The Art of Vocal Music Institute

THE ART OF VOCAL MUSIC INSTITUTE Sponsored by the Virginia Department of Education in Partnership with the Virginia Coalition for Fine Arts Education and the Virginia Music Educators Association

The 2017 The Art of Vocal Music Institute for 6-12 vocal/choral and K-5 general music educators will focus on vocal health, working with developing voices, sight-singing, choral conducting, music literacy, and standards-based learning. Participants will have the opportunity to observe and work with Dr. David Brunner and Mr. Philip Keirstead. Newly published choral literature will be introduced during reading sessions.

Workshop Descriptions (DRAFT) (WS#) = workshop number on the master schedule

1. Rehearsal Observation Workshops (WS1) Participants will observe each conductor working with their respective vocal ensembles. Teachers will be assigned to either group A or group B. Group A will attend the workshop with Brunner on Tuesday. Group B will attend the workshop with Keirstead on Tuesday. Groups will switch conductors on Wednesday. Each session will continue with each conductor after the rehearsal observation. Issues addressed will include rehearsal protocols, warm-ups, literature review, developing music literacy, and conducting vocal music.

Group A/Monday, Group B/Tuesday Dr. David Brunner, Composer, Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities, Florida State University VCU Vocal Art Project Chamber Chorus (grades 9-12) SATB and SATB division Location: TBA

Group B/Monday, Group A/Tuesday Philip Keirstead, Choral Director, Marsteller Middle School, Prince William County Public Schools VCU Vocal Art Project Festival Chorus (grades 6-8) Festival Chorus SAB and SSAB divisions Location: TBA

2. 8 Steps to Harmonization (WS2) Each participant will receive a copy of this valuable resource and work with the step-by-step path for teaching young choirs how to sing harmony, building a bridge that transitions students between elementary, middle and high school music reading. This session is for all Institute participants. Helen “Holly” Sunderland, Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS)

3. Reading Session Description (WS3) Participants will read newly published music appropriate for their respective vocal ensembles, sponsored by J.W. Pepper. Participants will choose either the elementary/middle school session, or the high school session. At the conclusion of the final sight-reading session, teachers will choose one vocal selection that will be purchased for them. The selection will be a purchased class-set of 30 octavos that will be sent to your school.

Elementary/Middle School Reading Session Jeremy Craft, Jefferson Forrest Middle School, Bedford County–Mr. Craft is the president-elect of VCDA Accompanist: TBD Location: TBA 2

High School Reading Session Dr. Don Krudop, Salem Visual and Performing Arts Academy, VBCPS Accompanist: Helen “Holly” Sunderland (VBCPS) Location: TBA

4. Riser Choreography (WS4) Movement enhances even the simplest musical settings. It can bring energy to a dynamic show choir number or simple elegance to a beautiful concert piece without your choir ever leaving the risers! Participants will explore ideas for staging and choreography on choral risers for the beginning or veteran choral director. Covering basic formations, visual effects and simple gestures that enhance the lyrics, this practical guide will help you incorporate all kinds of staging into your performance. This session is for all Institute participants. Kimberly Davidson, Roanoke Children’s Chorus Holly Sunderland, Accompanist Location: TBA

5. Music Standards of Learning —Standards Based Teaching in Vocal Music (WS5) Yes, we have Virginia Music Standards of Learning that include vocal music! Dr. Robin Yohe will guide participants through the 2013 Standards of Learning and how they should be used as the foundation for classroom instruction and curriculum development. This session is for all Institute participants. Dr. Robin Yohe, Music Supervisor, Chesterfield County Public Schools

6. Developing Music Literacy (WS6) Jeremy Kraft will lead this session in how to develop music literacy in the vocal/choral music classroom. This session is for all Institute participants.

7. Vocal Health (WS7) This session will provide best practice in the protection and maintenance of vocal health. This session is for all Institute participants. Rebecca Tyree, Assistant Professor for Choral Music, VCU Music Department

8. Sight-Reading Factory Software (WS8) Participants will examine this powerful software that can produce unlimited sight-reading exercises that actually make musical sense. The sight reading exercises can be fully customized to the specific needs of an individual or vocal ensemble. Teachers will learn how to select one of the standard difficulty levels or how to customize the exercises by selecting the exact rhythms, range, and other attributes such as leaps, accidentals, dynamics, and articulations. The program also allows teachers to choose from a large variety of time signatures and all major and minor key signatures. This session is for all Institute participants.

9. Conducting Vocal Music (WS9) Dr. David Brunner will share his expertise in leading and conducting vocal music. The focus of this workshop will be on conducting technique, rehearsal skills, and artistry from score study to the physicality of beautiful and how to create effective conducting gestures. This session is for all Institute participants. 3

10. A Night at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (WS10) Thursday night is reserved for an evening out at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts for the Dominion Jazz Night at the Best Café inside the lobby and touring the Museum’s collections. No transportation provided, dinner is on your own in one of the two dining facilities at the Museum. This session is for all Institute participants.

11. Professional Learning Community (PLC)— Vocal/Choral Discussion from the Field (WS11) Breakout sessions for elementary, middle, and high school participants to discuss current issues and best practices as related to teaching K-12 vocal/choral music.