I will be attending this year's colloquium (my second year) and I am disappointed to see that there is no chironomy class scheduled. I have just started teaching the men in my choir to sing chant. I purchased Carroll's "The Technique of Gregorian Chironomy" to review, but I'm having trouble putting it into practice. It reminds me of trying to learn to ride a bike by reading a cycling magazine. I'd love to learn to conduct chant properly, so I don't have to just wave my arms around up there.
Is there anyone out there with knowledge of the subject who would be willing to meet with me for a few sessions at Duquesne? I can pay you back with Starbucks coffee or any other recreational beverage of your choice.
you may find that being exposed to the chant ensemble conductor will have a similarly salutary effect. Not as good as a glass or two of wine with Charles, but the two are not mutually exclusive!
Also you might want to take a look at the Intro to the Liber Usualis in English. It includes a guide to hand motions that I have found very helpful. Again — not as helpful as a glass of wine, but still.
You may not have time to do this before the Colloquium, but I suggest that you purchase Dr. Marier's book, Gregorian Chant Practicum , from The Catholic University of America Press, and teach yourself chironomy and a number of other great things. You would also benefit from taking the Practicum itself. Good luck!
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