Making Music in a Rural Community
Dr. Peggy Dettwiler
This presentation will offer ideas for creating a successful choral program in a rural community. Building a respected choral program in a small, rural community can be challenging. How does one form viable choirs when the number of singers and resources are limited?
For some time, demographics have indicated that the number of students graduating from high school has been declining, making recruiting for university choirs even more difficult. Directors of elementary through community choirs face similar challenges to attract singers when working in small rural communities. Yet, opportunities abound to create choirs filled with dedicated choristers who are proud to be members and committed to creating beauty and meaning in their rehearsals and performances.
Covered during the masterclass:
- Suggested curriculum.
- Building ensemble pride.
- Setting high standards.
- Recruitment strategies.
- Community relations.
- Nurturing alumni relations.
Meet Your Professor
Peggy Dettwiler has been Director of Choral Activities at Mansfield University in Pennsylvania since 1990. She holds the DMA Degree in Conducting from the Eastman School of Music. Dettwiler has conducted in Carnegie Hall and presented at the World Choral Symposium in Seoul, Korea.
She received the Elaine Brown Award for Choral Excellence from the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association and the Presidential Coin for Excellence from the president of Mansfield University. She also served on the jury for the World Choir Games in Sochi, Russia, and was designated an Honored Artist of the American Prize.”