By Rita Gigliotto | Edited by Danielle Bissonnette
Music educators know that running a choir or ensemble is about much more than just hitting notes and learning songs. What happens in a K-12 ensemble is magical - we foster musicality, expression, and confidence in our students. As directors, we also balance administrative demands, performance preparation, and student engagement while striving to maintain artistic excellence. One powerful way to support your ensemble’s sound and enhance student well-being are through workshops. With over 20 years of experience in Music Education, here are two experiences that I offer K-12 choir classrooms for both technical voice and well-being support.
Assessment clinics
What is an Assessment Clinic?
An assessment clinic is an opportunity for your ensemble to receive expert, constructive feedback. Students are able to practice in a setting that mirrors an adjudication experience without the high-stakes pressure. As an external clinician, I listen to your ensemble and provide targeted, actionable guidance tailored to your group’s specific needs. This can include:
Vocal and choral technique refinement
Ensemble balance and blend analysis
Musical interpretation and expressive phrasing
Strategies for improving intonation, diction, and articulation
Rehearsal techniques for directors to implement long-term improvements
Who is This For?
Assessment clinics are beneficial for middle and high school choral ensembles preparing for festival performances, district assessments, or simply looking to elevate their musicianship. I am available for middle school and high school ensembles in Arlington County, Alexandria City, Falls Church City, Fairfax County, Loudoun County, and Prince William County.
Please Note: In March of 2025, I am an official adjudicator for high school ensembles in Prince William County and am therefore able to provide assessment clinics in Prince William County ONLY for middle school choirs. For all other counties, I am available for both middle and high school choirs.
What to Expect
Each clinic is structured based on your ensemble’s needs and rehearsal schedule. Sessions typically last 40-90 minutes, depending on the group. Directors can request a clinic focused on one specific ensemble or multiple groups within the same visit.
What is an In-Classroom Music for Well-Being Workshop?
In addition to assessment clinics, I offer Music for Well-Being in the Classroom workshops, designed to help students and educators experience the power of music as a tool for emotional regulation, focus, and collective connection. These workshops integrate scientifically-backed techniques to enhance musical performance and create a more harmonious learning environment. Key elements of the workshop include:
Sound healing techniques using singing bowls and other resonant instruments
Meditation and breathing exercises to support vocal health and mental clarity
Exploration of music’s physiological effects on stress reduction and emotional processing
Practical applications of well-being techniques in choral and general music settings
Who Can Benefit?
These workshops are tailored for middle school, high school, and advanced ensembles looking to deepen their engagement with music beyond performance. The sessions are especially effective for upperclassmen who have developed trust in their directors and seek a greater emotional connection with their work.
Why Invest in These Workshops?
The benefits of both assessment clinics and music for well-being workshops extend beyond immediate performance improvements. Students gain a new perspective on their work, directors receive objective feedback, and the ensemble experiences a renewed sense of motivation.
If you’re interested in scheduling an assessment clinic or a music for well-being workshop, let’s make music better, together. Get started here.
In Harmony, Rita Gigliotti
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