Directing the Choral Music Program

by Phillips, Kenneth H.

• ISBN13: 9780195132823
• ISBN10: 0195132823
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2003-09-04
• Publisher: OXFORD UNIV PR

Summary

Directing the Choral Music Program is a comprehensive introduction to developing and managing choral music programs from elementary through high-school and adult levels. Designed primarily as a choral methods text for the undergraduate music education curriculum, it is also useful for choraldirectors in schools, churches, and communities. 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 features many subjects not covered in other texts, such as student discipline, philosophy of choral music education, and the history of choral conducting. The author also presents material on directing show choirsand musicals; organizing choir tours, festivals, and contests; working with adolescent singers; and teaching sight-reading skills. Directing the Choral Music Program incorporates study and discussion questions at the end of each chapter, numerous illustrations and musical examples, and a variety of class projects throughout. The appendixes offer helpful lists of music publishers and distributors; manufacturers ofequipment, supplies, and attire; recommended choral repertory; voice class resources; and sight-singing materials. Grounded in the author's extensive experience in directing choirs at all levels, this book combines practical methods with a research base, providing readers with a solid foundation fora career in choral directing.

Table of Contents

Preface	x
1 CHORAL ADMINISTRATION
1 Becoming a Choral Music Director	1	(19)
The Professional Choral Music Educator	1	(1)
Qualifications for the Choral Conductor	2	(2)
Historical Perspectives	4	(13)
Future Directions	17	(1)
Study and Discussion Questions	18	(1)
References	18	(2)
2 Developing a Philosophy for the Music Program	20	(11)
The National Standards	20	(1)
Advocacy for Music in the Schools	21	(4)
Intrinsic versus Extrinsic Values	25	(3)
A Rationale for Music Education	28	(1)
Study and Discussion Questions	28	(1)
References	29	(2)
3 Promoting and Recruiting for Choral Success	31	(18)
Building a Public Relations Program	31	(7)
The Choir Newsletter	38	(3)
Recruiting Choristers	41	(3)
Using Standardized Tests	44	(3)
Study and Discussion Questions	47	(1)
References	48	(1)
4 Planning and Building the Choral Program	49	(18)
The Master Schedule	49	(3)
Designing the Choral Curriculum	52	(8)
Auditioning the Singers	60	(3)
Guidelines for Voice Classification	63	(2)
Study and Discussion Questions	65	(1)
References	66	(1)
5 Processing the Flow of Information	67	(22)
Written Communication	67	(4)
Evaluating and Reporting Achievement	71	(11)
Lesson Planning	82	(2)
Informing Others	84	(3)
Study and Discussion Questions	87	(1)
References	87	(2)
6 Managing the Choral Program	89	(18)
Budgetary Procedures	89	(4)
Music Supplies, Equipment, and Concert Attire	93	(4)
The Choral Music Library	97	(4)
Rewards to Stimulate Pride and Motivation	101	(4)
Study and Discussion Questions	105	(1)
References	106	(1)
Unit 1 Optional Projects	107	(1)
A Rationale for Teaching Music	107	(1)
Preparing Promotion Materials	107	(1)
Choral Auditioning	107	(1)
Lesson Planning	107	(1)
2 REHEARSAL AND PERFORMANCE PLANNING
7 Working with Adolescent Singers	108	(24)
The Nature of Adolescents	109	(2)
The Female Voice Change	111	(3)
The Male Voice Change	114	(4)
Appropriate Part Voicings	118	(11)
Study and Discussion Questions	129	(1)
References	129	(3)
8 Planning for Discipline and Choir Conduct	132	(15)
Attributes of Good Teaching	132	(3)
Four Modes of Discipline	135	(4)
Basic Rules, Consequences, and Enlisting Help	139	(3)
Guidelines for Classroom Management	142	(3)
Study and Discussion Questions	145	(1)
References	146	(1)
9 Choosing the Music	147	(11)
