Conducting Men's Choirs

Essential for anyone working with male choirs in any capacity. Equally suited for novice teachers and seasoned professionals, this collaborative resource is the culmination of decades of experience and wisdom by leaders in the profession. Inspired by Debra Spurgeon's pioneering book Conducting Women's Choirs, this companion resource brings together the expertise of 18 acknowledged authorities on men's choirs, addressing the unique challenges, considerations, and joys of making music with male singers. The book is organized into three major sections. The first contains historical information on male choirs in the United States, including glee clubs in colleges and universities; an examination of some of the nation’s most esteemed and accomplished male choirs; and the role of male community choruses in America. The second section explores key aspects of working with male singers that are vital to the success of any conductor of male choirs. Topics addressed include: how to start a male choir and recruit male singers; working with middle school boys and the developing adolescent voice; pedagogical considerations for male voices; procedures for improving intonation; standing formations; warm-ups; women conductors of male choirs; and how to arrange and compose for men's choirs. A thorough discussion of repertoire for men’s choirs rounds out this resource in the book's third and final section. Extensive repertoire listings with hundreds of titles for men's chorus are also provided for quick and easy reference.