WEEK TWO 9 – 16 August
The Art of Choral Direction
Amy Bebbington director
with Charlie Penn
This course is proudly supported by the Association of British Choral Directors.
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.
2025 Repertoire
Chilcott Making of the Drum Oxford University Press
Duruflé Requiem, Op.9, for mixed chorus and ensemble Durand
MacMillan from The Strathclyde Motets
O Radiant Dawn (SATB) Boosey & Hawkes
Carter arr. Willcox Lord of the Dance (SATB) Stainer & Bell
Byrd ed. Gibb Sing Joyfully (SSAATB) CPDL #45212 (free download)
Bebbington Blessed be that Maid Marie (SATB)
Available as a download directly from https//choralmusicpublishing.co.uk
Weelkes Hosanna to the Son of David (SSATBB) IMSLP #388361 (free download)
Shiels Adam lay ybounden (SATB) Oxford University Press
Sullivan The Long Day Closes (SATB) CPDL #48054 (free download)
Brahms Geistliches Lied (SATB) IMSLP #104114 (free download)
Bennett A Good Night (SATB) Novello
McDowall A Fancy of Folk Songs (SATB) Oxford University Press
Ravel from Trois Chansons for mixed choir and accompaniment
Nicolette (SATB) Durand
Trois beaux oiseaux du paradis (SATB) Durand
Weir Love bade me welcome (SATB) Chester
Holst from Choral Hymns from the Rig Veda, Op.26, Set 3
ed. Walczak Hymn to the Waters (SSAA) CPDL #59806 (free download)
ed. Walczak Hymn of the Travellers (SSAA) CPDL #59808 (free download)
Barber Sure on this shining night (SATB) G. Shirmer
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-2025
Added extra – open to all members of the summer school
Choral Workshop 2
Verdi, Requiem
James Davey conductor
As an added extra, on Sunday evening the 9 August, James Davey will direct an open rehearsal with orchestra of Verdi’s Requiem. All members of the school are welcome and encouraged to take part, copies will be provided.
Other conducting courses at Sherborne this summer
Practical Conducting Course 2 – 9 August
Wind Conducting 2 – 9 August
The George Hurst Conducters’ Course 9 – 16 August
Other choral courses at Sherborne this summer
Cappella Chamber Choir 2 – 9 August
The Lighter Side Choral Course 9 – 16 August
Choral Masterpieces of Five Centuries 9 – 16 August