A Concert of Chinese Songs

 

Hong Zhang

 

Binghamton University

 

 

This workshop will introduce the groundbreaking approach of teaching Chinese through song. Participants will go through a step-by-step learning progression to obtain the basics of vocal techniques, including posture, breathing, voice projection, and singing expression. This workshop will be highly engaging and interactive. After a PowerPoint presentation of this innovative approach, participants will stand up and start to warm up their voices. Their roles will shift from choral singers, to soloists, to chorus conductors, and finally, returning to language teachers furnished with new approach and strategy. The instructor will demonstrate singing and conducting at the podium, but will mainly walk around to function as the "guide on the side," rather than as a "sage on the stage." The participants will walk away with the confidence and skills to create a course of Chinese through Song, form a Chinese chorus, or teach students a few songs as cultural activities. Their students will improve pronunciation, diction, voice projection, and language expression by singing Chinese songs, and enhance their interests in Chinese music and culture.