The Value of Attending Conventions and Professional Workshops As we become immersed in working with our organizations, it becomes important to explore avenues for renewal. Learning to make music while dealing with the challenges, joys, and frustrations of rehearsing with our choir(s) can easily be shared at conventions or workshops. These gatherings provide a forum for asking questions, sharing ideas, and meeting wonderful new colleagues who face similar challenges. At the recent national convention of the American Choral Director’s Association, over 5800 choral professionals from around the world gathered in Chicago to learn from each other, as well as listen to some great performances. As the professional arm for most major choral directors across the country, the ACDA has broadened the scope and nature of the conventions into an event of international importance. The performing organizations included three choirs from Russia, professional choirs of such status as the King Singers and many fine amateur choirs from across the country.
Some benefits of professional renewal a convention or professional choral workshop can offer:
- Hearing the best established and new organizations of all kinds from around the country and the world—
Reading or hearing new choral literature selected by other professionals in the field—
Seeing and re-connecting with old friends and colleagues—
Attending and participating in round table discussions with other conductors who work in similar musical fields or venues—
Sharing successes and failures with others who are working with students in similar situations—
Meeting a cross-section of people working in the arts such as managers, marketing personnel, etc.—
Evaluating and walking through the various vendors’ displays which offer a wide range of materials, equipment, clothing, and tour information—
Introducing yourself to publishers; signing for catalogues, sharing needs, seeing and purchasing new materials, and observing trends in the publishing industry.
- One of the biggest dilemmas facing the faithful convention-goer is: Do I attend all the events that have been planned for me? Interesting programs in acoustically exciting spaces entice everyone to attend all of the scheduled events, sometimes to the convention-goers’ detriment. Attending a balance of activities is critical for professional renewal. After all, it is also important to leave the experience inspired both musically and physically.
Take the time to sit and study the convention booklet, selecting concerts and workshops to attend that most apply to you. Plan to contact and sit down with colleagues in down times to eat and have some healthy dialogue. When an event is scheduled that doesn’t necessarily apply to you, enjoy and explore the city or just rest in the hotel room. Spend time in the exhibition hall, exploring various vendors; the material you can discover there may change your entire program. Evaluate workshop presenters; make sure that they are suggesting materials that will work for you and are of the best quality for your choral program.
The ACDA plans national and regional conventions on alternate years in diverse regions. In 2001 it will be held in San Antonio. Be sure to set aside this time for your own professional development and renewal.
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New Releases ~ Sacred SATB Voices ~ Sacred
Ecstatic Meditations, by Aaron Jay Kernis, English text, G. Schirmer, Effortlessly Love Flows, HL50483504, How the Soul Speaks to God, HL50483505, I Cannot Dance, O Lord, HL50483506, How God Answers the Soul, HL50483507, SATB a cappella. Written for Phillip Brunelle and the Plymouth Music Series Ensemble Singers and Choir, these brilliant pieces contain challenging intervals and counterpoint on changing meters. Filled with marvelous text painting to meditations by Mechthild of Magdeburg, the pieces split into eight parts and require capable soloists. Difficulty rating 4-5. $2.25-2.95
Cherubic Hymn No. 7, by Dmitri Bortniansky, Slavonic/English text, ECS, 5236, SATB a cappella. This edition by Anthony Antolini contains a detailed pronunciation guide and extensive background on this prolific Russian composer. The piece is filled with warm harmonies that are easily learned. Set to a text that refers to the heavenly angels song to the Trinity, the piece is excellent service music. Difficulty rating 3. $1.60
Grant Us Your Peace, by Felix Mendelssohn, English text, MorningStar, 50-9095A, SATB and organ (opt. strings, 9095B, full score, 9095). This anthem edited by Carlton Young contains rich tonal harmonies set to elegant counterpoint. This beautiful hymn to peace requires a bass section that has a blended, rich sound. Difficulty rating 3. $1.50
