Designed for teachers who are new to conducting chant (and even to singing it), this seminar will cover the basics of reading neumatic (square-note) notation, as well as, give an introduction to understanding the rhythm and phrasing of the chant according to the classical Solesmes method. Building on these basics, conductors will progress through a series of basic gestures and exercises, culminating in the conducting of a Kyrie by the end of the session. Handouts will be given with additional exercises and resources for developing skills further, and teaching tips for helping young singers understand conducting gestures and sing expressively will be addressed. 

Presented by:
Dr. Jennifer Donelson
Director of Sacred Music at St. Joseph Seminary, Archdiocese of New York

Dr. Jennifer Donelson is an associate professor and the director of sacred music at St. Joseph's Seminary (Dunwoodie) in New York, where she also teaches sacred music courses in the St. Cecilia Academy for Pastoral Musicians. She is the Vice President & Treasurer of the Society for Catholic Liturgy, serves on the board of the CMAA, and is the managing editor of the CMAA's journal Sacred Music. 

Having studied Gregorian chant at the Catholic University of America and the Abbey of St. Peter in Solesmes, for six years Dr. Donelson served as a co-organizer of the Musica Sacra Florida Gregorian Chant Conference, and has given chant workshops in dioceses and parishes across the U.S. As a choral conductor, Dr. Donelson has directed collegiate, semi-professional, amateur, monastic, and children's choirs.