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Start Date

28-3-2021 1:00 PM

End Date

28-3-2021 1:55 PM

Date of Publication

2021

Document Type

Workshop

Abstract / Program Notes

This workshop will share an approach for teaching folk songs from Aotearoa, particularly music of the Māori (the indigenous people of New Zealand). By giving singers access to a diverse range of world music, conductors can foster equity and opportunity in music, and respect and understanding of different cultures and traditions. This is important in choral rehearsals so that everyone feels included. Historically, music of the Māori is an oral tradition, and there are protocols that should be followed to ensure respect for Māori culture and traditions. During this workshop, participants will learn pieces of Māori Music using the approach. This will include ideas on how to: (a) form relationships with composers, (b) teach correct pronunciation of the Māori language, (c) improvise harmonies, (d) incorporate actions and movements, and (e) convey stories and wairua (spirit).

Biography

Dr. Andrew Withington is Assistant Professor of Music, Director of Choral Activities and Voice Area Head at Westminster College. He has a PhD in Music (Choral Pedagogy). In 2000, as Senior Scholar in Music at the University of Canterbury (New Zealand), he completed a Bachelor of Music (First Class Honors) in Conducting, Orchestration and Analysis, and was awarded the prestigious Vernon Griffith’s Prize for Outstanding Musical Leadership. After three years as a school teacher, Andrew completed a Master of Music (First Class Honors) in Choral Conducting with Associate Professor Dr. Karen Grylls at the University of Auckland (New Zealand). During his Masters program, he represented New Zealand in a masterclass at the World Symposium on Choral Music 2005 in Kyoto, Japan. Andrew is a former Artistic Director of the internationally acclaimed New Zealand Secondary Students’ Choir (2008-18); Director of the University of Canterbury Chamber Choir (2013-16); and Music Director of the Christchurch City Choir (2014-16), Christchurch Schools’ Music Festival (2011-12), and Christchurch Boys’ Choir (1997-2004). He has adjudicated and run choral clinics both in New Zealand and internationally, and is an advisor for the New Zealand Choral Federation and the International Choral Kathaumixw.

Keywords

Māori Music, Music education, Conducting

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Mar 28th, 1:00 PM Mar 28th, 1:55 PM

Authentically Embracing World Music: A New Zealand Story

This workshop will share an approach for teaching folk songs from Aotearoa, particularly music of the Māori (the indigenous people of New Zealand). By giving singers access to a diverse range of world music, conductors can foster equity and opportunity in music, and respect and understanding of different cultures and traditions. This is important in choral rehearsals so that everyone feels included. Historically, music of the Māori is an oral tradition, and there are protocols that should be followed to ensure respect for Māori culture and traditions. During this workshop, participants will learn pieces of Māori Music using the approach. This will include ideas on how to: (a) form relationships with composers, (b) teach correct pronunciation of the Māori language, (c) improvise harmonies, (d) incorporate actions and movements, and (e) convey stories and wairua (spirit).