P R O G R A M S The new Musical Theater Dance Intensive, led by faculty


member Michelle Chassé, is designed to help promising dance students hone and develop “triple threat” skills. “Students will learn to dance hard, sing well and act


with confidence,” Chassé explains. “By the end of the program, they will be ready to audition for musicals and performing arts schools, armed with a heightened sense of body awareness and the ability to convey a story.” Chassé, who serves as the musical theater dance coordinator and resident choreographer for musical theater productions, proposed the program to accommodate a growing interest and need for a musical theater program geared to students with extensive dance experience. “This program will challenge students in new ways,


but will still allow them the freedom to make mistakes in a positive, supportive environment,” she says. The new program—which includes Broadway veterans


and Conservatory alums Nick Adams (B.F.A. ’05, musical theater) and Noah Racey (B.F.A. ’93, musical theater) as guest faculty—will culminate with a performance in the Conservatory’s new state-of-the-art theater.


Teaching the Teacher


New this summer will also be two extension program workshops focused on professional development for educators looking to hone and refresh their teaching skills. The offerings include a Musical Theater Workshop for Professionals led by Theater Division Director Neil Donohoe and a Vocal Pedagogy Professional Workshop led by faculty member Kevin Wilson. Both programs offer teachers a chance to earn profes-


sional development points (PDPs). The week-long Musical Theater Workshop for Professionals will also provide musical theater teachers and directors with brush up tips and the chance to apply their lessons and work hands-on with Boston Conservatory students. Meanwhile, the three-day Vocal Pedagogy Professional Workshop serves as an intense microversion of the Conservatory’s new Vocal Pedagogy master’s program, which offers classes in musical theater and classical voice pedagogy, developmental repertoire, comparative pedagogy and vocal health. “I wanted to have a summer program for people who are


already working in the industry—teachers of high-school students, choral directors or college professors—people who need this information but who do not have time during the traditional school year to study,” Wilson says. With a program class size of approximately 15, voice


teachers in the program will have the opportunity to learn from one another and change the mindset for a new generation of voice teachers who are mentally armed with the knowledge they need to educate their students.


“We wanted to contribute something special to the community, something that showcases who we are as a school and what we have to offer. By combining music and dance, two of the three areas of focus here, these offerings are unlike anything else that is being offered this summer in Boston,” says Bernard. “The classes are terrific oppor- tunities for kids to make music in new ways and to meet other children who love music and dance.” As a bonus, the youth programs will run concurrently


with Zumba and other fitness classes, offering parents and caretakers an opportunity to get in on the act. “With the introduction of new programs, our goal is


to expand our traditional audiences and invite more individuals to become part of The Boston Conservatory family,” Bernard says. “We hope that they will participate in many of the wonderful things that the Conservatory has to offer—from taking part in these new programs, to attending performances, to interacting with our students, faculty and staff in various ways.”


5 Wilson also points to the variety of genres being studied


as a key benefit to the vocal pedagogy program. “Most current programs are very genre-specific, but


this program focuses on the singing of both classical and musical theater voice,” he says, adding, “It is ideal for voice teachers—at any level—who wish to further their education.”


A Youthful Opportunity


In addition to new programming for teens and adults, the Conservatory is pleased to offer new summer programming to children in grades 3–8. New week-long classes in African Drumming, Dance and Song; Recorder and Folk Music; World Music Beats; and Junk Jam will be taught by Conservatory faculty and music education graduate students, all under the direction of Music Education Chair Dr. Rhoda Bernard.


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