Inside the Choral Rehearsal

Applying the Music Learning Theory of Edwin Gordon to the choral rehearsal, the authors have combined to guide teachers and conductors through a reimagined rehearsal process with important supporting pedagogies that help teachers reach new levels of musicianship with ensembles at all levels. The specific application is with Dan Davison's accessible original work Come, Ye Ladies and Lairds. The Guide includes brief overviews of the important aspects of Music Learning Theory; teaching audiation throughout all aspects of the choral rehearsal; restructuring the choral rehearsal to emphasize harmonic teaching and learning; structuring warm-ups to build vocal technique using principles of Group Vocal Technique; using chant to reinforce music skill and pattern training; using accompanists to support audiation; teaching using critical pedagogy to create a student-centered learning experience; using Laban movement within the choral rehearsal; incorporating Orff into the choral rehearsal process; and teaching heightened ensemble listening skills.