Directing the Choral Music Program is a comprehensive introduction to developing and managing choral music programs from elementary through high-school and adult levels. Designed primarily as a choral methods text for the undergraduate music education curriculum, it is also useful for choral directors in schools, churches, and communities. Broad in scope and practical in orientation, the book is structured around three basic units: the administrative process, rehearsal and performance planning, and choral techniques. In addition to core topics--including recruitment and auditioning, classroom management, vocal development, and curriculum and performance planning--it features many subjects not covered in other texts, such as student discipline, philosophy of choral music education, and the history of choral conducting. The author also presents material on directing show choirs and musicals; organizing choir tours, festivals, and contests; working with adolescent singers; and teaching sight-reading skills. Directing the Choral Music Program incorporates study and discussion questions at the end of each chapter, numerous illustrations and musical examples, and a variety of class projects throughout. The appendixes offer helpful lists of music publishers and distributors; manufacturers of equipment, supplies, and attire; recommended choral repertory; voice class resources; and sight-singing materials. Grounded in the author's extensive experience in directing choirs at all levels, this book combines practical methods with a research base, providing readers with a solid foundation for a career in choral directing.

Each chapter includes Study and Discussion Questions and References. Preface 1. CHORAL ADMINISTRATION 1. Becoming a Choral Music Director The Professional Choral Music Educator Qualifications for the Choral Conductor Historical Perspectives Future Directions 2. Developing a Philosophy for the Music Program The National Standards Advocacy for Music in the Schools Intrinsic versus Extrinsic Values A Rationale for Music Education 3. Promoting and Recruiting for Choral Success Building a Public Relations Program The Choir Newsletter Recruiting Choristers Using Standardized Tests 4. Planning and Building the Choral Program The Master Schedule Designing the Choral Curriculum Auditioning the Singers Guidelines for Voice Classification 5. Processing the Flow of Information Written Communication Evaluating and Reporting Achievement Lesson Planning Informing Others 6. Managing the Choral Program Budgetary Procedures Music Supplies, Equipment, and Concert Attire The Choral Music Library Rewards to Stimulate Pride and Motivation Unit 1. Optional Projects A Rationale for Teaching Music Preparing Promotion Materials Choral Auditioning Lesson Planning 2. REHEARSAL AND PERFORMANCE PLANNING 7. Working with Adolescent Singers The Nature of Adolescents The Female Voice Change The Male Voice Change Appropriate Part Voicings 8. Planning for Discipline and Choir Conduct Attributes of Good Teaching Four Modes of Discipline Basic Rules, Consequences, and Enlisting Help Guidelines for Classroom Management 9. Choosing the Music Guidelines for Choosing Quality Choral Literature Locating Quality Choral Literature Programming Objectives Programming Sacred Music in the Schools 10. Preparing the Choral Rehearsal and Music The Rehearsal Schedule The Rehearsal Format Preparing the Music Placement of Singers 11. Organizing Performances Concert Preparation Choir Tours Choral Festivals Competitions 12. Popular Music Presentations Broadway Musical Productions Swing Choirs Show Choirs Vocal Jazz Ensembles Selected Bibliography for Broadway Musical Productions Unit 2. Optional Projects Code of Conduct Show Choir Choreography Choral Rehearsal Observation 3. CHORAL TECHNIQUES 13. Vocal Development, Part 1 Posture Development Breath Management: Breathing Motion Breath Management: Control Breath Management: Support 14. Vocal Development, Part 2 Vocal Registers Resonant Tone Production Diction Expression 15. Energizing the Choral Warm-Up Energize the Body Energize the Breath Energize the Ear Energize the Voice Summary Vocal Skills Development Outline: Energizing the Warm-Up 16. Teaching Sight-Singing Skills Historical Overview How to Teach Sight-Singing Scheduling Time for Sight-Singing Assessing Sight-Singing Skills 17. Rehearsing the Choir Introducing a New Choral Work Whole-Part-Whole Strategy Directing an Efficient Rehearsal Common Ensemble Problems 18. Understanding Styles and Performance Practices Medieval Era (c. 500-1450) Renaissance Era (c. 1450-1600) Baroque Era (c. 1600-1750) Classical Era (c. 1750-1825) Romantic Era (c. 1825-1900) Contemporary Era (c. 1900-Present) 19. Presenting the Performance The Concert Program Technical Matters Dress Rehearsal Conducting the Concert 20. Directing Other Choral Organizations The Community or Civic Chorus Church Choirs Children's Choirs Nontraditional Choirs Unit 3. Optional Projects Planning and Leading a Warm-Up Routine Planning and Leading a Sight-Singing Exercise Rehearsing the Choir (Microteaching) Developing a Concert Program EPILOGUE: MOVING INTO THE WORKPLACE 21. Planning for Success, Eugene F. Bechen Creating a Successful Student Teaching Experience The Job Search Professional Growth and Development Dealing with Stress and Burnout Appendixes A. Music Publishers and Distributors B. Manufacturers of Equipment, Supplies, and Attire C. Lists of Recommended Choral Repertory D. Voice Class Resources E. Sight-Singing Materials Index

Kenneth H. PhillipsProfessor of Music, Gordon College