| Comment: Re: Choral chestnuts | Austen Wilson | May 16, 2013 |
| Keep Your Lamps - Andre Thomas (SATB, a cappella)
And the Glory of the Lord form Handel's Messiah
Ding Dong Merrily on High arr. Carolyn Jennings (mostly SATB a cappella with some divisi in the sopranos at the end).
True Light - Keith Hampton (SATB with piano. It's mostly SATB with divisi at th... |
| Comment: Re: Choral chestnuts | Austen Wilson | May 15, 2013 |
| I did not include my own chestnuts because I want to know what kind repertoire the original poster is looking for before mentioning my own. That's why I asked what she meant by "not program the usual Christmas/holiday rep". Does that refer to secular music? Non-western music? What voicing?
One ... |
| Comment: Re: Choral chestnuts | Austen Wilson | May 13, 2013 |
| Jocelyn
What do you mean by "not program the usual Christmas/holiday rep"?
I love the Thompson "Alleluia", but I would not recommend programming it with an inexperienced choir.
Austen
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| Comment: Re: Christmas Program - Jauchzet Frohlocket | Austen Wilson | April 28, 2013 |
| I'm surprised I didn't see this post either. With the forces you mentioned, I would be extremely hesitant about programming "Jauchzet Frohlocket" from the Christmas Oratorio. Bach is always tougher for a choir than one would think. Better to have the choir sound good and preach the Gospel rather t... |
| Comment: Re: Techniques on how to detect wrong notes in a piece with multiple voice parts? | Austen Wilson | April 4, 2013 |
| As a suggestion, you might try conducting beat patterns in different articulations while you're walking around the house, talking on the phone, etc. Mine are pretty comfortable now and my ideal is to enbody the music and the character of each piece through my gesture.
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| Comment: Re: Techniques on how to detect wrong notes in a piece with multiple voice parts? | Austen Wilson | April 3, 2013 |
| Hi Christina,
IMHO, the best way is to not only be familiar with each voice part, but be able to sing each voice part memorized with all of the nuances you would expect from your choir. Something else that works that I need to do more often is simply stop conducting and just listen to your choi... |
| Comment: Re: Education as Customer Service? | Austen Wilson | March 30, 2013 |
| Do you know the book "Choral Charisma" by Tom Carter? I highly recommend it. He has some great team-building exercises in that book.
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| Comment: Re: conducting Bach Motet with small choir | Austen Wilson | March 24, 2013 |
| Hi Hallie
I would agree with others that Jesu, meine Freude might not be the best choice. That is a very challenging work! In fact, all of the Bach motets are extremely difficult. This is my personal opinion, but for a choir with mixed ability, I would steer away from the standard Bach motets (... |
| Comment: Re: Lessons during the school | Austen Wilson | March 3, 2013 |
| Are there other teachers from Iowa you could contact? I've found that a system you've described is not uncommon in the upper midwest, but almost unheard of in other parts of the country.
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| Comment: Re: Who is qualified to teach show choir | Austen Wilson | March 3, 2013 |
| I just thought I would clarify something. Based on NCLB law, my impression that "highly qualified" means holding a degree with a certain amount of credit hours. When I have applied for teaching jobs, in order to prove that I was "highly qualified", I was never asked about teaching experience. Rather... |
| Comment: Re: College Piece for a Learning Conductor | Austen Wilson | February 20, 2013 |
| Sing Me To Heaven by Daniel Gawthrop
Light Everlasting by Olaf C. Christiansen
Wondrous Love by Paul J. Christiansen
Almighty and Everlasting God - Gibbons
Purge Me, O Lord from All My Sins - possibly Tallis, but it could be by Morley
If Ye Love Me - Tallis
Thou Knowest Lord the Secret of Ou... |
| Comment: Re: Conference Program Book Sent to All ACDA Members | Austen Wilson | February 20, 2013 |
| This was a brilliant idea! Now I'm looking forward even more to the convention.
