The infectious quality of “locking and ringing” chords in the context of barbershop music is one that has long been a gateway drug that leads individuals to participate in ensemble singing. In this session, the clinician will explore elements of the barbershop style and discuss ways in which choral directors can apply “barbershop tags” in their instruction: fun, short, four-part phrases of music taught by ear that uniquely engage students in elements of ear training, music theory, and choral unity and allow them to enjoy the thrill of singing in harmony after only a few minutes. Attendees will learn that these strategies can foster a sense of community and a desire for recreational singing amongst your students; they sing tags with their friends before and after class because they simply enjoy it. Be prepared to sing in this session!
Target Audience
High School Choir, Middle School Choir
Additional Notes
Clinician Info
Dan Wessler
Westminster Chorus
Dan Wessler is the musical and artistic director of the Westminster Chorus, the five-time International Barbershop Chorus Champion and 2009 Choir of the World Winner, and also serves on the adjunct faculty of Concordia University Irvine. He sings with After Hours, the 2018 International Barbershop Quartet Champion, and is an active barbershop arranger, having written over 125 arrangements for various groups around the world, a number of which have been published by Hal Leonard. Dan is an in-demand clinician for chorus festivals and educational events inside and outside the United States.
Dan He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in Choral Conducting and Literature from University of Colorado Boulder. Before moving to Southern California, Dan served as Director of Choral Activities at Freeport High School in Freeport, Illinois from 2012-2019.