Conductors of all levels of experience are welcomed on this course, during which a student’s development will be tailored closely to their own individual needs. Essential elements of conducting technique will be studied with the majority of the course spent in a masterclass situation. Additional opportunities, such as working with a large chorus, working with an orchestra and conducting in the course concert, will be shared amongst the members of the course.
A week is a short time, but sufficient to examine the nature of the choral conductor’s craft, including how to prepare a score and plan effective rehearsals, how to build a musical relationship with a group, how our language affects our choirs and what it takes to prepare a dynamic performance. It is advised that complete beginners initially attend as observer/singers in order to absorb the teaching without having to conduct. Conductors of choral societies, chamber choirs, youth choirs, church choirs, organ scholars, etc., are all equally welcomed to what will be a demanding, supportive and encouraging learning environment.
Choral singers who wish to develop their sight reading skills are also encouraged to apply. You will be warmly welcomed as a member of the course and be invited to sing for the choral conducting students. A reasonable level of sight reading would be an advantage.
All sessions will be filmed by camcorder and students are asked to bring a standard SD memory card to create a record of their work. Pre-preparation of the repertoire is highly recommended.
The Art of Choral Direction 4 to 11 August
Amy Bebbington
Course Director
with Charlie Penn
Rutter
Kodaly
Morley ed. Sims
Seiber
McDowall
Farmer ed. Cannon
Cattley
Bairstow ed. Jaworski
Daley
Mozart ed. Chimiak
ed. Collins
Britten
Quartel
ed. Rutter
Gloria
Esti Dal (SATB)
April is my mistress’ face
Three Hungarian Folk-Songs
Now
may we singen
Fair Phyllis I saw sitting all alone
O Western Wind…An anniversary
(SATB)
I sat down under His shadow
Let all the world in ev’ry corner sing
Confutatis
(from the Requiem)
Lacrimosa (from the Requiem)
Rejoice in the Lamb (SATB)
How can I keep from singing?
from Opera Choruses
Oxford University Press *
Boosey & Hawkes
CPDL #47708 free download
Novello/Hal Leonrard
Oxford University Press
CPDL #59028 free download
Stainer & Bell
CPDL #63744 free download
Oxford University Press
CPDL #72858 free download
CPDL #58367 free download
Boosey & Hawkes *
Oxford University Press
Oxford University Press *
This course is proudly supported by the Association of British Choral Directors
Bizet Habanera (Carmen), Purcell Dido’s Lament (Dido and Aneas,)
Verdi Anvil Chorus
(Il Trovatore), Verdi Chorus of Hebrew Slaves (Nabucco),
Wagner Bridal Chorus (Lohengrin),
Wagner Pilgrim’s Chorus (Tannhauser),
Mascagni Easter Hymn (Cavalleria Rusticana).
* possibly available on eBay
Please note. The summer school does not have a music shop on site. Students should purchase their course materials before they arrive at the school either from their local music shop or from our nominated internet supplier, Forsyth Music. The following address will take you straight to the Sherborne Summer School of Music section of Forsyth’s website where you will find the music for your course ready to purchase: https://www.forsyths.co.uk/189389-sherborne-summer-school-2024