Officer Comments President Elect Jeff Rice
L
et Music Live! This phrase from “The Awakening” by Joseph Martin is a powerful proclamation we should be shouting from podiums across the state. In 1993 this TCDA Commissioned Work was premiered at the summer convention by the TCDA Men’s Directors Chorus. As a relatively new teacher that year, I was encouraged by a veteran director to register and participate in the experience. I hate to think what I would have missed had I not heeded that word of encouragement! Thank you to whomever that was who took the time to make sure I did not miss out! Conducted by Martin, that was a formative experience for me as I was seeking to define the kind of teacher and conductor I wanted to become. Since that 1993 performance, we have shared many meaningful musical experiences at TCDA as we have joined voices in a Directors Chorus on multiple occasions. Numerous pieces of music have been premiered and countless directors have been encouraged and inspired to be better teachers and conductors for their students. This summer the men of TCDA have the opportunity once again to experience great repertoire, inspiring rehearsals, and the hearty fellowship that the TCDA Director’s Chorus affords. TCDA Men, please accept my enthusiastic invitation to join the 2011 TCDA Men’s Directors Chorus under the direction of Dr Jonathan Reed, Michigan State University, at our Annual Convention on July 27-30. Dr Reed is no stranger to Texas having conducted the Texas All-State Mixed and Men’s Choirs. Singing under Dr Reed, a spirited conductor, consummate musician, and master teacher, provides a great opportunity to experience the camaraderie and artistry of our profession. The TCDA Directors Chorus will perform six pieces including the premiere of the 2011 TCDA Commissioned Work for high
Spring 2011
school men composed by Craig Hella Johnson. Act now to secure your place in the chorus by completing the online registration at www.tinyurl.com/tcdachoir and mailing your $25 fee to me (Jeff Rice, 817 Arlington Dr, Waco TX 76712). Please do not hesitate to contact me at jeff.rice@midwayisd.org if you have questions. Now, back to the “Let Music Live!” statement. Is music alive in your choir program? How do you know? We have all heard the phrase, “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away”. If music is alive and well in your rehearsals and performances, you will experience those magical moments that take your breath away. What causes those moments to happen? In my opinion these moments are a convergence of several fundamental elements. These elements, when developed and practiced regularly, will result in music coming to life in your classroom. • Quality curriculum/choral literature chosen carefully for each ensemble. This is, arguably, the most difficult task for the choral director. Throughout the years I have found the best resource for quality choral literature is to ask respected directors for their repertoire lists. Less experienced teachers should also study the UIL Prescribed Music List for quality, time-tested selections chosen by experienced choral directors who have served on the UIL PML Committee. Attend TMEA/ACDA concerts and UIL contests taking notes on pieces you think would work for your choirs. Peruse the websites of top choral music publishers for ideas. Of course, attend the TCDA Convention and New Music Reading Clinic each summer. • Positive, warm relationship between students and teacher. This is something that looks different for each one of us. Some people are more gregarious and outgoing than others. However, we must reach out to our students to let them know we care. The old saying, “They will not care how much you know until they know how much your care”, is true! Do not try to be their buddy. Be a consistent, mature adult and you will have respect and love returned from your students. Once this relationship is established, students will be more TEXAS√SINGS!
likely to “buy in” to what we are “selling”. You will experience a higher level of dedication to your program and to the music you teach and you will enjoy warm, affectionate, respectful relationships with your students. • High quality instruction from professional directors/teachers. This is a sensitive subject because we each have varied methods and practices that have evolved based on our personalities and experiences. In other words, what works for me may not work for you. However, we must be able to speak intelligently on the subject of choral music. We must use appropriate vocabulary to explain, demonstrate, and elaborate on the fundamental and advanced concepts of our art. For example, a music teacher who is a poor rhythm reader is like an English teacher who cannot spell correctly. Students are turned off by teachers who are not masters of their subject. If you struggle in this area, seek professional help! By that I mean to ask for assistance from master teachers you trust. Strive to hone your teaching skills. Attend TCDA/TMEA/ACDA workshops where experienced teachers are sharing their knowledge and experience. Without being arrogant and stuffy, we must take this to heart if we hope to be taken seriously by students, colleagues, parents, and administrators. If we are to perpetuate our profession, we must treat it with respect by being the best we can be. • Atmosphere of excellence in class every day! As Vince Lombardi said, “Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.” We cannot achieve or even demand perfection, but we can enjoy the chase. In choral music education there is always a skill or element to be honed or refined. It is our job to discern what that is and how to go about teaching that skill. There is much repetition in refining choral music. Make each repetition meaningful and worthwhile by giving your students a goal to achieve. More precise pitch/rhythm, more consistent and unified tone quality/vowel production, better phrase shaping, word/syllable stress, breath management, etc. There is always something that quality teachers can find to extend their instruction to a deeper level. Encourage your students along the way to critique themselves and improve 19