Latest Blog Posts

#44. Greetings from the ACDA National Conference in Kansas City! Click for Handout & notes from my interest session on women’s/treble repertoire.

“There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.” Jane Austen I am not in Kansas City this week. I wish I could be, but I can’t. I am in the middle of rehearsals and in the middle of auditions and our master bath is being remodeled; you get the idea. Things snuck up […]

This week on GBW and ACDA Radio/ChoralNet Host Stan Schmidt un-wraps some new releases revealing the newest of Choral Creations….like Folks Songs, one of Monteverdi three remaining operas, a new look at the GBW Theme and a magnificent setting of the Lords’s Prayer by Leos Janàček.   “ Danse, Mon Moin Danse” leads us off a […]

With the foundation well-established with science-based approach to choral pedagogy, use chant and chorales as training tools to find newfound health for the voices.

The April 2014 issue of Choral Journal features an article titled “You Want Me to Teach What? The Choral Educator’s Guide to Teaching Outside the ‘Comfort Zone’” written by Kyle Zeuch. Following is a section from the article._______________________________________ Many choral educators find themselves teaching students with a wide variety of skills and even age ranges, often teaching […]

Several weeks ago, I wrote about singing in an Alumni Chorus at my Alma Mater, the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. Rehearsals have started and with them, my clearer understanding of the thrust and educational purpose of the work (Considering Matthew Shepherd) we are singing. I have a very small part in […]

This week on GBW and ACDA Radio/ChoralNet Host Stan Schmidt gives us a sneek preview of some of the ACDA Choirs that are headed to the National Convention in Kansas City.   As you know from 70 to 80 choirs from our country and abroad will make their way to share their national cultures through choral […]

by Jennifer Berroth, Contributing Author, DevelopingVoices.blog Movement is often used to engage a singer’s breath, energy, and musicianship.  Young singers can benefit from using gestures throughout a rehearsal to help them understand musical concepts they are performing.  Here are some kinesthetic gestures I use to help my own singers. Staccato gestures             Staccato phrases can […]

#43: Friday, February 15, 2019

“When Love Is My Song”
by Jill Friedersdorf and Melissa Keylock
Text by Jill Friedersdorf
SSA, piano

In honor of Valentine’s Day this week, I invite you to take a closer look at “When Love Is My Song,” for SSA choir. Jill Friedersdorf and Melissa Keylock work together for this moving selection, perfect for your three-part ensemble.

“Unity is strength… when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.” Mattie Stepanek Does your choral organization collaborate? I’m sure you occasionally work with other music groups, such as your school’s orchestra or band or perhaps your local symphony. Do you ever think outside of the box with your collaborations? I was […]