Benedict & Maria Sheehan bring their uniquely complementary skill sets to a weekend workshop tailored to your choir’s needs and integrated into your church’s liturgical schedule. In intensive sessions they help church musicians of all abilities reach new levels of mastery, with emphasis on how to retain these skills and employ them in an everyday setting. They particularly emphasize the spiritual work of the sacred choral musician, and its connections to ensemble blend, musicianship, expressiveness, attentiveness, and a prayerful ethos.

FOR THE SINGER

Develop and strengthen your individual voice

Maintain healthy technique in a choral setting

Increase your endurance and prevent vocal damage

Learn to warm-up and practice more effectively

FOR THE CONDUCTOR

Improve your conducting technique

Lead rehearsals in a more effective and engaging way

Deepen your knowledge of liturgical music

Diagnose and solve problems in your ensemble

 

FOR THE CHOIR

Convey sacred text with clarity and depth

Unify and develop your ensemble sound

Sing longer and stronger with less fatigue

Enhance ensemble “community” and connection

SAMPLE SCHEDULE

Friday

6:00-9:00—Welcome dinner & lecture

Saturday

9:00-12:00—Group Vocal Technique

1:00-3:00—Repertoire with full ensemble

3:00-5:00—Ensemble technique/Conducting lessons

Sunday Morning

8:30-9:15—Warm-up 9:30—Liturgy

After Liturgy—Coffee Hour; Wrap-up Q&A

 

WORKSHOP COST

Standard weekend workshop (Friday evening through Sunday morning) — $1500

One-day mini workshop (limited availability) — $1000

Travel, lodging, and expenses for two — As needed

Additional services available. Get in touch for details!