July 17, 1999 Harmony College Northwest 1 Welcome! So You Want To Build A Chorus! Sing Better Perform Better Compete Better Have More Fun with Jeff Oxley and the Masters of Harmony

July 17, 1999 Harmony College Northwest 2 A Bit Of Advice This seminar describes our methods – They’re a function of our singers – Not necessarily applicable to your chapter If you like them - take them and use them If you don’t - never mind

July 17, 1999 Harmony College Northwest 3 Overview Administration and Auditions Music Presentation Production Wrap-up Dan Fullerton Jeff Oxley Wayne Mendes Doug Maddox Dan Fullerton

July 17, 1999 Harmony College Northwest 4 Administration Board of Directors – Standard organization, separated Marketing & Public Relations, Youth Outreach and Operations – Six Board Members at Large – Many Committees – Purpose: To support the Music Program Music Committee – Complete control over the Music Program “Dedicated to Musical Excellence”

July 17, 1999 Harmony College Northwest 5 The MOH Music Committee

July 17, 1999 Harmony College Northwest 6 Music Committee Operation Chaired by Music VP – Keep everyone “In the loop” – Planning and Strategy Open Discussion Encouraged – Meeting not open to general membership – Mutual trust and candor possible – Personal matters sometimes discussed Most decisions by consensus

July 17, 1999 Harmony College Northwest 7 Proud To Be A “Master” We promote a Chorus Culture – Pride in Singing – Pride in Appearance – Pride in SPEBSQSA Prospective Member Expectations – Auditions, costs, etc. Policies of Standards and Dress – It’s all there in black and white Membership is next - but first... It’s time for a song!

July 17, 1999 Harmony College Northwest 8 New Member Orientation Greeting Chorus Literature – Information Booklet – Expectation Sheet Vocal placement (not an audition) – Range and Resonance – Tentative Riser Placement Application Process – Applicant Routing Form Applicant carries Meets Chorus Officials – Permanent Mentor assigned

July 17, 1999 Harmony College Northwest 9 Vocal Audition “Dedicated To Musical Excellence” Musicality – In tune singing – “Good Ear” – Tonal placement and resonance – Rhythmic skills Confidence and Assurance – Self-awareness of singing voice – Adaptability to Barbershop style Recommendations for Improvement

July 17, 1999 Harmony College Northwest 10 Visual Audition Orientation Facial Expression and Stance Movement Evaluation

July 17, 1999 Harmony College Northwest 11 Overview Administration and Auditions Music Presentation Production Wrap-up Dan Fullerton Jeff Oxley Wayne Mendes Doug Maddox Dan Fullerton

July 17, 1999 Harmony College Northwest 12 Fundamentals of Singing Decorum Attentive Stance Active Face Uniform Vowels Volume Relationships Smooth Singing

July 17, 1999 Harmony College Northwest 13 Warm-up Vocalization Start by humming softly Selected vowel exercises Maintain variety Average 5 to 10 minutes

July 17, 1999 Harmony College Northwest 14 Musical Expectations Attitude Toward Singing Ownership Individual Involvement Drill

July 17, 1999 Harmony College Northwest 15 Musical Approaches Singing Character of Voice Parts Diction Vowels Internalization of Principles

July 17, 1999 Harmony College Northwest 16 Musical Methods Riser Placement Learning Music Sectionals Use of Section Leaders Extra Rehearsals Retreats Keeping Busy

July 17, 1999 Harmony College Northwest 17 Overview Administration and Auditions Music Presentation Production Wrap-up Dan Fullerton Jeff Oxley Wayne Mendes Doug Maddox Dan Fullerton

July 17, 1999 Harmony College Northwest 18 Presentation Fundamentals Emotional Impact Total Body Involvement Focal Points Resets

July 17, 1999 Harmony College Northwest 19 Overview Administration and Auditions Music Presentation Production Wrap-up Dan Fullerton Jeff Oxley Wayne Mendes Doug Maddox Dan Fullerton

July 17, 1999 Harmony College Northwest 20 Production Values Always a “Performance” Attention to detail – Logistical Aspects – Staging Aspects Sound Lighting – Artistic Aspects Song Sequencing Minimal Talking--More Singing!

July 17, 1999 Harmony College Northwest 21 Overview Administration and Auditions Music Presentation Production Wrap-up Dan Fullerton Jeff Oxley Wayne Mendes Doug Maddox Dan Fullerton

July 17, 1999 Harmony College Northwest 22 Wrap-up We’ve told you about us - Use what fits! We’ve touched on: – Administration and Auditions – Music and Presentation – Production We skipped: – Operations – Membership – Marketing and Public Relations – Show Administration – Youth Outreach More available soon at

July 17, 1999 Harmony College Northwest 23 Finale Question and Answer session follows: – For audience - general questions – Individual - to specific individuals/officers A Big Masters Thank you to: – Rich Hasty - EVG VP M&P – Kendall Williams - Travel Coordinator and Show Producer – And to you, our favorite audience