Divisi
Divisi is a musical term that appears in choir and vocal music direction. It refers to when a single vocal part (like soprano or bass) splits into multiple different parts. Think of it like taking one group of singers and dividing them into smaller groups to create richer harmonies. This is different from regular choir parts because instead of just having your main voice sections, you're creating additional layers within those sections. When you see this term in resumes, it usually indicates that the person has experience managing complex vocal arrangements and can direct multiple vocal groups simultaneously.
Examples in Resumes
Directed 60-member choir through complex Divisi arrangements in holiday concerts
Arranged Divisi sections for award-winning university choir performances
Created custom Divisi vocal arrangements for 8-part harmony in chamber choir
Typical job title: "Choir Directors"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Choir Directors
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you approach arranging complex divisi parts while ensuring vocal health?
Expected Answer: A senior director should discuss balancing vocal ranges, considering stamina, rotating singers for challenging parts, and maintaining overall sound quality while managing multiple voice parts.
Q: Describe your experience with teaching and implementing eight-part divisi arrangements.
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of teaching methods for complex harmonies, rehearsal techniques for multiple voice parts, and strategies for maintaining pitch and blend across divided sections.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you prepare a choir to perform divisi sections effectively?
Expected Answer: Should explain rehearsal techniques, section practice methods, and strategies for helping singers maintain their individual parts while blending with others.
Q: What factors do you consider when deciding whether to use divisi in an arrangement?
Expected Answer: Should discuss choir size, skill level, voice balance, acoustic considerations, and musical context in their answer.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is divisi and when would you use it?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain that divisi means dividing a vocal section into multiple parts, and provide basic examples of when it enhances a piece of music.
Q: How do you help singers maintain their parts in simple divisi sections?
Expected Answer: Should describe basic rehearsal techniques, such as sectional practice and use of piano to support learning divided parts.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of vocal parts and harmony
- Simple divisi arrangements
- Fundamental conducting technique
- Basic choir warm-up exercises
Mid (2-5 years)
- Complex harmonic arrangements
- Section leadership experience
- Advanced rehearsal techniques
- Vocal pedagogy knowledge
Senior (5+ years)
- Advanced choral conducting
- Complex divisi arrangement creation
- Program development
- Choir development and growth strategies
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unable to demonstrate basic conducting patterns
- No experience with multi-part vocal arrangements
- Lack of knowledge about vocal health and technique
- Poor understanding of basic music theory
Related Terms
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