Format : Textbook
SKU: GI.G-9915
ISBN 9781622774371.
In the world of music conducting there exist fundamental practices shared by all conductors regardless of the type of ensemble they conduct. Foundations of Conducting Technique is a comprehensive beginning conducting text—complete with pictures, online videos, and supplemental conducting etudes—to facilitate the development of a clear and expressive conducting technique. In this volume, author Frank Eychaner addresses three major areas for beginning conductors: gestural technique, score study, and leadership. For gestural technique, the text details a number of technical skills, including the appropriate use of the body, the roles of the right and left hand, basic conducting patterns and their derivatives, an application of Laban movement analysis, the importance of the conducting planes, and conducting with varied articulations (staccato, legato, and marcato), among others. Using direct language, Eychaner details clear cause and effect relationships between gesture and sound. In addressing score study, Eychaner states that all conducting gestures must be guided by an accurate and artistic aural image of a musical work. Rather than advocating for one particular approach, this volume presents a number of possible score study methods for the student to explore. The author also includes a convenient and complete score study checklist. Finally, the text addresses how to be an effective and ethical leader from the podium. Eychaner presents the transformational leadership model—a holistic and dynamic approach to leadership—as a positive pathway for improving the conductor’s effectiveness on and off the podium. Supplementing the text are music etudes to help students develop the technical skills of the conductor. The exercises are intentionally simple, consisting mostly of rhythmic materials and folk-like melodies, so that conductors can focus on mastery of gestural skills. Foundations of Conducting Technique is a major contribution to conducting pedagogy and an extraordinary resource that distills the essence of effective conducting gesture. An ideal text for undergraduate conducting courses, it is also a practical reference for anyone employed in the field, including music educators, church musicians, leaders of community ensembles, and professional conductors of all ensembles. Frank Eychaner, an international leader in conducting pedagogy, has been an educator and conductor for twenty-five years, working in public schools as well as with professional, collegiate, community, and church ensembles. He is currently Director of Choral and Vocal Studies at The University of Texas of the Permian Basin, where he teaches conducting, choral methods, and choral pedagogy, and conducts the Chamber Choir, Concert Choir, and Men’s and Women’s Choirs. Figure 29.5. Duruflé Requiem. Figure 29.6. Handel's Messiah. Of the Father's Love Begotten Give Thanks Appendix A: Conducting Evaluation Form Extended Bibliography.
SKU: GI.G-9290
ISBN 9781622772216.
This important resource is the culmination of a lifelong dream of author Melissa M. Mills to share the wisdom of many of the most influential community children’s choir directors in North America, especially those responsible for pioneering and shaping this wonderful art form. Across two volumes, Mills collects and organizes interviews with 23 expert conductors. Through their conversations, Mills gleans wisdom about their training, teaching philosophy, motivations, and practice, and provides a special focus from each conductor on topics ranging from assigning vocal parts and teaching healthy tone production to planning rehearsals and developing independent musicians. Teachers of young singers will find a broad and deep exploration of the issues that conductors must consider, leading to more purposeful instruction and increased effectiveness in the choral setting. The philosophies and principles discussed in these books offer insights for teachers of the youngest singers through teenagers, in all choral settings (children’s choirs, church choirs, and elementary, middle, and high school choirs). The growing interest in both community children’s choirs and choral conducting philosophy makes Working with Young Singers a timely and invaluable resource for all choral music educators. Contributors: Betty Bertaux • Emily Ellsworth • Christy Elsner • Janet Galván • Helen Kemp • Janeal Krehbiel • Henry Leck • Doreen Rao • Barbara M. Tagg • Anne Tomlinson.
SKU: GI.G-9357
ISBN 9781622772223.
This important resource is the culmination of a lifelong dream of author Melissa M. Mills to share the wisdom of many of the most influential community children’s choir directors in North America, especially those responsible for pioneering and shaping this wonderful art form. Across two volumes, Mills collects and organizes interviews with 23 expert conductors. Through their conversations, Mills gleans wisdom about their training, teaching philosophy, motivations, and practice, and provides a special focus from each conductor on topics ranging from assigning vocal parts and teaching healthy tone production to planning rehearsals and developing independent musicians. Teachers of young singers will find a broad and deep exploration of the issues that conductors must consider, leading to more purposeful instruction and increased effectiveness in the choral setting. The philosophies and principles discussed in these books offer insights for teachers of the youngest singers through teenagers, in all choral settings (children’s choirs, church choirs, and elementary, middle, and high school choirs). The growing interest in both community children’s choirs and choral conducting philosophy makes Working with Young Singers a timely and invaluable resource for all choral music educators. Contributors: Jean Ashworth Bartle • Debra Burgess • Mary Goetze • Joan Gregoryk • Roberta Jackson • Susan Knight • Robyn Lana • Marguerite McCormick • Rebecca Rottsolk • Tim Sharp • Ralph B.Woodward • Jerome L. Wright.
