BYU Choral Academy - Continuing Education - Brigham Young ...

BYU Choral Academy 

Third Annual 

BYU CHORAL ACADEMY 

with Ronald Staheli and Rosalind Hall 

August 5–8, 2008, 

at Brigham Young University 

in Provo, Utah 

Dissect musical scores for successful performances 

Construct effective rehearsal plans 

Devise warm-ups for a beautiful tone 

Perfect your conducting gestures 

New in 2008-daily master classes 

PDF of postcard 

Copyright © 2008 Brigham Young University. All Rights Reserved. 

Page last modified: 04/21/2008 8:49 AM. View Privacy Policy.

What is the BYU Choral Academy? 

The BYU Choral Academy is an intensive four-day course designed for professional conductors and teachers—high 

school choral teachers, church and community choir conductors, and anyone interested in the choral art. 

Through their many years of rehearsal and performance, the two instructors, Ronald Staheli and Rosalind Hall, have 

gained a reputation for performances which are polished, engaging, and spiritually compelling. They have distilled and 

systematized the essence of their success and share the principles which have built and strengthened BYU’s renowned 

choral tradition in the Choral Academy. 

Included in instruction will be the conductor’s gesture, rehearsal techniques, score analysis, preparation for effective 

and efficient rehearsals, warm-ups, and others. 

This is the third year that the BYU Choral Academy has been in operation. 



Registration 

The BYU Choral Academy is designed for women and men ages 

18 and older. We especially welcome beginning to advanced 

conductors, public school choral teachers, and church choir 

conductors who wish to develop their conducting skills. Save by 

registering early! Space for both amateurs and professionals is 

limited, and registration closes on July 30, 2008. However, if 

additional space is available, walk-on registration will be 

accepted on August 5 between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. on the third 

floor of the J. Reuben Clark Law School building. 

Three convenient ways to register: 

1. 

Online 

2008 BYU Choral Academy 

Online Registration Closed: 30 Jul, 2008 5:00 PM 

View/Edit Registrations 

Manage My Continuing Education Information 

2. By phone at (801) 422-8925 using your VISA, Discover, or MasterCard. 

3. In Person at the Harman Continuing Education Building at BYU, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays. We will be 

closed May 26 (Memorial Day), July 4 (Independence Day), and July 24 (Pioneer Day). 

TUITION 

Early Registration (by June 30 midnight) 

Amateur– $275 

Professional–$350 

To take it for credit, add $50. 

Late Registration (after June 30) 

Amateur– $300 

Professional– $375 

To take it for credit, add $50. 

Options: 

$100 — Campus housing (double occupancy) 

$50 — Master class 

CHORAL PACKET 

A choral packet of music is now available. The cost is $33.50 plus shipping. The packet contains 20 pieces of music and 

is required for both professional and amateur students. We encourage you to order before July 28 so that you can have 

your packet in hand by the start of Choral Academy. 

To order online go to www.jwpepper.com

1. Near the top left corner of the page is a box labeled “Keywords” – click on that box and type in the order 

number: 10053275 

2. Click on the box in the center of that same line labeled “Search” 

3. A new page will open showing BYU CHORAL ACADEMY PACKET 2008 in the Item Detail box. 

4. Click in the small box labeled “QTY” 

5. Type in the number of packets you wish to order. 

6. Just below that box, click on the icon: 

7. A new page will open detailing your order. Near the bottom, you will see several options including: 

8. Click on 

9. A new page will open asking you to login (unless you are a returning JW Pepper customer and have already 

logged in). 

10. Type your e-mail address in box 1. 

11. Type your password in box 2 if you are a returning customer, OR 

12. Click on the blue box. 

13. A new page called New Customer Registration will open asking you create a login for future visits and to fill in 

your shipping information. When you have filled in all required boxes, click on 

14. A new page will open confirming your shipping information, a summarizing your order, and asking for your credit 

card information. 

15. Confirm/correct all information and fill in all appropriate boxes. 

16. Click on at the bottom of the page. 

17. Your order is complete and will be shipped to you. 

HOW DO I DETERMINE MY LEVEL? 