As an added bonus, I don't have to worry whether or not I'll have a convention booklet at the convention(: Well, unless I forget to bring my issue of the Choral Journal with me....
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| Comment: Re: Keeping all of choir on task all the time | Austen Wilson | February 6, 2013 |
|
I only work a section for a very brief amount of time (maybe 30 seconds or less). Here are things I have done:
1. When I am working with one section, I ask the others to audiate their part and pay attention to what I'm teaching the other section because it might apply to a section I'm not w... |
| Comment: Re: Straight Tone Choral Tradition (Specific Ensembles?) | Austen Wilson | February 6, 2013 |
|
Hi Jay,
Regarding your statement about St. Olaf choral ensembles singing with straight tone, what gives you that impression? As far as I can remember, I was never asked to sing with straight tone as a student (graduated in 03), and in many cases I remember being asked to sing like an intell... |
| Comment: Re: Men's piece to rival Drunken Sailor | Austen Wilson | February 2, 2013 |
|
Manly Men by Kurt Knecht
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| Comment: Re: story telling church anthems | Austen Wilson | January 24, 2013 |
|
In the Year King Uzziah Died by David McK. Williams. A fantastic piece for choir and organ.
There are several choruses from Mendelssohn's "Elijah". "Behold, God the Lord passed by" comes to mind.
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| Comment: Re: The "new" Battle Hymn? | Austen Wilson | January 21, 2013 |
| I was distracted by the pre-recorded accompaniment and
multiple key changes. I actually preferred James Taylor's rendition
of America the Beautiful because it was live music and musically it
was more interesting.
I was glad that Beyonce didn't turn every single note into an
aria during the Star Span... |
| Comment: Re: Students Without Materials/Sheet Music | Austen Wilson | January 14, 2013 |
|
I should try that with my ensembles! However, I know of at least a few students that would probably volunteer to sing "I'm A Little Teapot" with all of the gestures. Several of my students are fearless and love to be in the spotlight!
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| Comment: Re: Amazing Grace | Austen Wilson | January 7, 2013 |
|
Keith McCutchen has a fantastic gospel arrangement of Amazing Grace. I think it's published by Earthsongs.
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| Comment: Re: Seeking ideas for program called "Out of This World" | Austen Wilson | January 5, 2013 |
|
What about "Choose Something Like a Star" from Frostiana by Randall Thompson?
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| Comment: Re: ...for band...really? | Austen Wilson | December 29, 2012 |
|
There is a transcription of Salvation is Created by Tschesnokoff. I don't know the arranger, but it is fantastic. Sometimes I prefer the band transcription over the original!
There is also a transcription of F. Melius Christiansen's Psalm 50 movement 3, but I don't know who the arranger is.... |
| Comment: Re: Women's Choir Repertoire by female composers | Austen Wilson | December 18, 2012 |
|
Santa Barbara Music Publishing has some great repertoire. One of my favorites is "I Dream a World" by Joan Szymko, which could be very appropriate considering recent events. It's not about women, but it's written for SSAA and composed by a female composer.
"Blessing" by Katie Moran Bart is ... |
| Comment: Re: Deluge of Rep. Strategy | Austen Wilson | December 14, 2012 |
|
To me, it doesn't seem like a deluge of rep for Advent and Christmas. I plan enough ahead of time. The longer I conduct my adult choir, the better I'm able to plan for them. Starting two weeks ago, I was able to start on repertoire for the first 4 Sundays in Epiphany. I started rehearsing this yea... |
| Comment: Re: Classroom Management | Austen Wilson | December 13, 2012 |
|
There two rhythmic warm-ups that I've used that have been effective. I've used the first with high school and elementary aged kids. I've used the second one with high school aged kids.
1. Count to 4, then have the choir clap on 5. Then count to 4, have the choir think 5,6,7,8, then clap on ... |
| Comment: Re: University level SSAA Contemporary accapella pieces | Austen Wilson | November 28, 2012 |
|
Mary Speaks or Sing Me to Heaven by Daniel Gawthrop might fit the bill. Both contain rich texts and are gorgeous, SSAA, and a cappella.
