[EastValleyChoraleMaillist] Conducting Seminar Information

[Bruce Cochran]

Hello Chorale Singers,

 

For the past 25 years, I've attended a week-long conducting seminar led by
Dr. Gary Bonner, the Dean of music at California Baptist University. Dr.
Bonner directs the CBU choir and orchestra (scheduled to perform in the
Phoenix area in mid-April.). He also directs the Bonner Singers, a group of
60-70 singers from all over Southern California.  All of his choirs are
excellent, and most of what I've learned about directing has resulted from
his seminars and workshops.  The seminar tends to be about more than simply
music, so it's very valuable for many aspects of life.  Some years, I've
attended more than one seminar per year.

 

Some of you have inquired about attending all or a portion of the seminar,
so I thought I'd give you some details.  The next seminar will be held June
21-25 at Cal Baptist University in Riverside, CA (about 6 hours from Mesa).
Typically, there are 15-20 different choir directors from a variety of
churches, schools, etc with a wide variety of conducting skills.   Each
director takes turns conducting (the other directors and friends, students,
etc make up the choir), and Dr. Bonner critiques and makes suggestions for
improvements.  It can be rather intense, but it's also very rewarding and
enjoyable.  The seminar is where I find much of the music we do for the
chorale.  Many of the songs on our demo CDs are performed by Dr. Bonner's
groups.

 

 Each day the seminar starts at 9:30 AM.we sing until noon..have a lunch
break.sing until 5:00.have a dinner break.sing until 9:30.  (On Friday, the
last day of the seminar, we only sing until noon.)   There's lots of singing
with lots of different directors, including Dr. Bonner.  We spend the entire
week directing/singing new music.  It's a real boost to your sight reading
ability!  Typically, we go to a church on Wednesday night and have a
rehearsal with the church choir.with each director doing one song.

 

If you have any interest in attending all or a part of the week, it would be
wonderful. There may be several from the chorale who would want to car-pool
over and stay for only a few days.that would be fine. (Ontario airport is
not too far away, so that's another option)   The seminar gives you a real
vocal workout, and you would get a better understanding of what goes into
directing, singing, etc.  Kathy has always attended with me, and Karen
Winward (an alto who is currently on sabbatical) has gone with us several
different years.in case you want to ask an unbiased observer/singer.
Obviously, there is no expectation or pressure that our singers attend, but
if you'd be interested, you would be welcome to participate. If you go as a
director, there is a fee, but singers can come at no charge.  

 

We are planning to stay at a nice hotel in Riverside that has a good rate
for those attending the conducting seminar. I think it's also possible to
stay on campus for an extremely low rate if that would be of interest.

 

If you have other questions, just ask.  

 

Bruce

 

PS: Here's a link to the Bonner Institute Web Site:
http://www.bonnermusic.com/ 

 

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