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2024 ACDA Eastern Region Conference February 28 - March 2, 2024 Providence, Rhode Island

Interest Sessions
In t er est S essions

Why Words Matter Judith Clurman is the music director
of Essential Voices USA and The Sym-
This session explores the dynamics of the choral ex- phony Singers and teaches voice and en-
perience, particularly focusing on the power of words semble voice at The Manhattan School
to impart meaning and to be a bridge between the in- of Music. She was director of choral
dividual singer, the ensemble, and the audience. The activities at The Juilliard School (1989-2007) and was
ways of analyzing, rehearsing, teaching, and perform- the vocal specialist at the NEA/Columbia University
ing text will be the session’s main pedagogical focus. Institute of Classical Music. She previously directed
There will be communal singing, a discussion of rel- The New York Concert Singers and has worked with
evant repertoire and new approaches to programming, many of the world’s finest symphonies at Carnegie
based on musical elements and dramatic values. We Hall and Lincoln Center. She has received two Emmy
will introduce specific works as models to study music nominations and conducted her chorus on a Grammy-
whose texts will inspire singers to get involved in con- nominated CD. Clurman edits two choral series for
fronting the challenges of the world. Scores and texts Hal Leonard.
will be provided.

2024 ACDA Eastern Region Conference

R&R S essions
R&R Sessions

Children and Community Youth College and University

Leave the Score at the Door Music from the Ring of Fire

Participants will have the opportunity to learn four This session will highlight SATB choral music from
pieces of music in styles traditionally taught through countries situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a path of
oral/aural tradition. While scores and recordings will active volcanoes and earthquake sites along the edges
be available as reference materials, rehearsal and teach- of the Pacific Ocean. This session will take a deep dive
ing will highlight techniques and context for the music, into lesser-known music from the western coast of Latin
performance practice, and pedagogical tools specific to America and Asian and Oceanic islands and explore
learning music in this style. Expect multiple languages the backgrounds of these pieces and pedagogical tools
and a few new dance moves to add to your repertoire. necessary for teaching them. This music is accessible,
beautiful, and an important addition to our collegiate,
Kendra Balmer and Diana Sáez, presenters community, and advanced high school music programs.

Rachel Carlson, presenter

164 CHORAL JOURNAL January 2024 Volume 64 Number 5