Kevin Lyczak

Choral Conducting
Professor Cannon
Rehearsal Observation
Conductor: Alastair Stout
Ensemble: Compline Choir
Date: Observed February 6th, recorded it using my camera
Works rehearsed:
Went over chant for the week from Compline Psalm Book, Magnum
Mysterium by Justin Wallace, Lords Prayer and Nunc Dimittis by
Alastair Stout, When Rooks Fly Homeward, Psalm 111
Rehearsal Priorities and Lesson Plan:
The rehearsal priority was Nunc Dimittis. Alastair takes a very honest
approach with the choir, so they are aware of the techniques he works
with them on. Started with a warmup, using psalm 134.
Gesture:
Because the chant was not in any meter, Alastair shaped the phrase
with both hands, giving very clear cut-offs and entrances. He also
gave very clear gestures with his head to signify entrances and
emphasis on certain words. At the end of the chant, he gave a large
circle cut-off. The choir was seated in a large circle with Alastair at the
front. Breathed loudly when choir was to breathe.
Rehearsal Structure: Alastair had the choir underline certain words
to bring out in the chant. After briefly running through that himself, he
had the choir sing it. Structure was a brief warmup, majority of time
on Nunc Dimittis, and ran through the other pieces. Spent a lot of time
on emphasizing correct words.
Rehearsal Techniques Used: Alastair had the choir shape certain
phrases and demonstrated this vocally. Audibly said breathe,
without stopping, so choir could write in breath marks while running
Psalm 134. Before the start of each piece, went over notes for all of
piece. Generally reminded the sopranos to sing high enough, and not
to go flat. Had them change shape of vowel on higher notes. Went
over every place in piece to take a break. Reminded choir not to use
dipthongs. Alastair is originally from England, so is very strict and a

perfectionist about vowels. Reminded choir of dynamics before start.

When going over the chant, used count-singing technique. Reciting
note 1,2,3, Reciting note 1,2,3, 4,5, Reciting 1, 2, 3, Reciting note 1, 2,
3, 4, 5. Had all parts hum except Sopranos, then Altos, etc Then
ran over it with text. Reminded the choir to be confident on weaker
parts.
Rapport Between Choir and Conductor: The Pittsburgh Compline
Choir is a volunteer adult choir that sings for the compline service on
Sunday nights at Heinz Chapel. Compline is an ancient service asking
for protection throughout the night. Its roots date back to ancient
Judaism. Many of the members have been in the compline choir for
multiple years. Because of this, the choir is a friendly group with a
good deal of comradery, but once the practice began, it became a very
serious and professional atmosphere, with respect towards Alastair.
What I Could Incorporate:
With my own choir, I can incorporate shaping the vowel on higher
notes, using count singing to reinforce the rhythm, having the choir
taper, unified breathing and vowel structure. Generally, most of what
was communicated was told to the choir prior to the service. I think
this is rather common when singing English choral music.