Amateur: beginning to intermediate conductors of church or community choirs, and anyone interested in the choral art 

Professional: high school, collegiate, and advanced church choral conductors 

REFUNDS AND CANCELLATIONS 

Until July 22, you can go online and withdraw yourself from the program and housing with no processing fee charges. 

After July 22, refund requests must be submitted in writing and a processing fee of $50 will be charged for each 

cancellation. Campus housing fees will not be refundable. Send refund requests to: 


352 HCEB 

Provo, UT 84602 

UNIVERSITY STANDARDS 

Workshop participants are required to maintain the standards of Brigham Young University while attending the 

program, including abstinence from tobacco, coffee, tea, alcohol, and harmful drugs while on the campus. The BYU 

dress and grooming standards emphasize clothing that is modest in fabric, fit, style, and length. 

MAXIMIZING YOUR VISIT TO PROVO 

Combine Choral Academy attendance with a summer vacation in Utah. Provo is within a day’s drive of some of the 

most spectacular natural beauty in the world: Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Lake Powell, Arches 

National Monument and Dead Horse Point, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park, Capitol Reef, Dinosaur National 

Monument, Sundance, Park City, and others. 

August graduation at BYU takes place on August 14 and 15. Come early, attend the Choral Academy, and combine it 

with a vacation in Utah! 


Page last modified: 05/29/2008 3:51 PM. View Privacy Policy.

Master Classes 

ATTENDING THE MASTER CLASSES 

All participants in the Choral Academy are expected to attend each master class, for which there is no additional cost. 

You will become the choir for those who conduct and will also be able to watch and learn from the mentoring process 

given to the conductors. This important feature of this year’s Academy is designed to be a safe, nurturing, 

strengthening forum, where individuals will receive personalized feedback and instruction, and where risk taking is 

encouraged and applauded. 

CONDUCTING IN THE MASTER CLASSES 

Those participants desiring to be one of the master class conductors, and who have paid the $50 fee, will conduct two 

20 minute coaching sessions during the master classes and should do the following: 

1. 

2. 

3. 

Choose the piece in the choral packet you want to conduct. (Conductors will conduct the same piece for both of 

your 20 minute master class sessions.) We suggest having alternate choices in the event someone else has 

already picked and confirmed your first choice. 

Contact jean.hwang@byu.edu to confirm your choice (first come, first served). At this point Jean will be able to 

tell you if you will be one of the twelve conductors. If you are not, the $50 will be refunded to you. 

Prepare for this positive, successful experience by studying and conducting the score. 



Daily Schedule 

TIME TUESDAY, 8/5 TIME Wednesday, 8/6 TIME Thursday, 8/7 TIME Friday, 8/8 

9:00 ORIENTATION, 

INSTRUCTIONS, AND 

INTRODUCTION 

10:00 CONDUCTING 2 

LEVELS: BEGINNING 

AND ADVANCED 

9:00 ANALYSIS FOLLOW UP 

ON ASSIGNMENT GIVE 

NEW ASSIGNMENT 

10:00 CONDUCTING 2 LEVELS: 

BEGINNING AND 

ADVANCED 

9:00 CONDUCTING MASTER CLASS 9:00 ANALYSIS FOLLOW 

UP ON ASSIGNMENT 

AND LAST BITS 

10:00 CONDUCTING 2 LEVELS: 

BEGINNING AND ADVANCED 

10:00 CONDUCTING 2 

LEVELS: 

BEGINNING AND 

ADVANCED 

11:00 BREAK 11:00 BREAK 11:00 BREAK 11:00 BREAK 

11:15 CONDUCTING 

MASTER CLASS 

11:15 CONDUCTING MASTER 

CLASS 

11:15 CONDUCTING MASTER CLASS 11:15 CONDUCTING 

MASTER CLASS 

12:15 LUNCH 12:15 LUNCH 12:15 LUNCH 12:15 LUNCH 

1:45 ANALYSIS 3 LEVELS: 

BEGINNING, 

INTERMEDIATE, 

ADVANCED 

1:45 WORKING WITH THE 

FEMALE VOICE (JEAN 

APPLONIE) (2 HRS)` 

1:45 CONDUCTING MASTER CLASS` 1:45 WORKING WITH 

THE ACCOMPANIST 

3:45 BREAK 3:45 BREAK 2:45 BREAK 2:45 BREAK 


MASTER CLASS 

4:00 CONDUCTING MASTER 

CLASS 


Page last modified: 04/22/2008 3:45 PM. View Privacy Policy. 

