Format : DVD
SKU: GI.G-10289
ISBN 9781622774579.
Thank you, Michael, for offering your years of experience and your love for music making with this informative, happy guide. I know it will be of great help to the next generation of choral directors! (From the foreword by Philip Brunelle) Choral directors are frequently called upon to conduct various instrumental ensembles, from a few accompanying instruments to a full orchestra. This very practical and straightforward book provides insights and advice to those who haven’t studied instrumental conducting, who may be new to conducting instrumentalists, or those who are looking to hone or enhance their skills. Throughout this book, Michael Kemp explains the most beneficial ways for a choral conductor to hire, work with, and lead instrumentalists. The different approach needed to guide instrumental ensembles of varying skill levels is presented clearly and effectively. Helpful and perceptive accounts from Kemp’s wide-ranging experience as a conductor illuminate the material. Useful sample seating chart of various instrumental combinations are also included. Michael E. Kemp is the author of significant training books for choral directors and voice teachers. His goal is to pass on accessible, scholarly concepts to choir directors to enhance their ensembles. A conductor, choral clinician, author, composer, voice teacher, and violist, he is also the founding conductor of Philadelphia’s Academy Chorale and Orchestra.
SKU: GI.G-10339
ISBN 9781574635256.
Compiled and Edited by Brian J. Winnie One hundred powerful rehearsal techniques and ideas passionately shared by leading expert choral pedagogues, composers, conductors, vocologists, music therapists, researchers, speech-language pathologists, studio teachers, and professional practitioners. Each quick-to-read, insightful article includes fascinating facts about famous composers and conductors, thoughtful motivational quotes, and suggested additional reading selections. It’s an excellent university text and “go-to†source for choral conductor-teachers at all levels. Sample topics include: Useful Compositional Techniques for Directors, Jeffery L. Ames, Professor, Belmont University The Yin and Yang of Vocal Sight-Reading, Michele L. Henry, Professor, Baylor University Five Steps for Planning and Rehearsing Repertoire, Patrick K. Freer, Professor, Georgia State University Teacher Talk, Jessica Nápoles, Associate Professor, University of North Texas Choral Resonance: Sound, Science, Spirit, Amanda Quist, Director of Choral Activities, University of Miami Conductor vs. Cooking Appliance: Creating Meaning through Temporal Flexibility, Jake Runestad, Composer & Conductor Recruit from a Position of Strength, Ethan Sperry, Professor, Portland State University The Improvising Choral Director, Patrice Madura Ward-Steinman, Professor, Indiana University Honoring Female Changing Voices, Bridget Sweet, Associate Professor, University of Illinois Teaching Traditional South African Music, Michael Joseph Barrett, Composer & Conductor, University of Pretoria Leadership through a New Lens, Hilary Apfelstadt, Professor Emerita, The University of Toronto The Choral Warm-Up Period, Anthony T. Leach, Professor Emeritus, The Pennsylvania State University Rethinking Gender in the Choral Context, Joshua Palkki, Assistant Professor, California State University, Long Beach Involving Students in Repertoire Selection, Janet Galván, Director of Choral Activities, Ithaca College.
SKU: HL.49045586
ISBN 9790001166270. UPC: 841886032705. 7.5x10.75 inches. Latin.
As a singing teacher, choir director and not least as a passionate professional choir singer, Irina Rebhuna is perfectly familiar with the possibilities of the human voice. And so it is hardly surprising that the Latvian musician born in 1988 has devoted herself especially to the composition of vocal music. Her sacred choral work Libera me, Domine for mixed a cappella choir (SSAATTBB) won the special prize for the 'best composition for 4-6 voices' at the International Composition Competition 'Musica Sacra Nova' 2016. This church music gem, in which the eponymous Gregorian chorale is intonated by one of the (two) bass baritone sections at the beginning - over a musical tapestry woven by the remaining voices - and taken up again by all tenors at the end, is ideal for ambitious amateur choirs. The idea behind this work, says the composer, is 'the human reflection on the uncertain - on death, on Judgment Day or on what is inexplicable to us. Such as humility, excitement, fear,and atonement. The chant ends without ending, there is no solution. Life goes on because we ask the following question again and again: What will happen next?'.
SKU: GI.G-10886
ISBN 9781622777365.
