Wisdom, Wit and Will

Women have had a profound impact on the choral arts. This groundbreaking volume is a celebration and affirmation of this critical role, written by thirteen of the most significant voices in the choral profession. Wisdom, Wit and Will is a refreshing perspective on the choral field, rebutting conventional attitudes toward conducting and gender, and including distinctive biographies of some of the pioneering female choral conductors. Divided into three sections - Our Music, Our Teaching, and Our Lives - it is about creating the best possible experiences for choral conducting students and choral singers. Among just a few examples, Ann Howard Jones discusses Analyzing the Choral-Orchestral Score, Doreen Rao focuses on Feminine Perspectives on Conducting and Teaching Choral Music, and Hilary Apfelstadt enlightens us about Finding Balance: Professional and Personal. The book also includes concise presentations of the score preparation techniques of Robert Shaw, Margaret Hillis, Nadia Boulanger, and many others. Contributors: Hilary Apfelstadt, Marguerite Brooks, Joan Catoni Conlon, Sharon Hansen, Ann Howard Jones, Melinda O'Neal, Doreen Rao, Kathy Saltzman Romey with Emilie Sweet and Shekela Wanyama, Harriet Simons, Beverly Taylor, Joan Whittemore, Lori West, and Sue Williamson.