Date
16/3/2026

On 14 March, an open class for the Conducting Techniques module took place in Sangalhos (Anadia), led by Professor Paulo Bernardino. The initiative was a novel approach within the context of choral conducting training, as this is the first time it has been incorporated into the Open Classes programme of the School of Applied Arts (ESART) at the Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco (IPCB).

Usually, students work in an academic setting with peers who have musical training, which facilitates communication and the execution of the ‘maestro’s’ instructions. However, the reality for most choirs in Portugal is different: many of their members have no formal musical training, which requires the conductor to possess enhanced skills in terms of conducting gestures, listening and rehearsal methodology.

In this regard, this open class sought to recreate an environment closer to real-world practice, with the collaboration of the Stella Maris Choir, a women’s choir conducted by the lecturer himself. Thus, holding the class in Sangalhos provided students with a concrete and highly formative experience, in direct contact with an amateur choir.

As well as being aimed at potential future students, the open class also involved students currently enrolled at ESART-IPCB, thereby broadening its educational impact. The programme included sessions on conducting techniques, a rehearsal with the choir during which the works Senhora Lua, by Mário de Sousa Santos, and No meio do Mira, a traditional piece harmonised by Fernando Lapa, were worked on from scratch, as well as a social gathering organised by the Stella Maris Choir.

Held annually between February and April, the Open Classes are primarily aimed at prospective students of higher education in the field of music, introducing them to the facilities and teaching staff of the Department of Music and Performing Arts at ESART-IPCB, as well as the way the various music classes operate.