James Jordan has been at the forefront of Choral Pedagogy for over 35 years. His landmark publications under the guidance of Frauke Haasemann have afforded him a front row seat to the development of Choral Warm-Up Pedagogy. His studies in the Psychology of Music with Edwin Gordon have allowed him to marry the pedagogy of the choral warm-up with Music Learning Theory. His text, The Choral Warm-Up (GIA), shared the pedagogical method for building healthy choral sound with teachers around the world. This book shares the exercises that have been at the core of vocal pedagogy for the choirs at Westminster Choir College: Chapel Choir/Schola Cantorum, Westminster Williamson Voices, Symphonic Choir, Westminster Choir, and his professional ensemble, The Same Stream (thesamestreamchoir.com). The revolutionary sequence of the efficient exercises in this book, while they appear simple, fold voice science and Music Learning Theory into the choral warm-up by refocusing choral ensemble warm-up pedagogy on tongue position and the inner architecture of vowels. Using only the triadic 1-3-5 provides a consistent pedagogy for vocal health for every ensemble that creates beautiful choral blend, accurate intonation, and a humanly centered sound for choirs at all levels. The gestural pedagogy and specific techniques for conducing these exercises and the Core Vocal Exercises (G-6397A) can be found in a series of streaming videos here: SV-1129 James Jordan is Professor of Conducting and Director of Choral Studies at Westminster Choir College of Rider University, where he conducts the Westminster Choir and the Westminster Symphonic Choir. He has published over 60 books regarding Choral Pedagogy, Conducting, and the Philosophy of Music Teaching and Performance. John Frederick Hudson is a London-based composer, conductor, and pianist who holds degrees from Westminster Choir College and The University of Aberdeen (Scotland), where he earned a PhD in Composition, studying with Paul Mealor. His published music can be found at Beckenhorst Press and in the Evoking Sound Choral Series at GIA.
SKU: GI.G-277025
ISBN 9781574634761. UPC: 888680748159.
57 experts from across the U.S. working as professors, studio teachers, professional singers, choral directors, composers, vocologists, and speech-language pathologists have all contributed to this amazing collection of quick-to-read, yet deeply insightful strategies. It's like finding expert trade secrets all placed in one easy source. With outstanding records of performance, workshop clinics, recordings, research, composition, leadership, and teaching, the authors provide their favorite recipes that will expand your current knowledge and inspire all levels of voice teachers and singers.
SKU: CF.CM9714
ISBN 9781491160329. UPC: 680160918904. Key: F major. English. Robert Frost.
About the work ... Few American poems are as well known as The Road Not Taken. Robert Frost, the author, is an international icon, not unlike Pablo Picasso, Winston Churchill or Mark Twain in their own disciplines.The poem is full of contradictions and quirks of form and structure. Perhaps that illusiveness is part of the poem's intrigue. But beyond all of the literary devices that only a few scholars may fully appreciate, this poem has taken on a sort of fanfare for the common person credo - a challenge to individualism, stepping out on one's own, and breaking the mold out of sheer determination if nothing else. Frost connects to the core of the human spirit in just a few stanzas using the analogy of a fork in a road. The message super cedes geography, culture, race or creed. Rather, it is part of the DNA of most every person on the planet - the inner desire to feel empowered to create one's own destiny, to forge a road not taken, and ultimately in doing so, to make a difference. Rehearsal notes ... Research strongly suggests that there is a direct connection between the first rehearsal and the performance. First impressions last. I find it helpful to immediately lock three concepts into place - mechanics (notes/rhythms), text/phrasing (intent and motivation) and color (timbre). Performers need to think musically from the first reading forward (first impression). The cello is very much a collaborative instrument in this work, and should be located in front of the ensemble (not to side). Lastly, let the text speak. The simplest melodic lines are often the most exposed. Keep the voices clear and transparent, floating over the top in softer passages, and singing with vibrancy and forward focus throughout. Z. Randall Stroope A definitive recording was made by the New American Voices, with Randall conducting. This can be found on Spotify, YouTube, his website (www.zrstroope), and other social media. About the composer ... Z. Randall Stroope is an American composer and conductor. His composition teachers were Normand Lockwood and Cecil Effinger, both students of the Nadia Boulanger, the famous French teacher (and student of Gabriel Faure). He is the artistic director of two international summer music festivals, is an Honorary Member of the National Association of Italian Choral Directors, and has conducted in 25 countries. He has directed over 40 times at Carnegie Hall, and is a frequent conductor at other prestigious concert venues. Randall has 190 published works, and his music can be heard on Spotify, YouTube and other platforms, including his website (www.zrstroope.com).About the work ...Few American poems are as well known as The Road Not Taken. Robert Frost, the author, is an international icon, not unlike Pablo Picasso, Winston Churchill or Mark Twain in their own disciplines.The poem is full of contradictions and quirks of form and structure. Perhaps that illusiveness is part of the poem's intrigue. But beyond all of the literary devices that only a few scholars may fully appreciate, this poem has taken on a sort of fanfare for the common person credo - a challenge to individualism, stepping out on one's own, and breaking the mold out of sheer determination if nothing else. Frost connects to the core of the human spirit in just a few stanzas using the analogy of a fork in a road. The message super