From Folk to Fusion: South American Vocal Warm-Ups (and Beyond) for Choir
Friday, January 23, 2026
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM
Description
This interactive session will center on vocal warm-ups from South America, which can be culturally relevant and musically engaging. Drawing from my own travels and research in Argentina and Ecuador, the session features warm-ups based on folk and popular music traditions, as well as original compositions inspired by South American, Spanish-language music. Participants will sing and contemplate partner songs, rounds, and call-and-response forms that are not only melodically and rhythmically authentic, but regard stylistic and timbral nuances as well as teaching approaches that reflect various South American cultures. The session will also include discussion on how to respectfully adapt or create culturally reflective warm-ups for diverse classroom and choral settings. We will also consider connections to repertoire.
Speakers
Catherine Bennett
Learning Objective 1
By the end of this session, participants will be able to sing a variety of vocal warm-ups (e.g., partner songs and rounds) stemming from South American folk and popular music traditions
Learning Objective 2
By the end of this session, participants will be able to discuss the pedagogical benefits of culturally rooted vocal warm-ups for developing vocal skills, stylistic awareness, and ensemble connection
Learning Objective 3
By the end of this session, participants will be able to explore methods for creating or adapting warm-ups that reflect diverse cultural and linguistic identities
Session Level
Elementary, Middle School/Junior High, High School, Collegiate