INITIAL LEVEL
This course is designed to lay firm foundations for anyone who has an interest in learning to conduct singing of any kind, or who has recently started to lead a choir.
No previous experience is necessary, but the course is also suitable for those who would like to develop their conducting and vocal technique or have some experience in leading choral music.

Course dates, venues and an application form: click for pdf version (Note: you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader - click here for a free download if you do not already have this facility)
or Word document version

If you would like more information or an informal chat about the course, do get in touch with abcd's General Secretary Rachel Greaves on 01935 389482 or email rachel.greaves@abcd.org.uk.

INTERMEDIATE
This accredited course is designed to provide guidance and motivation for anyone with some experience or musical training who regularly conducts a choir. The sessions incorporate masterclasses, individual conducting and vocal lessons and specific pieces to prepare. Conducting sessions are videoed and everyone makes a written review of their progress throughout the course.

For this course it is essential that you have regular choral conducting opportunities, preferably with your own choir, or alternatively an attachment to a choir which will provide some regular conducting opportunities.

The course usually takes the form of two weekends and four full day sessions and is held in central London.

Course content
The Course covers
• Developing an awareness of the relationship between physical gesture and choral tone
• Preparing a score with real awareness of how to approach rehearsal and performance
• Developing vocal awareness for you and your choir
• Using warm-up exercises to develop the sound and flexibility of your choir
• Developing your singers' musicianship skills
• Developing your own gesture vocabulary
• Increasing your effectiveness in rehearsal
• Developing programme-planning skills with some guidance on choosing repertoire
• Developing arranging skills
and concentrates on the following areas:

Preparing a score & choral repertoire
Tempo, intonation, diction and language, pauses and tempo changes, phrase analysis and breathing, balance and blend, stylistic awareness, developing arranging skills, programme planning & notes

Voice training & the conductor as singer
vocal health, voice types, vocal development, vocal technique, tone colour and timbre, posture, breathing, sight singing, aural training, intonation, developing the singers' listening skills

Conducting gesture & communication in rehearsal
Developing effective conducting gestures for rehearsal and performance with specific reference to the above topics. Particular emphasis will be given to developing a range of gesture vocabulary that will improve vocal tone, develop musical skills, enhance musical interpretation towards a more expressive performance

Other issues include:
posture and stance, effective communication between conductor and choir in rehearsal, clarity and efficiency of gesture versus verbal instruction, efficient rehearsal pacing.

2008/09 Session dates
London. 26 & 27 April 1 June 13 July 7 September
19 October 15 & 16 November.
NOTE: booking has now closed; to be informed of any cancellations or information on future London courses, please contact Rachel Greaves

Derby. 27 & 28 September 8 November 29 November
10 January 09 21 February 14 & 15 March

Details and an application form: click for pdf version (Note: you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader - click here for a free download if you do not already have this facility)
or Word document version

If you would like more information or an informal chat about the course, do get in touch with abcd's General Secretary Rachel Greaves on 01935 389482 or email rachel.greaves@abcd.org.uk.

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

For further information on the courses and on abcd, please contact: Rachel Greaves, General Secretary, 15 Granville Way, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 4AS. Tel: 01935 389482. email rachel.greaves@abcd.org.uk