Year of Graduation

2021

Level of Access

Restricted Access Thesis

Embargo Period

5-20-2021

Department or Program

Music

First Advisor

Jeff Christmas

Abstract

Due to the dangers associated with in-person gatherings and aspiratory activities such as singing during the COVID-19 pandemic, for many, music-making became an impossibility. This project comprises a record of preparation, practice, and application of methodology and technique for an in-person choral conducting study, performed with extensive precautionary measures for COVID-19, as well as a video recording of the final rehearsal of this project.

This project was intended to give a holistic experience of conducting a choir. Following research into health guidelines, score study and analysis, gestural and technique learning, and rehearsal planning, seven rehearsals were held in order to ensure the development of both pre-rehearsal and rehearsal skills, for which in-person practice was essential. Over these seven rehearsals, a small choir of 12 singers rehearsed a 15-minute set of Renaissance and contemporary choral music: William Byrd’s “Ave Verum Corpus,” Thomas Tallis’ “If Ye Love Me,” David C. Dickau’s “If Music Be the Food of Love,” and Morten Lauridsen’s “Sure On This Shining Night.” This project concludes with ruminations on areas for continued self-improvement in conducting.

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