Updated 26/06/08
Welcome to Lincoln, 2008

The abcd 2008 Convention is all about superlatives. The venue, Britain's newest purpose-built university, is absolutely stunning, with superb state-of-the-art facilities.

But even more importantly, the presenters, together with the choirs performing at the Gala Concert, are amongst the very best in the world, and keen to pass their skills and insights on to you.

If you've attended Convention before, you will already know how effectively this wonderful weekend of total immersion in choral music recharges your enthusiasm to lead choirs. If you haven't, make this the year you come for the first time. You'll end up buzzing with ideas on performance, conducting technique, voice production, new repertoire and much more. I guarantee you'll want to come again!

Richard Crossland, Chair, abcd

This year's themes
Major strands for Convention 2008 will be performance authenticity and Renaissance and Baroque music. There will be workshops and sessions of great interest for everyone working with young voices from the earliest years upwards, jazz, gospel, vocal technique and much more.

This year's venue
Convention's home this year is the brand-new Lincoln Performing Arts Centre (we'll be the first conference ever held there!). Opened in Autumn 2007, it is a fully functioning arts centre, complete with a 450 seat theatre, performance areas and studios. We'll also be using the newly-restored Engine Shed, the biggest exhibition space abcd has ever had.

All this in the University of Lincoln, just ten minutes' walk from the historic centre of Lincoln with its magnificent Cathedral, where we'll hold the Gala Concert - this year on the Friday, not the Saturday

This year's timing
Please note: sessions begin after lunch on Friday; Convention ends after lunch on Sunday, when the Exhibition closes at 2pm. For Convention 2008 news updates visit this website; for timetable and other Convention information, contact Len Fletcher, Convention Administrator, on 01772 704834 or email lLen@enterpriseco.demon.co.uk. For general abcd information, please contact Rachel Greaves on 01935 389482 or email rrachel.greaves@abcd.org.uk.

As a full Convention delegate you receive a complimentary ticket to the Gala Concert,
...... this year held in the awe-inspiring splendour of Lincoln Cathedral, one of Europe's finest Gothic buildings.
The choirs performing in the concert are awe-inspiring, too:

Suwon Civic Chorale, conductor In-Gi Min
Unquestionably a world-class ensemble and one of the most remarkable choirs to be found anywhere, the Suwon Civic Chorale is an all-professional group whose presentation is as flawless as their singing. Those who experienced their amazing 2003 performance at the Birmingham abcd Convention will be thrilled to see them again.
Orlando Consort
The Orlando Consort is established as one of the world's finest small vocal ensembles. It has toured throughout Europe, North and South America, and the Far East, and has released over 20 CDs, winning two Gramophone Awards. The Consort features music written between 950 and 1550, but the singers have extended their activities in recent years to embrace repertoires with shared roots, such as contemporary music, jazz and world music.
Chantage, conductor James Davey
Formed in 1999, Chantage has quickly established itself as a stylish and energetic young chamber choir. Based in London, it is an outstanding amateur choir with a national reputation. After a stunning performance in the Grand Final of the BBC Radio 3 Choir of the Year competition 2006, Chantage walked away with both the top prize and the prize for the audience's favourite.
Southend Boys' and Girls' Choirs, director Roger Humphrey
Frequent performers in the BBC Proms and guests at the Queen's 80th Birthday concert, both choirs have an enviable reputation for excellent singing, both separately and together. As well as making recordings and broadcasts the choirs have commissioned works from some of the UK's finest composers and regularly perform in music festivals both at home and abroad.

