NZCF - Auckland region

National Choral Clinics in August
Thursday, March 13, 2008

The NZCF Governance Board has organised a series of conducting clinics nationwide with internationally recognised tutors from abroad.

If you are in any way involved in choral conducting, or even considering it, I would like to recommend these clinics to you in the strongest possible manner.

In Auckland, we are fortunate to have two separate weekends available to us. The same material will be covered at each so registration would be for one of the weekends. The dates are :

22-24 August which we are suggesting that less experienced conductors attend

29-31 August which will be for more experienced conductors.

The tutor is Rodney Eichenberger who was Professor of Choral Music and Conductor of the Chamber Singers at the University of Southern California from 1976-1990. Rod currently teaches part time at Florida State University and continues to lecture and guest conduct throughout the world. His ‘bio’ is impressive and I can add personally that the ISSCC I attended where Rod was teaching, was a fantastic time of learning which I will value forever.

Here is the information that you need.

• There can be only 20 conductors for a weekend. (At any level of conducting). The age limit for young conductors is set at 16 years of age but they must have a good music background and excellent music reading skills.
• It will cost conductors $110 so we suggest that choirs or schools pay for their conductor as the benefits will be huge.  This cost covers copies of complimentary study copies of the music to be conducted which will be supplied in advance.
• Conductors will be invited to a Friday night function as well as the weekend tutoring.
• If you would like to attend but may not be ready to go for the full “putting yourself on the line” or you are an interested singer, there are spaces at each weekend for fifty (50) singers at a cost of $40 for NZCF members or $50 for non-members. We suggest that choirs also sponsor a couple of singers to support their conductor and help implement ideas to the remainder of the choir. The conductors, when not being tutored would be a part of the choir. Obviously, having a choir to work with is very necessary for the conductors, so we encourage many of you to take this option.
• There are also places for observers at $30.
• The times will be from 9.00 am – 4.30pm on Saturday and 1.00pm-5.00pm on Sunday.
• The venue will be confirmed shortly.
• Morning and afternoon tea refreshments will be provide along with Saturday’s lunch.

This is a great possibility! Think about the numbers of choral conductors and choir members who will learn about choral conducting techniques, rehearsal methodologies, new repertoire, vocal expertise - not to mention the networking and sharing of ideas amongst like-minded people. The standard of choral music will continue to rise as more people take these opportunities.

If you conduct a choir or sing in a choir anywhere in Auckland or the surrounding areas, this should be a top priority.

How to register?

This will be done on a “first come first served” basis. The registration form will be available shortly here or you may wish to phone Olive Leddy (476 4049) for a brochure to be posted to you.  Or you can write to:

Choral Conducting Clinic

NZCF Auckland

PO  Box 109 002

Newmarket

Auckland

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