Institute for Choral Teacher Education

Transcription

1 Institute for Choral Teacher Education Doreen Rao, PhD Choral Music Experience Introduction to the Practice, Publications and Professional Development Programs

2 Table of Contents For the art of choral music and the future of music education. introduction... 1 organizational chart... 3 Historical Background... 4 A Performance Paradigm for Music Education... 6 The Institute for Choral Teacher Education... 7 Institute Course Objectives CME Certification and Artist-Teacher Diploma chicago sings! summer festival Boosey & Hawkes CME Publications Choristers work with Doreen Rao doreen rao selected publications Copyright 2014 by Doreen Rao brochure photos by William Ellis copyright Doreen Rao 2014

3 introduction CHORAL MUSIC EXPERIENCE Choral Music Experience publications and professional development programs link the standards of concert performance with the goals of music education and social responsibility. The following introduction offers an overview of CME performance teaching values, conducting programs, certification and diploma courses available in the United States, Canada, the UK and Ireland. and regularly scheduled workshops provide sequential conductor and choral teacher certification programs to support professionalism and inspire the highest standards of repertoire and vocal performance teaching. Doreen Rao has truly changed the face of choral music Nick Page, American singer, song leader and composer Developed by Doreen Rao as a performance model for music education, CME publications and professional development programs were inspired by Rao s tenure as Music Director of the For her, every note has an urgent meaning, not just within the composition, but within the wider world. Robert Everett-Green, critic The repertoire-based courses and workshops include cutting edge instruction in voice education, score preparation and musical analysis, conducting, program and rehearsal planning, choral pedagogy and performance practice. The professional development curriculum is distinguished by Doreen Rao s performance approach to music education. It is rooted in the practice of awareness (mindfulness), the development of cultural sensitivity, and an exploration of socially engaged musicianship. Glen Ellyn Children s Chorus, her Grammy Award-winning work with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and her visionary leadership in founding the American Choral Directors Association National Committee on Children s Choirs. Dedicated to the ongoing professional development of conductors and teachers working with children and youth choirs in school, classroom and community singing programs, CME annual courses American and Canadian conductors and choral teachers may choose to study in a number of summer workshop locations, or at the annual CME Institute in Chicago. In the United Kingdom and Ireland, choral conductors and teachers may enroll for a sequenced series of workshops sponsored in London, Fife and Dublin, or at the biannual CME Institute at Stirling University. The CME Institute is dedicated to the development of vocal artistry, 1 2

4 teaching expertise and social sensitivity as these essential qualities impact the continued professional development of gifted musicians and dedicated teachers. The Institute exists to inspire and support emerging conductors and teachers committed to choral singing as music education. Historical Background Throughout its history of exemplary programs, publications and professional development initiatives, Doreen Rao s Choral Music Experience has provided both a theoretical and practical foundation for choral music education. Rao s concept of performance organizational chart CME Institute for Choral Teacher Education Doreen Rao PhD, Founder - Director Lee R. Kesselman, Co-Founder, Associate Director US Mandy Miller, Associate Director UK/Ireland teaching, combined with her research and professional achievements, converged to renew and inspire the nation s interest in choral singing for children and youth. Beginning in 1986, Doreen Rao s innovative choral textbooks and culturally diverse choral music series with Boosey & Hawkes developed simultaneously with her annual CME Institute for Choral Board of Directors Teacher Education. The first professional development program of its kind, the CME Institute for Choral Teacher Education s annual Ithaca, NY St. Louis, MO Portland, OR Chicago, IL Institute US/Canada Institute UK/Ireland London, England Dublin, Ireland Stirling, Scotland conducting courses and certification programs were developed to establish professional standards for conducting and teaching children and youth choirs. Throughout North America, the United Kingdom, and around the world, the CME Institute for Choral Teacher Education has provided choral conductors and music educators with a clearly articulated set of principles and practices. Distinguished from both 3 4