O Light From Age to Age, Richard DeLong, English text, ECS, 4900, SATB a cappella. A homophonic setting of a text by Frederick Hosmer, the piece is filled with enharmonic relationships that lead to surprising turns in the harmonic structure. The sonorous chords are set to shifting meter signatures. Difficulty rating 2. $1.15
Prayer of St. Theresa, by David Conte, English text, ECS, 5111, SATB and organ. The pedal point of a ninth sets the stage for this elegant prayer written to a text by St. Theresa of Avila. Filled with bold harmonies and simple counterpoint, the melodic structure alternates between rich and stark sonorities. Difficulty rating 3. $1.35
Preis ihm! (Praise God!), by Giacomo Meyerbeer, German/French/English text, ECS, 5291, SATB and keyboard. This straightforward setting of a text by Friedrich Klopstock begins homophonically, then shortly moves into an elegant contrapuntal section. The andante closes with a magnificent “alleluia.” Difficulty rating 3. $1.35
Regina Caeli, by Gian Carlo Menotti, Latin text, G. Schirmer, HL50483496, SATB a cappella. This brilliant, mostly syllabic setting of a familiar Latin textis masterfully set by this great twentieth century Italian/American composer.An accessible anthem, it is a wonderful venue for introducing your choir to the beauty, harmonies, and intervalic structure of Menotti’s music. Skillful counterpoint and bone-chilling harmonies dominate the musical fabric. Difficulty rating 4. $1.75
Why Art Thou So Heavy, O My Soul, by Orlando Gibbons, English text, GIA, G-4397, SATB a cappella. Set to a text from Psalm 43:5-6, Gibbons’ straightforward setting of this text in contrapuntal style is typical of his masterful compositional style. Made available in collections, this separate edition of this great motet by Carl Johengen makes a few performance suggestions. Perfect for Lent, the choir must learn to sing elegant phrase shapes. Difficulty rating 3. $1.10The Pastoral Visit of Pope John Paul
St. Louis Cathedral Choral Series
All of these pieces are liturgically set. They are ideal for festival occasions, dedications, evensongs, or for a visit of major church dignitaries where extra instruments are available.Festival Alleluia, by James Chepponis, English text, MorningStar, 80-847A, SATB, cantor, congr. and organ (opt. brass, flute, handbells, and percussion, full score, 847, instrumental, 847B). Difficulty rating 3. $1.25
Gloria, by Charles Callahan, English text, MorningStar, 80-846, SATB, congregation and organ, (opt. instruments). Difficulty rating 2. $1.75
Psalm 34, by James Chepponis, English text, MorningStar, 80-848A, SATB, cantor, congr. and organ (opt. strings, woodwinds, handbells, and percussion, full score, 848, instrumental, 848B). Difficulty rating 2. $1.50
Treble Voices ~ Sacred
Mass in F, by Sigismund Neukomm, Latin text, Boosey, LCB-285, three equal voices and keyboard. This wonderful short mass is beautifully edited by Douglas Townsend. It was first published by the Paris branch of B. Schott and Sons. Taught by Michael Haydn and a close friend of Mendelssohn, the mass reflects their influence with brief sections of counterpoint alternated with rich homophonic sections. Difficulty rating 4. $4.50
O Ruler of the Universe, by Ruth Watson Henderson, English text, Plymouth, CC-113, SA, congregation, and organ. This spectacular canticle set to Revelation: 15:3-4 shifts between meditative and brilliant sections. Thecongregation’s part is printed at the end of the edition and may be reproduced in the bulletin. This fabulous homage to Christ is ideal service music under the theme “The Song of the Redeemed.“ Difficulty rating 3. $1.35
Three Baroque Sacred Songs, by Antonio Vivaldi, Latin/English text, MorningStar, Laudamus te, 50-9918, Domine deus, 50-9919, Esurientes implevit bonis, 50-9920, SA or unison and keyboard, opt. oboe, cello, and strings. These wonderful pieces from the Italian Baroque ring on children’s voices. Chosen from the Gloria and Magnificat these pieces have been carefully edited by Marie Stultz, following the rules of Baroque performance practices. An extensive teaching tool and pronunciation guide are part of the edition. Difficulty rating 3. $1.25-150
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New Releases ~ Secular SATB Voices ~ Secular
Contrasts, by Robert H. Young, English text, Gentry, HL08739015, SATB a cappella. Rich, lush harmonies dominate these two settings of Christina Rossetti poems. Composed homophonically, For Sweet Things Dying and A Birthday are warm pieces in stark contrast. Both movements have brief divisi sections. These mood pieces are ideal for the advanced high school or college choir with excellent intonation. Difficulty rating 4. $1.35