cedes geography, culture, race or creed. Rather, it is part of the DNA of most every person on the planet - the inner desire to feel empowered to create one's own destiny, to forge a road not taken, and ultimately in doing so, to make a difference.Rehearsal notes ...Research strongly suggests that there is a direct connection between the first rehearsal and the performance. First impressions last. I find it helpful to immediately lock three concepts into place - mechanics (notes/rhythms), text/phrasing (intent and motivation) and color (timbre). Performers need to think musically from the first reading forward (first impression). The cello is very much a collaborative instrument in this work, and should be located in front of the ensemble (not to side). Lastly, let the text speak. The simplest melodic lines are often the most exposed. Keep the voices clear and transparent, floating over the top in softer passages, and singing with vibrancy and forward focus throughout.Z. Randall StroopeA definitive recording was made by the New American Voices, with Randall conducting. This can be found on Spotify, YouTube, his website (www.zrstroope), and other social media.About the composer ...Z. Randall Stroope is an American composer and conductor. His composition teachers were Normand Lockwood and Cecil Effinger, both students of the Nadia Boulanger, the famous French teacher (and student of Gabriel FaureÌ). He is the artistic director of two international summer music festivals, is an Honorary Member of the National Association of Italian Choral Directors, and has conducted in 25 countries. He has directed over 40 times at Carnegie Hall, and is a frequent conductor at other prestigious concert venues. Randall has 190 published works, and his music can be heard on Spotify, YouTube and other platforms, including his website (www.zrstroope.com).
SKU: HL.14018437
The Requiem Mass in C Minor, Cherubini's first, was commissioned for the anniversary of the execution of Louis XVI by the restored French monarchy. The Requiem was highly admired by the public and critics as well as by Mendelssohn, Berlioz and Beethoven. Cherubini sets a solemn tone right from the beginning by using the lower Strings and winds only to accompany the Voices and continues to display his inventiveness with great effectiveness throughout the work. The thunder and lightning of the Dies Irae, the prayerful pianissimo sections of the Agnus Dei accompanied by ostinato, the complete lack of soloists are all remarkable elements of this historically importantwork.Luigi Cherubini was a composer, conductor, teacher, administrator and music publisher who, though born in Italy, dominated the musical world of Paris for nearly five decades. His composing life can be divided very roughly into to phases: the operatic phase during the French Revolutionary period and the equally successful religious music phase at the beginning of the Restoration afterwards. His directorship of the Paris Conservatoire strengthened its position at the peak of musical education on the Continent.
SKU: GI.G-10003
ISBN 9781622774135.
Help your students Level Up! their sight-reading skills using their minds and ears, as well their voices! Level Up! is a sequential, interactive, and comprehensive resource built from the authors’ decades of research and experience teaching students of all levels and ages. Using the concept of target skills (isolated pitch and rhythm patterns), Level Up! guides students to carefully understand and analyze every new skill by difficulty. Authors Michele L. Henry and Keitha Lucas Hamann then reinforce each skill by asking students to sight-read specially sequenced practice melodies. Each of the five volumes—Foundational, Emerging, Minor, Developing, and Advanced—is designed as an interactive workbook for students to mark up, and is available in both treble clef and bass clef editions. The companion Teacher Manuals include clear instructions for how to best use the Level Up! system, outline the approach and sequencing, and provide assessments. Level Up! supports the artistic literacy goals of the National Coalition for Core Arts Standards (NCCAS) and many state music education standards. The companion website, giamusic.com/levelup, provides even more reinforcement. The goal of Level Up! is simple: to help students become independent and confident musicians, with benefits to last a lifetime! Michele L. Henry, Ph.D. is Professor of Choral Music Education at Baylor University, Waco, Texas. Keitha Lucas Hamann, Ph.D. is Associate Professor of Music Education at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.  Level Up! is the most sequential approach to the teaching of sight-reading that I’ve ever seen! Designed for use with singers at the middle school through high school levels, the methodology aligns with National Standards, UIL, and TEKS, and is range related for developing voices. Within each lesson, specific skills are targeted and the interactive approach further encourages the mastery of skills. Individual assessment is provided both for long-term and short-term goals, thus creating a complete and accessible methodology which can be used in any choral or general music classroom. —Lynne Gackle, Director of Choral Activities, Baylor University This book fills a unique niche in the field. I love that it takes the needs of developing/changing voice singers into account and that students can write in the books like a workbook as they are learning the tools for sight singing. Teachers will definitely appreciate the opportunities for assessment built into the series. —Jessica Nápoles, Associate Professor of Choral Music Education, University of North Texas As a teacher, I really do love this resource. It’s broken down in a way that makes it very easy to incorporate into my lessons, and the fact that it’s sequential and very clear about the concepts introduced at each level is extremely helpful. I can see my students (beginners especially) getting better and more confident with their sight-reading. I look forward to using this resource as our primary sight-reading resource! —Courtney Neva, Choir Director, Dripping Springs High School.