5 the autocratic-technical approach to rehearsing choirs and the conceptually oriented, music-elements approach to teaching general music, the CME performance approach differs significantly from conventional methods by the quality of its joyful, engaged and reflective rehearsal pedagogies practiced collaboratively for the artistic, educational and social benefit of young singers and their communities. Doreen Rao s Choral Music Experience instructional methods and music materials link the standards of concert performance with the goals of music education. In a national tribute presented to her by the American Choral Directors Association, eminent American The world of choral music owes her special thanks. She is preparing our future. Robert Shaw A Performance Paradigm for Music Education Rao envisioned Choral Music Experience as a way to unify the values of performance experience with the goals of music education. Through her research, writing, concerts and lecture-demonstrations around the country, Rao sought to unite the best practices of music education with a choral repertoire and reflective pedagogy that would bring singing back to the center of music education in American schools and community music programs. The Choral Music Experience concept was developed by Rao as a performance model for music teaching and learning based on a musically distinguished and culturally diverse choral literature suited for the social and cultural conditions of a changing world. This teaching philosophy and musical practice is widely recognized as an American-inspired educational paradigm for ensemble singing that begins with the personal skills of receptivity and respect. conductor Robert Shaw wrote: The world of choral music owes her special thanks. She is preparing our future. photo by William Ellis Choristers at CME London 5 6

6 The Institute for Choral Teacher Education The CME Institute for Choral Teacher Education is a professional development program for singers, conductors and choral teachers seeking to renew and enhance their skills. While the majority of course participants are working professionals, student participation is encouraged. The repertoire-based curriculum emphasizes the essential elements of singing and conducting, score study and rehearsal planning, choral pedagogy, and performance practice. The Institute s professional development program is based on the principles of diversity, inclusion and social responsibility - values closely aligned with performance and education in a changing world. While instruction focuses on developing and refining conducting expertise, participants are encouraged to transcend technical mastery and embrace the opportunity to make music in a way that empowers and transforms the lives of young singers and their communities. For those interested in furthering their choral music education studies beyond Level III, the Institute program offers the CME Artist- Teacher and Master Teacher Diplomas, available exclusively with Professor Doreen Rao and Institute Faculty in the US (Chicago), UK (Stirling University) or through private study. The Institute Course Objectives and Artist-Teacher qualifications can be found later in this publication. CME courses and workshops are offered annually in a variety of locations in the United States, Great Britain and Ireland. They are led by distinguished professionals who have earned both the Artist- Teacher and Master Teacher Diplomas. Thematically developed annual courses feature a balanced repertoire of choral classics, contemporary and world music compositions, with composers-inresidence as part of the guest artist faculty. Academic credit is available in some locations upon request. Courses and Workshops CME Institute courses and workshops encourage ongoing, long-term professional development. Participants generally attend a series of courses or annually repeated workshops and study retreats to connect with a trusted community of choral colleagues who support one another s musical growth and professional development. The ongoing CME Institute courses in all countries offer three or more choral teacher certification levels. Doreen Rao at Britten s Red House in Aldeburgh photo by William Ellis 7 8

7 Participants Participants who attend CME courses and workshops come from a variety of backgrounds with a wide range of professional interests. University choral directors and music education faculty attend courses to observe innovative practices and research perspectives related to choral music education. Music teachers attend courses to develop knowledge of the repertoire and improve their singing and conducting skills. Choral conductors attend to expand their knowledge of the repertoire, refine their analytical skills, and improve their choral pedagogy. Many emerging conductors, university students and beginning level teachers are interested in earning nationally recognized certification or academic credit for professional advancement. Others simply return annually to study new choral repertoire, renew professional skills, and re-kindle friendships. Institute Curriculum The Institute s curriculum includes the study of performance philosophy, curriculum building, culturally diverse instructional styles, and innovative choral pedagogies. The Institute also offers a vast array of professional resources and contacts. Professionally accomplished and nationally recognized conductors, teachers and composers set the standards for each CME course. The rigorous and transformative course of study takes place in an environment of compassion and kindness, hallmarks of every Institute. The curriculum objectives of practices, and encouraging teaching and performance innovation are deeply enhanced by the development of a professional community of mutual support and encouragement perhaps one of the greatest resources for conductors and choral teachers desiring to continue their professional growth. The Festival Chorus performed with incredible energy, joy and precision. To watch Rao pull every ounce of music out of her artists was a joy in itself. Ann LeBar, The Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Washington Northwest Bach Festival Finally, the CME Institute, certification courses and workshops encourage invisible and interpersonal skills related to conducting and choral teaching. Contemplative-based instruction for singers, conductors and choral teachers introduces the use of mindfulness meditation, yoga and tai chi forms to enhance the quality of rehearsal interactions and performance relationships. These practices promote singing as integral to health and well-being and as a path to peacemaking and social action. Through the integration of musical and contemplative practices adapted for ensemble teaching and learning, the Institute encourages the merging of ethics and excellence in the practice of choral music education in a changing world. developing a robust and versatile musicianship, motivating best 9 10

