Page 95 - Glasbenopedagoški zbornik Akademije za glasbo v Ljubljani

Žvar, D. (2003). Razširjeni program osnovnošolskega izobraževanja: pevski
zbor. Ministrstvo za šolstvo, znanost in šport in Zavod Republike
Slovenije za šolstvo.
Summary
UDC 784:78.087.68:373.5

The selection of repertoire is one of the key tasks for a choir conductor, as it significantly
impacts the motivation of singers and their musical and personal development. A qual­
ity and diverse repertoire enables technical and interpretative progress for the singers
while also fostering their personal satisfaction and social connection. It is necessary to
consider technical, aesthetic, pedagogical, and practical criteria, and to include piec­
es that offer various cultural and historical perspectives (Crocker, 2000; Forbes, 2001;
Leach, 2001; Reames, 2001; Stith, 2017).
In Slovenia, there are few manuals that systematically address the selection of rep­
ertoire for high school choirs, which is why choir conductors often rely on their formal
education and personal experience. While there are guidelines for working with chil­ Erik Šmid ◆ KRMARJENJE MED SCILO IN KARIBDO: IZZIVI IN PASTI IZBIRE REPERTOARJA ZA SREDNJEŠOLSKE ZBORE
dren's choirs, such guidelines are rare for youth and adult choirs. Nevertheless, older
manuals still emphasize the importance of thoughtful repertoire selection, which re­
mains just as relevant today.
High school choirs in Slovenia consist of singers aged 15 to 19 and are mostly part of
extracurricular school programmes. The lack of systemic regulation means that choirs
often depend on the initiatives of individual music educators. At international competi­
tions, age restrictions for youth choirs vary, which complicates competitiveness and in­
fluences repertoire selection.
Adolescence is a crucial period for the development of musical abilities, as young
people face physiological, cognitive, and emotional changes that affect their musical
tastes and their ability to understand complex musical structures (Hallam, 2010). Mu­
sic serves as a means of expression, identity formation, and connection with peers, while
also helping them develop values such as teamwork, discipline, and responsibility (Lar­
son, 2011). A carefully chosen repertoire enhances singers' personal satisfaction and
strengthens their social connection.
Voice mutation, which in boys manifests as a drop in pitch by an octave, and in
girls with less noticeable changes, requires adjusted exercises and a carefully selected
repertoire. Choir conductors must ensure that singers are not overburdened and sup­
port them in overcoming the uncertainties that accompany voice changes (Bizjak, 2017;
Hočevar­Boltežar, 2010).
When selecting repertoire, conductors focus on the aesthetic, musical, pedagogi­
cal, and practical value of the pieces (Brunner, 1992; Watson, 2017). Research shows that
a balance between classical and contemporary repertoire, as well as different musical
styles and languages, is necessary. Choir conductors must choose a repertoire that suits
the vocal abilities of the choir, including both a cappella pieces and those with accompa­
niment.

95