The Music or the Singer - What Do You Care About?
Morrissey, J. (2021). A delicate balance - caring for the music and the singers. ChorTeach (13) 3, 12-20. https://acda-publications.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/ChorTeach/2021/Spring/MorrisseyCT13-3.pdf
Rapport plays a significant role in having a positive atmosphere in the ensemble setting. This article discusses the importance of building a positive relationship with your students while producing a successful product.
-
What's more important?
Have you ever wondered how choral ensembles continue to strive with a demanding performance schedule while still obtaining that high-quality choral sound? What does it take for one to accomplish this? Is it all about the music? What about the rapport with your singers? As choral conductors, where is the medium?
-
How do you develop rapport and still create high quality music?
In this article, the researcher interviews twelve college/university choral conductors to determine how they balance musical excellence and valuing the choristers. The answers to five questions and a list of conclusions are provided to help choral conductors who find themselves wondering how to develop a rapport with your singers that show them as human beings while still requiring a high demand from them during the rehearsal process.
Based on the researcher's study, it is essential that we:
Care for the music and singers to build choral success
Be realistic in your planning
Use reflection as part of the rehearsal process
-
Derrick's Riff
While these are only three of many suggestions provided in this article, we need to remember that many choristers who end up being the "backbone" of the ensemble at the collegiate level are not music majors. While we all want musical excellence, we must also remember that our preparedness before the rehearsal and the mood we set during the rehearsal will allow for the most significant outcome.