8 Institute Course Objectives Knowledge of the Repertoire To develop a diverse and distinguished repertoire of choral classics, contemporary music, and world musics as the basis for performance teaching and learning in the choir. We encourage the study of historically significant repertoire alongside the new music of local, national and international living composers, with an emphasis on the cross-cultural and transformative potential of all repertoire. The Art of Concert Programming To develop a balanced curriculum of repertoire and performance opportunities that serves as the basis for enhancing musicianship, empowering personal confidence, encouraging social responsibility, and benefiting the community. We encourage innovative programming - inclusive of multigenerational singing, multimedia productions, audience participation and service-oriented social outreach as central to music education in the world today. Principles and Practices of Score Preparation To develop a systematic approach to the study of choral repertoire that includes a sequential and detailed analysis of text, musical structure, and composition. We encourage score preparation based on best practices related to structural analysis, musicology, harmony, counterpoint and culture, as practiced and taught by American conductors Margaret Hillis and Robert Shaw. Rehearsal Planning: Key to Success To develop and deepen an awareness of musical structure as the impetus for efficient and effective rehearsal planning and choral pedagogy. This is accomplished through diagramming or charting a work after it is studied. We encourage a sequenced approach to rehearsal planning that begins with the singing of easily mastered segments moving toward the gradual integration of more challenging segments. We encourage an approach that empowers learning through ongoing, gradual musical mastery, always ending rehearsals with a sense of accomplishment and success. The Versatile Conductor To develop a confident and articulate conducting technique as core to the practice of choral teacher education. The art of conducting is central to the Institute s professional development curriculum. We encourage a systematic approach to gesture as a dynamic form of listening, teaching and performing. We encourage conducting as an articulate nonverbal gesture, an embodiment of our musical understanding, our knowledge of the repertoire, healthy singing practices, and as a demonstrated commitment to conveying music artfully. Interactive Rehearsal Pedagogy To develop a dynamic range of experientially-oriented teaching techniques and nonverbal choral methods distinguishable from the limitations of autocratic, verbally-oriented leadership

9 We encourage the use of conducting gesture, chant, Kodály methods, movement and other nonverbal and reflective pedagogies practiced in the spirit of musical collaboration. We encourage cocreativity and musical engagement through singing and musical problem solving practiced in the teaching and learning context of the repertoire itself. Adaptable Performance Practice To develop a broader understanding of historically informed and culturally considered musical practices from a diversity of perspectives including a demonstrated commitment to living composers and contemporary culture. We encourage performance practices that embody personal qualities of character and personality, suggesting that what we do in conducting and teaching new ideas, novel solutions and the enhanced musical perspectives required of 21st century singers, conductors, and choral teachers. Best Practices in the 21st Century To develop an understanding of what constitutes Best Practices, we take into account authenticity of spirit -- a quality that can be heard in and through the music as a continuum from considerations of reproduction to originality. We encourage conductors and choral teachers to honor traditions and practices without imposing a 19th century Western European aesthetic on modern 21st century and world musics. We suggest that conductors and choral teachers are ethically bound to build the bridges that connect historical traditions and practices with personal sensitivity and social responsibility, a practice defined by Doreen Rao as socially engaged musicianship. is always contingent upon, and never separate from, the invisible internal skills of adaptability, cooperation, receptivity and respect. Ethical Discernment and Engaged Musicianship To encourage the relationship between excellence and ethics, we stress what Harvard University research calls good work, defined in a dual sense as work that is both excellent in quality and socially responsible. Our professional development program links the teaching of visible, external skills such as analysis, musicology, conducting and pedagogy with the teaching of invisible, internal skills developed through reflective practices and the contemplative arts. These mindfulness practices go beyond stress reduction to facilitate Community of CME Colleagues 13 14