3:15 REHEARSAL WITH INVITED 

CHOIR 

4:30 DINNER AND PREPARATIONS 

FOR TRIP TO TAB CHOIR 

REHEARSAL: 7:15 TO 9:30 P.M. 

(TRANSPORTATION 

AVAILABLE) 


MASTER CLASS 

4:00 FOLLOW–UP ON 

YESTERDAYS 

REHEARSAL W/ 

INVITED CHOIR 

*** 

CONCLUSION

Lodging and Meals 

Campus Lodging at Heritage Halls 

Participants who have reserved campus housing 

can check in after 3:00 p.m. on Monday, August 4, 

at the Heritage Halls Central Building. Rooms are 

double occupancy (you will be paired up with 

another Choral Academy attendee) and include 

lodging the nights of Monday, August 4, through Friday, August 8. Checkout time on Saturday, August 9, is before 9:00 

a.m. Each room is provided with a bed, closet, desk, and chair. Bed and bath linens are provided; three rooms of two 

residents each share bathroom facilities. Suggested items to bring include an alarm clock, bar soap (if you prefer large 

bars), shampoo, slippers, and bathrobe. Laundry facilities and a TV lounge are available. 

Early-arrival housing is available for participants who are registered in the Choral Academy. You may arrive as early as 

Saturday, August 2, after 7:00 p.m. or Sunday, August 3, after 3:00 p.m. The additional fee is $19 per night. 

Participants are not allowed to stay in housing after Choral Academy has ended. To request early-arrival 

accommodations, go to www.byu.edu/confservices or call (801) 422-5671. Payment for early-arrival housing will be 

collected upon check-in at the Heritage Halls Central Building. 

LOCAL HOTELS AND MOTELS 

The following properties provide shuttle service to BYU. 

Provo Marriott Hotel—101 West 100 North, Provo 

(801) 377-4700 

Courtyard by Marriott—1600 N. Freedom Blvd., Provo 

(801) 373-2222 

Residence Inn Provo—252 West 2230 North, Provo 

(801) 374-1000 

Other properties nearby (no shuttle service): 

Super 8 Provo—1555 Canyon Rd., Provo 

(801) 374-6020 

Days Inn—1675 North 200 West (Freedom Blvd.), Provo 

(801) 375-8600 

Best Western CottonTree Inn—2230 N. University Pkwy., Provo 

(801) 373-7044 

ON-CAMPUS MEALS 

Choral Academy participants may eat at any cafeteria or food outlet on campus and pay with cash, checks, or credit 

cards. The following venues are nearest to the academy classrooms: 

Cougareat Food Court (Wilkinson Student Center) 

Skyroom Restaurant (Wilkinson Student Center, sixth floor) 

Skyroom to Go (lunchtime delivery service, phone 422-4107) 

Museum Café (located in the Museum of Art) 

Creamery on Ninth (located east of the J. Reuben Clark Law School parking lot)

Orville and Wilbur’s (located inside the Games Center, 1171 Wilkinson Student Center) 



Travel and Parking 

MAP OF SALT LAKE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT 

RENTAL CARS, BUSES, TAXIS 

To find a list of rental car companies at the Salt Lake International Airport, 

see www.slcairport.com. Taxis are expensive and are not recommended. 

Buses do not run directly and require a number of transfers to reach BYU. For 

bus information, see www.uta.com. 

