Los Angeles Children’s Chorus to Host Free Public Masterclass With Renowned Conductor

The Los Angeles Children’s Chorus in Pasadena announced it will present a free public masterclass as the culmination of a series of workshops featuring Therees Hibbard.

The two-hour educational event on Wednesday, Nov. 20, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., will take place at Pasadena Presbyterian Church.

Hibbard brings a unique approach that incorporates movement into choral singing, allowing singers’ bodies to be both free and energized for sound production. She is an Associate Professor of Music at St. Olaf College, where she directs the Manitou Singers and St. Olaf Chamber Singers, and teaches choral conducting, literature, and voice. She earned degrees from Longwood University, Colorado State University, and the University of Oregon.

The masterclass, supported by the Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts, welcomes music teachers, choral conductors, and private instructors to observe her distinctive teaching methods.

Hibbard, who teaches choral conducting, choral literature and voice at St. Olaf College, will work with singers from the organization’s Apprentice, Intermediate and Concert choirs.

“This session will focus on the musical, vocal, and expressive development of choral singers through the vocal/physical embodiment of music in rehearsal and performance,” Hibbard said. “The participants and observers will experience how the engagement of the whole self when singing can have a profound effect on tone, phrasing, rhythmic integrity, musicality; and create a holistic approach to artistic choral performance.”

Known for bringing joy, positivity, and thoughtfulness to her classes, Hibbard began working with LACC members during their October retreat in Santa Monica.

While designed primarily for music educators, the masterclass remains open to all members of the public interested in choral education, LACC said.

The Los Angeles Children’s Chorus receives support from various organizations, including the State of California, Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture, City of Pasadena, Ann Peppers Foundation, Colburn Foundation, Green Foundation, Ralph M. Parsons Foundation, Pasadena Community Foundation, and Capital Group, along with lead patrons Helen and Peter Bing.

To RSVP for the masterclass, go to lachildrenschorus.org/masterclass.