Nick Maloy MusEd 356 Choral Methods I

Chapter 4: Planning and Building the Choral Program Kenneth H. Phillips 2004

Discussion Question: What are some guidelines for using popular music ensembles in the choral program?

The bulk of my choral experience before college came from a popular music ensemble or show choir, so this is a very important subject to me. I tend to agree with the philosophy the reading offers on this subject: good singing is good singing and all ensembles have the potential to become vocally abusive (Phillips, 55). While I myself do not necessarily have a problem with competitive ensembles, I agree with Phillips that these ensembles must be used and directed carefully so as not be become vocally abusive on singers. The biggest guideline Phillips offers for future teachers is to make sure that popular music ensembles do not become the focus of choral music programs as they often do. Their popularity with both students and teachers makes this a difficult temptation to resist. The reading suggests that it is important for teachers to offer their students a well rounded experience, and as such, they can require students in these ensembles to take part in different choral music ensembles that are offered for credit, assuming the popular music ensembles do not receive any credit. I believe that these ensembles have an important place in the choral program, but as with any ensembles must be used in balance

with other choral ensembles to offer students a well rounded and good learning experience.