Are you a high school conductor looking to provide your students an enriching and educational choral experience? Look no further! Millersville University’s Tell School of Music invites you and your talented students to join the 3rd annual “Voices of the Future: Honors Sight-Singing Choir” on October 20, 2023. This day-long event promises to be filled with enjoyable rehearsals, vocal masterclasses, comprehensive workshops, and a culminating concert.

Experience the Highlights

Participating schools can bring a select SATB quartet or octet of their finest students to participate in this prestigious event. Each quartet costs $50.00, or $15.00 per student. Here’s what’s included:

  1. Enjoyable and educational rehearsals: Students can develop their vocal technique and choral musicianship throughout the day through engaging trials.
  2. Exciting repertoire: No need for advanced preparation! The repertoire for the day will be learned together, exposing students to new and inspiring pieces.
  3. Vocal masterclasses: Students can receive individual instruction and coaching on prepared songs in vocal masterclasses led by experienced faculty members. Each school may nominate one or two students to participate in these enriching sessions.
  4. Comprehensive workshops for teachers: The event offers workshops based on Kodály concepts, focusing on developing students’ sight-singing skills using solfege, varied choral rehearsal techniques, and a fresh approach to conducting. Teachers are encouraged to bring 2-3 of their favorite pieces to share with colleagues, allowing everyone to learn a new repertoire that works!
  5. Catered meals and snacks: Lunch and light morning and afternoon snacks will be provided to keep participants energized and focused throughout the day.
  6. A festive concluding concert: The event will conclude with a special concert at 4:00 pm in the Biemesderfer Concert Hall, where the MU Chorale, MU voice faculty and the Honors Sight-Singing Choir will come together to deliver captivating performances. This concert is free and open to the public.

Registration and Logistics

To participate in this exciting day of vocal-choral activities, complete the online registration form by Friday, October 13. Click here to register your students.

Each school is responsible for transportation to and from Millersville University, and parking permits will be distributed. Teachers are encouraged to participate and make the most of the day’s activities. Spread the word and share details with other high school choral conductors.

Only the first 80 students to register will be accepted to ensure a small and selective Honor Choir, so don’t delay; register today!

For more specific information as the event draws near, keep an eye out for updates. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Dr. Jeffrey Gemmell, Assistant Professor/Coordinator of Choral Studies, at jeffrey.gemmell@millersville.edu.

 

Tentative Schedule

 

Introducing Dr. Jeffrey Gemmell

Dr. Jeffrey Gemmell, Assistant Professor/Coordinator of Choral Studies, will conduct the event. Dr. Gemmell brings over twenty-five years of college teaching experience in choral performance, music education, and studio voice/vocal pedagogy. He holds advanced degrees in these specialty areas, with teaching experience at prestigious institutions such as Ithaca College, Cornell University, and Metropolitan University of Denver. Gemmell holds degrees from Towson University, Northwestern University, and the University of Colorado Boulder.

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