Summer Reading for Choir Directors Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Ah, summertime…and the livin' is easy…a time for rest, relaxation, and professional development! Use your summer break wisely by taking one of these resources with you to the beach, and the beginning of your school year is sure to be smooth sailing:
Tim Seelig's Quick Fixes makes it easy to help your choir take the beautiful singing they do in warm-ups and apply it to your repertoire. This budget-stretching book is full of concepts that singers understand and can incorporate into their singing. Small enough to fit in your choir folder, it's easy to find the choral “symptom†in the index, read the plan of treatment, and immediately fix the problem…right on the spot!
Have We Had This Conversation? by John Yarrington offers solution-oriented techniques for having more effective conversations with your school, church or community choir. This book not only contains suggestions for rehearsal strategies, motivational techniques and personal inspiration, but also includes specific procedures for addressing text considerations, improving conducting gestures, and developing musicality.
Inside the Elementary School Chorus by Patricia Bourne is specifically designed for the music educator working with non-auditioned children's choruses. In addition to helpful how-to's, this outstanding resource illustrates how children's choirs can become environments where participants learn a strong sense of community alongside high levels of musicianship. Includes a DVD that provides sight and sound to the strategies shared in the text. Down-to-earth and inspiring!
The practical handbook Sing 6-7-8 by Roger Emerson provides an engaging and witty approach to working with young adolescent singers (who can often be a challenge!). This text is full of creative ideas and solid solutions in an easy-to-read question-and-answer format. Topics covered include: recruiting, classroom management, the adolescent voice, repertoire, working with administrators, colleagues and parents, and much more! Ideal for both experienced educators and those new to the field.
Check out our video below for information about the resources above, and contact us for more great summer reading suggestions.
