Creating Excellence in Choirs and Orchestras

Noted scholar and conductor Dennis Shrock uncovers the key factors and proven strategies that lead to the achievement of excellence in music ensembles at any level. With the use of historical references and examples, this book lays out 14 elements that contribute to an ensemble's success: goals, focus, attitudes, structures, procedures, responsibility, ontology, study, warm-ups, sound, cohesion, expression, conducting, and repertoire. While it highlights the choral and orchestral mediums specifically, all concepts can be applied to any type of ensemble, and the recommendations are not exclusively for the benefit of conductors. Music teachers, church musicians, ensemble members, and administrative staff will glean wisdom from these pages as well. Excellence is an attainable goal for anyone with a vision, and this insightful text guides readers as they embark on their own quest for musical excellence.