ChoirBaton

How to Teach Lifelong Musicianship Course May 50% off SPECIAL Link Sign-Up to Learn More about the CourseChoir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie HemedingerMusic by: Scott HolmesFollow @ChoirBaton onInstagram | TikTok | YouTube | FacebookVisit ChoirBaton.comFollow @BethPhilemon onInstagram | TikTok | YouTube | Facebook | LinkedInVisit BethPhilemon.comChoir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie HemedingerMusic by: Scott HolmesFollow @ChoirBaton onInstagram | TikTok | YouTube | FacebookVisit ChoirBaton.com Follow @BethPhilemon onInstagram | TikTok | YouTube | Facebook | LinkedInVisit BethPhilemon.com

This episode in 2019 is the most downloaded Choir Baton Podcast Episode ever. And I get it. This time of year is insane. But last year it wasn't. Or if it was crazy for you, chances are it wasn't because you were in a million different performances - you were probably dealing with the pandemic in your own way and with your own family stuff. Did you promise yourself last year that you wouldn't let your life get too stressful again? And yet find yourself stressed again?You are not alone. And here are several tips and reminders I want to share with you to remind you it doesn't have to be the most stressful time of the year.Download this Program Template to help simplify and de-stressify your concert preparations!

Yep, clickbait title. But real life truths thrown at you in this episode. I'll talk to you about what ONE THING you need to add to your rehearsals this concert season to increase connection and accelerate growth. More detailed show notes coming and with a downloadable template based on this episode!

Burnout is real. In this episode, I am encouraging you to do less. There is always more we can do as choral musicians and directors. But in order to be able to continue doing what we do, we need to cut down on overloading ourselves. If you're interested but not quite sure - download one of our most popular resources from the CBTM last year on building the all encompassing syllabus - even if you've already started the school year, this is a great resource to help you think through what you've missed from this year  or how you could improve your syllabus for the next semester or school year. Get the short video lesson and accompanying PDFs in your inbox today via the link in the show notes. If you're watching this on YouTube, don't forget to subscribe, like this video, and let us know what resonated with you from this episode - and if you're listening to this podcast - be sure to subscribe if you haven't already and leave us some 5 star choir love in the reviews. To learn more or sign up click here ( https://www.choirbaton.com/SyllabusHack)  and if you're listening to this AFTER September7, 2021, sign up here to be on the Waiting List to find out when the Membership opens again. Thanks for listening to the Choir Baton Podcast where we're all about More People Singing. Follow @ChoirBaton on Instagram https://instagram.com/choirbatonOn TikTok https://tiktok.com/choirbatonOn Facebook https://facebook.com/choirbatonOn YouTube https://youtube.com/choirbatonFollow @BethPhilemon on Instagram https://instagram.com/bethphielmonOn TikTok https://tiktok.com/bethphilemonOn YouTube https://youtube.com/baphilemonOn Facebook https://facebook.com/bethphilemonOn LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/bethphilemonVisit https://bethphilemon.com for more

