This practical introduction to developing and managing choral music programs from the elementary through the high-school level provides a solid basis for a career in choral directing. Structured around three basic units--the administrative process, choral planning, and choral rehearsing--it covers core topics including recruitment and auditioning, classroom management, vocal development, and curriculum and performance planning. It also discusses student discipline, philosophy of choral music education, and the history of choral conducting.
Each chapter includes Study and Discussion Questions and References. Preface
1. CHORAL ADMINISTRATION
1. Becoming a Choral Music Director
The Professional Choral Music Educator
Qualifications for the Choral Conductor
Historical Perspectives
Future Directions
2. Developing a Philosophy for the Music Program
The National Standards
Advocacy for Music in the Schools
Intrinsic versus Extrinsic Values
A Rationale for Music Education
3. Promoting and Recruiting for Choral Success
Building a Public Relations Program
The Choir Newsletter
Recruiting Choristers
Using Standardized Tests
4. Planning and Building the Choral Program
The Master Schedule
Designing the Choral Curriculum
Auditioning the Singers
Guidelines for Voice Classification
5. Processing the Flow of Information
Written Communication
Evaluating and Reporting Achievement
Lesson Planning
Informing Others
6. Managing the Choral Program
Budgetary Procedures
Music Supplies, Equipment, and Concert Attire
The Choral Music Library
Rewards to Stimulate Pride and Motivation
Unit 1. Optional Projects
A Rationale for Teaching Music
Preparing Promotion Materials
Choral Auditioning
Lesson Planning
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
8. Planning for Discipline and Choir Conduct
Attributes of Good Teaching
Four Modes of Discipline
Basic Rules, Consequences, and Enlisting Help
Guidelines for Classroom Management
9. Choosing the Music
Guidelines for Choosing Quality Choral Literature
Locating Quality Choral Literature
Programming Objectives
Programming Sacred Music in the Schools
10. Preparing the Choral Rehearsal and Music
The Rehearsal Schedule
The Rehearsal Format
Preparing the Music
Placement of Singers
11. Organizing Performances
Concert Preparation
Choir Tours
Choral Festivals
Competitions
12. Popular Music Presentations
Broadway Musical Productions
Swing Choirs
Show Choirs
Vocal Jazz Ensembles
Selected Bibliography for Broadway Musical Productions
Unit 2. Optional Projects
Code of Conduct
Show Choir Choreography
Choral Rehearsal Observation
3. CHORAL TECHNIQUES
13. Vocal Development, Part 1
Posture Development
Breath Management: Breathing Motion
Breath Management: Control
Breath Management: Support
14. Vocal Development, Part 2
Vocal Registers
Resonant Tone Production
Diction
Expression
15. Energizing the Choral Warm-Up
Energize the Body
Energize the Breath
Energize the Ear
Energize the Voice
Summary
Vocal Skills Development Outline: Energizing the Warm-Up
16. Teaching Sight-Singing Skills
Historical Overview
How to Teach Sight-Singing
Scheduling Time for Sight-Singing
Assessing Sight-Singing Skills
17. Rehearsing the Choir
Introducing a New Choral Work
Whole-Part-Whole Strategy
Directing an Efficient Rehearsal
Common Ensemble Problems
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)
19. Presenting the Performance
The Concert Program
Technical Matters
Dress Rehearsal
Conducting the Concert
20. Directing Other Choral Organizations
The Community or Civic Chorus
Church Choirs
Children's Choirs
Nontraditional Choirs
Unit 3. Optional Projects
Planning and Leading a Warm-Up Routine
Planning and Leading a Sight-Singing Exercise
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
Appendixes
A. Music Publishers and Distributors
B. Manufacturers of Equipment, Supplies, and Attire
C. Lists of Recommended Choral Repertory
D. Voice Class Resources
E. Sight-Singing Materials
Index