Directing the Choral Music Program

Description

Directing the Choral Music Program, Second Edition, is a comprehensive introduction to developing and managing choral music programs from elementary through high school to adult levels. Broad in scope and practical in orientation, the book is structured around three basic units-the administrative process, rehearsal and performance planning, and choral techniques. In addition to core topics-including recruitment and auditioning, classroom management, vocal development, and curriculum and performance planning-it covers singing pedagogy and its relationship to physical anatomy, the philosophy of choral music education, the history of choral conducting, and the new National Standards for Music Education (2014). The author also presents material on directing show choirs and musicals, teaching sight-reading skills, working with adolescent singers, and organizing choir tours, festivals, and contests.

New to this Edition

• A new Chapter 6, Technology for the Choral Director, relates how the choral teacher can use technology to advance the choral program
• Updated and expanded material on advocacy resources, multicultural music references, rehearsal teaching styles, authentic assessment, and appendices
• New sections on choral public domain resources, commissioning a new choral work, and student-centered learning
• Over 200 new research citations provide students with a wealth of resources in the ever-expanding field of choral music education

Table of Contents

Preface
UNIT 1. CHORAL ADMINISTRATION
1. Becoming a Choral Music Director
The Professional Choral Music Educator
Qualifications for the Choral Conductor
Historical Perspectives
Future Directions
Study and Discussion Questions
References
2. Developing a Philosophy for the Music Program
Intrinsic versus Extrinsic Values
Shaping Your Philosophy of Music Education
A Rationale for Music Education
Advocacy for Music in the Schools
Study and Discussion Questions
References
3. Promoting and Recruiting for Choral Success
Building a Public Relations Program
The Choir Newsletter
Recruiting Choristers
Using Standardized Tests
Study and Discussion Questions
References
4. Planning, Building, and Managing the Choral Program
Designing the Choral Curriculum
Budgetary Procedures
Music Supplies, Equipment, and Concert Attire
The Choral Music Library
Study and Discussion Questions
References
5. Processing the Flow of Information
Written Communication
Evaluating and Reporting Achievement
Lesson Planning
Informing Others
Study and Discussion Questions
References
6. Technology for the Choral Director
Scott L. Phillips
Technology in the Choral Program
Planning for Technology
Electronic Communication
Technology in Rehearsal and Performance
Study and Discussion Questions
References
Unit 1. Optional Projects
A Rationale for Teaching Music
Preparing Promotion Materials
Lesson Planning
Music Technology
UNIT 2. REHEARSAL AND PERFORMANCE PLANNING
7. Working with Adolescent Singers
The Nature of Adolescents
The Female Voice Change
The Male Voice Change
Appropriate Part Voicings
Study and Discussion Questions
References
8. Classroom Management and Choir Conduct
Attributes of Good Teaching
Four Modes of Discipline
Basic Rules, Consequences, and Enlisting Help
Guidelines for Classroom Management
Study and Discussion Questions
References
9. Choosing the Music
Guidelines for Choosing Quality Literature
Locating Quality Choral Literature
Programming Objectives
Programming Music with a Sacred Text
Study and Discussion Questions
References
10. Preparing the Choral Rehearsal and Music
The Rehearsal Schedule
The Rehearsal Format
Preparing the Music
Placement of Singers
Study and Discussion Questions
References
11. Organizing Performances
Concert Preparation
Choir Tours
Choral Festivals
Competitions
Study and Discussion Questions
References
12. Popular Music Presentations
Broadway Musical Productions
Swing Choirs
Show Choirs
Vocal Jazz Ensembles
Study and Discussion Questions
References
Selected Bibliography for Broadway Musical
Productions
Unit 2. Optional Projects
Code of Conduct
Show Choir Choreography
Choral Rehearsal Observation
UNIT 3. CHORAL TECHNIQUES
13. Teaching the Singers to Sing
Auditioning the Students
Guidelines for Voice Classification
Warm-Ups/Singing Lessons
Energizing through Movement
Study and Discussion Questions
References
14. Vocal Development: Body and Breath
Energize the Body
-- Physical Conditioning
-- Posture Development
Energize the Breath
-- Breathing Motion
-- Breath Management
-- Study and Discussion Questions
-- References
15. Vocal Development: Ear, Voice, and Song
Energize the Ear 291
-- Aural Acuity 291
-- Pitch Discrimination 293
Energize the Voice 296
-- Phonation 297
-- Resonant Tone Production 301
Energize the Song
-- Diction
-- Expression
-- Study and Discussion Questions
-- References
16. Teaching Sight-Singing Skills
Historical Overview
How to Teach Sight-Singing
Scheduling Time for Sight-Singing
Assessing Sight-Singing Skills
Study and Discussion Questions
References
17. Rehearsing the Choir
Introducing a New Choral Work
Whole-Part-Whole Strategy
Directing an Efficient Rehearsal
Common Ensemble Problems
Study and Discussion Questions
References
18. Understanding Styles and Performance Practices
Medieval Era (c. 500-1450)
Renaissance Era (c. 1450-1600)
Baroque Era (c. 1600-1750)
Classical Era (c. 1750-1825)
Romantic Era (c. 1825-1900)
Contemporary Era (c. 1900-Present)
Study and Discussion Questions
References
19. Presenting the Performance
The Concert Program
Technical Matters
Dress Rehearsal
Conducting the Concert
Study and Discussion Questions
References
20. Directing Other Choral Organizations
The Community or Civic Chorus
Church Choirs
Children's Choirs
Nontraditional Choirs
Study and Discussion Questions
References
Unit 3. Optional Projects
Choral Auditioning
Planning and Leading a Warm-Up/Singing Lesson
Rehearsing the Choir (Microteaching)
Developing a Concert Program
EPILOGUE. MOVING INTO THE WORKPLACE
21. Planning for Success
Eugene F. Bechen
Creating a Successful Student Teaching
Experience
The Job Search
Professional Growth and Development
Dealing with Stress and Burnout
Study and Discussion Questions
References
Appendix A. Music Publishers and Distributors
Appendix B. Manufacturers of Equipment, Supplies, and Attire
Appendix C. Lists of Recommended Choral Repertory
Appendix D. Voice Class Resources
Appendix E. Sight-Singing Materials
Index