Start main page content

NB: This course is now full and we will not be accepting any more applications

The need for education of choir conductors in South Africa was identified by a group of American choir conductors whilst on a tour to this country a few years ago. The Path to the Podium is the result of their sincere desire to do whatever they could to address this need.

The Path to the Podium: Expressive and Efficient Choir Conducting Workshops

in partnership with Wits Choir and supported by Wits University presents
The Path to the Podium: Expressive and Efficient Choir Conducting Workshops
22 – 24 July 2016
Wits Choir House, 21 Henri Street, Wits University 

IPCME was formed and in partnership with Dalene Hoogenhout, conductor of Wits Choir and with the support of Wits University this vision to facilitate choral music education in South Africa has culminated in what we foresee will be the first of many choral education encounters.

This weekend series of workshops is a pilot programme to investigate the feasibility of an annual, week-long choral music education course for choral conductors. It is particularly aimed at conductors working at school level or with church and community choirs – conductors who may not have had formal choral conducting training in the past. It is also an ideal way for aspiring choral conductors to get a solid foundation in this subject matter.

Workshop Topics

    Pathway to Expressive Gesture

    • Kinesthetics - embodying the music in movement
    • Application to repertoire - embodying the score in the gesture
    • Teaching Repertoire - rehearsal techniques

     Pathway to Expressive Choral Tone

    • Voice Building - warm-ups, vocal health, using the right words for singers
    • Developing an Aural Image - conceptualization and process (preparing the score and preparing initial rehearsals)
    • Application to repertoire - rehearsal implementation

    Pathway to Effective Rehearsal

    • Planning and Pacing the Rehearsal
    • Conducting Master Class
    Workshop Presenters

    James Meaders
    Dr James M. Meaders moved to New York in July 2014 to accept a position with Distinguished Concerts International New York (DCINY), where he is Associate Artistic Director and Conductor. Prior to his appointment at DCINY, he spent 16 years on faculty at Mississippi College, where he was Professor and Director of Choral Activities in the Department of Music. Dr Meaders’ choirs have performed multiple invitational performances for conventions of the American Choral Directors Association at the state, divisional, and national level.

    Alicia W. Walker
    Dr Walker is Associate Director of Choral Studies at the University of South Carolina. She conducts two choirs and teaches courses in conducting and music education. She has taught all levels of singers, from children through college students and adults. She is currently President of the Southern Division of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA).

    Carol Joy Sparkman
    Carol Joy Sparkman has taught Vocal Diction, Aural Skills, and has directed ensembles at the collegiate level for 25 years and is currently the Choral Director at a high school programme that includes six choirs and various ensembles. She is in demand as a collaborative pianist with vocalists, choral conductors, and professional theatres. In addition to her collaborative skills, she is a vocal coach to singers in a variety of styles.

    Jonathan Crutchfield
    Jonathan Crutchfield has directed choirs both in church and academic settings. In addition to directing choirs, he also provides collaborative skills at the piano and organ keyboards for choirs, singers and instrumentalists. His career spans over 40 years of musical work as a solo recitalist, a collaborative keyboardist and a composer.

    Preliminary schedule

    IPCME 22 – 24 July 2016

    FRIDAY 22 JULY – Wits Choir House

    17:00               Introductory Workshop 1                                                                   
    18:00               Light snacks and tea/coffee                                                              
    18:30               Introductory Workshop 2
    19:30               End

     

    SATURDAY 23 JULY – Wits Choir House and Wits School of Arts classroom

    09:00               Course Work 1
    11:00               Tea/Coffee break
    11:30               Course Work 2
    13:00               Lunch break                                                                                      
    14:00               Course Work 3
    16:00               Tea/Coffee break
    16:30               Choral Lab
    18:00               End

     

    SUNDAY 24 JULY – Wits Choir House; Wits School of Arts classroom;

    09:00               Course Work 4
    10:30               Tea/Coffee break
    11:00               Course Work 5
    12:00               Lunch break                                                                                      
    13:00               Rehearsal
    14:30               Prepare for concert
    15:00               CONCERT
    16:00               Reception and certification ceremony                                                
    17:30               End

    Costs for the weekend course

    The total costs for the weekend course is R 250. This covers the costs of the teaching materials, light meals, the reception and all refreshments.

    Please note that the workshop presenters from the USA have donated their time and expertise towards the furthering of this vision of expanding and improving choral music in South Africa. The workshops, the choral conducting labs as well as the use of the Wits Choir and Wits University facilities have also been donated free of charge towards this enterprise. 

    There are limited spaces available for this initial pilot course, so please book early in order to secure your place!

    How to register

    NB: This course is now full and we will not be accepting any more applications.

    Please complete the course registration form online. Alternatively, email the completed Course Registration Form back to Dalene Hoogenhout before WEDNESDAY 20 JULY 2016 at the following addresses:

    Please make payment of R 250 into the Wits Choir banking account and email proof of payment and your name and surname as reference to the above email addresses and also to the Financial Officer of Wits Choir:

    Wits Choir Banking Details are:
    Bank - FNB
    Name of account – University of Witwatersrand: Sundry Debtors Account
    Account number – 62077141580
    Branch number – 251905

    Share