10 CME Certification and Artist-Teacher Diploma CME Certification in Choral Teacher Education Earning the CME Artist-Teacher Diploma A CME Artist-Teacher is one who has successfully completed a minimum of three full courses in choral teacher education under the guidance of a certified CME Teaching Associate. All CME professional development courses and workshops under the auspices of the US and UK Institute for Choral Teacher Education are designed to enable course participants to develop the specialized professional qualifications described below. The successful CME Artist-Teacher candidate demonstrates expertise in: Conducting in a confident, expressive and skillful manner Modeling a way of thinking, singing and believing in the music Teaching nonverbally in a reflective and collaborative style Demonstrating a studied and dynamic understanding of selected musical repertoire The successful CME Artist-Teacher candidate demonstrates a commitment to: Programming quality choral music for all levels of instruction Singing with vocal expertise as an essential teaching and rehearsal skill Empowering student musicianship in rehearsals Performing musically diverse and artistically distinctive concert programs The successful CME Artist-Teacher candidate demonstrates: A cross-cultural view of music education as the opportunity to participate in diverse musical cultures through singing A philosophy of performance teaching with the ability to articulate the same The ability to work with composers and solo artists to inspire collaboration and develop innovative performances Commitment to an educational vision of choral singing, reaching out to the wider community of parents, administrators, and the general public The successful CME Artist-Teacher candidate demonstrates active participation in professional service organizations and conferences, such as: International Federation for Choral Music (IFCM) The American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) Chorus America Association for Canadian Choral Conductors, Association of Irish Choirs, Association of British Choral Directors Specialist music education organizations (e.g. Kodaly Association, Orff Association) Local networking efforts that encourage collaboration and professional growth The CME Institute s Choral Teacher Certification, Levels I, II, and III, are prerequisites to the CME Artist-Teacher Diploma, but do not constitute an exclusive criteria for the Diploma. The CME Artist-Teacher Diploma is awarded after the successful completion of a Level III course, and only after the candidate demonstrates these professional qualifications with ease and confidence. It is recommended that candidates for the CME Artist-Teacher Diploma take the Level III and Artist-Teacher courses with Doreen Rao at the CME Institute for Choral Teacher Education in the US or UK

11 chicago sings! summer festival Boosey & Hawkes CME Publications Chicago Sings! hosts the Summer Festival concert performances in association with Doreen Rao s CME Institute for Choral Teacher Education. Institute conductors, choral teachers and young artist choirs perform a wide range of diverse and distinguished repertoire. Institute composers and scholars-in-residence join forces with the Festival choruses and orchestra to present musical insights and short stories to take performers and audience members beyond the score and between the notes of a spiritually inspired concert repertoire. The mindfulness-based Chicago Sings! Summer Festival emphasizes the importance of choral singing as a spiritually and socially engaged celebration in which artists and audiences alike learn more about themselves and the world around them. Chicago Sings! Summer Festival is open to the public and is recorded in performance. In 1986 Doreen Rao signed an agreement with music publisher Boosey & Hawkes to develop and edit the Choral Music Experience series of publications. The internationally popular choral octavos offer a balanced and inspired repertoire of European classics, contemporary compositions, and world music for classroom choirs, concert stages and music education choral curricula. CME publications are carefully selected compositions and arrangements developed into specialized choral series for treble and mixed voice choirs. Conceived and organized for teaching and performing by levels of musical challenge (beginning, intermediate and advanced), the growing CME catalog has evolved into twelve distinct series of collections and classroom textbooks. com Rao s award-winning books and choral publications continue to serve a diverse population of school, community and church choirs. Composed and arranged by an international roster of gifted composers, Boosey/CME publications serve choirs of every age and ability. Chicago s glorious St. James Cathedral is the concert home of Chicago Sings! For further information, visit cme.institute.us@choralmusicexperience.com The following overview of Boosey & Hawkes Choral Music Experience Series shows the scope, range and diversity of these choral publications. For a review of any CME publication please visit

