Voyage Award - Skills
For my summer holiday this year I have come to Keele University for the summer school of Sing for Pleasure. Three years ago I came and did the foundation conductor's course, so this time I am taking the next level up; intermediate one.
Each day starts with a vocal warm up after breakfast, then there could be an hour's choral for everyone on the summer school before we break off into our seperate streams. For conductors, that means technique sessions and workshop sessions, when we work on assigned pieces. I thought I had prepared my pieces, but when you stand up and start waving your arms, you know you haven't done nearly enough.
My first piece, a round, went well. That is because I have had lots of practice at leading rounds since the last course, and it's not dis-similar to leading campfire songs. When I got into part songs, it went a bit more haywire, although my beat pattern was clear.
I'm trying to develop my right arm gestures (I'm left handed), so I can do more with dynamics etc. The notes have been learnt on my last piece (I hope), so now I need to get it a bit faster. I am beating in mimins, so the singers seem to be dragging it a bit.
I'm conducting at a concert tomorrow afternoon. It will be live streamed, and I will post the link if you want to listen in.
The photo is of my prep notes for this morning's workshop. I got through most of what I wanted.