Austen
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| Comment: Re: Church Choir Repertoire | Austen Wilson | November 25, 2012 |
|
If you have the divisi, what about "I was glad" by Parry?
There is a piece by Z. Randall Stroop where part of the text is "Come and dwell in Solomon's walls", but I can't think of the title.
There is also a fantastic arrangement of "The Church's One Foundation" by John Ferguson. Wi... |
| Comment: Re: Tell the soloist to tone it down! | Austen Wilson | November 9, 2012 |
|
What exactly do you mean when you mention blend? Are you talking about rhythm, articulation, volume, diction, vowel shape, phrasing? From my experience, a good ensemble sound happens when:
1. All choir members have a similar idea of good vocal production that is on the breath.
2. They sing the... |
| Comment: Re: Do Your Audiences/Congregations Even CARE Whether You Program New Music Or Not? | Austen Wilson | November 6, 2012 |
|
My guess is my choirs and congregation don't really care.
It is my mission to do music from a wide variety of genres and eras. I also have a few friends who are composers, so I try to support them.
Especially with Children's, Youth, and Handbell choirs, there is so much new music tha... |
| Comment: Re: What is the most perfect piece of choral music ever composed? Opinions, please. | Austen Wilson | November 3, 2012 |
|
I hope I never come across a piece of perfect choral music! IMHO, since we are all flawed, there can never be such a thing as perfection. I have heard choirs that have performed pieces flawlessly, yet don't truly communicate the piece. To me, that is not appealing.
However, I can think of p... |
| Comment: Re: GUEST BLOG: "Effect or Meaning" by Edward Palmer | Austen Wilson | October 31, 2012 |
|
I think I am still confused. These two sentences seem to have different meaning to me:
"One finds it difficut to hear meaning in pitches that have no language function at all."
"If a vowel is not detectable as one sings. the word is non-existant and without meaning because language c... |
| Comment: Re: Favorite choral pieces for Reformation and All Saints? | Austen Wilson | October 27, 2012 |
|
What kind of divisi is in "We Shall Walk"? I sang it a few years and I'd really like to do it depending on divisi.
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| Comment: Re: Favorite choral pieces for Reformation and All Saints? | Austen Wilson | October 27, 2012 |
|
I second the Pote (God is Our Refuge). Wonderful piece. It's especially appropriate on the East Coast right before Hurricane Sandy(: Part of the text is "Though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea, though the waters roar and foam, we will not fear."
I'm also doing "The Church's One ... |
| Comment: Re: GUEST BLOG: "Effect or Meaning" by Edward Palmer | Austen Wilson | October 27, 2012 |
|
I was with Philip and didn't understand your line of thinking. That is, until the second to the last sentence you wrote. Now it makes more sense.
However, I'm wondering what you meant by "One finds it difficut to hear meaning in pitches that have no language function at all." Are you implyi... |
| Comment: Re: GUEST BLOG: "Effect or Meaning" by Edward Palmer | Austen Wilson | October 23, 2012 |
|
With regards to this post, are you referring strictly to Western European music? If my recollection is correct, there are other cultures where straight tone is the norm in singing.
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| Comment: Re: Trying to fill big shoes | Austen Wilson | October 18, 2012 |
|
Are you familiar with Night of Silence by Daniel Kantor? It is a partner song to Silent Night and every time I have conducted it, the choir has loved it, even when other pieces have been a tough sell. It is published by GIA. There is a unison version and a mixed choir version.
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| Comment: Re: Stick Time: Remembering the Gems | Austen Wilson | October 18, 2012 |
|
Who has overdone those pieces? I would love to hear some "overdone" pieces performed superbly at ACDA conventions! While I value newly composed works, a moment at a National ACDA Convention that sticks out in my mind is singing "The Lord Bless You and Keep" arr. Lutkin with hundreds (maybe thousan... |
| Comment: Re: Very good but very challenging music. | Austen Wilson | October 16, 2012 |
|
Which O Magnum Mysterium have you conducted? What are the ages of the choir? High School? College?
|
| Comment: Re: Your Top Hits? Quality, accessible sacred music | Austen Wilson | October 11, 2012 |
|
What liturgical seasons?
