Directing the Choral Music Program

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.

Kenneth H. Phillips is Professor Emeritus of Music Education at The University of Iowa School of Music.

Contents

Preface

Unit 1 CHORAL ADMINISTRATION

Chapter 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

Chapter 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

Chapter 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

Chapter 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

Chapter 5 Processing the Flow of Information

Written Communication
Evaluating and Reporting Achievement
Lesson Planning
Informing Others
Study and Discussion Questions
References

Chapter 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

Chapter 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

Chapter 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

Chapter 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

Chapter 10 Preparing the Choral Rehearsal and Music

The Rehearsal Schedule
The Rehearsal Format
Preparing the Music
Placement of Singers
Study and Discussion Questions
References

Chapter 11 Organizing Performances

Concert Preparation
Choir Tours
Choral Festivals
Competitions
Study and Discussion Questions
References

Chapter 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

Chapter 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

Chapter 14 Vocal Development: Body and Breath

Energizing the Body
Physical Conditioning
Posture Development
Energizing the Breath
Breathing Motion
Breath Management
Study and Discussion Questions
References

Chapter 15 Vocal Development: Ear, Voice, and Song

Energize the Ear
Aural Acuity
Pitch Discrimination
Energize the Voice
Phonation
Resonant Tone Production
Energize the Song
Diction
Expression
Study and Discussion Questions
References

Chapter 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

Chapter 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

Chapter 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

Chapter 19 Presenting the Performance

The Concert Program
Technical Matters
Dress Rehearsal
Conducting the Concert
Study and Discussion Questions
References

Chapter 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

Chapter 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