Conductor’s Notes

Showcase Your Choir or Ensemble!

I’m looking for choirs and ensembles interested in giving premier performances of new works! Use the Contact page to inquire or express your interest!

Have you already performed or recorded of one of my works? I’m always interested in hearing recordings, viewing videos or hearing about performances of my works. 

I would be happy to showcase your ensemble performing my work on my website, YouTube, Soundcloud, and on select publisher’s websites. Conductors and performers are invited to contact me using the Contact page.

Ideas and Solutions for Conductors:
Using and Substituting Instruments

Idea #1 – Use instruments to double voices that need support

Sopranos having difficulty with some high notes? Add a flute, oboe or clarinet to play the soprano line. Altos losing their way? Add a clarinet or cor anglais for support. Don’t have the tenor section you need to perform an SATB work? A bassoon or bass clarinet can fill in for missing tenors.  Basses need a boost on those low notes? Try adding a trombone, euphonium, bassoon or bass clarinet.  

Consider using an instrument to double missing voices or parts that need support! There’s a good chance you have some instrumentalists in your choir, school or community. 

Idea #2 – Use available instruments to substitute for instruments that aren’t available

You don’t have to miss out on performing a piece accompanied by handbells just because you don’t have handbells.  Substitution is perfectly acceptable, and can result in some interesting, creative new sounds! If you don’t have a glockenspiel or orchestra bells, try other melody bells or a xylophone. If you don’t have a ‘cello available, try using a bassoon or bass clarinet.  Many modern synthesizer keyboards can be used to substitute for traditional instruments.
Feel free to get creative and do what works for you.

Idea #3 – I want to perform this piece with my choir, but it isn’t written for my choir’s voicing

A. Suppose that you have no tenors, and want to perform an SATB piece. What would happen if you had a ‘cello or bassoon or bass clarinet perform the tenor part?
B. Some composers are willing to write more than one version of a piece, allowing more choirs to enjoy performing it. Try asking the composer if this is possible. I’m always open to interesting requests!

© 2024 D. Geoffrey Bell