symposium, there are six unique schools of choral singing in America.  Between these six schools, and the personal preferences of choral directors, there are countless differing opinions about choral tone.  Ask any two conductors and you will likely notice differences in their approaches to vibrato, […]

The relationship between a student and teacher has a significant impact on a student’s success in the classroom.  As choral educators, we have a distinct advantage in the development of this relationship as we work with students for multiple years.  Unfortunately, at times, student-teacher relationships have been tainted by the inappropriate actions of educational professionals.  […]

As discussed in last month’s ChoralEd post, there are two primary sections to any classroom management plan.  In part 1, we looked at preventative classroom management techniques, which addressed ways to minimize and prevent behavioral issues before they occur.  While it’s every teacher’s dream to prevent all behavioral problems before they occur, we must also […]