Convention Presenters and Sessions
click for the detailed timetable

'The hottest thing in choral music' (Philadelphia Inquirer) A rare chance to gain an insight into the works of the USA's Eric Whitacre, accomplished composer, conductor and lecturer, who has become one of the most popular and performed composers of his generation. Polyphony's recording of his a cappella music, Cloudburst and other choral works, quickly became an international best seller and his works are enjoying huge popularity with choirs, described by the Los Angeles Times as 'works of unearthly beauty and imagination, with electric, chilling harmonies'. Care of the voice throughout life
Margaret Izatt
, Head of Vocal Studies with the National Youth Choir of Scotland leads a session on a topic relevant to anyone leading singers of any age, covering children through teenage years to mature voices. Margaret will also be leading a practical session for those working with the youngest singers, on personal development of children through music, with an emphasis on pre-school singing.
Medieval and early renaissance music
is a treasure trove of material for developing the skills of young singers and choirs. Starting from the simplest of beginnings but reaching the heights of ingenuity, beauty and virtuosity, it is the most liberating repertoire ever created. With all-inclusiveness and mixed-ability applications built into the heart of the music, the Orlando Consort show ways to let the voice and the imagination roam free.
Looking for something new?
Discover something old! Medieval and renaissance music is not merely atmospheric, serene and beautiful, but vibrant, sophisticated, challenging and sometimes very rude indeed! In this participatory session, the Orlando Consort will introduce some favourite sacred music from their 500-year repertoire and may be persuaded to unveil some of the more salacious secular songs of the period. Not for those of a sensitive disposition!
The music of language
Peter Broadbent, Musical Director of the award-winning Joyful Company of Singers, works with members of Chantage to explore how the sonorities, shapes and stresses of the original language can lead to a greater understanding and enjoyment of the style of the music.
Ideas to help young singing voices
Alison Street and Linda Bance, authors of OUP's publication Voiceplay, lead this workshop about working musically with children aged three to five. This is for practitioners who may or may not be music specialists, but who are keen to foster singing with young children, to broaden their own repertoire and to enhance young children's musicality. There are songs to help things happen in early years settings, movement songs, songs to help pitching, songs for play and songs that tell stories. There are lots of ideas to help you look after your own voice too, and to develop strategies for leading singing with small or large groups of children.
The joy of singing
Experience love, acceptance and cuddles without anyone touching you! Find out how it's done in a workshop with Brenda Rattray, jazz gospel singer. Brenda's workshops have taken her to schools, prisons and the business world to inspire people to express themselves musically, build singing communities and provide a source of inspirational music.
Janette Ruocco, Jo McNally and Gillian Dibden, who were all leaders in abcd's recent work for Sing Up, discuss their experiences during the project as well as their hopes for its legacy. They will also demonstrate some of the exercises and activities employed whilst training over 30 primary school teachers to lead singing groups: ideas to use in the classroom and to help less experienced colleagues gain confidence in their own singing leading. Approaching Baroque works with a large choir
- a frequently encountered situation! Nicholas Cleobury, Principal Conductor of the Oxford Bach Choir, who has conducted a wealth of choirs including the BBC Singers and City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus, looks at the issues when conducting Baroque works with a large number of voices.

Jazz folksongs for choirs
Bob Chilcott, eminent choral composer and conductor, leads this session on his exciting new collection of traditional folksongs with a jazzy twist. Joined by a live jazz combo, Bob will help us discover folksongs from around the world as we've never heard them before, including Scarborough Fair, Hush, little baby and many more!

Singing playgrounds
Rebecca Ledgard and Urszula Weber from Ex Cathedra lead a session based on this successful scheme which explores playground activities and singing games. They use primary children's own musical language to revitalise singing and enable children to become singing leaders themselves. This practical workshop focuses on leading singing games in the classroom, from a range of cultures.
Baroque Latin American style
Take a voyage of discovery into the hidden treasures of 17th century Latin America, where European, African and South American cultures combined in a colourful fusion of musical styles to create some of the most infectious and atmospheric music of the Baroque period. Jeffrey Skidmore is Artistic Director of the Early Music Programme at Birmingham Conservatoire and conductor of Ex Cathedra, whose pioneering recordings of Latin American Baroque music have gained international acclaim.
Three choral heresies
Andrew Parrott, founder of the Taverner Consort, Choir and Players, Musical Director of New York Collegium and author of The Essential Bach Choir, leads what is bound to be a lively session discussing Bach's Choir, countertenors and women in church… and more!
The choir in your head
Popular abcd tutor Jo McNally works with local singers on some of the things which normal rehearsal time doesn't allow for. She looks at vocal technique, blend and those many things which we all know really but are apt to forget in the midst of busy concert rehearsals, but which might help your choir become the you dream it was!
Align the body and voice
Therees Tkach Hibbard was one of the original extended courses team and is now Assistant Professor of Choral Conducting and Repertoire at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln USA. She specialises in the use of dance and movement instruction to train singers, music teachers and conductors and is guaranteed provide everyone with some energy first thing on Saturday morning!
Masterclass - the Korean choral tradition
Explore the rich heritage of South Korea through contemporary and traditional music with the amazing Suwon Civic Chorale and their conductor In-Gi Min, making a welcome return to Convention after their triumphant appearance in 2003.
Period dos and don'ts
Kah-Ming Ng is the musical director of Charivari Agréable, one of the most innovative and refreshing period-instrument bands in Europe. The ensemble boasts an impressive award-winning discography and has collaborated with some forty choirs in the UK. Kah-Ming will present some insights on baroque interpretation from the point of view of the period player.
Music trade exhibition
Always a 'must' for delegates, this year's Exhibition in the refurbished and enormous Engine Shed promises to be the most extensive ever. All the major music publishers, equipment manufacturers, tour agents and other organisations you need will be there - so you can browse, buy sheet music and recordings, plan tours abroad etc. and benefit from the exhibitors' expert knowledge and advice.
If you would be interested in hiring a stand, please contact Rachel Greaves.
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Pre-Convention Conducting Course
21-22 August