Jenna and discuss the importance of having "choir and ____." As choir teachers, we can get caught up in our work and it become the only thing we do. However, we all have many gifts and abilities. We talk about some different ways to incorporate those in school or outside of the classroom.Hey Choir Baton Community, the window to join the Choir Baton Teaching Membership has been extended until Tuesday, September 7th. The Choir Baton Teaching Membership is an online resource for choir teachers to access curated information to help you be successful and feel supported throughout the school year. As a choir teacher under quote “normal” circumstances, the need for support and resources is huge. But in the uncertainty of this year, the Choir Baton Teaching Membership is critical. From now until December you have access to the entire CBTM content from the 2020-2021 school year. These are lessons on instilling choral musicianship into your classroom whether in person, online, or hybrid and you can also get an overview of the method by checking out a recent Choir Baton Podcast Episode - number 75 where I walk through fellow choir teacher and my friend, Benny Dominguez in the process.  And new in the 2021 school year are weekly releases on a hack, lesson, assessment, and choir builder. If you're interested but not quite sure - download one of our most popular resources from the CBTM last year on building the all encompassing syllabus - even if you've already started the school year, this is a great resource to help you think through what you've missed from this year  or how you could improve your syllabus for the next semester or school year. Get the short video lesson and accompanying PDFs in your inbox today via the link in the show notes. If you're watching this on YouTube, don't forget to subscribe, like this video, and let us know what resonated with you from this episode - and if you're listening to this podcast - be sure to subscribe if you haven't already and leave us some 5 star choir love in the reviews. To learn more or sign up click here ( https://www.choirbaton.com/SyllabusHack)  and if you're listening to this AFTER September7, 2021, sign up here to be on the Waiting List to find out when the Membership opens again. Thanks for listening to the Choir Baton Podcast where we're all about More People Singing. Follow @ChoirBaton on Instagram https://instagram.com/choirbatonOn TikTok https://tiktok.com/choirbatonOn Facebook https://facebook.com/choirbatonOn YouTube https://youtube.com/choirbatonFollow @BethPhilemon on Instagram https://instagram.com/bethphielmonOn TikTok https://tiktok.com/bethphilemonOn YouTube https://youtube.com/baphilemonOn Facebook https://facebook.com/bethphilemonOn LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/bethphilemonVisit https://bethphilemon.com for moreFollow Jenna Corley on InstagramOn TikTok tiktok.com/jenna.corley.photoOn Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Jenna-Corley-PhotographyVisit https://jennacorleyphoto.com/ for more

Jessica Grant and I discuss common themes that I think most, if not all, music teachers can relate to. Amongst other topics we discuss the feeling of belonging and that you are enough and how we can communicate these things to ourselves as well as our students. We also discuss what it means to measure achievement by growth rather than specific goals.You can find Jessica on Instagram @highafternoonti and buy her book on F Flat or Amazon. August, 16 2021 through August 31 2021, The Choir Baton Teaching Membership is open to new members. The Choir Baton Teaching Membership is an online resource for choir teachers to access curated information to help you be successful and feel supported throughout the school year. To learn more or sign up click here and if you're listening to this AFTER August 31, 2021, sign up here to be on the Waiting List to find out when the Membership opens again. Thanks for listening to the Choir Baton Podcast where we're all about More People Singing. Choir Baton Host: Beth Philemon | Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie HemedingerFor more information on Choir Baton please visit choirbaton.com  and to follow us on Instagram @choirbaton  @bethphilemon Music by: Scott Holmes

Hey Choir Baton Podcast Listeners, August, 16 2021 through August 31 2021, The Choir Baton Teaching Membership is open to new members. The Choir Baton Teaching Membership is an online resource for choir teachers to access curated information to help you be successful and feel supported throughout the school year. To learn more or sign up click here and if you're listening to this AFTER August 31, 2021, sign up here to be on the Waiting List to find out when the Membership opens again. Listen to me walk through the basic Choir Baton Choral Musicianship framework I use in the Choir Baton Teaching Membership and courses with friend and middle school choir teacher Benny Dominguez. Benny reached out to me on some questions regarding sequencing, pacing, and more - you'll get to listen and learn right along with Benny as I walk him through the CBTM way. Thanks for listening to the Choir Baton Podcast where we're all about More People Singing. Choir Baton Host: Beth Philemon | Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie HemedingerFor more information on Choir Baton please visit choirbaton.com  and to follow us on Instagram @choirbaton  @bethphilemon Music by: Scott Holmes

Hello Choir Baton, I want to hear from you. This episode is a call to action for you to submit your choral story for what your choir experiences were over the past year. I want to know what were some things that you overcame, discovered, and are still finding solutions for. I am asking you to submit a response using this google form. Your video should be no longer than 5 minutes and I look forward to listening to your experience and sharing your story with the rest of the Choir Baton community!Choir Baton Host: Beth Philemon | Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie HemedingerFor more information on Choir Baton please visit choirbaton.com  and to follow us on Instagram @choirbaton  @bethphilemon Music by: Scott HolmesTo join the Choir Baton Teaching Membership waiting list or for more information, go here.To learn more about my new course on Pandemic Choir Planning, visit here.To receive the weekly Choir Baton Weekly Letter, sign-up here.

