Visual Leadership Conference II "And the Music Shall Lead Us"

The summer of 2009 presented a unique opportunity for visual leadership from all around the world to join together to grow their skills and their creativity.  Leaders came together in an exciting environment where passion, education and energy launched them ahead to new levels of growth.  We were fortunate to have in attendance Showmanship Judges, Choreographers and teams, Education Coordinators, Directors and representation from small, mid-size and large choruses.  We were blessed by appearances from Robert Pilon (Phantom of the Opera and Jean Val Jean of Les Miserables), a Children’s Choir, Spritzer quartet and the North Metro Chorus.  The opportunity to network with such a diverse group was invaluable to everyone in attendance and it was unanimous by participants that this offering should be continued.

On July 15 - 17, 2011, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Erin Howden, Certified International Faculty, Coach, Assistant Director and Choreographer of the North Metro Chorus, will lead another intensive training weekend that will be sure to energize you as a leader as we work together to continue to grow our skills.

You won’t want to miss this opportunity to attend the next A Step Ahead, Visual Leadership Conference:  “And the Music Shall Lead Us.”  Based on your input and requests, we would like to invite Visual Leaders and Teams AND their Musical Directors.  Attendance of your Musical Director is encouraged, but will not be required for registration of this event.   Please note that attendance at the 2009 Conference is not a pre-requisite to attending the 2011 Conference.  All leaders and teams are welcome.

This next Conference will expand on the creative process and will emphasize musicality and enhancement of the musical product through strong visual planning and performance coaching.  Combining the musical and visual leaders in one room will certainly provide excellent networking opportunities and will assist participants in understanding how to work together to maximize the musical experience for an audience.  Once again the North Metro Chorus, three time International chorus champions, will be present to assist in a demonstration appearance.

The weekend will present opportunities for interactive learning.  A sample of the topics covered will include:   

• Unleashing Your Creative Genius—Digging Deeper!
• Enhancing Musical Artistry and Meaning with Effective Characterization, Visual Planning, Execution and Performance
• Raising Kinaesthetic Awareness in your Approach to Choreography
• Using Imagination and Pictures to Enhance Musical, Visual and Artistic Performance
• Review and Expansion of the Layering Process in Visual Planning—Interactive Approach
• Identifying and Resolving Performance Gaps—Choosing Your Battles
• Creative Rehearsal Techniques to Work Characterization and Performance Skills
• Exploring Advanced Teaching and Coaching Methods
• Choreographing the Director
• Performance Coaching for Directors
• Finding your “ACES” and playing them!
• Direct with your eyes, Choreograph with your ears
• Momentum and Energy
• Building and Growing Healthy Visual Teams