Embracing Learning and the Fun of Singing in an Amateur Choir
with Dr. James McGowam, Carleton University
One of the biggest challenges for directors of amateur choirs is striking a balance between challenging choir members to learn new things, and just enjoying the act of singing in community. This presentation advocates that personal/collective growth is attainable without sacrificing the community-building act of musicking, combining these goals in mutually compatible ways in rehearsals.
The presenter will demonstrate how to:
1) Develop blending and active listening via simple, inclusive improvisation games;
2) Develop tone and tuning via attention to detail in vowels and scale degrees;
3) Improve rhythmic precision through analogy to percussion effects and dance.
The presenter will demonstrate how to:
1) Develop blending and active listening via simple, inclusive improvisation games;
2) Develop tone and tuning via attention to detail in vowels and scale degrees;
3) Improve rhythmic precision through analogy to percussion effects and dance.
Dr. James McGowanDr. James McGowan is a pianist (jazz and classical), improvisor, choral conductor, composer, music theorist, and professor at Carleton University. He has won multiple university-wide teaching awards for his engaging pedagogy in musicianship, theory, community music, and choral directing. He has directed university choirs, community choirs, and church choirs for over 30 years.
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