GROUND TRANSPORTATION FROM AIRPORT 

Xpress Shuttle is a commercial van shuttle service that will take you from the 

airport to Provo and back. Cost is approximately $26 one way; call 

1-800-397-0773. Reservations are required. Please have your flight number 

and itinerary handy when you call. The shuttle will take you directly to the 

residence halls at BYU. 

DRIVING DIRECTIONS AND PARKING 

Click here for a map from Salt Lake City to BYU. 

To BYU via Salt Lake City (I-15 southbound): 

Take the BYU-Utah Valley State College exit (#269) and turn left at the stoplight. University Parkway will take you past 

the University Mall and down the “diagonal” into Provo. Proceed on the same street until you cross University Avenue 

and Canyon Road. Turn left into parking lot 49 at the “Events Parking” sign. This lot is kitty-corner to the Marriott 

Center. 

To find residence halls check-in: 

Follow the directions above but after you cross University Avenue and Canyon Road proceed on University Parkway 

pass the football stadium on your left and the Marriott Center on your right. Turn right on 900 East, proceed south and 

turn right at Heritage Drive (corner of Creamery on Ninth). Turn right into a very small parking lot at the Heritage Halls 

Central Building where housing check-in will take place. If you have requested campus housing, we encourage you to 

park in the “C” lots adjoining the residence halls. 

Click here for a campus map. Check "Parking" to view parking zones. 

To BYU via Springville (I-15 northbound): 

Going north toward Provo, take the Provo BYU/University Avenue exit off I-15. Drive north along University Avenue 

past Provo’s Center Street. Turn right at University Parkway (1650 North). Turn left into parking lot 49 at the “Events 

Parking” sign. This lot is kitty-corner to the Marriott Center. 

PARKING FOR COMMUTERS 

Free parking is available in Lot 49, kitty-corner to the Marriott Center. Parking will NOT be available in Lot 26 next to 

the J. Reuben Clark Law School, in Lot 2 next to the Museum of Art, or in Lot 20 west of the Conference Center. 

Participants staying in campus housing are encouraged to park in the “C” lots adjoining the residence halls. 

For the evening recitals on Tuesday, August 5, and Wednesday, August 6, you may park in Lot 2 east of the Museum of 

Art. 

VAN SHUTTLES

Between Tuesday and Friday, we will provide van shuttles between Lot 49 and the Harris Fine Arts Center. Vans will run 

continuously during peak times and will be “on call” the rest of the day. The van driver’s cell phone is (801) 360-1210. 

Shuttles will not operate on Monday. It takes between 12-15 minutes to walk from the parking lot to the Harris Fine 

Arts Center. 

THINGS TO DO/SEE ON CAMPUS, IN PROVO, OR IN UTAH 

A list of local activities will be distributed upon your arrival on campus. To view a list of national parks and other 

popular destinations in Utah, click here 



Pre-Arrival Information 

LOCATION OF CLASSES 

J. Reuben Clark Law School, BYU 

PARKING INFORMATION 

Lot 49, kitty–corner to the Conference Center with shuttle vans. 

RESIDENCE HALLS CHECK-IN: Monday, August 4 

After 3:00 p.m., Heritage Halls Central Building 

WORKSHOP CHECK-IN: Tuesday, August 5 

8:00-9:00 a.m. third floor lobby, J. Reuben Clark Law Schoool. 

A light breakfast will be served. Classes begin at 9:00 a.m. 

WEATHER 

Average daytime high temperature, 90–93 degrees (F) 

Average evening and morning lows, 57–60 degrees (F) 

BYU STANDARDS 

Abstinence from tobacco, coffee, tea, alcoholic beverages, and harmful drugs. 

Dress: clothing that is modest in fabric, fit, style, and length and hairstyles that are neat and not extreme. Please, no 

tank tops or sleeveless, strapless, or backless attire. Dresses, skirts, and shorts should be knee length or longer. Jeans 

are permitted. Earrings for men are not appropriate. Most participants prefer to dress casually in slacks (including 

jeans) and comfortable shoes. 

To view the complete Honor Code, including dress and appearance standards, click here. 

EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS 

For campus housing participants: (801) 422-4421 (Heritage Halls) 

During the day: (801) 422-4785 (program assistant’s office phone) 

If no answer at the above: (801) 422-2222 (University Police) 



Credit Information 

BYU CHORAL ACADEMY FOR CREDIT 

Music 575R (Summer Music Clinic)—1 credit, letter graded 

GRADING CRITERIA AND COURSE REQUIREMENTS 

1. Attendance and participation in all sessions (graded) 

2. Completion of daily homework assignments (graded) 

3. Completion and submission of journal of the week’s activities (graded) 

There will be homework assignments each night, finishing the work of one day and preparing for the following day’s 

concepts. These will be logged in to the student’s “Academy journal.” The journal plays the role of both final exam and 

final paper for the class. It is intended to be quite extensive, incorporating not only the conducting techniques 

discussed, but the student’s own philosophies of conducting, score story, and rehearsal techniques. Homework 

assignments will include scores to prepare, rehearsals to plan, and conducting issues to solve. 

EXAMINATIONS 

Students participating for credit will be asked to return early from the individual rehearsal sessions (spread out through 

each day) for a short daily exam of their knowledge of and proficiency with the specific concepts/techniques being 

taught. These grades will figure in with attendance, participation in the sessions, and the quality of their “Academy 

journal.” 

COURSE REQUIREMENTS 

Advance reading assignment: read the following books and write a two- to three-page response paper on each: 

1. 

2. 

Group Vocal Technique by Frauke Haasemann and James Jordan, published by Hinshaw Music 

Approximate cost: $25.95 

www.hinshawmusic.com or your local bookstore 

Rehearsal Guide for the Choral Director by Jack Boyd, published by Parker Publishing Company 

Approximate cost: $16.95 

Parker Publishing Company or your local bookstore 

The response papers will be the beginning of the student’s Choral Academy journal and are due on the first day of 

Choral Academy, August 5, 2008. In addition, daily attendance and participation, daily homework assignments, and 

submission of the Academy journal are required. 

UPDATING YOUR RECORDS 

Important note: If you are registering for credit, it is imperative that you update your records with the 

BYU Records Office, especially if you have changed your name since you last attended BYU. Go to 

http://saas.byu.edu/registrar/records/biochanges.php for details and procedures. 

Even if you register for this program online or by phone with your updated name, you must update your 

records with BYU so the correct name appears on the grade roll. 

TRANSCRIPTS 

After your final registration and required course work are completed, grades will be posted (entered on transcripts) in 

late August. An official transcript may be ordered from the BYU Records Office, B-150 ASB, Provo, UT 84602; (801) 

422-2631/fax (801) 422-0613. Visit the Records Office with picture ID and $2 per transcript or request a transcript by

mail or fax. Transcripts may not be ordered by telephone or e-mail. For details on transcripts, go to 

http://saas.byu.edu. 

To obtain a transcript, you will need to furnish the following: full name and all names used while attending BYU, Social 

Security/student ID number, date of birth, dates of attendance at BYU, current address and daytime phone number, 

address where your transcript is to be sent, full signature, and $2 for each transcript. The Records Office accepts VISA, 

MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. Don’t forget to include the expiration date if requesting a transcript by 

mail or fax. Transcripts are mailed to the permanent address which the BYU Records Office has on file. 

For questions about grades after completion of the program, please call (801) 422-4785 or e-mail 

jean.hwang@byu.edu. 



Evening with Tabernacle Choir 


Evening with the Tabernacle Choir 

Thursday, August 7, 2008 

On Thursday evening, Choral Academy participants will travel by 

bus to Salt Lake City to see the Mormon Tabernacle Choir as it 

rehearses for its weekly Music and the Spoken Word program, 

broadcast weekly on more than 2,000 radio, TV, and cable stations. 

The Tabernacle Choir is made up of 360 men and women from 

many different backgrounds and professions brought together by 

their love for singing and their faith. The choir rehearses every 

Thursday from 7:30–9:30 p.m. in the Conference Center. 

