Essentials in
Direct and Teach

Directors College in 2008 is going to look much different. Why…because you asked for it. Through collected years of feedback from you the student, from faculty, and from seasoned directors, the Chorus Director Development committee and seasoned DC faculty members are creating a new look for DC.

Here are some of the highlights of changes for 2008

• Three levels of directing techniques instead of four

o Three levels of Directing Techniques is sufficient to teach the “hand” skills and the other elements formerly taught in Directing Techniques (such as rehearsal skills) should be taught elsewhere.

• Addition of “Choral Methods”

o The sound tract will now be, Sound Management, Making a Sound Difference, followed by Choral Methods. Choral Methods will be a nice complement to the current Sound Tract. Additionally, it will be a class that gives the students much more practical tools to help their singers achieve peak performance.

• “On to Rehearsal”…no longer required

o Many of the required Director Certification classes have typically met during the same time as this formerly required class. This will now allow students to take some of those classes and work towards advancing in their certification process.

o However, if you still want to be part of this class, it will still be offered as an elective. In this class, you will observe the Directors College Chorus, observe the director and the moderator, and participate in breakout discussions with the moderator.

• “Directors College Chorus” now a class

o As a student, you may choose to take the Directors College Chorus in which you participate as a chorus singer. You will learn music ahead of time, work on this music throughout the week with a renowned director (this year, Royce Ferguson), get coached on this music, and serve as the model chorus for the On to the Rehearsal course. Space will be limited, so sign up early.

• More elective opportunities

• Fewer “required” classes

• Much, much more!

2008 Faculty

• Steve Armstrong – BM in Music Education, Director for the Toronto Northern Lights, MUS judge

• Larry Bean – COTS Instructor, Music Educator

• Ron Black – Director of Heart of Texas Chorus, certified MUS judge, music teacher

• Gary Bolles – BM in Music Education, former director of Pot O’ Gold Chorus, MUS judge

• Dave Calland – Director of The Alliance

• Dr. Don Campbell – Director of Choral Activities at Southern Wesleyan University

• Joe Cerutti – Director of the Alexandria Harmonizers, MM in Choral Conducting

• Royce Ferguson – Director of Westminster Chorus, 2007 Chorus Champions and tenor in Revival, 1998 Quartet Champions

• Tom Gentry – Popular barbershop arranger, MUS judge

• Jerry Knickerbocker – Lifelong music educator (all levels), very active in CDD programs

• Dr. Jay Krumbholz – Certified MUS judge, professional theorist, teacher of Music Theory at Spokane Falls Community College

• Mike Louque – Certified PRE judge

• Michael Martin –PhD candidate at Kent State University, Assistant Professor of Music/Director of Choral Activities/Director of Music Education at Methodist University

• Charlie Metzger – Chairman of the CDD Committee, retired educator, baritone in Antique Gold, 2006 Senior’s Quartet Champions

• Nick Papageorge – Certified MUS judge, teacher of vocal music and theater arts

• Dr. Chris Peterson – Associate Professor of Music at California State University, Fullerton, former Director of Midwest Vocal Express, SNG judge

• Dr .Paul Tamblyn – Certified CDWI Trainer, past Chair of CDD committee, retired educator

• Steve Tramack – 4^th generation barbershopper, director of Nashua Granite Statesmen

• Kirk Young – Music Educator, former Music Specialist for the BHS, MUS judge

• Russ Young – Certified SNG judge, director of Spirit of Phoenix chorus, Music Educator

New classes / revamped classes

• Choral Methods

o Learn practical methods to take your skills to another level. Diagnose and resolve common problems with ensembles, develop and refine your own concept of quality singing, develop effective rehearsal techniques, and fine tune the delivery of your instruction. This class is required for 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th year Directors College students.

• How to be Great Section Leader

o Get your section to lead the way, even if they are basses, tenors, or baritones! Learn how to proactively influence your music team as a leader and how you can help your section to positively impact the whole chorus. Discuss positive coaching techniques and explore Society programs that are available to help you increase your success.

• The Directors Relationship with the Chapter Leadership Team

o Unite your leadership team! Many times the role of the Musical Director and how he fits in with the chapter leadership team is not clearly defined. This class will help identify that role and provide ways to enhance the relationship, thereby creating a unified front from the musical leadership to the chapter leadership.

• Performance

o Drop that sheet music and start performing! Explore newer ways to minimize note learning during rehearsal and spend more time focusing on performing your music. Discuss the decisions you need to make about each song to assist your coaches and choreographers in helping to make the performance unique to your group. Required for all first-year Directors College students.

Scholarships

• For the second year in a row, approximately 100 people who have never before received a scholarship to Director’s College will be eligible to receive one. If you are one of those people, just go to the following link, read all information carefully, fill out the necessary paperwork, and send it to the BHS HQ office, attention Mike O’Neill…applications that meet all criteria and are received first (after February 1^st) , will be given priority: http://www.barbershop.org/id_060750

Director Certification

• As a result of feedback from directors, assistant directors, and aspiring directors as well as some research into other similar programs, the CDD committee is working hard and fast to have our Certification Program look entirely different by the time DC 2008 rolls around. We are looking to have more accountability with this program as well as more accessibility for you the director. We want you to be able to go through a certification process by attending Directors College, your District HEP schools, as well as doing several programs at home and at your convenience. Keep your eyes peeled for more information on this topic!

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Essentials inDirect and Teach

Directors College 2008, OVERHAULED!