SKU: GI.G-10678
ISBN 9781622776436.
Drawing from his five decades of success as a conductor and educator in the choral field, Will Kesling has compiled a comprehensive choral methods resource that addresses every necessary fundamental for achieving artistry in the choral art. Written in clear and conversational language, this resource covers: Building a healthy and beautiful choral sound Dealing with vocal issues Selecting repertoire and programming concerts Developing score study skills and interpretive insights Understanding the characteristics of musical periods and composers Planning, preparing for, and running rehearsals The Voices I Hear also explores important but often overlooked topics, including a discussion of performing sacred music in secular education settings, techniques for performing choral-orchestral works, choral versus orchestral conducting, and how to become a true “maestro.” Individual chapters also function as standalone topics of study. A valuable read for emerging and seasoned conductors alike, The Voices I Hear is an expert study of the aesthetic, intellectual, and practical aspects of the choral art. Dr. Will Kesling is Professor of Choral and Orchestral Conducting at the University of Florida, where he has taught for two decades. He has conducted hundreds of choral ensembles and nearly fifty of the world’s finest symphony orchestras. His ensembles have received international attention for their excellence and musical expression. Thank you, Dr. Kesling, for the decade you gave of yourself to write the most complete and comprehensive writing on the topics of choral techniques, methods, and conducting I have seen. It is in-depth yet practical, to the point of being a valuable resource for both the young conductors entering the choral field to the well-established professionals. You have given us a solid foundation in all significant areas of the choral art, including, among many others, the production of beautiful vocal tone, detailed physical vocal production, textual and physical components of English diction, repertoire programming, appropriate style, interpretation and phrasing, and a pathway to successful conducting of combined choral and orchestral forces. Your enormous and highly successful career, with worldwide performances and numerous awards and honors, has enabled you to bring validity and integrity to the entire writing. —Donald Neuen Distinguished Professor Emeritus, UCLA Former member of the Robert Shaw Chorale Mr. Shaw’s Assistant Conductor with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Choruses For more than 50 years, Dr. Will Kesling has been and continues to be a prominent figure and voice in the International and American choral profession. His new book, The Voices I Hear, is the distillation of his long and distinguished career as a conductor and choral music educator. The driving and consuming passion throughout Kesling’s life is the preparation and performance of the world’s rich and diverse choral and orchestral repertoire and the education, development, and growth of those who perform and conduct it. This book is a summation of a lifetime immersed in the choral art and all its many aspects. It overflows with insights into the choral art that will not only instruct the beginning conductor but also will enlighten and entertain the seasoned professional conductor and educator. It is filled with wit, wisdom, and practical advice to all practitioners of the choral arts. I enthusiastically recommend Kesling’s enlightening new book as an important addition to the choral pedagogy bibliography and for use as an invaluable new text for choral practicum classes for both graduate and undergraduate students. Dr. Kesling has brought to the choral profession significant new insights to all lovers of the choral art. —Craig Jessop Professor of Music, University of Utah Former Music Director of the Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square and the United States Air Force Singing Sergeants Will Kesling’s book, The Voices I Hear, is practical and philosophical, useful and inspirational, focused and comprehensive. The observations and advice are based on his vast personal experiences on the podium with choirs and orchestras, and the book is a monumental resource for both the young conductor and the veteran. Containing a broad spectrum of musical styles, composers, and topics, Kesling’s direct and practical writing connects immediately with today’s choral musician. Keep The Voices I Hear nearby as there will be many times down the road where the information and opinions in Dr. Kesling’s book will answer the questions you have, as well as the ones you didn’t even know to ask! —Jerry Blackstone Professor Emeritus of Music (conducting) and Director of Choirs (retired) School of Music, Theatre & Dance, University of Michigan This is the textbook I wish had been available when I was beginning my studies. It is comprehensive in scope, practical and helpful in its suggestions, and, perhaps most surprising in a book from an academic, superbly written in clear and powerful English. Kesling speaks with conviction, clarity, and polish, and he finds colorful and memorable ways of making his points and presents the material from the perspective of one who has done all these things for decades at a highly professional level. I give this volume the highest possible recommendation. —Daniel Gawthrop Composer & Conductor.