SKU: GI.G-10006
SKU: GI.G-10014
ISBN 9781622774494.
May this book serve to mend with gold our individual lives, and collectively to sing together toward the future. —Makoto Fujimura, from the Foreword Twenty years after the publication of his landmark work The Musician’s Soul, James Jordan returns to themes of musicianship, human connection, and artistry—but with depth and insight only possible with twenty years of additional perspective. Jordan explores our need for humility in music making and the importance of “slow art†for all musicians and teachers in this fast information age. He reflects on the loneliness of musicians and draws on yoga concepts to explore our deepest places. And he advocates, with contributions from Dominic Gregorio and Mark Moliterno, the gift of abundances and learning to breathe “as†another. The Musician’s Being, like its predecessor, is filled with inspiring, thought-provoking quotations, enlightened ideas and insights, and a contagious passion for the art of music making. Jordan has written another profound guide to musicianship and to “being†that miracle of artistry and human experience. James Jordan is Professor and Senior Conductor at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey, where he conducts the acclaimed Westminster Williamson Voices. He is also Artistic Director and Conductor of the professional ensemble The Same Stream Choir (thesamestreamchoir.com), and Co-Director of the Choral Institute at Oxford (rider.edu/Oxford). He has published over 60 books and resources for music educators and conductors that are read around the world. Dominic Gregorio (1977–2019) served as Associate Professor and Director of Choral Activities at the University of Regina in Canada. He collaborated with James Jordan on several notable publications, including Discovering Chant, The Musician's Spirit, and The Musician's Being. Mark Moliterno is an accomplished professional opera singer, voice teacher, yoga teacher, IAYT-certified Yoga Therapist, workshop leader, and author who is known as a specialist in helping people understand and uncover their authentic voices.  Enjoy this discussion of The Musician’s Being featuring Makoto Fujimura, Irene Gregorio, Alec Harris, Mark Moliterno, and Mike Scheibe. The hour is filled with enlightened, thought-provoking ideas and insights, and a contagious passion for the art of music making.
SKU: CF.CM9768
ISBN 9781491160343. UPC: 680160923298. Key: G major. English.
About the WorkThe text of this work is most often attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson, although it doesn't mirror his style, and no research credits an essay, book or letter with its source. Other individuals are occasionally suggested as possible authors, but equally unsubstantiated. Even whether the textis a poem or a quote seems unclear. But there is one thing that is without question: that this beloved text has inspired countless people and contributed toward a view of the world through eyes of hope, resilience, courage, beauty, and joy. Music for this text flowed more easily than about any text I have ever set. It has an emotional connection that is mystical, and after I read it for the first time, I immediately sat down and wrote this work without stop.Rehearsal NotesIn many cases, art is more expressive and reaches a wider range of human emotions when multiple artistic fields are fused together. Such is the case with choral music: the intertwining of literature, music, and very often dance, visual arts, and more. The story in choral music is often quite specific, much like film scoring. At times, the music is the picture frame (score) around the picture (text), while at others the music is the leading dramatic/emotional impetus.In the present case (My Farewell Wish), the text is sincere, innocent, heartfelt, and earnest. By all accounts, the message is altruistic, expressing selfless desire for another's present/future happiness. Capturing this message has a strong reliance on the performers to not only carry the emotional intent of the moment (a phrase of text or a measure), but the the energy and continuance of the message throughout.The use of the [o] vowel functions almost as instrumental interludes or underpinning of strings. The conductor may use the [o] as indicated in the score, or a [u] vowel, a hum (with [o] as the vowel inside the mouth), or all three at different times for different reasons. In an acoustical performance (no mic), the soloist and the ensemble are a reflection of each other's natural sound. And, even gentle, warm solo voices should have no trouble projecting.Two final thoughts: 1) the obbligato or added voice or two on high passages (m. 66) or a single note (final chord) will be best delivered by lyrical, pure voices with demonstrated control; and 2) the metronome marking of 80 bpm (mm. 1–81) was strongly considered and should be followed.About the ComposerZ. Randall Stroope is an American composer and conductor. His composition teachers were Normand Lockwood and Cecil Effinger, both students of the Nadia Boulanger, the famous French teacher (and student of Gabriel FaureÌ). Randall is the artistic director of two international summer music festivals, is an Honorary Board Member of the NationalAssociation of Italian Choral Directors, and has conducted in 25 countries. He has directed over 40 times at Carnegie Hall, and is a frequent conductor at other prestigious concert venues. Randall has 190 published works, and his music can be heard on Spotify, YouTube and other platforms, including his website (www.zrstroope.com).
