A comparison and analysis of existing texts whose focus was jazz and contemporary vocal ensemble techniques, in combination with the information gathered from interviews, as well as the author's personal teaching and professional experience as a jazz vocal artist, group singer, and jazz vocal ensemble director, served as the basis for developing strategies for a jazz and contemporary vocal ensemble sound. The major elements found to be the most critical for inclusion in sequence include: commonalities and differences, sound system and vocal production, ballad interpretation, swing interpretation, and contemporary interpretation. It is the author's intention to design an easy-to-follow guideline for the traditional choral director whose desire is to develop a jazz vocal ensemble within the choral program. The strategies presented are intended to introduce basic concepts of vocal production and style that are deemed relevant and idiomatic for the jazz and contemporary vocal ensemble. A compact disc is also included, demonstrating the written examples. A series of interviews were also conducted with Professor Larry Lapin (University of Miami), Dr. Stephen Zegree (Western Michigan University), Kerry Marsh (Sacramento State University), Janis Seigel (Manhattan Transfer), Lauren Kinhan (New York Voices), Michelle Amato (Yanni/Disney/studio singer), and Julia Dollison (Down Beat Jazz Vocal Winner).

Excerpts from The sound ascending -- Beautiful rain. / text

Pedals, pipes, and percussion -- Ave Maria -- Nocturne and prelude, waltz and rumba. / text

abstract: This composition was commissioned by the Orgelpark to be performed in Amsterdam in September 2011 during Gaudeamus Muziekweek. It will be performed by the vocal group VocaalLab Nederland. It is scored for four vocalists, organ, tanpura, and electronic sound. The work is a culmination of my studies in South Indian Carnatic rhythm, North Indian classical singing, and American minimalism. It is a meditation on the idea that the drone and pulse are micro/macro aspects of the same phenomenon of vibration. Cycles are created on the macroscale through a mathematically defined scale of harmonic/pitch relationships. Cycles are created on the microscale through the subdivision and addition of rhythmic pulses. / Dissertation/Thesis / M.M. Music 2011