Variety is the Spice of Life: Creative Strategies to Engage and Energize Young Singers

Planning the same thing the same way every rehearsal can be boring for young singers…and their director! This presentation is for the middle (or high) school director that is looking to spice up their daily rehearsal. We’ll explore a variety of engaging ways to approach teaching music theory, ear training, movement, sight reading, assessment and music.

These engaging strategies will help you help your singers to become more engaged in and enthusiastic about chorus, motivated in their own learning, improve overall participation and fosters a more positive classroom and program environment.

Don’t Stop Now: Literacy Skills for the Teacher

This session explores ways for the K-12 choral teacher to improve their personal musical literacy. Participants will evaluate their own skill development and learn ways to practice and improve their rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic literacy and performance skills, using repertoire from their own classroom or ensemble, regardless of teaching level.

Accessible Latin American Choral Repertoire and Useful Tips & Teaching Strategies

Beyond SATB: Rethinking Voicing and Empowering Lifelong Singing

This session will explore how the voice changes throughout a singer's life and provide essential insights for those conducting choirs of any level. Our discussion will focus on understanding the physiological changes occurring during both estrogen- and testosterone-driven puberty which has varying impacts on vocal range, timbre, and control. Practical strategies will be offered for selecting appropriate repertoire, fostering a supportive and encouraging environment, and voicing students by honoring their vocal development while also empowering them to contribute to the ensemble. Through these comprehensive strategies, educators will be best equipped to support their students, promoting healthy vocal habits and maintaining enthusiasm for choral singing during this critical developmental stage.

Choir as a Community of Storytellers: Staging and Physical Engagement