iPads in a choral setting - based on ChoralNet discussion post

Today, I stumbled upon an interesting post on the "Choral Discussions" forum of choralnet.org. The post asks if any teachers have used iPads in their choir rehearsals. Highly to my surprise, many of the comments had positive things to say about using iPads in classrooms. For example, one comment suggests using iPads for downloading and reading sheet music, instead of using a paper copy. Another comment shares other great music-related apps that can be useful in a classroom/learning environment.

It is not that I have anything against technology in the classroom, I am all for smartboards, overhead projectors, cd players, etc. Though, I think that in the hands of children, technology may not be the best thing, especially in school (where things tend to get boring at times). Though one might argue that this is a good reason to bring iPads into a classroom. And perhaps it may very well aid in some children's learning. However, I think that there are still going to be several kids who will not pay attention and continuously play games or browse the internet on their iPads. This of course is a distraction to themselves as it is a distraction to others. We all know how distracting cell phones were when first introduced to a classroom setting. Therefore I think that introducing and encouraging the use of these iPads in a classroom is a bad idea. How will the teacher know whether or not a student is reading the music on the screen or if they are watching an episode of their favorite TV show?

Feel free to comment and share any of your own ideas on this topic.


Evan H

TEDtalk, Itay Talgam, "Lead Like the Great Conductors"

There was one thing that really blew my mind upon viewing the video "Lead Like the Great Conductors". It is the concept that conductors need not give 100% clear instructions to their ensemble when conducting. Itay explains that in these cases, the ensemble will be more in sync with each other as opposed to feeling confident enough with the conductor's instructions so as to play "in their own world". As a percussionist, I come from a background of playing precisely on the beat. In order to be precise, my job is a lot easier if the conductor is 100% clear with his/her downbeats. Therefore, the idea that some conductors leave this interpretation entirely up to the ensemble somewhat scares/concerns me.

Along the same line as this, I was also slightly concerned about Leonard Bernstein's "facial expression" conducting at the end of the video. Though I did find it somewhat amusing as a viewer, I feel that I would be terrified to be at the back of that orchestra. Not that I am against facial expressions in conducting, don't get me wrong. I believe that conveying the character or the mood of a piece (or section of a piece) is necessary in order to get the desired sound out of the ensemble. Though I do feel that it is a lot easier to convey (and a lot easier to interpret) these things with hand gestures along with facial expressions, not just one or the other.


Anyways, those are my thoughts on "Lead Like the Great Conductors". Until next time,


Evan H

Welcome

Hello, and welcome to my blog for the ED 2520 choral methods course. I have created this blog in order to fulfill the course requirements. Though aside from this, I am also interested in expanding my knowledge of choral music and hope that this blog along with my classmates' blogs may help me do this. I welcome anybody who wishes to read my future posts on the topic of choral music and choral methods to this blog, where I will be sharing my thoughts, feelings, and interests on the topic for the next several months to come.

Thanks for reading. And don't forget to subscribe to my blog!

Cheers,

Evan Harte