A Late Post, I appreciate your using the electric piano to improve your work with the chorus. As a former choral director and present piano tuner may I suggest . . . that electronic sound does not lead the voice very well. It's too one dimensional, and seems to discourage the voice. Yet, I understand your dilemma. Also, if you have time, get pianists within your group to develope their skills and accompany your chorus. Everybody's richer for it, especially the pianists. And you can spend time directing. I've done both, and even accapella is superior to accompanying/directing at the same time. You're awarenes and control are severely limited, thus the product suffers. Go another step. I have an uncle, retired choral director, who was given a room with no piano. So, he had to work with his group accapella. Also, they had to learn to read music vocally. Imagine that, musical literacy!! He ended up saying it was the best year and the best chorus he ever had. Roger C. Hayden, RPT, B.S. in Music Ed.
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