in session, 2007 (photo by Andrew Kielbowicz)
the Program
“If you have a chance to learn about the Community Choir experience from Shivon and Denis, run, don’t walk, to sign up. As a member of the Gettin’ Higher Choir and as a life long scholar in the area of adult education and community development, I assure you that Shivon and Denis are not just good, they are gifted. The experience of singing with them and others in the Gettin’ Higher Choir is a highlight for me every week.”
Who should consider Community Choir
Leadership Training?
The program is open to anyone who feels drawn to form, and/or to lead, this style of community choir.
We are looking for participants who have:
- a strong desire to build joyful community through group singing
- the ability to sing confidently and in good tune
- the ability to learn, hear, and sing harmonies independently
- some basic understanding of written music theory
- a genuine love of, and sense of ease with, people of all musical backgrounds
If you have most of these attributes, you may want to explore this course. It will provide you with a solid underpinning for your musical work in the world.
Note that a strong background in formal music training, while certainly useful, is not essential.
The program has two residency sessions in Victoria, BC, Canada. These two sessions will include approximately 100 hours of direct course work.
Please note that in some cases, in the application process, the directors may advise that applicants involve themselves in some up-grading of certain aspects of their qualifications in order that they are able to fully benefit from the program.
Part I: Sunday, Sept. 21 – Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008
At the start of the fall session, in addition to classes and individual sessions, the participants will follow Shivon and Denis through six evening sessions of the Gettin’ Higher Choir. Participants are also invited to attend rehearsals of the non-performing High Noon Choir, led by Shivon, and Soundings, an auditioned 25-voice vocal ensemble led by Denis.
Classes will be held each weekday from 9am–2pm. Time in the afternoon will be available for individual or group work and preparation.
Part II: Sunday, Jan. 25 – Saturday, Feb. 1, 2009
This week is scheduled so that participants will attend the Gettin’ Higher Choir end-of-session concert, with the daytime classes focusing in part on concert preparation, logistics, and organization. Classes that week will also provide an opportunity to deepen and broaden the work that participants will have been doing in their home communities.
The program includes a year of mentorship, which will allow participants to contact Shivon and Denis for support and advice in person if possible, or otherwise by phone, mail, or e-mail.
Participants will be provided with a substantial body of core repertoire for use in their own groups. Some of the topics covered during the course will be:
- leading warm-ups
- teaching songs with and without sheet music
- rehearsal preparation
- conducting techniques
- repertoire development
- group dynamics
- concert preparation
- development of the choir sound, dynamics and tone
- working with “pitch challenged” singers
- understanding the vocal range of male and female singers
- the business of running a choir: finance, governance, membership, newsletter, concerts, and networking with other choirs.
It is strongly recommended that applicants lead a group of singers in their home communities throughout the year of the training in order to achieve the maximum benefits from the course through actual application of the teaching.
It is also strongly recommended that participants bring a recorder (digital voice recorder, cassette tape recorder, etc) to record songs, sessions, and talks as this is a valuable way to collect repertoire, ideas, and techniques.
Financial requirements
The cost of the program is $2,200. All necessary course materials, including core choral arrangements, will be provided.
Cost of travel and accommodation is not included. We will assist in finding room and board lodgings with local choir members, however we cannot guarantee such accommodation.
This course will be limited to 16 participants. A deposit of $300 will hold your space. This deposit is non-refundable after July 1 of the year of the program offering.
Some financial assistance may be available in special circumstances. For more information contact the Registrar.
To apply
Applicants should register by June 30 and can do so by:
- completing the on-line application form, or
- emailing the Registrar at registrar@communitychoirleadership.com to request a form, or
- request a form by mail to:
1305 Bond Street
Victoria, BC, Canada
V8S 1C3
Additional specific enquiries regarding the musical components of the course work may be directed to:
Shivon Robinsong, shivon@communitychoirleadership.com Denis Donnelly, denis@communitychoirleadership.com