ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the skills and knowledge needed to direct vocal jazz ensembles, contemporary a cappella groups, show choirs, gospel choirs, multicultural choirs, madrigal dinners, and musical theater productions. By the 1970s the Manhattan Transfer had burst on the scene, and college and high school vocal jazz ensembles began to spring up around the country, starting in the Pacific Northwest where vocal jazz continues to be a stronghold. Accomplished jazz singers have identified the following artists who have strongly influenced their own feel for swing: singers Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, and Nat King Cole, and instrumentalists Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins, and Clifford Brown. Many vocal jazz choral arrangements provide space for improvisation, which is considered the essence of jazz. Musical theater direction comes with most high school music choral teaching positions. Many of the benefits of the show choir experience are the same for participating in a musical theater production.