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| Comment: Re: Favorite Women's Choir repertoire? | Austen Wilson | October 11, 2012 |
|
I think my favorite pairing I have done for women's voices is "Prayer of the Children" by Kurt Bestor followed by "I Dream a World" by Joan Szymko (Santa Barabara publishing)
Other pieces that I have conducted that women's choirs have loved are:
Blessing - Katie Moran Bart SSA Kjos Publis... |
| Comment: Re: Question about Three Madrigals by Emma Lou Diemer | Austen Wilson | October 9, 2012 |
|
Thanks Mark!
I think I need to get a copy of an earlier printing. Some of the accompaniment in the printing I have does not sound right.
|
| Forum message: Question about Three Madrigals by Emma Lou Diemer | Austen Wilson | October 9, 2012 |
|
Greetings!
At the high school where I teach, I decided to program "Three Madrigals" by Emma Lou Diemer. I just ordered and received copies and noticed a possible mistake on the last chord of vocal parts. In the score I have, the bass sings a G below middle C, the tenor sings the D above mid... |
| Comment: Re: Treble piece with orchestra for 8th grade girls choir | Austen Wilson | October 8, 2012 |
|
What about the Laudamus Te from Vivaldi's Gloria?
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| Comment: Re: Importance of Undergrad Music Degree for Grad School? | Austen Wilson | September 13, 2012 |
|
I don't think I was fully clear with my statement.. My quote had nothing to do with ability. I also don't like the saying "Those who can, do. Those who can't teach." Rather, I meant that I cannot see myself doing anything else other than music. I know of plenty of fantastic musicians in college wh... |
| Comment: Re: Rookie Mistakes.... | Austen Wilson | September 12, 2012 |
|
Hi Rachel -
Are you familiar with the book Choral Charisma by Tom Carter? I highly recommend that book. It has some very practical activities to help get trust and passion into a rehearsal. That book has changed my teaching for the better.
I have been in your shoes, so I can empat... |
| Comment: Re: Importance of Undergrad Music Degree for Grad School? | Austen Wilson | September 11, 2012 |
|
This sentence was a yellow flag to me:
"There are other majors at this school that I find myself much more actively drawn towards, and actually find myself excited about pursuing."
In high school, someone said "Don't go into music unless that's the ONLY thing you can do." At the time... |
| Forum message: Youth Choirs in Lutheran Churches in PA? | Austen Wilson | August 28, 2012 |
|
I am trying to revive the Youth Choir (grades 6-12) at my church. I would love to join a Youth Choir at another Lutheran Church for a worship service, then go to Dorney Park (a water/amusement park).
If anybody here in eastern or central PA could help out, that would be fantastic!
Austen
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| Comment: Re: Anthems for The Transfiguration of the Lord | Austen Wilson | August 25, 2012 |
|
These two might work:
Light Everlasting - Olaf C. Christiansen (Kjos publishing)
Keep Silence - John Helgen (might be Kjos, but I'm not 100% sure)
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| Comment: Re: SAB repertoire - christmas * advent * winter | Austen Wilson | August 13, 2012 |
|
Lost in the Night arr. Kyle Haugen
Rejoice, Rejoice Believers arr. John Ferguson
Both pieces are published by Augsburg Fortress.
I think there might be a Magnificat by Buxtehude for SAB, but I'm not 100% certain.
|
| Comment: Re: Joel 2:12-13, 28-29 | Austen Wilson | August 8, 2012 |
| The Spirit of the Lord by Elgar might work. I think it's on
cpdl or imslp. |
| Comment: Re: Music Career Trend? | Austen Wilson | July 14, 2012 |
| Maybe I'm misreading your post, but are you making a general
assumption based on just one story you have heard? If not, I'm
sorry I misunderstood. |
