Brock\u2019s Choral Ensembles are getting front-row access to a diverse lineup of artists \u2014 and the public has been invited to tune in.<\/p>\n
Rachel Rensink-Hoff, Associate Professor of Music and Director of the Choral Ensembles at Brock University, launched a virtual workshop series called \u201cShared Perspectives: Live talks featuring guest conductors, composers and vocal choral specialists\u201d in the fall. Funded by the Centre for Pedagogical Innovation (CPI) and the Walker Cultural Leaders Series presented by the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts (MIWSFPA), the series is continuing this semester, welcoming a guest speaker each week.<\/p>\n
The online presentations are hosted on Zoom, with some artists choosing to give a formal presentation and others engaging in an interview-style format. Time is always allotted for a question-and-answer period, enriching the experience for all participants.<\/p>\n
\u201cAny opportunity to hear more than one voice should be cherished,\u201d says Rensink-Hoff. \u201cTeaching online synchronously is challenging because there is always only one person talking. I knew in August that I needed to shake things up.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rensink-Hoff has since brought in a diverse roster of guests, many of whom speak to issues relevant to today.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis semester, a number of our guest speakers will be engaging us in conversations around cultural appropriation and appreciation in the arts \u2014 and how we can navigate these pathways more respectfully and thoughtfully,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
Upcoming sessions include topics such as cultural appropriation and culture sharing in choral music; decolonizing the music curriculum; debunking myths around vocal health; and traditional South African music.<\/p>\n
Even in a fully online format, the Brock Choral Ensembles meet every week, rehearse online, and discuss musical elements. Rensink-Hoff believes that adding guest speakers in the mix has brought something unique to the \u201cZoom classroom.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe opportunity to hear different perspectives on a wide variety of topics related to singing and choral music has been very rewarding. In normal circumstances, we would not have had such a rich display of voices in just one year,\u201d she says. \u201cThe students are so fortunate to have been introduced to so many amazing artists.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Shared Perspectives series is also open to the public, making this a valuable opportunity for Brock\u2019s Music Department to connect with the local community. Past sessions have seen up to 20 community members in attendance, Rensink-Hoff says.<\/p>\n
The series continues Brock and the MIWSFPA\u2019s strong history of community engagement in Niagara, enhancing vitality in the region and offering experiential opportunities for connection through the arts.<\/p>\n
While this initiative was always designed to be virtual, given its success and positive response, Rensink-Hoff plans to run the series again next year.<\/p>\n
\u201cI hope to partner with other colleagues who want to bring in guests on a range of music related topics. Stay tuned for Shared Perspectives 2.0 next year.\u201d<\/p>\n
To learn more about upcoming Shared Perspectives workshops, please visit ExperienceBU<\/a>.<\/p>\n To register for a free workshop, please email sing@brocku.ca<\/a><\/p>\n