UK to Conduct Workshop for Nation's Choral Directors

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 25, 2011) − The University of Kentucky College of Fine Arts, the UK School of Music and the UK Choirs will present their fourth annual Summer Choral Workshop, "The Creative Choral Conductor," June 12-14, at the Singletary Center for the Arts.

This three-day comprehensive clinic will feature noted clinicians Eric Nelson, director of choral studies at Emory University, and Brad Holmes, director of choir programs at Millikin University. Joining Nelson and Holmes will be nationally recognized UK faculty, Jefferson Johnson and Lori Hetzel, along with special guests Stephen Bolster from Berea College and Madlen Batchvarova from Hanover College.

Highlights of this year’s workshop will include Nelson’s clinic topics of "Improving Your Diction by NOT Singing the Words" and "What Difference Does It Make? An Approach to Tone, Phrasing and Tuning," as well as Holmes’ sessions on "Unifying with Imagery and Movement," "Interpreting Through Group Imagery" and "Concepts in Concert Creation and Programming."

Additional clinics will be presented on "Vowel Modification," "Choral Gems from Other Cultures" and "Warm-ups with a Twist." Attendees also will participate in reading sessions, roundtable discussions and conducting master classes.

"The Creative Choral Conductor," founded by UK Director of Choral Activities Jefferson Johnson, has quickly become one of the most widely attended workshops of its kind in the nation. Each year choral directors from all across the United States come to improve their conducting skills and learn more about the choral art. 

For additional information and registration instructions, contact Jeff Johnson, by e-mail to jeff.johnson@uky.edu or visit online the UK School of Music website at www.uky.edu/FineArts/Music/summer/choral/index/php.

MEDIA CONTACT: Whitney Hale, (859) 257-1754 ext. 229; Whitney.Hale@uky.edu