Eighteenth International Conference on the Arts in Society

Abstract

The use of creative imagery in rehearsals is a highly effective way to transition the choir from learning pitches and rhythms to singing beautiful music. Trying to get students to demonstrate dynamics, phrasing, and the various musical techniques that each piece presents can be an uphill battle. Whether it is the first class of the day, right after lunch, or an evening rehearsal, every ensemble director has had moments when their groups continue to neglect the dynamics on the page. It doesn’t matter how many times a choir is told to crescendo, or how many times the director points out the messa di voce that happens every other measure, the “bored/autopilot student” is an obstacle that can be tough to reach. Given that every student learns differently, teachers need to learn various ways of teaching the same material, so that they can reach as many students as possible. Using instructions to paint a picture that every student can find relatable, which they can then implement into the music, enables the director to teach highly advanced techniques to any level of musical ensemble.