For many years, the traditional choral world has often overlooked contemporary a-cappella. Despite being a form of choral singing, it wasn’t always recognized as a serious form of choral singing. However, in the past decade, we’ve witnessed a significant shift. With the popularity of movies like Pitch Perfect, competitions such as ICCA and ICHSA, and various TV shows featuring contemporary a-cappella, organizations like ACDA are starting to embrace it as a genuine art form.
What’s particularly intriguing is how contemporary a-cappella’s innovations and intricacies have the potential to enhance traditional choral programs. One can only imagine the exponential growth that could come from exploration of the concepts I’m about to describe.
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Here are 4 things the contemporary a-cappella world can teach the traditional choral world:
1. How to use choral rehearsal tracks to ENHANCE music literacy
In the past, the choral community hesitated to adopt rehearsal tracks. Many traditional choral directors who value music literacy still believe choral rehearsal tracks are “cheating.” Some choral directors believe the only way students should learn music is through reading. In fact, the choral directors who did use choral rehearsal tracks may have used them as a crutch, actually avoiding the important skill of learning to read music.
Compare this to the contemporary a-cappella world, where every top-tier contemporary a-cappella group utilizes rehearsal tracks. These tracks benefit singers of all levels, enhancing musicality, articulation, and part independence. They allow weaker singers to isolate their part for focused practice, while average singers can isolate their part in one ear with the others in the opposite ear. Advanced singers can even practice without their part included.
In the past, choral circles were skeptical of rehearsal tracks. However, thanks to contemporary a-cappella’s influence, more choral directors are recognizing their potential. At the high school level, where many directors are involved in both contemporary a-cappella and traditional choral music, the integration of rehearsal tracks has become a practical enhancement.
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In the contemporary a-cappella world, many arrangers include high quality rehearsal tracks. In the choral world, it is extremely rare that the composer or arranger will offer choral rehearsal tracks. The choral world has independent companies that specialize in making choral rehearsal tracks for published choral works.
Of the few well-known companies, I endorse Kinnison Choral Co. They specialize in producing high-quality rehearsal tracks for published music, offering an impressive level of fidelity. These tracks not only facilitate effective practice but also inspire students with their professional sound, making rehearsal sessions more engaging and productive. Unlike most of their competition, their goal is to make choral rehearsal tracks that sound like a section, rather than an individual singer. This allows a singer to “fit in” to the sound, rather than try to emulate one specific singer
I’m such a big fan of their work that all of the compositions and arrangements I’ve written over the past 5 years has been recorded by Kinnison Choral Co.
Peace – Adam Paltrowitz, SATB A-Cappella
Alleluia – Adam Paltrowitz, SATB A-Cappella
Shine – Adam Paltrowitz, SATB A-Cappella
Thanks to the success of contemporary a-cappella, more choral directors are realizing their value. At the high school level, many directors are involved in both contemporary a-cappella and traditional choral music, bridging the gap effectively.
2. How to seek custom arrangements that suit your group’s unique voicing
Contemporary a-cappella groups frequently commission custom arrangements tailored specifically to their ensemble’s unique voicing. Unlike traditional choirs, which typically adhere to standard voicings like SATB or SSA, contemporary a-cappella thrives on the flexibility to explore virtually any combination of voices. For instance, imagine a traditional choir comprising 1 bass, 2 tenors, and 5 altos and sopranos each. A traditional choir director might struggle to find suitable repertoire for such an unconventional voicing. However, this same diversity allows contemporary a-cappella groups to showcase their versatility and creativity.
Moreover, many arrangers from the contemporary a-cappella scene are open to adapting their arrangements for traditional choirs. They can modify existing compositions to fit the specific voicing of your ensemble, bridging the gap between traditional choral repertoire and the innovative spirit of contemporary a-cappella.
For example, I personally encountered challenges when submitting one of my SSAA choral compositions to a prominent publishing company, receiving feedback that SSAA arrangements often have limited market appeal compared to SSA. This experience led me to embrace self-publishing, enabling me to customize my compositions to accommodate the unique voicings of different choirs. This flexibility not only enhances the accessibility of my music but also ensures it resonates effectively with diverse vocal groups.
By adopting this approach, traditional choral directors can harness the adaptability and creative potential of contemporary a-cappella arrangements, enriching their repertoire and engaging their singers in new and exciting ways.
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3. How to involve a collective group approach to music-making
Traditional choral rehearsals often revolve around the director as the central authority making all musical decisions. This approach can limit the development of individual creativity and the collaborative skills essential for ensemble performance. In contrast, contemporary a-cappella often embraces a more inclusive and democratic process where group members actively participate in shaping the musical interpretation.
In contemporary a-cappella groups, discussions on dynamics, phrase shaping, articulation, and overall musical expression are encouraged among all members. This collaborative approach not only empowers singers to contribute their ideas but also fosters a deeper understanding and ownership of the music they perform. Each member’s perspective and artistic input are valued, leading to a richer and more nuanced interpretation of the repertoire.
This collaborative environment nurtures high-level musical creativity as singers explore different possibilities and experiment with their vocal techniques. It also cultivates essential teamwork skills, teaching students how to listen actively, compromise, and coordinate their efforts to achieve a cohesive musical result. Beyond technical proficiency, these experiences in collective decision-making and artistic expression are invaluable for developing well-rounded musicians who can adapt to various musical settings and challenges.
By adopting elements of this collaborative approach from contemporary a-cappella, traditional choral directors can enhance their rehearsals and empower their singers to engage more deeply with the music, fostering a culture of mutual respect, creativity, and shared accomplishment within the ensemble. This shift not only enhances musical outcomes but also enriches the overall educational experience for students, preparing them for lifelong appreciation and participation in choral music.
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4. How to develop more engaging stage presence
Traditional choir performances often prioritize vocal technique and musical precision, sometimes at the expense of visual engagement. As a result, many choir videos can appear static, resembling little more than still photos of singers standing in formation. In contrast, contemporary a-cappella places a strong emphasis on individual expression and physical engagement to convey the collective meaning of the music.
In contemporary a-cappella performances, singers are encouraged to use their entire bodies as instruments of expression. This includes incorporating choreography that enhances the emotional impact of the music. Unlike rigidly choreographed routines, contemporary a-cappella allows for spontaneous, loosely planned movements that reflect the singers’ emotional connection to the lyrics and melody. This approach not only captivates audiences but also deepens the performers’ connection to the music they are presenting.
Today’s audiences, particularly those in the 21st century, crave visual engagement that goes beyond technical proficiency. They seek performances that evoke genuine emotion and convey a narrative through both music and movement. Contemporary a-cappella exemplifies this by blending choreography with pure emotional expression, creating a dynamic and compelling stage presence.
Traditional choirs stand to benefit significantly from adopting elements of contemporary a-cappella’s approach to stage presence. By encouraging singers to explore their physical expression and emotional connection to the music, directors can enhance the overall impact of their performances. This shift from static presentation to dynamic engagement not only resonates more deeply with modern audiences but also helps choir members develop their stage presence and expressive capabilities, enriching their musical experiences and broadening their artistic horizons.
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Final Words
Contemporary a-cappella’s innovations offer valuable lessons for enhancing traditional choral practices. Embracing rehearsal tracks and custom arrangements can significantly improve music literacy and expand repertoire possibilities, while fostering individual creativity and collaboration among singers. The emphasis on expressive stage presence underscores the importance of engaging modern audiences through visual storytelling and emotional connection. By integrating these insights, traditional choirs can enrich their performances and educational experiences, ensuring a dynamic future for choral music that resonates deeply with performers and audiences alike.
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