I had three profound conversations about leadership over the past week and I couldn't not share them with the Choir Baton community. I think we are all familiar with the problem of taking on too many projects and staying busy, as teachers or as musicians. This episode is for you to let you know three important lessons that I learned this week and am still learning on how to be a stronger leader. Choir Baton Host: Beth Philemon | Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie HemedingerFor more information on Choir Baton please visit choirbaton.com and to follow us on Instagram @choirbaton @bethphilemon Music by: Scott HolmesTo join the Choir Baton Teaching Membership waiting list or for more information, go here.To learn more about my new course on Pandemic Choir Planning, visit here.To receive the weekly Choir Baton Weekly Letter, sign-up here.

In this episode, I discuss my reasons for leaving the classroom. It was not easy, but there were a lot of factors that impacted my decision. I know that especially during this time, you may be thinking about what you can change and control, and I am here to tell you that it is okay!Choir Baton Host: Beth Philemon | Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie HemedingerFor more information on Choir Baton please visit choirbaton.com and to follow us on Instagram @choirbaton @bethphilemon Music by: Scott HolmesTo join the Choir Baton Teaching Membership waiting list or for more information, go here.To learn more about my new course on Pandemic Choir Planning, visit here.To receive the weekly Choir Baton Weekly Letter, sign-up here.

In this episode, Chantae and I discuss the many ways that students can have ownership of the music process in the choral classroom. This conversation led to topics such as sight reading, independence, and giving students leadership opportunities. Chantae D. Pittman is the Director of Choral Activities at Campbell High School in Smyrna, GA. Ms. Pittman is passionate about all forms of music. She is deeply committed to serving her community through music, and is a proud graduate of Tennessee State University having received her Bachelor of Science in Music Education in 2010. She has since earned a Master’s Degree in Music Education at VanderCook College University (Chicago, IL, 2013). She is currently working toward her Doctorate in Education with an emphasis in Choral Music Education at the University of Georgia. Choir Baton Host: Beth Philemon | Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie HemedingerFor more information on Choir Baton please visit choirbaton.com and to follow us on Instagram @choirbaton @bethphilemon Music by: Scott HolmesTo join the Choir Baton Teaching Membership waiting list or for more information, go here.To learn more about my new course on Pandemic Choir Planning, visit here.To receive the weekly Choir Baton Weekly Letter, sign-up here.

This is an interview with my dear friend, Kelsey Burkett. Over the past few years, I have been fortunate to have a lot of good, productive, and hard conversations about race, equity, and white privilege with Kelsey and we dive more into these conversations in the episode. Raised in Solon, OH, Kelsey D. Burkett is a 2006 Graduate of Capital University, where she majored in Music Education and served as the alto section leader in the renown Chapel Choir. She completed her Masters of Music in Music Education and Kodaly Certification from Capital University in 2019. In her 15th year of teaching, she has a passion for the developing voice and middle school singers. She serves as the Director of Choirs at Hilliard Memorial Middle School, where she directs the 7th Grade Treble Choir, 8th Grade Treble Choir, and Blue Notes. She also serves as co-director of Bradley High School’s premier Contemporary A Cappella Group, Shades of Blue, who recently went viral on TikTok with over 400,000 views of their multiple arrangements of pop hits.Choirs under her direction have consistently received Superior and Excellent ratings and Grand Championships at the District, State, and National Contest levels. In June 2016, the MMS Choirs made their Carnegie Hall Debut as a part of the Songs of Inspiration and Hope Concert under the director of Mrs. Lori Loftus. Most recently, Ms. Burkett has been spurred to be a warrior for Social Justice within her community, and recently co-founded the Hilliard BIPOC Alliance, for her coworkers of color within the Hilliard City School District, working for change within and outside of their classrooms.Ms. Burkett maintains an active singing career, performing with professional ensembles around the city of Columbus. She lives in Columbus with her daughter, Harper, and their cat, Phil.You can connect with Kelsey on Instagram: @biracialchoirunicorn Twitter: @shadesofblueacappellaor at https://www.hilliardschools.org/music/Choir Baton Host: Beth Philemon | Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie HemedingerFor more information on Choir Baton please visit choirbaton.com and to follow us on Instagram @choirbaton @bethphilemon Music by: Scott HolmesTo join the Choir Baton Teaching Membership waiting list or for more information, go here.To enroll in the Revamp course, click hereTo learn more about my new course on Pandemic Choir Planning, visit here.To receive the weekly Choir Baton Weekly Letter, sign-up here.

