Geoffrey & Amy Boers

Interest Session 4

1/25/24 | 11:15am-12:15pm

The Power of Two: Developing Pianist and Conductor

Session Description

Whenever a pianist is present in a rehearsal there is collaboration occurring--but all too often it is not collaborative! This session will explore the benefits of building relationship between conductors and collaborative pianists, from the perspectives of both pianist and conductor. We will explore ways in which conductors can invite pianists into a collaborative relationship; techniques to help pianists pedagogically assist choirs in rehearsal and performance; how a conductor can "think like" and talk efficiently to their collaborative pianist; how a pianist can "think like a conductor;" how gesture positively and negatively communicates with your pianist; and what this relationship looks like in rehearsal. Attendees will participate as a choir led by Geoffrey and Amy Boers. Conductors and pianists are encouraged to attend together.

Clinician Bio

Amy Boers is a well-known collaborative artist in the Puget Sound region. She is Affiliate Artist at Pacific Lutheran University, Principal Keyboard with Symphony Tacoma Orchestra and Voices. She is noted for her ability to anticipate what conductors want and assess what singers need to be successful. Geoffrey Boers began conducting in the Pacific Northwest in 1977 and enjoys working with choirs and pianists of all levels and abilities. Geoffrey and Amy are co-directors of music at Grace Lutheran in Des Moines. They have learned richly from each other, and work to create a unified, powerful, pedagogical "gift" for choirs.