Guidelines for Choosing Quality Choral Literature	147	(3)
Locating Quality Choral Literature	150	(2)
Programming Objectives	152	(2)
Programming Sacred Music in the Schools	154	(2)
Study and Discussion Questions	156	(1)
References	157	(1)
10 Preparing the Choral Rehearsal and Music	158	(25)
The Rehearsal Schedule	158	(2)
The Rehearsal Format	160	(4)
Preparing the Music	164	(11)
Placement of Singers	175	(6)
Study and Discussion Questions	181	(1)
References	182	(1)
11 Organizing Performances	183	(17)
Concert Preparation	183	(6)
Choir Tours	189	(4)
Choral Festivals	193	(3)
Competitions	196	(2)
Study and Discussion Questions	198	(1)
References	198	(2)
12 Popular Music Presentations	200	(21)
Broadway Musical Productions	200	(10)
Swing Choirs	210	(2)
Show Choirs	212	(5)
Vocal Jazz Ensembles	217	(1)
Study and Discussion Questions	218	(1)
References	219	(1)
Selected Bibliography for Broadway Musical Productions	220	(1)
Unit 2 Optional Projects	221	(1)
Code of Conduct	221	(1)
Show Choir Choreography	221	(1)
Choral Rehearsal Observation	221	(1)
3 CHORAL TECHNIQUES
13 Vocal Development, Part 1	222	(14)
Posture Development	223	(6)
Breath Management: Breathing Motion	229	(1)
Breath Management: Control	230	(2)
Breath Management: Support	232	(2)
Study and Discussion Questions	234	(1)
References	235	(1)
14 Vocal Development, Part 2	236	(18)
Vocal Registers	236	(2)
Resonant Tone Production	238	(4)
Diction	242	(7)
Expression	249	(3)
Study and Discussion Questions	252	(1)
References	253	(1)
15 Energizing the Choral Warm-Up	254	(24)
Energize the Body	254	(2)
Energize the Breath	256	(3)
Energize the Ear	259	(3)
Energize the Voice	262	(13)
Summary	275	(1)
Study and Discussion Questions	276
Vocal Skills Development Outline: Energizing the Warm-Up	275	(1)
References	276	(2)
16 Teaching Sight-Singing Skills	278	(17)
Historical Overview	278	(7)
How to Teach Sight-Singing	285	(4)
Scheduling Time for Sight-Singing	289	(1)
Assessing Sight-Singing Skills	290	(3)
Study and Discussion Questions	293	(1)
References	294	(1)
17 Rehearsing the Choir	295	(20)
Introducing a New Choral Work	296	(5)
Whole-Part-Whole Strategy	301	(4)
Directing an Efficient Rehearsal	305	(4)
Common Ensemble Problems	309	(4)
Study and Discussion Questions	313	(1)
References	313	(2)
18 Understanding Styles and Performance Practices	315	(16)
Medieval Era (c. 500-1450)	315	(2)
Renaissance Era (c. 1450-1600)	317	(2)
Baroque Era (c. 1600-1750)	319	(3)
Classical Era (c. 1750-1825)	322	(2)
Romantic Era (c. 1825-1900)	324	(2)
Contemporary Era (c. 1900-Present)	326	(2)
Study and Discussion Questions	328	(1)
References	329	(2)
19 Presenting the Performance	331	(17)
The Concert Program	331	(8)
Technical Matters	339	(1)
Dress Rehearsal	340	(3)
Conducting the Concert	343	(4)
Study and Discussion Questions	347	(1)
References	347	(1)
20 Directing Other Choral Organizations	348	(20)
The Community or Civic Chorus	348	(4)
Church Choirs	352	(4)
Children's Choirs	356	(4)
Nontraditional Choirs	360	(3)
Study and Discussion Questions	363	(1)
References	364	(2)
Unit 3 Optional Projects	366	(1)
Planning and Leading a Warm-Up Routine	366	(1)
Planning and Leading a Sight-Singing Exercise	366	(1)
Rehearsing the Choir (Microteaching)	366	(1)
Developing a Concert Program	366	(2)
EPILOGUE MOVING INTO THE WORKPLACE
21 Planning for Success	368	(16)
Eugene F. Bechen
Creating a Successful Student Teaching Experience	368	(5)
The Job Search	373	(3)
Professional Growth and Development	376	(1)
Dealing with Stress and Burnout	377	(4)
Study and Discussion Questions	381	(1)
References	382	(2)
Appendix A. Music Publishers and Distributors	384	(7)
Appendix B. Manufacturers of Equipment, Supplies, and Attire	391	(1)
Appendix C. Lists of Recommended Choral Repertory	392	(21)
Appendix D. Voice Class Resources	413	(1)
Appendix E. Sight-Singing Materials	414	(2)
Index	416