I discovered Becky on instagram as a @beckyparkonposhmark and have admired her double life as a high school choir teacher and a clothes reseller. Listen to hear our conversations about having passions outside of choir and our dive into the true impact choir can have in a student's life that is not just musical. You can learn more about Becky or connect with her through instagram or YouTubeChoir Baton Host: Beth Philemon | Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie HemedingerFor more information on Choir Baton please visit choirbaton.com and to follow us on Instagram @choirbaton @bethphilemon Music by: Scott HolmesTo join the Choir Baton Teaching Membership waiting list or for more information, go here.To enroll in the Revamp course, click hereTo learn more about my new course on Pandemic Choir Planning, visit here.To receive the weekly Choir Baton Weekly Letter, sign-up here.

Marshall Butler has impacted many student's lives over his years teaching. In this interview, we talk about the teamwork aspect of choir as well as many other important topics and memories from his years teaching. This interview is especially meaningful to me because Mr. Butler taught for 24 years at Sanderson and left shortly before I took the position at Sanderson High School.Since March, Dr. Marshall Butler, Jr. has been engraving/transcribing Classical Voice and Piano Music of African American Classical Composers for the University of Michigan School of Music (to be placed in Vocal Anthologies). He is a retired choral music teacher- Wake County and Nash-Rocky Mount formerly Rocky Mount City Schools. He worked a year at North Raleigh Christian Academy following retirement. Mr. Butler studied at Winston Salem State University with phenomenal choir director and music composer- Robert L. Morris. He was inspired to study music by amazing former high school music teacher - Gene Yeargin. If you have questions for Marshall, you can contact him at mebkdb@aol.comChoir Baton Host: Beth Philemon | Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie HemedingerFor more information on Choir Baton please visit choirbaton.com and to follow us on Instagram @choirbaton @bethphilemon Music by: Scott HolmesTo join the Choir Baton Teaching Membership waiting list or for more information, go here.To enroll in the Revamp course, click hereTo learn more about my new course on Pandemic Choir Planning, visit here.To receive the weekly Choir Baton Weekly Letter, sign-up here.

Today I am joined by my former co-worker and dear friend, Mr. Alexander Alberti. We cover a variety of different areas in this podcast but one that stuck out to me in particular was this idea of "breaking the cycle of expectations" in teaching music the way it has always been taught. We have so many resources at our disposal, we should take advantage of technology, community members, and our students' interests when we are teaching. Alex Alberti is the current Director of Instrumental Music at Longleaf School of the Arts in Raleigh, North Carolina. Alberti is an eighth-year music educator with experience in band, chorus, orchestra, music theory, music psychology, and contemporary a cappella. Alberti recently graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a Master's degree in Music Education and graduate certification in Nonprofit Management.In addition to his positions in schools of music, Alberti is active in a number of independent music organizations. Alberti currently serves as the Artistic Director of the Triangle Pride Band, an LGBTQ+-affirming community band organization. Additionally, Alberti is an intern from both the College Music Society and NAMM, assisting with conference activities and marketing.You can connect and learn more about Alex on Facebook or Instagram @maestro.albertiChoir Baton Host: Beth Philemon | Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie HemedingerFor more information on Choir Baton please visit choirbaton.com and to follow us on Instagram @choirbaton @bethphilemon Music by: Scott HolmesTo join the Choir Baton Teaching Membership waiting list or for more information, go here.To enroll in the Revamp course, click hereTo learn more about my new course on Pandemic Choir Planning, visit here.To receive the weekly Choir Baton Weekly Letter, sign-up here.

It is the first Choir Baton episode of 2021! In this podcast, I discuss the Revamp course I am offering to help you start the new year and the new semester prepared and ready to embrace changes and circumstances as they come. Join me through an episode of reflection as you reflect on your own year and the things you have learned from it. To enroll in the Revamp course, click hereChoir Baton Host: Beth Philemon | Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie HemedingerFor more information on Choir Baton please visit choirbaton.com and to follow us on Instagram @choirbaton @bethphilemon Music by: Scott HolmesTo join the Choir Baton Teaching Membership waiting list or for more information, go here.To learn more about my new course on Pandemic Choir Planning, visit here.To receive the weekly Choir Baton Weekly Letter, sign-up here.

