Product Description

Directing the Choral Music Program is a comprehensive introduction to developing and managing choral music programs from elementary through high-school and adult levels. Designed primarily as a choral methods text for the undergraduate music education curriculum, it is also useful for choral directors in schools, churches, and communities. Broad in scope and practical in orientation, the book is structured around three basic units: the administrative process, rehearsal and performance planning, and choral techniques. In addition to core topics--including recruitment and auditioning, classroom management, vocal development, and curriculum and performance planning--it features many subjects not covered in other texts, such as student discipline, philosophy of choral music education, and the history of choral conducting. The author also presents material on directing show choirs and musicals; organizing choir tours, festivals, and contests; working with adolescent singers; and teaching sight-reading skills.
Directing the Choral Music Program incorporates study and discussion questions at the end of each chapter, numerous illustrations and musical examples, and a variety of class projects throughout. The appendixes offer helpful lists of music publishers and distributors; manufacturers of equipment, supplies, and attire; recommended choral repertory; voice class resources; and sight-singing materials. Grounded in the author's extensive experience in directing choirs at all levels, this book combines practical methods with a research base, providing readers with a solid foundation for a career in choral directing.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #112761 in Books
• Published on: 2003-09-04
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 432 pages

About the Author
Kenneth H. Phillips is at Gordon College.

Customer Reviews

I was very impressed
There are many books out there that discuss conducting gesture and pedagogical approaches to running a rehearsal, and they are of enormous value. However, many choral conductors, even those with advanced degrees, feel underprepared when it comes to "real world" scenarios--"How do I build and recruit a choir?", "How should I do warm ups?", "How do I decide on a program/plan a tour?" This book addresses these issues and more, looking at the complete tasks of a choral conductor. In addition to sections on choral adminsitration, rehearsal and performance planning, choral techniques, and professional development, there is a list of recommended choral repertory, sorted by parts, difficulty, and even multicultural origin. I would strongly recommend this book to any choral conducting student or new choral conductor.

Fantastic Choral Method
This is an excellent, practical text for everything related to managing a choral music program. While I normally do not read textbooks cover to cover, I did with this and found a wealth of information that I will be able to apply to my choir classes. This would be particularly helpful for college students or inexperienced choral directors, as it gives specific techniques and exercizes that can be applied to students of any age or experience level. As a veteran teacher, it was helpful to read this book and be reminded of the "basics", especially in developing a personal philosophy about the role of choral music in the schools and community. Highly recommended text.

The best practical choral method book you will ever need!
To all current and future choral directors: this is a must-read book!
I wish I had this book back in college for my choral methods class. This book is full of wonderful tips and practical knowledge that will help you out tremendously in the classroom (rehearsal strategies, classroom management, etc.). I often run into books that have unrealistic lesson plans and expectations for music students, but this book hits on everything you need to make a choir successful. If you have to buy a different book for a college methods course, buy this one on top of what you have now!