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About
The choral program in the Herberger Institute School of Music at Arizona State University strives for excellence and to promote the musical growth of each choir member. For the music student, singing in choir provides a unique opportunity to bring together the knowledge you are gaining throughout the music school – knowledge of theory, music history, vocal technique and performance technique. These techniques all come into use each day as we seek performances that make a genuine emotional connection with the audience.
For non-majors and community members, the choirs provide an opportunity to participate in music-making at the highest level. This is amateur singing in the true sense of the word – one who loves the art. There is nothing casual or haphazard about our approach to some of the greatest creations of the human mind and spirit.
Mission
The ASU Choral Program in the Herberger Institute School of Music strives to create an environment that enriches and enlivens the role of choral music in our society, providing the highest level of instruction for aspiring conductors, student singers and general students.
Through its ensembles, the choral program provides superior rehearsal and performance opportunities for a wide range of students. This experience refines the members’ musicianship and prepares students for a lifetime of choral singing, whether in professional or volunteer capacities.
The doctoral conducting program trains highly-qualified musicians to become conductors/scholars of choral music, combining a thorough knowledge of repertory, knowledge of the historical and analytical issues underlying the music, sound knowledge of vocal technique and pedagogy, an understanding of efficient, effective rehearsal technique and a clear, expressive conducting technique. Doctoral students receive considerable individual attention and have regular opportunities to rehearse and conduct ensembles.
Undergraduate courses in conducting prepare students for the next step in their professional development, whether to undertake advanced study in conducting at the graduate level or to apply their skills in school music programs and with community choirs. Courses emphasize the development of sound basic technique in conducting and introduce the issues of analysis, performance practice, vocal technique and rehearsal technique.
Through its public performances and outreach activities, the choral program serves as an ambassador to ASU, the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts and the School of Music. Outreach activities include bringing students and members of the community onto the ASU campus, music ensembles performing regularly off campus, and faculty guest conducting, presenting workshops and clinics and publishing in major journals.