Why Doesn't My Choir Sound Like That?
Dr. Jamie Hillman
As we listen to choirs both virtually and in live performance, we as conductors may find ourselves feeling envious of other choirs and thinking that the grass is greener elsewhere. We might say to ourselves:
“My choir sings flat.”Â
“They can’t sight read.”Â
“Their vowels are atrocious.”Â
“Why doesn’t my choir sound like that?”
As we rebuild from the pandemic, this session explores rehearsal strategies that enable our singers to make their best sounds and unlock their full artistic potential.
Covered during the masterclass:
- Gain rebuilding strategies
- Addressing the reality of jealousy
- Overcoming the “I could never do that” paradigm
- Why aren’t we winning awards
- Healthy social media interaction
- Rehearsal techniques for improving:Â harmony, text, rhythm, pacing, & focus
Meet Your Professor
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JAMIEÂ HILLMANÂ is an American and Canadian musician, active as a conductor, singer, pianist, music educator, and composer. He holds the endowed Elmer Iseler Chair in Conducting at the University of Toronto where he is Director of Choral Studies and an Associate Professor. He conducts the U of T MacMillan Singers and leads the master's and doctoral degree programs in Choral Conducting, as well as the annual summer Choral Conducting Symposium.Â
In Fall 2022, he will begin in the role of Associate Conductor and Director of Community Engagement of the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir.
Dr. Hillman is an examiner for Conservatory Canada and has adjudicated, guest conducted, performed, and presented throughout the United States and Canada, and in France, India, and Indonesia. He has led All-State, festival, or honor choirs in Connecticut, Georgia, Manitoba, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Ontario, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, and Virginia. Most recently he conducted a Manhattan Concert Productions National Festival Chorus at Carnegie Hall.
He is the curator and editor of The Jamie Hillman Choral Series published by Santa Barbara Music Publishing.