Hello, Choir Baton Community. In this episode I address the reasons and process for creating the Choir Baton Teaching Membership. I talk about the gaps that I found as a teacher and how I have worked to fill them. Our students want to know the "why" of everything we teach, listen to find out ways to give that to them! Choir Baton Host: Beth Philemon | Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie HemedingerFor more information on Choir Baton please visit choirbaton.com and to follow us on Instagram @choirbaton @bethphilemon Music by: Scott HolmesTo join the Choir Baton Teaching Membership waiting list or for more information, go here.To learn more about my new course on Pandemic Choir Planning, visit here.To receive the weekly Choir Baton Weekly Letter, sign-up here.

This episode is a sequel episode to 26. It's the Most Wonderfully Stressful Time of the Year. In a year without concerts, gigs, and performances to plan, rehearse for, and execute, we do not have the same stressors as usual. However, we have had plenty of other struggles through the year and especially this season. You may have found yourself comparing your program to others more frequently because of the increase in social media during this time and may be feeling insufficient or envious of what you were unable to do. I am here to remind you that you are enough. You have worked hard. You are appreciated. Do not give up. Choir Baton Host: Beth Philemon | Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie HemedingerFor more information on Choir Baton please visit choirbaton.com and to follow us on Instagram @choirbaton @bethphilemon Music by: Scott HolmesTo join the Choir Baton Teaching Membership waiting list or for more information, go here.To learn more about my new course on Pandemic Choir Planning, visit here.To receive the weekly Choir Baton Weekly Letter, sign-up here.

In this conversation we talk about participatory culture and how it relates to adjustments and rethinking the music curriculum. Evan Tobias is Associate Professor of Music Learning and Teaching at Arizona State University where he heads the Consortium for Innovation and Transformation in Music Education citme.asu.edu. He is also Director of ArtsWork: The Kax Herberger Center for Children and the Arts, which forwards arts and design programming, education, and research in relation to young people. Evan's teaching, creative work, and research are animated by the question: How might we make a positive impact on society through musical engagement, learning, and inquiry? At times of rapid change, even open-minded music educators can feel stuck or seek guidance for adjusting the status quo. Evan helps people imagine possibilities for music learning and teaching so they can update, expand, or transform music programs to better support young people and make a positive impact in the world. You can learn more about his work at evantobias.net or citme.asu.edu and connect with him on Twitter or Instagram @etobias_musiced. Choir Baton Host: Beth Philemon | Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie HemedingerFor more information on Choir Baton please visit choirbaton.com and to follow us on Instagram @choirbaton @bethphilemon Music by: Scott HolmesTo join the Choir Baton Teaching Membership waiting list or for more information, go here.To learn more about my new course on Pandemic Choir Planning, visit here.To receive the weekly Choir Baton Weekly Letter, sign-up here.

Our fear of judgement can often hold us back from reaching our full potential. Listen as I discuss this as well as other topics of Music Service Learning, the importance of listening, and more in this conversation with Marci Major and Hannah Knauss, co-authors of the book Choral Connection. Dr. Marci Major serves as Chair and Associate Professor of Music Education at West Chester University, PA, and directs the Bel Canto ensemble with the Kennett Symphony Children’s Chorus. Additionally she founded and directs Music Service Learning, an organization that strives to support pre- and in-service teachers through collaborative relationships. Beyond teaching, Dr. Major is an active researcher, clinician, adjudicator, and conductor. Dr. Major earned her B.S. in music education from West Chester University, her M.M. in choral conducting from Michigan State University, and her Ph.D. in music education from The Ohio State University. Prior to collegiate teaching, Dr. Major taught middle and high school choir in Michigan. Dr. Major resides in West Chester, Pennsylvania, with her husband, son, and daughter.Hannah Knauss is the choral director at Interboro High School. She received a B.M. in Music Education from West Chester University and a M.Ed in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment from Cabrini University. At Interboro, she teaches piano, theory, and choral classes. She also directs the theater program. Hannah was selected as the recipient of the 2017 PMEA Outstanding Young Music Educator Award. She currently serves as the PMEA District 12 Treasurer. Outside of teaching, Hannah has conducted and performed with community choirs in the Philadelphia area. She recently co-authored Choral Connections: Enhancing Ensemble Experiences that can be found on fflat-books.com.Purchase your copy of Choral Connections here: https://fflat-books.com/product/choral-connections-enhancing-ensemble-experiences/Find out more about Music Service Learning on their website: https://musicservicelearning.organd by following them on Twitter: @MusSrvcLrningInstagram: @musicservicelearningFacebook: @musicservicelearningYou can follow Hannah Knauss on Instagram: @msknauss and see what her choir is up to on their Twitter: @InterboroChoirChoir Baton Host: Beth Philemon | Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie HemedingerFor more information on Choir Baton please visit choirbaton.com and to follow us on Instagram @choirbaton @bethphilemon Music by: Scott HolmesTo join the Choir Baton Teaching Membership waiting list or for more information, go here.To receive the weekly Choir Baton Weekly Letter, sign-up here.

