Dalcroze Eurhythmics in the Choral Classroom Monday, November 01, 2021
recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists
Dalcroze Eurhythmics in the Choral Classroom by Marla Butke & David Frego
The concept of Eurhythmics as an approach to music education was developed in Switzerland in the early 20th century by Émile Jaques-Dalcroze, a musician, actor, dancer, and educator. While the approach was initially conceived for conservatory students, Eurhythmics soon expanded to include the training of musicians, dancers, and actors of all ages, and later included therapeutic applications.
“Dalcroze Eurhythmics in the Choral Classroom” is an extraordinary resource that is helpful to all choral musicians, from those who have never employed movement in choral rehearsal to those whose experience is rich and deep. The authors bring their expertise to a resource that is additive and supportive to choral directors at all levels. Incorporating the ideas in the book does not require an overhaul of your teaching. Instead, the authors provide ideas to help you become a facilitator to students in discovering more depth of expression and freedom in performance.
This book is unique in that is presents a brilliantly concise but complete overview of the philosophy, history, and components of Dalcroze Eurhythmics and then guides you through specific applications of this holistic approach to choral rehearsals. The applications are applied to warm-ups, focus activities, rhythmic exercises, and the rehearsal of specific choral repertoire. The repertoire is organized by level and type of chorus, from elementary through collegiate ensembles. There are also sections devoted to repertoire for advanced treble ensembles and tenor-bass ensembles. Finally, the authors provide links to videos embodying rehearsal techniques described in the book.
Written by two of the world’s leaders in Dalcroze Eurhythmics, Marla Butke and David Frego, this resource brings together all of the elements that make teaching with movement such a success with choral music.
Explore the Joy of Singing breakout session on this valuable resource below, and shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!
About the Authors:
Jen Sper is a Choral Music Specialist here at Stanton’s Sheet Music. A native of Cincinnati, she holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Baldwin Wallace College (now University) Conservatory of Music, and taught 7-12 choir, music theory, class piano, and drama in Southern Ohio before joining the Stanton’s team in 2006. An active choral singer and accompanist throughout the Central Ohio area, Jen can also often be found exploring the exciting restaurant, brewery, and theater scenes in Columbus, wandering through the local metro parks, visiting family around the Great Lakes, or at home with her very friendly cat.
Lora Moore joined the Stanton’s choral staff in July 2018. A former middle school and high school director of 32 years, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Choral Music from Capital University and a Master’s of Arts in Choral Music from The Ohio State University. Currently she is a church choir director, operates a private voice/piano studio and is active as a clinician and accompanist. During the off hours, Lora enjoys scouting out new day trips in Ohio to balance what her budget allows for her frequent trips to New York City to visit family and take in a Broadway show or two!