For the second year in a row, the Department of Liturgical Music of the Orthodox Church in America will be offering an on-line course, “Choral Conducting for Beginners,” beginning September 15, 2014.
“The course is designed for beginners or those who are currently conducting a choir but have not completed a formal conducting course,” said Prof. David Drillock, department chair, who will teach the course. “The class sessions are devoted to demonstrating basic conducting technique, beginning with elementary conducting patterns and concluding with an emphasis on conducting liturgical chant. The course will be limited to twelve participants.
Each learner will be required to meet interactively with the instructor via Skype for a 30-minute session each week. The course will consist of 12 sessions, covered over a period of 13 weeks.
“These sessions will provide an opportunity for each individual learner to demonstrate his or her comprehension of each session and the ability to perform the conducting exercises correctly,” added Prof. Drillock. “At these interactive meetings, the learner will receive necessary feedback from the instructor together with helpful suggestions for improvement.”
Such one-on-one real time Skype sessions will also enable the instructor to provide extra help, if necessary, and answer specific questions.
Those registering for the class will need an up-to-date computer that will run Skype, a web cam with microphone, and internet connection that is not dial-up.
To register for the course, complete the registration form available onlineand return it to the attention of Ms. Melanie Ringa to mringa@oca.org or via fax to 516-922-0954. The $175.00 course fee may be paid by credit card—info is included on the registration form—or by check, made payable to the Orthodox Church in America DLM. Registration checks should be sent to the Orthodox Church in America, PO Box 675, Syosset, NY 11791, Attn: Melanie RInga.
Upon receipt of completed registration forms, applicants will receive detailed directions for accessing the course.