What do you need?
Deborah can tailor ChoralClinic sessions to match any requirements for any size or standard of choir. She concentrates primarily on vocal technique, delivery, sonority and quality, and the format works extremely well towards the end of the rehearsal period for a work or works being prepared for performance.
Here are the most common formats
- Your choir wants to improve their tone and also give a boost to general morale. Try a Workshop - usually held on a Saturday morning or afternoon
- Your choir wants a quick fix. An important concert is coming up and you think they could sound better. This would work well if Deborah has already visited and you’ve seen her in action – and heard the results! She will attend a rehearsal, do a short warm up and then assist the conductor with his rehearsal, suggesting ways in which you could improve the sound and production of particular sections.
- Polish Your Performance. Workshops for sopranos and altos. From time to time I organise these in order to address their particular problems. If you think you have enough ladies in your choir to warrant a workshop I will set one up. I provide the leaflets and book the hall.
Workshop
A workshop can be arranged on a pre-arranged variety of pieces, often an oratorio chorus, an early motet, opera chorus and something more modern and lively. Again the work currently being studied can also be included. Deborah is always happy to accommodate any wishes and suggestions from the conductor.
Photo:
It will normally be scheduled for a Saturday morning or afternoon and last 3hours. Some choirs ask for a whole day workshop in which case I suggest a long morning and a short afternoon as I find singers get tired. Typically 10-1 & 1.45–3.30pm (approx). This will also include a short question and answer session Sometimes, if there are a couple of volunteers willing to sing a short solo, I can include a masterclass after lunch. It takes about 25mins and singers learn a lot from watching others sing – and it also gives everyone a rest! (By the way, Deborah is always supportive and encouraging to the soloists whilst improving their performance.)
ChoralClinic Evening Rehearsal
A ChoralClinic evening rehearsal would usually take the place of a normal rehearsal, and typically lasts two and a half hours. Deborah works closely with the choir’s usual conductor to establish particular needs, and the workshop is planned to complement what the conductor has already achieved. He or she should ideally be present for the workshop either as an observer - or to participate!
Photo:
The session concentrates primarily on vocal technique, delivery, sonority and quality, and the format works extremely well towards the end of the rehearsal period for a work or works being prepared for performance.
Polish your Performance session
A Polish your Performance session for sopranos and altos are held regularly. Please see here for details
