Books on Beth’s Desk
Beth Klemm
Repertoire & Standards Chair – Children’s Choir – California Chapter ACDA
bklemm@atas.k12.ca.us

As a young girl, my family and I would visit the library regularly, and we’d all sit with a book and read in the evening. Now, it seems the only time I read “for pleasure” is on vacation or on the airplane. I am happy to say that several “study” books I have read recently have also given me great pleasure. Let me recommend some materials that inspired me this past year.

The Perfect Blend
Timothy Seelig – Shawnee Press
I  enjoyed Tim’s style of writing (especially appreciating his short segments of readable chunks). It was very practical, usable, and entertaining (Learning can be fun!).

I put several of his rehearsal suggestions and warmups to use right away. One thing that CHANGED my rehearsal planning was his five-minute schedule. He broke his rehearsal into five-minute slots and planned what would happen in each. Believe it or not, I didn’t feel regimented or overwhelmed, but instead, more efficient. During rehearsal, as I glanced at my five-minute plan, if I found myself getting late, I felt free to push ahead to the next thing on my agenda. Rather than feeling like I ran out of time ONCE AGAIN, I found I completed what I had set out to do. I plan to purchase his sequel book, The Perfect Rehearsal.

Creating Artistry through Movement in the Choral Rehearsal
Henry Leck – Hal Leonard
OK, this isn’t a book...but I sure wish there was one to accompany this splendid DVD. This summer, many of us have had the privilege to work with Henry at the Summer Conference at ECCO and have been inspired by his presentation about Dalcoze Eurythmics.

Having attended one of his workshops about two years ago, I have been regularly reviewing this DVD and my notes. If you didn’t get to attend the conference, get this! I am including in my rehearsals many of the beat, rhythm, and phrasing activities I first was trained to use in my primary general music classes...stepping the beat, clapping the rhythm, turning on the phrase, stepping the macro beat while clapping the rhythm, etc. Incorporating these activities will keep your kids involved, and their singing will be much more alive. Plus, you’ll have fun!

Innocent Sounds
Marie Stultz – Morningstar Publications
Perhaps some of you were able to attend the session at the national convention where Marie worked with the Miami Children’s Choir. Her passion for picking appropriate literature with the purpose of developing correct singing techniques for children was right on, and the kids responded beautifully.

In her book, she presents specific lesson plans for teaching vocal technique as well as presentation plans for literature. I felt she gave me tangible tools to help children understand they have control of their voice and they are able to manipulate it. Marie is developing a subscription membership service where you can access lesson plans for more octavos. I plan to check it out.

A Young Singer’s Journey
Jean Ashworth Bartle, Eileen Baldwin, and Linda Beaupre – Hinshaw
Lastly, a great musical literacy series has just been published by Hinshaw (Volumes I and II are available, with volumes III and IV in manuscript form). A Young Singer’s Journey was presented by Jean Ashworth Bartle at the Miami convention.

Having searched for years to find a musicianship book that fits the needs of my choirs, and having tried several semi-successfully, I can say I am purchasing this for my kids this fall. I spent several hours talking with the other two authors, Eileen Baldwin and Linda Beaupre. They were most gracious to share how they have piloted this series, along with Jean Bartle, with ALL of their choirs. Finally, a resource that teaches concepts through singing and the keyboard, and a CD so the kids have guidance and can practice/study at home!

I “piloted” a couple of the pages with my school choir to see their response. I couldn’t believe how EASY it was to connect with my kids. They were “playing” their pianos while singing the chromatic scale right before my eyes. They were asking questions. They were saying, “Oh!...is that why?” (That was from my smart 8th grade piano player who loves to challenge me.) Highly recommended for any age choir. Call me and I can fill you in on more details I learned from the three B’s.