Peter Broadbent, Jo McNally and Therees Tkach Hibbard
lead this practical course looking at rehearsal and conducting techniques for leaders of all kinds of choir - no minimum experience required. Delegates can opt to participate or attend as observers and a repertoire list is sent out in advance. This is an opportunity for a quick "refresher" course for experienced conductors or a good grounding in the basics for the less experienced, and examines the most important principles behind the art of the choral conductor. The three tutors, who instigated and designed the abcd extended courses, have wide experience in helping choral conductors make the most of their strengths

Young Conductors' Course
22-24 August; in parallel with Convention

With the needs of less experienced young conductors in mind, linked with some sessions of the Convention and with separate opportunities for study and discussion, this course led by Amy Bebbington is open to all aged 17 to 22 who do not currently earn their living from conducting and concentrates on the practical aspects of choir training, conducting and rehearsal technique.

Bursaries available! Up to ten young conductors can benefit from subsidised Convention places at just £150 each. For eligibility details and more information, contact Sarah Guest Download Application Form

Composers' Forum - a special study opportunity for composers led by Alan Bullard

Following the success of last year's forum, another series of sessions running at various times during the Convention weekend for composers at any level of experience, from those attempting choral composition for the first time to those who already have some success but would like the opportunity to discuss their work further. Delegates are welcome to attend as many or as few sessions as they wish.

Alan Bullard, who studied with Herbert Howells and Arnold Whittall, is a prolific and widely performed composer, writing in most genres for both amateurs and professionals. He is also an ABRSM examiner.

Please let us know as soon as you can if you would like to take advantage of this special opportunity by ticking the box on the booking form.

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Accommodation, fees and booking details
Contained in the Booking Form which can be downloaded, printed, completed and sent to the Convention Administrator.
(Note: you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader - click here for a free download if you do not already have this facility)


The venue: Lincoln University
The University of Lincoln is the UK's newest purpose-built university, offering state-of-the-art facilities. The city centre campus and conference facility has a beautiful waterfront setting with spectacular views, all within a few minutes walk of the city centre. All of the residential buildings and conference facilities are within easy walking distance on a single site and there is ample space for parking.

Travel
Lincoln is easily accessible by road and rail and from regional and international airports. The city is 40 miles east of Nottingham on the A46. The railway station is a few minutes walk from the campus and London Kings Cross is less than two hours away. Humberside Airport is 40 minutes away, East Midlands Airport is an hour's drive and Birmingham International an hour and a half. Onsite car parking is available. Full details will be sent nearer the date of the Convention.


Keep up to date with news about Convention 2008 - visit this website or....
For more information and timetable details, please phone Len Fletcher, Convention Administrator, on 01772 704834 or email len@enterpriseco.demon.co.uk.
For general abcd enquiries, please contact Rachel Greaves on 01935 389482 or email rachel.greaves@abcd.org.uk.

Information correct at time of going to press. Please note that abcd reserves the right to substitute sessions and presenters without notice. If you cancel in writing on or before 25 July we will refund you, minus £50 handling fee. If you cancel in writing after 25 July you will receive a 50% refund, minus £50 handling fee. If you cancel on or after 8 August we will not refund you and we therefore advise you to take out your own travel insurance against cancellation. If you book after 15 August you may not receive an acknowledgement before the event.

The Association of British Choral Directors is a Registered Charity, Number 1085226, which exists to promote choral music education,
and is a Company Limited by Guarantee Number 3985838, registerd in England and Wales.


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