Workshops
Studies in Choral Conducting
Advanced conducting techniques relating the freedom of the body to the vitality of the sound. Special emphasis in stylistic considerations for music of various periods and genres. This course is also available for graduate credit as part of the Summer Music Education program.
Bob Becker Ragtime Institute
The aim of the course is to provide a conceptual framework for the performance of the classical solo xylophone repertoire of the first half of the twentieth century. The main thrust will be toward developing a general feeling for the style and the basic acquaintance with the repertoire, as well as defining approaches to improvisation via the performance styles of Green, Herman, et al. The primary practical work will be concerned with the developing two mallet facility and the development of a functional ability to create spontaneous variations on standard chord progressions using a variety of improvisational styles. Regular reference will be made to the recordings of the period, published compositions and lesson books of George H. Green and others, as well as a selection of standard popular songs on the 1920's. It is not required that students be accomplished improvisers, however it is necessary that they know the fundamentals of music theory. It is expected that all participants will already be familiar with basic chords and scales in all keys. Enrollment is limited to 15 students and is open to advanced high school students and adults of the required playing abilities.