Being the musical director of a Sweet Adelines chorus is a big, rewarding, occasionally frustrating job in which you’ll learn more than you ever dreamed you would. There is a whole lot involved in being a director, which you can see just by viewing the titles of the various DCP modules.

This module is first in the sequence of modules, but does not have to be completed first. It deals with the physical/mental skills involved in actual conducting - the “arm-waving” part of the job.

Conducting can feel somewhat intimidating for a new director, especially if you have had limited prior experience. A beginning Sweet Adeline director would do well to seek out a more experienced mentor to observe, copy, and learn from.

In this module we provide basic concepts and a series of video examples of directors displaying their own unique styles of conducting their choruses.

Module 1.1 - The Sweet Adeline Director

This article provides an overview of the job of the director, focusing on how your conducting skills can enhance your teaching and communication skills.

Module 1.2 - Conducting Basics

This article gives some basic conducting concepts and helpful hints for getting started with conducting your ensemble.

Module 1.3 - Barbershop Ballads

One of the unique things about barbershop is the way in which ballads can be interpreted, using ad lib or rubato techniques to mold the arrangement into a conversational story that captures the essence of the music and lyrics. This article addresses some ways to develop ballad directing skills.

Module 1.4 - Directing Styles

In this article there are examples of a number of different directors conducting their choruses on the International or Regional stage. Each director has developed their own unique style and uses it to draw the best out of their ensemble.

Contributors to this module were:

● Marge Bailey

● Dale Syverson

● Julie Starr

● Valerie Taylor

● Joanne Oosterhoff

● Kim Wonders

● Joan Boutilier

● Harriette Walters

● Members of the SA Education Department