Conducting Choirs
by David P. DeVenney
Tutorials and Extras
Video Clips 
1. Finding the "bounce"
A demonstration of the basic pulse that
forms the foundation for the gesture. (Vol. 1, p. 5)
2. The "click" beat: a gesture of syncopation
A demonstration of the "click" beat, a useful gesture
for syncopations, quick dynamic changes, sforzandi,
and similar musical moments. (Vol. 1, p. 25)
3. The "hitch" gesture
Demonstrating how to add a brief suspension of
motion to the conducting pattern. (Vol. 1, p. 26)
4. Conducting a short recitative from Messiah
(Vol. 3)
Articles of Note
Links to interesting articles, reviews, and other writings relevant to users of this series:
A good blog by Richard Sparks, professor of music at North Texas State University, who writes on issues of pedagogy, repertoire, and other topics can be found here.
A well-regarded blog by orchestral conductor Kenneth Woods, whose postings range widely on many areas of interest to conductors and musicians; it can be found here.
One of Ken Wood's postings, on choosing a version of the Mozart Requiem for performance, is particularly instructive. It may be found here as a Word document.
(Note: embedded links within this document will not work. To enable them, search Woods' blog at the sight above.)
I often talk to my students about the importance of silence in their lives -- the absence of distractions to allow them time to think and reflect. In a recent New York Times op-ed piece, called "The Joy of Quiet," Pico Iyer makes a strong case, bolstered by some interesting evidence. You'll find a link here.
What's a conductor really do? A fascinating article by Justin Davidson, writing in New York Magazine, about taking classes with Alan Gilbert (New York Philharmonic) and conducting a Juilliard student orchestra. More>>
Photo and Video Credits
p. 2: Berks Classical Children's Chorus, Reading, PA, Dail Richie, Executive Director. Used by permission.
p. 3: WCU Concert Choir, Feburary 2008, Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre, West Chester University.
p. 4: WCU Concert Choir, Mastersingers, and Symphony Orchestra, April 2008. Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Philadelphia.
p. 5: Senior Choir, Darien (CT) United Methodist Church, winter, 2010; James G. Kantor, director of music. Used by permission.
p. 5: Video clip no. 4: Kristin Neel, soprano; Mark Jackson, cello; John Grecia, harpsichord.
p. 5: Video clip editing by Robert Rust.
1. Finding the "bounce"
A demonstration of the basic pulse that
forms the foundation for the gesture. (Vol. 1, p. 5)
2. The "click" beat: a gesture of syncopation
A demonstration of the "click" beat, a useful gesture
for syncopations, quick dynamic changes, sforzandi,
and similar musical moments. (Vol. 1, p. 25)
3. The "hitch" gesture
Demonstrating how to add a brief suspension of
motion to the conducting pattern. (Vol. 1, p. 26)
4. Conducting a short recitative from Messiah
(Vol. 3)
Articles of Note
Links to interesting articles, reviews, and other writings relevant to users of this series:
A good blog by Richard Sparks, professor of music at North Texas State University, who writes on issues of pedagogy, repertoire, and other topics can be found here. A well-regarded blog by orchestral conductor Kenneth Woods, whose postings range widely on many areas of interest to conductors and musicians; it can be found here. One of Ken Wood's postings, on choosing a version of the Mozart Requiem for performance, is particularly instructive. It may be found here as a Word document. (Note: embedded links within this document will not work. To enable them, search Woods' blog at the sight above.)
I often talk to my students about the importance of silence in their lives -- the absence of distractions to allow them time to think and reflect. In a recent New York Times op-ed piece, called "The Joy of Quiet," Pico Iyer makes a strong case, bolstered by some interesting evidence. You'll find a link here. What's a conductor really do? A fascinating article by Justin Davidson, writing in New York Magazine, about taking classes with Alan Gilbert (New York Philharmonic) and conducting a Juilliard student orchestra. More>>Photo and Video Credits
p. 2: Berks Classical Children's Chorus, Reading, PA, Dail Richie, Executive Director. Used by permission.
p. 3: WCU Concert Choir, Feburary 2008, Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre, West Chester University.
p. 4: WCU Concert Choir, Mastersingers, and Symphony Orchestra, April 2008. Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Philadelphia.
p. 5: Senior Choir, Darien (CT) United Methodist Church, winter, 2010; James G. Kantor, director of music. Used by permission.
p. 5: Video clip no. 4: Kristin Neel, soprano; Mark Jackson, cello; John Grecia, harpsichord.
p. 5: Video clip editing by Robert Rust.
