This three-volume series is a comprehensive tool for beginning conductors or more experienced conductors who are beginners in choral conducting. Volume 1, "The Promising Conductor," presents fundamental conducting patterns along with numerous practice exercises. Approaches to repertory, programming, score marking, rehearsal strategies, and singing techniques are also introduced. It is a concise guide that offers a wealth of practical information and can stand alone as a resource. In Volume 2, "Music for Classroom Use," more than thirty printed and recorded selections complement the exercises in Volume 1. To further enhance study, each selection is accompanied by a brief note about the composer and the work, a translation of the text, and a short discussion of its conducting issues. Volume 3, "The Practicing Conductor," addresses topics that any practicing conductor is likely to face, including working with an orchestra, conducting musicals, the psychology of conducting, and using movement in the choral rehearsal.

Refine your conducting technic through the study of left-hand development, independence, expressive gestures, delicate transitions, fractional entrances and cutoffs, starting and stopping, establishing new tempi, and changing meters to name just a few. An added bonus is the inclusion of helpful videos, which are viewable free online, that provide clear conducting models. A must for every conductor wanting to improve technique or instructors looking for effective teaching materials.

This is a pioneering yet practical book and DVD devoted to all aspects of the women's choir - a groundbreaking contribution and a true collaborative effort from top professionals in the field. For the first time in a book, choral leaders bring together historical, philosophical, psychological, sociological, pedagogical, and real-world considerations to the women's choir - information missing from most choral methods and conducting texts. Areas of focus include: working with beginning, high school, collegiate, and community women's choirs; improving the sound of women's choirs; suggested repertoire for women's choirs; composing for women's choirs; building community within the ensemble; warm-ups and rehearsal strategies; building excellence in women's choirs. Sections also focus on mentoring, auditions, seating arrangements, historical women's repertoire, healthy vocal development, gender issues, history, status of the women's choir, and much more. This book features research, practical insights, and round-table discussions. The included DVD demonstrates choral techniques and teaching ideas with two women's choirs: Aurora, from Luther College, conducted by Sandra Peter; and The University of Kentucky Women's Choir, conducted by Lori Hetzel. Conducting Women's Choirs is, quite simply, essential for anyone who is involved in the women's choir movement and interested in the culmination of decades of experience and wisdom by leaders in the profession.

Improve your conducting skills, or those of your student conductors, by exploring two basic elements of conducting: gesture and movement. Allan McMurray, Director of Bands at the University of Colorado, gives valuable insight and demonstrations on topics such as the baton, eye contact, posture, score study, energy, the left hand, use of space, facial expression and other important aspects that influence how easily a conductor communicates to the ensemble. This is a "must see" for new directors, and a great refresher for veteran directors.

This DVD reveals the stellar conducting and rehearsal practices of four master conductors: Richard L. Floyd, Craig Kirchoff, Allan McMurray and H. Robert Reynolds. Each conductor gives a brief introduction followed by a demonstration; providing a resource that directors at all levels will benefit from.

Celebrated band composer Frank Ticheli shares compositional insights in reference to his moving work, An American Elegy with conductor Allan McMurray.

The role of conductor goes far beyond the notes on the score; a successful conductor also has to be an effective leader. The information in this text will help you develop skills needed to work together with musicians and inspire them to higher levels of excellence. Vision, trust, persuasion and character are just a few of the concepts examined and explored throughout this effective volume. Go beyond notes and rhythms, learn to connect with musicians on a personal level for more effective rehearsals and more musically satisfying performances.