Hirtenchor (Shepherds Chorus), by Franz Schubert, German/English text,National, NMP260, SATB, clarinet, and piano (opt. orchestra). This charming chorus is part of the incidental music for Rosamunde. Written in October of 1823, the music was successful, but the production failed. The music went into oblivion until Sir George Grove and Sir Arthur Sullivan rediscovered it in 1867. This charming chorus was written at the high point of Schubert’s compositional efforts and is an excellent addition to the chorus operatic repertory. Difficulty rating 3. $1.65
I Know Where I’m Goin’, arr. Marie Pooler, English text, G. Schirmer, HL50483448, SATB and piano. This simple arrangement of a Scottish folksong in strophic form is easy to learn. Changes of key and alternating voice parts contribute to the piece’s interest. Ideal for a high school program where note learning time is at a minimum. Difficulty rating 2. $1.50
Rose-Cheeked Laura, by Robert H. Young, English text, Gentry, HL08739016, SATB a cappella. Set to a text by Thomas Campion (1567-1620), this love song has some wonderful harmonies and melodic moods that will appeal to a high school or college choir. Set homophonically, the students will have great fun tuning the sonorous chords as they declaim this fine text. Difficulty rating 3. $1.25
Yo le Canto Todo el Dia, arr. David Brunner, Spanish text, Boosey, OCTB7163, SATB and piano. Intricate rhythms, extensive clapping sections and a demanding piano part all help to create the Latin impression of this Venzuelan folksong. The piece requires an accomplished choir that understands the Latin American medium. This arrangement is excellent for introducing your choir to complex rhythms and Latin harmonies. Difficulty rating 4. $1.80
Treble Voices ~ Secular
Echo, by Jeffrey Van, English text, Mark Foster, MF970, SSAA, piano, and cello. This elegant piece set to a haunting text by Christina Rossetti is stellar. The simple cello part laces through the dream-like harmonies that will ring on treble voices. The piece is composed mostly with homophonic chords with some elegant suspensions that contribute to the mystic fabric. The piece does require an accomplished alto section with a warm, rich tone quality. The piece is ideal for the accomplished children, high school girls, or college choir. Difficulty rating 3. $1.80
Goin’ to Boston, arr. Shirley W. McRae, English text, Plymouth, HL-546, SA, flute, and piano. A simple setting of this traditional American folksong, the flute part can be played by an accomplished student. The clapping and sound effects will be great fun for a middle school chorus to create. The piece develops the middle range of the voice. Difficulty rating 2. $1.35
I Dreamed I Lay Where Flowr’s Were Springing, by Ludwig von Beethoven, English text, National, CMS-138, SA, violin, cello, and piano. This charming setting of a Scottish folksong to a text by Robert Burns is a wonderful way of introducing your choir to this great composer. The violin and cello parts can easily be played by accomplished students. Commissioned by George Thomas as secretary to the “Board for the Encouragement of Arts and Manufactures in Scotland,” Beethoven resented the task but needed the money. He grew to like the folksongs, using the melodic fragments in his serious writing for piano and string quartets. Difficulty rating 3. $1.25
I Once Loved a Lad, arr. Michael Neaum, English text, Presser, 312-41750, SSA and piano. Another English folksong that is beautifully set by this accomplished arranger, the piece, like the Water of Tyne shifts between 6/8 and 9/8 meter. The piece begins a cappella, therefore requires a choir that has excellent intonation and tuning. Difficulty rating 3. $1.25
The Sea Is Awash With Roses, by Cary Boyce, English text, Boosey, OCTB6906, SSSAA a cappella. Filled with brilliant atmospheres, this piece for women’s voices is a real challenge. Difficulty rating 5. $1.40
Men’s Voices ~ Secular
Der Gondelfahrer (The Gondolier), by Franz Schubert, German/English text, Santa Barbara, SBMP 253, TTBB a cappella. This atmospheric piece is composed in mature Schubertian style to a text by Johann Mayrhofer. It is composed in the spirit of a barcarole. The piece suggests the lapping of the water against a boat on a canal in Venice. The bells of St. Mark’s Cathedral toll in the background. The work requires control of dynamics and an effortless pronunciation of the many German words on lyrical phrase shapes. Thisromantic partsong is edited by Carl Zytowski. Difficulty rating 4. $1.60
Sehnsucht (Loneliness), by Franz Schubert, German/English text, Santa Barbara, SBMP 254, TTBBB a cappella. Set to Mignon’s song from Wilhelm Meister by Goethe, the surprising harmonies in this landmark piece from 1819 makes for real intonation challenges and tremendous control of the phrase shapes. It is critical to the artistic impression that the dynamics be carefully followed, singing the elegant phrases with a light, lyrical tone quality. Thischallenging partsong is edited by Carl Zytowski. Difficulty rating 4. $1.45