This session identifies techniques used in choral ensemble rehearsals regarding breath, intonation, cues and cutoffs, pacing, and score analysis that are easily applied in the band and orchestra rehearsal. The session also addresses specific issues that arise when working with singers including diction, placement of musicians, rhythmic and pitch accuracy, as well as balance and intonation.
Alissa Rowe
- Biographical Information
Alissa Mercurio Rowe is an active choral conductor, voice teacher, and soloist. She currently serves as
Associate Professor and Galante Chair Director of Choral Studies at Louisiana State University. At LSU, she
conducts the renowned A Cappella Choir and teaches graduate advanced conducting and choral literature
courses. She is active as an adjudicator, has given choral and vocal workshops in the Midwest and Southeastern
states, and has conducted numerous All-State and Honor Choirs. She presented research on Individual
Assessment in the Choral Rehearsal at the International Conference on Arts and Humanities and at the 2019
National American Choral Directors Association Conference in Kansas City, MO. Dr. Rowe is also an active soprano soloist who has performed with the Tallahassee Symphony, Louisiana
Philharmonic Orchestra, Baton Rouge Symphony, New Hampshire Symphony, and the National Symphony
Orchestra (Mexico). She also performed and recorded three roles in David Schiff’s opera Gimpel the Fool with
Third Angle, Portland Oregon’s renowned new music ensemble. Rowe released the album “Defining French Arias
of Early 19th Century New Orleans” in October 2021 on Centaur Records.
Dr. Rowe holds a Doctor of Musical Arts Degree from Louisiana State University, a Master of Music in
Conducting, a Master of Music in Vocal Performance, a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and Teacher
Certification K-12 from the University of Michigan.