12 BOOSEY & HAWKES CHORAL MUSIC EXPERIENCE Doreen Rao, Series Editor Building Bridges For developing choirs, including middle school, junior high and beginning level high school singers, this CME series features a culturally diverse and educationally conceived choral repertoire composed and arranged to motivate and inspire continued musical growth through the transition years. Interchangeable voicings are often used. Celtic Voices Using original compositions and inspired arrangements from diverse Celtic traditions, both ancient and modern, Celtic Voices features music from Ireland, Scotland, England and Europe. It includes works for treble and mixed chorus for use in both the classroom and the concert hall. Choral Music Experience This original CME series for children s choirs pioneered artistry in education; it was the first published resource to encourage the development of musicianship through performance repertoire. It includes a culturally and stylistically diverse repertoire for young treble choirs at the beginning, intermediate and advanced levels of challenge. Conductor s Choice Featuring a broad and comprehensive range of choral music for mixed voice high school, college, and community choirs, the music in this CME series is inspired by great poetry and distinguished texts in many languages. It has it all, from a cappella to multi-movement works with orchestra or instrumental ensemble accompaniment. From the Podium Doreen Rao s signature series showcases familiar multi-movement works recommended for professional and educational performance contexts. These 20th Anniversary editions feature newly edited and compiled versions of CME favorites. They include culturally diverse repertoire, a cappella and accompanied. Holiday Lights For holiday festivals, liturgies, or concert programs, Holiday Lights celebrates the season in many different styles. American, Canadian, British and European composers and arrangers are included in this CME series. In High Voice Sandra Snow, editor Especially for women, In High Voice features an innovative and expressive repertoire for high school, collegiate and community women s choirs. Included in this CME series are choral classics, serious contemporary works, and world music repertoire for treble choirs of all levels and abilities. In Low Voice Jonathan Reed, advisor Especially for men, In Low Voice offers an original and exciting repertoire for high school, collegiate and community men s choirs. Choral classics, serious contemporary works and world music repertoire for men s choirs of all levels and abilities are included in this CME series. Latin Accents janet Galván, advisor A unique series designed to broaden students knowledge of authentic Latin American vocal styles containing Indian, Arabic, African, Hispanic and European influences. Predominantly in Spanish, with English translations, this CME series includes repertoire for treble and mixed voiced choirs at all levels of ability. Opera Workshop Emily Ellsworth, advisor This is a series of drama-inspired works (acts and scenes from theater-based works) developed to encourage interactive musical experiences for young choirs. Repertoire in this CME series includes standard classics as well as new and experimental projects. Gospel Music Experience Walter Whitman, Jr. and Eugene Rogers, Advisors This CME series includes compositions and arrangements in the traditional and contemporary styles of Gospel alongside European classics arranged in the Gospel style. From unison to traditional three-part voicings with interchangeable alto-tenor-bass parts, GME is perfect for church, school and community choruses and choirs at every level of ability

13 doreen rao selected publications Doreen Rao. Circle of Sound: A Contemplative Approach to Voice Education. New York: Boosey & Hawkes, Doreen Rao. We Will Sing! Choral Music Experience for Classroom Choirs. New York: Boosey & Hawkes, Doreen Rao. We Will Sing! Choral Music Experience for classroom Choirs, Performance Programs: One, Two and Three. New York: Boosey & Hawkes, Doreen Rao. Choral Music for Children s Chorus: An Annotated Guide. Reston: Music Educators Conference (MENC), Leonard Bernstein MASS. Doreen Rao, edition (Concert Selections for Soloists and Choruses) a new 35 concert edition for school, community and church choirs. Boosey & Hawkes, Doreen Rao s Choral Music Experience Series, Boosey & Hawkes A comprehensive choral music curriculum developed for choral music in education, comprised of ten separate choral series. It includes octavos and extended works featuring Canadian, American, British, Latin American, and European composers and arrangers. On Location with Doreen Rao and the Glen Ellyn Children s Chorus. American Choral Director s Association (ACDA), On Location Series, Volume 1, Oklahoma City, USA. (CD) Doreen Rao. (co-author). SING! Choral Textbook for Secondary School Music. Houston: Hinshaw Music, Doreen Rao. Short books published from New York: Boosey & Hawkes The Art in Choral Music The Artist in Every Child Artistry in Music Education Developing the Young Singing Voice Teaching and Learning Through Choral Music Experience Doreen Rao. Choral Music Experience Anthology, Books 1, 2, 3. London: Boosey & Hawkes Music Publishers Ltd., Doreen Rao. CME Concert Collections, Vol. 1 and 2. London: Boosey & Hawkes Music Publishers Ltd., Doreen Rao. Authentic Choral Music Experience as GoodWork : The Practice of Engaged Musicianship, in DeQuadros, Andre (ed), Cambridge Companion to Choral Singing. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, Doreen Rao. Feminine Perspectives on Conducting and Teaching Choral Music, in Conlon, Joan (ed), Wisdom, Wit and Will: Women Choral Conductors on Their Art. Chicago: GIA Publications,

14 C usic Experie Institute for Choral Teacher Education n ce al M r o h has successfully completed the requirements for Artist-Teacher Diploma in Choral Music Education Doreen Rao, PhD Institute Director 2014 C usic Experie Institute for Choral Teacher Education n ce al M r o h Lee Kesselman Institute Associate Director has successfully completed the requirements for Master Teacher Certification in Choral Music Education Doreen Rao, PhD Institute Director Mandy Miller Institute Associate Director copyright Doreen Rao

15 Doreen Rao is a brilliant artist and teacher whose methods and materials could reenergize the art of singing in our schools. from Bronwyn Drainie, The Globe and Mail Singing Teacher s approach turns a chorus of woes into wows