1. Choral Soundscape An adventure through middle school choirs
By: Christian Lopez and Otto Kuehrmann

2. Video Example 1
“I See the Light” – from Disney’s Tangled

3. Notes on Example 1
Appropriate repertoire for a group that isn’t remarkable
Comfortable range
Simple parts (mostly unison)
Easy to understand and add musicality to
Group respects conductor
Great blend
Topical for the group
An arrangement of a harder piece

4. Lessons Learned for Example 1
The group isn’t amazing, but…
They blended well
They can still move a listener
Bits of dynamics/phrasing
Valuable musical experiences for the kids can come from (sometimes adapted) music they listen to

5. Video Example 2
“Cantate Domino” - Pitoni

6. Notes on Example 2 High level group Musicality
Teacher nurtures musicality
Musicality
Great intonation
Stylistic phrasing
Proper dynamic contrast
Motions to help the effect
A school that appreciates choir
Dress and presentation

7. Lessons Learned for Example 2
This is an example of a quality teacher and a quality program
Enjoyable and challenging for students
Sense of accomplishment for everyone
Can’t expect a middle school group to be perfect BUT nurture musicality no matter what

8. Video Example 3
“Don’t Stop Believing” – Journey

9. Notes on Example 3 An odd setting
Informal dress at an assembly
Sloppy presentation
Piece more chosen for audience or setting over the students
Students obviously uninterested
Talking
Not paying attention
Low attention to musicality
Unstylistic drumming (throwing off group)
No dynamic contrast
Bad range for some soloists

10. Lessons Learned for Example 3
More has to be done to interest students or hold attention
Motions would have helped maybe
Uniform presentation
We’d all like to be example 2, but…
Example 3 is a very real setting
We won’t always get programs that are appreciated
This is a program that needs work
It is worth it to put in the effort!

11. Video Example 4
“America the Beautiful” – Traditional American Song

12. Notes on Example 4 Appropriate for the setting but… Musicality
The arrangement was too hard
Harmonies
Range
Common pieces have tons of arrangements
Musicality
Bad intonation
Range and harmonies not appropriate for group
Not a good blend of sound

13. Lessons Learned for Example 4
It is easy to find arrangements for common songs
You can always change an arrangement yourself
On putting together things quick for a performance like this:
The music doesn’t need to be challenging
It needs to work for the group

14. Video Links 1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qs7YsUDOuZc2. 3. 4.