Listen to this episode to hear all of the ways Kaitlin Simonson has been creatively overcoming virtual learning as a barrier and engaging students in singing in new ways! Kaitlin Simonson teaches music at The Brearley School in Manhattan, and is the conductor of the Lux Mea Women’s Chorus. She relocated to New York four years ago after teaching choir at Canarelli Middle School in Las Vegas, NV. Under her direction, the six choirs performed throughout the southwest earning superior ratings at festivals and competitions. As an associate conductor for the National Children's Chorus in Manhattan, Kaitlin works with the junior division students ages 4-6, and 10-12. She is trained in the Kodàly Method, an experience based pedagogy method that efficiently instills excellent musicianship in singers of all ages. Kaitlin has been a guest conductor of honor choirs in Nevada and Arizona. Her rapport with students, and focus on the human connection through music make her rehearsals unforgettable. As a classically trained soprano, Kaitlin has performed as a soloist with the Southern Nevada Symphony Orchestra and the San Diego Pro Arte Voices. She is an experienced choral singer praised for her sight reading abilities, preparation and collegiality. Kaitlin holds a Masters Degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas where she studied with Dr. Linda Lister. In addition, she holds a B.M.E. in Choral Music Education cum laude from Northern Arizona University where she studied with Dr. Edith Copley and Dr. Ryan Holder. Kaitlin has completed three years of coursework in the Kodàly Methodology with Susan Brumfield at Portland State University. She serves on the KONY board as a general member. She is a member of ACDA, OAKE, and NAfME. Choir Baton Host: Beth Philemon | Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie HemedingerFor more information on Choir Baton please visit choirbaton.com and to follow us on Instagram @choirbaton @bethphilemon Music by: Scott HolmesTo join the Choir Baton Teaching Membership waiting list or for more information, go here.To receive the weekly Choir Baton Weekly Letter, sign-up here.

After a life changing performance experience watching the Dallas Street Choir sing at national ACDA conference a couple years ago, I have the honor of interviewing Dr. Jonathan Palant, the conductor. Listen to hear his perspective on inequality in music and making a community space for singing. Jonathan Palant is Associate Professor and Director of Choral Activities at the University of Texas at Dallas and is founder and conductor of both Credo, a 140-member community choir, and the Dallas Street Choir, a musical outlet for those experiencing homelessness and disadvantage. In addition, Dr. Palant is Director of Music at Kessler Park United Methodist Church and is employed by the Dallas Independent School District to mentor middle and high school vocal music teachers. In June 2016, Dr. Palant made his Carnegie Hall conducting debut performing with renowned artists Frederica von Stade, Harolyn Blackwell, Jake Heggie, and Broadway composer Stephen Schwartz.From 2007-2011, he served as Artistic Director of Dallas’ Turtle Creek Chorale. Prior to that, Palant held collegiate teaching positions at Western Kentucky University and Madonna University, Livonia, Michigan. He taught secondary choral music at University School, an all-boys independent school in Cleveland, Ohio, and San Pasqual High School in Escondido, California.Dr. Palant currently serves as president of the National Alliance for Music In Vulnerable Communities, Community Choir Repertoire and Standards Chair for the Southwest American Choral Directors Association (SWACDA), and sits on the board of directors of the Intercollegiate Men’s Choruses. He has also served on the state board of the Michigan chapter of the American Choral Directors Association and Youth First Texas where he was founder and conductor of Dallas PUMP!, a choir serving at-risk youth. In late 2017, the Dallas Morning News named Palant one of nine “Texan of the Year” finalists, and in 2016, Musical America named him one of their “Innovators of the Year” for establishing the Dallas Street Choir. Both Palant’s book, Brothers, Sing On! Conducting the Tenor-Bass Choir, and his Brothers, Sing On! Choral Series are published by the Hal Leonard Corporation.Dr. Palant holds degrees from Michigan State University, Temple University and the University of Michigan.Find more about Dr. Palant and the Dallas Street choir here: jonathanpalant.com DallasStreetChoir.orgCredoChoir.orgOr connect with them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dallasstreetchoirChoir Baton Host: Beth Philemon | Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie HemedingerFor more information on Choir Baton please visit choirbaton.com and to follow us on Instagram @choirbaton @bethphilemon Music by: Scott HolmesTo join the Choir Baton Teaching Membership waiting list or for more information, go here.To receive the weekly Choir Baton Weekly Letter, sign-up here.

