U.S. choralographer to give workshop

Press, 25 July 1984, Page 9

U.S. choralographer to give workshop

Professor Frank Pooler, the ' man who introduced choralography to choirs will give a workshop in Christchurch at the week-end. Professor Pooler is conductor of the University of California’s choir, recognised as a leader in the United States. The 40-member choir visited Christchurch last year. On Sunday Professor Pooler will tutor Christchurch singers in choral music and conducting. The three-hour workshop would give local singers a

chance to study some of the latest choral music from the United States. Professor Pooler would bring several samples of music with him, said Mr Philip Craigie, one of the organisers of the workshop. About 40 people had registered for the workshop, at Christchurch Teachers’ College, and ' more were welcome, Mr Craigie said. Professor Pooler devised choralography, the synchronised movement by all choir members in time with the music, to accompany his choir.

Two of the choir’s most famous members were Karen and Richard Carpenter. The university choir provided the backing for several of their television shows and records. Professor Pooler also arranged music for the duo. The Christchurch workshop was intended mainly for those singers also interested in conducting, Mr Craigie said. Anyone who had not registered could do so when the workshop began, at 1.30 p.m.