The role of the chorus director goes so much further than just 'waving' your arms around in time to the music. This stream aims to unravel the true scope of the director's role within a chorus.

Whether you are an existing front line director, a new director, an assistant director, an aspiring director, a music team leader, a section leader or a coach, this stream promises to deliver invaluable insight into what it takes to stand in front of a chorus and bring the whole ensemble together as one unit.

Neil Firth, director of The Cottontown Chorus, and Steve Armstrong of Toronto Northern Lights will share their experiences as highly successful directors and reveal the things that every chorus director should know. By the end of the course you should have a much greater understanding of these key areas:

• The importance of warm-ups and why preparing the chorus to sing is key to a successful rehearsal or performance - what does a good/poor warm-up look like
• What constitutes a properly planned rehearsal - why is this so important
• The role of the director vs the role of the coach - what are the key differences
• The role of the section leader - what they 'really' should be doing
• Positive communication, leadership and motivation - how do we inspire our members to want to turn up to rehearsals each week and learn from us
• Some simple directing skills, tricks and non-verbal communication - the effects of which will improve almost anyone out front of a chorus, no matter what their current level

Some of the topics will be covered in break-out sessions to help develop skills in different areas depending on delegates' needs and experience.

If you have a strong desire to develop your role in front of your chorus and therefore the results from your chorus then this stream is for you.