Rehearsals are open to the public. We have obtained special 

permission for BYU Choral Academy visitors to sit in the seats 

directly behind the choir so they can see the conductor and organist 

and inner workings of the choir’s rehearsal. 

Salt Lake City is about an hour’s drive from BYU. There may also be some free time for dinner on your own or brief 

sightseeing in Salt Lake City. The cost of this field trip is included in the Choral Academy registration fee, so all 

participants are welcome. 



Participant Comments 

WHAT SOME PAST CHORAL ACADEMY PARTICIPANTS HAVE SAID . . . 

“It is simply a joy to learn at the feet of two wonderfully gifted conductors . . . they were wonderful, inspiring, and fun!” 

“What a fabulous week! I learned techniques I didn’t know I needed to learn. I am so excited to 

implement these ideas into my rehearsals.” 

“Thank you! This has been an awesome experience—well worth the time and money!” 

“I never before realized how much I could do beforehand to prepare myself for choir rehearsal: analysis, 

targeted warm-ups, ways to mark my score and acquire the music for myself. I am eager to go home and 

try it!” 

“The course was very well organized, and I felt each subject was sufficiently addressed. The size of the class was 

manageable and small enough to allow individual instruction.” 

“The thing I really appreciated is the teachers’ down-to-earth, understandable explanations of the 

concepts they teach.” 



Faculty 

Rosalind Hall 

Rosalind Hall is best known as director of Brigham Young University’s Concert Choir 

and as the first female director of the BYU Men’s Chorus. The Men’s Chorus is the 

largest collegiate male choral organization in the U.S., and it recently released its 

first album in seven years—a 19-track album of favorite performance pieces, 

anthems, folk songs, and hymns. 

A native of Wales, U.K., Rosalind Hall came to Utah in 1989 to pursue postgraduate 

studies in choral conducting at Brigham Young University. Her British training was 

at London’s Royal Academy of Music and Edinburgh and London Universities. Before 

returning to teach at BYU in 1999, she spent seven years at the Waterford School, 

where she chaired the music department, directed the choral program, and played 

a key role in developing the Waterford Fine Arts Academy. She is renowned for her 

innovative and vivacious approach to vocal and rehearsal technique. 

Education: 

MM, Choral Conducting, Brigham Young University, 1993 

Postgraduate Music Teacher’s Certificate, London University, England, 1978 

BM, Royal Academy of Music, London, England, 1977 

Associate of the London College of Music (piano), London, England, 1977 

Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Music (singing), London, England, 1976 

Ronald J Staheli 

At Brigham Young University, Dr. Ronald Staheli is the Choral and Conducting 

Division coordinator, director of Graduate Studies in Choral Music, professor of 

music, and director of the BYU Singers. He also appears regularly as conductor in 

performances involving the combined choirs and orchestra of BYU. He has traveled 

widely as a clinician and guest conductor and has become known for what a 

colleague calls “a profound sense of phrasing and articulation,” which informs all his 

work. In July of 2001, Dr. Staheli conducted an all-Mozart concert with choirs of the 

Zimriya International Choral Festival. Dr. Staheli was a guest lecturer at the Fourth 

International Choral Symposium in Sydney, Australia, where the BYU Singers also 

performed concerts in the world-famous opera house and town hall. Travels have 

also taken him and the choir to the Middle East, Russia, Western and Eastern 

Europe, the South Pacific, and West Africa. Dr. Staheli is a fine pianist and regularly 

arranges many selections performed by the BYU Singers, several of which are now 

published. 

Education: 

DMA, Choral Music, University of Southern California, 1977 

MM, Choral Music, University of Southern California, 1973 

BA, Magna Cum Laude, Piano Performance and Music Theory, including 

emphasis in voice, Brigham Young University, 1972 



Links 

Choral and Conducting at BYU 

BYU Men’s Chorus (conducted by Rosalind Hall) 

BYU Singers (conducted by Ronald Staheli) 

Church Music Resources

BYU Choral Academy - Continuing Education - Brigham Young ...

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?