TheMasterWorks workshops provide tools, resources and meaningful application of skills for the church music director. Equally important is the opportunity to bond between colleagues, receive support and participate in idea exchanges.
Dr. Marcia LaReau facilitates the the workshops and brings extensive experience with her. She has performed as a church musician since high school. Her formal education includes a B.M.E. from Iowa State University, an M.M. from Northwestern in Composition, a Ph.D. in Adult Education from The Ohio State University and an Artist Diploma in Conducting from The Hartt School at the University of Hartford. She has served on university faculties for over 25 years, and conducted professionally throughout the United States. She has served as instrumentalist, conductor, composer, and arranger in church settings for eleven years.
This workshop is especially geared to choir directors who have trained instrumentalists at their church, but aren't sure how to weave them into their program. These workshop activities consider the finances, resources, and time commitments to develop a program that is appropriate for the specific church as well as the instrumentalists that serve there. The outcome includes an assessment of each particular situation and a step-by-step plan to implement a feasible and reasonable instrumental program where the instrumentalists form a ministry to the church and are ministered to in the process.
(3 hours, minimum of 5 participants)
The key to successful instrumental participation is finding the right music for the service that matches the ability of the individuals who will perform it. This workshop focuses on evaluating instrumental music as well as the skills of the instrumentalists. Tools are provided to determine the level of proficiency for woodwind, brass, string, and percussion players. Considerations of range, facility, tone, and appropriate key structures are discussed and worked into the evaluation. The resulting information is used to determine the effectiveness of the match between the music and player. In certain circumstances it is possible to edit the music for a particular player without diminishing the composer's intent. This will be discussed briefly. Directors are encouraged to bring music examples for discussion.
(3 hours, 5 participant minimum)
Many times arrangements and compositions, call for instruments that aren't readily available. The oboe and violin are the first ones that come to mind. Frequently there is clarinetist or saxophonist available - but will it work? This workshop is comprised of hands-on activities where participants learn to use reference tools to determine the appropriateness of substitutions and address the technical needs regarding transposition and range. Choir directors are encouraged to bring musical examples from their library. Copyright considerations are addressed. Consider taking this workshop along with Arranging for Instrumentalists.
(3 hours, 5 participant minimum)
This workshop is more in depth than "Instrumental Substitution Techniques." Sometimes a line from a choral selection might lend itself to accompanimental instruments or perhaps you would like to use instrumentalists on a hymn. This workshop is comprised of hands-on activities that utilize references tools (provided) that address the step-by-step process to provide parts for instrumentalists that area appropriate for their skill level and will enhance the musical offering. Copyright considerations are addressed. "Instrumental Substitution Techniques" is strongly recommended prior to this workshop.
(3 hours, 5 participant minimum)
Almost every choir director, at some point in their career, is faced with conducting instrumentalists. For many, it soon becomes evident that the needs of instrumentalists are different from the choir. A multitude of questions rise to the surface: Should you use a baton? What should you do differently? How do I help the French Horn player find her note? Why are the brass so loud that I can't hear the choir and what can I do about it? Why did I choose this piece anyway? I thought I hired professionals....In this workshop, participants will discuss conducting and rehearsal techniques geared to making woodwinds, brass, percussion and string players effective when they participate with and without the choir.
(3 hours, minimum of 5 participants)
