Southwest Regional Resources
August 2010
Hello Southwest Region Members!
It was great seeing a nice representation of our region at the summer conference this past weekend. Our members were chairing and participating in honor choirs, both the men's and women's student-director honor choirs as well as the junior high/ middle school honor choir, they were assisting with reading sessions, and attending wonderful interest and plenary sessions. My challenge to you is to take the energy and enthusiasm you've gained from the conference and share it with your colleagues. We'd love to double the showing at next year's conference and show that the Southwest Region is a force in choral music!
Speaking of energy and enthusiasm, it is with great excitement that I inform you of the following upcoming events sponsored and endorsed by the ACDA-PA Southwest Region, which I am putting all together under the umbrella name of "Harvest of Song." I hope you can participate in one or more of these workshops and festivals:
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Gospel and Spiritual Workshop
Rollo Dilworth was gracious enough to agree to an extension of his stay in Pittsburgh, as he is guest conducting the Mucho Macho Music festival. On Sunday afternoon (yes, I know it's Halloween!), participating directors and their singers will be given insight into the history and performance practices of music in the gospel and spiritual traditions. Those attending will receive a music packet which Dr. Dilworth will workshop through in a rehearsal setting. The session will culminate in a performance of each selection and will be followed by a reception where you can meet Rollo and talk with other directors and singers in the area. Cost is $15 for ACDA-PA members and $20 for non-members, and includes the cost of the music packet. Directors are encouraged to bring a group from their choir to watch, sing, and learn. The workshop will take place at the First Presbyterian Church of Edgewood, 120 East Swissvale Avenue, from 3:00-5:00PM. For registration information, scroll to the bottom of the page under "Events."
Monday, November 1, 2010
Collegiate Choral Singer Session
Join Youth & Student Activities R&S Chair Rollo Dilworth in a collegiate choral musician outreach effort. This session seeks to bring together singers and future choral music educators in the region to share ideas, thoughts, hopes, and goals for the future of the profession. Meet and greet other students who share a passion for choral music and music education, and learn tips for success from nationally known conductor and composer Rollo Dilworth. More details will be coming soon, including the session location and time. This is a must for all future music educators and collegiate lovers of choral music!
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Mucho Macho Music VII
Now entering its seventh year, our annual festival focusing on the adolescent male changing voice features guest conductor Rollo Dilworth of Temple University. Dr. Dilworth will spend the day helping the middle school boys of our region to build confidence with their predictably unpredictable voices. The Westminster College Men's Chorus, under the direction of Dr. Robin Lind, will serve as models by sitting with the boys throughout the day, assisting with sectional rehearsals, performing for them, and joining them in the informal closing concert. Mucho Macho Music takes place annually from 9:00AM to 3:30PM at North Hills Junior High School in Ross Township, just a few miles north of Pittsburgh. See "Events" below for more details.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Sweet Harmony Festival
The second installment of our middle school girls festival will feature guest conductor Eileen Hower from Bloomsburg University. Mrs. Hower will spend the day making beautiful music by helping them to gain confidence in creating a vibrant treble sound. Assisting throughout the day will once again be the University of Pittsburgh Women's Choral Ensemble, under the direction of Lorraine Milovac. The Pitt Women will work with the girls in the same way that the WC Men work with the boys at Mucho Macho, by sitting with them, leading sectionals, performing for and with the girls throughout the day. Sweet Harmony takes place from 9:00AM to 3:30PM at Burgettstown Area Middle/High School. See "Events" below.
As you can see, we will be gathering a plentiful "harvest of song" in October and November here in the Southwest Region! Almost every Repertoire and Standards area is serviced through these events, and those not represented have events in the works for the spring. These are exciting times for our choral region, and I strongly urge you to invite those who may not be a part of our wonderful organization to join so that they can be a part of it all as well. And, if you happen to be one of our members who have let their membership lapse, renew today so you can benefit from all we have to offer.
Best wishes to you all as you begin preparations for a new season of choral music making at the highest levels!
Warm Regards,
Shaun Cloonan
Southwest Region Chair, 2009-2011
Chorus Teacher, North Hills Junior High School
Vocal Music Teacher, West View Elementary School
Director of Music, First Presbyterian Church of Edgewood
e-mail: cloonans@nhsd.net
web: http://teachers.nhsd.net/cloonans
voice: 412.318.1000 x5225
EVENTS
Gospel & Spiritual Workshop
Sunday, October 31, 2010
First Presbyterian Church of Edgewood
3:00-5:00PM
Featured Clinician: Rollo Dilworth
Cost: $15 for ACDA-PA members; $20 for non-members
(price includes the cost of the music packet)
Open to directors and their singers
Collegiate Choral Singer Session
Monday, November 1, 2010
Location & Time TBA
- more information coming as soon as it is available
Mucho Macho Music VII:
A Young Men's Song Festival for Changing Voices in Grades 6-9
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
North Hills Junior High School in Pittsburgh
Guest Conductor: Dr. Rollo Dilworth, Temple University
Featured Guest Performers: Westminster College Men's Chorus directed by Robin Lind
More information: contact site host Shaun Cloonan or registrar Andrew Peters
- INFORMATIONAL FLYER (.pdf)
- REGISTRATION PACKET (.pdf)
- For more information: http://teachers.nhsd.net/cloonans/muchomachomusic.htm
Sweet Harmony:
A Young Women's Song Festival for Treble Voices in Grades 6-9
Friday, November 19, 2010
Burgettstown Area Middle/High School
Guest Conductor: Eileen Hower, Bloomsburg University
Guest Performers: University of Pittsburgh Women's Ensemble directed by Lorraine Milovac
More information: contact Deborah Bicker
- REGISTRATION PACKET (.pdf)
Children's Choir Sharing Session
Friday, May 13, 2011 (tentative)
Edgeworth Elementary School (tentative)
9:00-11:30AM
- A morning event to showcase the children's choirs of the Southwest Region. 8-10 participating choirs will come together, perform 2-3 selections for each other, and end the session with a rote singing experience. More details to come as they are finalized.
- More information coming soon
