A choral arts organization that is building community through choral music in Connecticut.
Choral Workshops
Workshops for Conductors and Music Educators
Consonare's mission is to build community through choral music in Connecticut and we would like to offer opportunities to also help support choral conductors/directors who are leading music ensembles across the state to inspire the next generation of musicians through technique exploration and skill development.
We are offering engaging, enlightening, and hands-on choral workshops that are accessible to empower all conductors and music educators to grow in their craft. Created initially for those who a multi-day conference or workshop isn't feasible (due to work, family life, etc.), but all are welcome and encouraged to participate!
Photo by Bill Morgan
This Winter:
Healthy Conducting Workshop
Leader of Workshop: Sarah Kaufold, conductor
Workshop Ensemble: Voices of Concinnity
Date: Saturday, February 11, 2023* - 3:00pm-7:00pm
Location: Trinity Episcopal Church, Hartford
Fall '22
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION
The challenge of growing as a conductor is having an ensemble where we can practice conducting techniques and experiment with the sound our gesture is eliciting. This aural feedback is key to improving our conducting skills; however, many directors haven’t conducted much over the pandemic or lack time to practice conducting with looming performances.
This 4-hour Healthy Conducting Workshop will serve all levels of conductors by exploring hands-on how our gestural language informs the overall vocal sound and healthy singing of our ensembles.
The conductors selected for the masterclass portion will have the opportunity to conduct Voices of Concinnity, a 12-voice professional chamber ensemble, and receive a video recording of their conducting (see the levels of participation below).
To participate in this workshop:
There will be four levels of participation:
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Masterclass Conductors: These conductors (only 4 spots available) will workshop the healthy conducting techniques through leading the class conductors and conducting Voices of Concinnity (video of conductor will be provided afterward). Music selections will include two songs: one composed by a CT composer (chosen by workshop leader) and one chosen by the Masterclass Conductor from a list of available repertoire. Must apply below to be selected and have significant conducting experience (marginalized conductors are encouraged to apply)
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Class Conductors: These conductors will sing for the masterclass conductors to kinesthetically engage with the healthy conducting techniques and work conducting skills within small groups. Excellent for all level of conductors (aged 16 and up)--advanced registration is required and the cost will be around $25.
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Auditor: These individuals will only participate through observation of the workshop and not actively participating (questions welcomed, however). Open to everyone--advanced reservation is required and cost will be around $20.
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Audience: will arrive at 6:30pm to watch the Masterclass Conductors direct Voices of Concinnity. Open to everyone with no advanced registration.
The cost to participate any of the four levels of participation is currently being determined as we apply for grant funds to make this workshop accessible to all. The cost to be a Masterclass Conductor will not exceed $50 (we are aiming for free participation if grant funding comes through; if not, fee waivers can be available for any candidate facing significant financial hardships).
In the meantime, if you would like to be considered as a Masterclass Conductor (see description bulleted above indicating the experience needed and benefits you would receive as a conductor--only 4 spots left), please complete the following application. Masterclass Conductors will be selected by January 20, 2023 and registration for Class Conductors and Auditors will open by December 31, 2022. Last date to apply to be a Masterclass Conductor is January 18, 2023
*Snow Date for this workshop is Sunday, February 12, 2023
To reserve your spot as a Class Conductor or an Auditor
(please see descriptions above), please complete this form by January, 20, 2023
Earlier this fall:
Inclusive Choral Formations Workshop
An empowering hands-on approach to explore how acoustics and standing arrangements of singers can impact choral tone and intonation.
Leader of Workshop: Sarah Kaufold, conductor
Workshop Ensemble: Choir Matrix
Date: Sunday, October 16, 2022 from 3:00-5:00pm
Location: Storrs Congregational Church in Storrs
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION
After learning pitches, rhythm, expression and vocal technique, the goal of a choir is to produce good collective sound. This sound is often expressed in such terms as blend, balance, timbre, good intonation – all of which are based on acoustics. When directors detect an issue with the choral sound, the feedback given to the choir may be to subtract from the sound, such as limit vibrato or quiet the singer whose voice is sticking out, to achieve the desired “blend”.
Through an inclusive and empowering hands-on approach, this inclusive choral formations workshop will share the benefits of adding to the choral sound by exploring the role of acoustics and demonstrating inclusive choral formation techniques (i.e., choir standing positions and placement) exploring how it can impact choral tone and intonation.
Workshop attendees will be asked to participate in the process, but will not be asked to sing (unless they want to!) as we will have Choir Matrix (a community choral ensemble) to demonstrate the techniques.
To attend this workshop:
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Pre-register here to reserve your spot
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The cost to attend this workshop is $10 (students free) to be paid at the door
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COVID-19 Protocols currently require the wearing of face masks for this event (subject to change)