TM
the crash course for beginner choristers
First time in choir?
You’re in for one of the most enjoyable and rewarding experiences there is! There’s a lot to learn about choral singing, though, especially in the first few weeks of rehearsal. With this in mind, the Alberta Choral Federation has designed this crash-course aimed at preparing beginning choristers for a gratifying year of choral singing.
Back in choir, but still confused?
You’re not alone! As a chorister you’re dealing not only with reading the notes, but are confronted with a myriad of technical terms, a variety of languages, and developing an understanding of your vocal instrument. This course will clarify some of those things you’re not sure about, act as a refresher for all the things you did understand, and facilitate your continued growth as a choral musician.
I’m the conductor.
This course is also designed with you in mind! By equipping your beginner choristers with the essential skills they need, this course can save you precious rehearsal time and establish a level of common ground amongst your choristers.
Choristers are busy people!
Because choristers are busy, the course is only 1 day long. The learning will be fast and furious but you’ll feel like an empowered chorister by the time the course is over. And don’t worry, we’ll provide you with reference notes in case you forget anything from the day.
Saturday, 3 October 2009
9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
CALGARY
University of Calgary
Craigie Hall F202 (campus map)
Instructors | Paul Grindlay, Janos Horvath, Colleen Whidden
EDMONTON
Faculté Saint-Jean, University of Alberta (
8406, Marie-Anne-Gaboury Street (91 Street))
Room 1-01 in the Pavillon McMahon, main academic building, lower level (campus map )
Instructors | Heather Johnson, Dr. Laurier Fagnan, and Dr. Ardelle Ries
To register
Register by phone | 780-488-SING (7464)
ONLINE REGISTRATION & PAYMENT HERE
Registration fee: $55, including an ACF membership and lunch.
Registration deadline: Monday, 28 Sep 2009.
For more information, call (780-488-SING) or e-mail us.
COURSE OVERVIEW
Score Reading
making sense of the lines and dots
· What’s a staff? Which line is mine?
· Learning to read rhythm and melody.
· Understanding basic musical terminology, including terms related to tempo, dynamics, and articulation.
Music Theory
understanding how it works
· Understanding rhythmic construction and following the conductor’s pattern.
· Exploring scales and tonality.
· Identifying intervals.
Vocal Technique
coaxing your voice out of the shower
· Proper posture and breathing.
· Developing your concept of sound.
· Singing vowels correctly.
· Singing in extreme registers.
Musicality Issues
creating a moving musical experience
· Crafting musical phrases.
· Learning how to stagger breathe.
· Improving intonation.
· Mastering the voice’s entire dynamic capability.
Choral Traditions
making the music come to life
· Understanding issues related to performing music from different periods.
· Singing authentically in a variety of different musical styles.
For more information, call us at 780-488-SING.