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.

Here is an amazing choral resource that demonstrates how movement while singing helps to harness the natural kinesthetic learning processes in males. Featuring the acclaimed St. Mary's International School Varsity Ensemble, conducted by Randy Stenson, the DVD includes warm-ups and exercises to improve tone, intonation, phrasing, articulation, special vocal effects, head voice and vocal agility. Through these exercises, the singer develops his own individualized shaping gesture, which leads to improved musicality during rehearsal, versatility and expressiveness. The companion book includes the notated exercises, additional instructional material, suggested seating charts, learning strategies and much more.

Robert Lawson Shaw was born in Red Bluff, California on April 30, 1916 - another century, another America. By the time he died, 82 years later, he had become one of America's classical music icons - a key figure who helped create a culture of classical music in the United States. Shaw was the principle re-inventor of the choral art in America. He made choral music important, artistic, and popular. Deep River is a rich, in-depth, 631-page biography of this complex man and his relentless drive to transform American choral singing. The enclosed DVD features Robert Shaw in rehearsal at Boston University.

Dictionary of Dance features over 450 choreography terms, defined and demonstrated with the music teacher in mind. The movements are alphabetized and numbered for ease of use, with easy to follow definitions, diagrams and dozens of demonstration photos for further visual reference. The video features step-by-step instruction of these movements as demonstrated by John Jacobson and 4 student dance models, and presented in the same order as the book version for your quick reference. Sold separately, or together in a pak, this book & video reference is a must for your music library! Available: Book, Video (set of 2), Book/Video pak. For all ages. 1 p.

This marvelous book is filled with ideas, processes, demonstrations, and activities to give the choral teacher-conductor a multifaceted tool for nurturing the developing choir. The book is organized in three units. Unit 1: First Things First addresses selection of repertoire, multicultural music, learning the score and healthy conducting technique. Unit 2: The Toolbox discusses vocal development, reading, part singing and kindling creativity. Unit 3: Putting It All Together offers suggestions on rehearsal planning and focuses on vocal production: vowels and consonants, intonation, ensemble singing, expression and memorization. Musical examples are used throughout, as well as tables, photographs, and "Extensions and Application" assignments to help students internalize and remember the points covered in each of the eleven chapters.

Now significantly revised and expanded, with a foreword by Morten Lauridsen, James Jordan's groundbreaking book incorporates more than ten years of new conducting insights, pedagogy, and philosophy to create a resource that is not only informative but transformative. Unique to this edition is the inclusion of a revolutionary DVD (also available separately as "The Anatomy of Conducting") with Dr. Jordan and Eugene Migliaro Corporon of the University of North Texas. For the first time, a conducting text contains visual examples of patterns that, with the help of state-of-the-art animation and multiple camera angles, guide you to a deeper understanding of how conducting gesture influences sound. Hardcover book with DVD, 466 pages.

This comprehensive book is intended for choirs at all skill levels, and covers a wide range of subjects, including: rehearsal preparation and planning, how to listen, conducting gesture as a rehearsal technique, the accompanist and the rehearsal, how to teach artistic phrasing, rehearsal accountability, and the spirit of the rehearsal. The volume also deals with approaches to teaching rhythm, using recording technology as part of the rehearsal, introducing your choir to IPA, incorporating Dalcroze and Laban into the rehearsal, and the count singing system of Robert Shaw.

Lynne Gackle, Associate Professor of Ensembles and Assistant Choral Director at Baylor University, has long been an advocate for the power of singing as a catalyst for positive change and self-actualization in adolescent girls. Her landmark text is a synthesis of these ideas, reflecting her unmatched expertise on the working of the female voice and a lifetime of experience and research. Serving to enlighten and encourage teachers and choral directors of these students, "Finding Ophelia's Voice, Opening Ophelia's Heart" addresses the symptoms of vocal change in the female voice, along with physiological factors that affect it. Appropriate choral literature, recordings, and other educational materials are also presented. The included DVD, which may be used as a teaching tool in the classroom, provides demonstrations of the phases of vocal maturation, voice classification, vocal techniques, and other pedagogical strategies, all with the help of an all-girl choir (ages 12-16) under the direction of Dr. Gackle.

Movement enhances even the simplest musical settings. It can bring energy to a dynamic show choir number or simple elegance to a beautiful concert piece without your choir ever leaving the risers! John Jacobson's ideas for staging and choreography on choral risers have been compiled in this easy-to-use resource for the beginning or veteran choral director. Covering basic formations, visual effect and simple gestures that enhance the lyrics, this practical guide will help you incorporate all kinds of staging into your performance. This is an exceptionally important resource for virtually every school choral director!

This book is a "must have" for anyone seeking to encourage student leadership in a musical group or other school organization. This inviting leadership method book is an interactive journey for all stakeholders in your program. The exceptionally effective process encourages significant personal and program growth. The proven approach is equally effective with high school and college-aged students. This hands-on manual is essential for any educator looking to improve student performance in the classroom, on the stage, and beyond!