A Conductor's EDC (Everyday Carry)

Choral Conducting requires access and familiarity with daily essentials. I'll admit I don't use all of these materials everyday, but I do have them relatively nearby for anytime I may go to a local coffee shop to score study.

1) Repertoire Scores

• Classical Choral Works

• Contemporary Pieces

• Folk songs and Arrangements

• Spirituals and Gospel Music

• Seasonal and Holiday Music

Study Scores: Annotated scores for in-depth analysis

Reduces Scores: Simplified or piano-reduction scores for rehearsal use.

2) Conducting Resources

Textbooks on Conducting Techniques:

• The Modern Conductor - Elizabeth Green

• Choral Conducting: Philosophy and Practice - Colin Durrant

• Conducting Technique for Beginners and Professionals - Brock McElheran

Vocal Pedagogy Books:

• The Structure of Singing - Richard Miller

• What Every Singer Needs to Know About the Body - Malde, Allen, and Zeller

Ear Training and Aural Skills:

• Manual for Ear Training and Sight Singing - Gary Karpinski

• Kodály in the Classroom for solfege practice

3) Technology Tools

• Metronome and Tuner: Essential for tempo and tuning practice

• Score Annotation Software: Apps like ForScore (iPad) or Notability for digital marking

• Recording Devices: Apps or individual devices for rehearsal feedback

  • Canon M50 Mark I (only records up to 30min. Highly recommend Sony a6400)

  • Rode VideoMic Go II

• Choral Arrangement Software: Notation programs like Sibellius or MuseScore

• Practice Tracks

4) Instruments and Equipment

• Piano or Keyboard: for score study, warm-ups, and rehearsals

• Pitch Pipe: For a capella pitch starting

• Baton: Depending on preference; many conductors use expressive hands instead for choral work

• Music Stand: Adjustable and portable for conducting and rehearsals

5) Choral Repertoire Guides (see Books for more detailed reviews)

Books:

• Choral Repertoire - Dennis Shrock

• Teaching Music Through Performance in Choir series by GIA Publications

Online Databases:

• IMSLP (International Music Score Library Project) for public domain works

• CPDL (Choral Public Domain Library) for free choral sheet music

  
  

6) Organizational Tools

• Planner or Scheduling Apps: For rehearsals, performances, and administrative duties.

• Choir Management Software: Tools like Choir Genius or Groupanizer to streamline communication and scheduling

• Binder or Folder: For physical scores, rehearsal plans, and notes

  
  

7) Inspiration and Enrichment

• Concert Recordings: Live performances by Chanticleer or Eric Whitacre Singers

• Workshops/Masterclasses: There are numerous domestic and international opportunities to learn from master conductors and composers.

• Networking Groups: Organizations like ACDA (American Choral Directors Association) or IFCM (International Federation for Choral Music)