ANTHONY DOHERTY
Workshops
Training Choir Members as Singers
Workshop for church choir directors who are primarily instrumentalists or haven’t had basic vocal training
Our common goal: a choir that sings beautifully and intelligibly, with accurate pitch and rhythm, able to lead and unify congregational singing as well as perform choral repertory.
Our raw material: people. The majority of choir members don’t have a strong background in singing. They may have sung in school or college choruses (often years ago), or even been a longtime member of a choir where rehearsal consists of learning pieces just by singing through them enough times. Some directors with little or no training have volunteered or have been asked to take charge, and are faced with not only teaching what needs to be sung (repertory) but how to sing it (technique).
Basic vocal technique can be taught, and it can be learned by almost anyone.
Reading the Scriptures at Liturgy
Workshop for clergy and lay reader on conveying the message of Scripture to listeners.
St. Paul reminds us (Romans 10:17) that the faith is transmitted by being heard, in the proclamation and preaching of the Word of God. Hearing the words of Scripture has an impact that goes beyond that of seeing them on a printed page. For that to happen effectively, the readers must use the twin tools of preparation and technique.
This workshop concentrates on the techniques that can enable readers to engage the congregation in the focused listening that is active participation. Then the peolple are hearing not just the words but the voices of Isaiah and Paul. How does one speak to a gathering of people in a large room? The microphone (which the church managed to do without for over1900 years) isn't a substitute for good technique. It doesn't cover up a reader's deficiencies, it merely makes the deficiencies more audible.