This interview is with my former high school teacher and one of my reasons for going into music education, listen for stories and powerful conversation.Diane Covington served as Choral Director at Leesville Road High School in Raleigh, North Carolina for 19 years. During her tenure there, the Leesville Road Choral Department grew in numbers from 32 singers to its enrollment of 200 upon her retirement. Prior to moving to North Carolina, Mrs. Covington was the Choral Director at Fairview Middle School in Tallahassee, Florida enabling that program to grow in numbers from 30 to 250 in 5 years.Her choirs participated in regional and national festivals where they consistently received Superior ratings. Mrs. Covington’s choirs performed at venues such as Riverside Church in New York City, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, the Basilica in Washington, DC, and Westminster Cathedral in London. They also performed for the North Carolina Music Educators Association conference and the North Carolina conference of the American Choral Directors Association. In 2011 her choir was one of two high school choirs from across the U.S. to be selected by the Weill Institute of Music to perform the Berlioz “Requiem” in Carnegie Hall. In February of 2012 the Leesville choir performed in the National President’s Day Choral Concert held at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC.Mrs. Covington received her Bachelor of Music degree from Mars Hill College, and also received her National Board certification. She is a member of the National Association for Music Educators and the American Choral Directors Association. In 2011, Mrs. Covington was voted “Teacher of the Year” by the North Carolina High School Choral Directors of NCMEA. She is a mentor and consultant for North Carolina high school choral directors, and is frequently called upon to serve as conductor, consultant and adjudicator for county and state choral events across NC and VA. Mrs. Covington has also served as a Board Member for the North Carolina Master Chorale and where she served as the liason between the Master Chorale and local high school choral programs.Married for 42 years to Dr. David L. Covington, Mrs. Covington resides in Raleigh, NC. The Covingtons have two children, and two granddaughters.Choir Baton Host: Beth Philemon | Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie HemedingerFor more information on Choir Baton please visit choirbaton.com and to follow us on Instagram @choirbaton @bethphilemon Music by: Scott HolmesTo join the Choir Baton Teaching Membership waiting list or for more information, go hereTo receive the weekly Choir Baton Weekly Letter, sign-up here

In this episode, my professor at North Carolina University in the MBA program shares his insight about changing professions, transferrable skills, and the value of teachers. Chris is an adjunct professor, strategy, leadership and innovation consultant, and the President and COO of a boutique management consulting firm. He has served in six general management and senior level roles, ranging from startups, state agencies, turnarounds, and high growth companies over his 35 + year career.Chris has led strategy and leadership workshops for over 6,300 aspiring, emerging, and mid-level leaders. He’s also led executive development programs for over 2,000 senior and C-suite leaders from the Dept of Defense (O-5 to O-10), federal and state government, engineering, healthcare, IT, professional service firms, education, and non-profit sectors throughout the United States.A former basketball official, school principal, and Eagle Scout, Chris earned his Ph.D. at UNC-Chapel Hill in 1990. He earned his B.A. (1981) and M.A. (1982) from Austin College in Sherman, TX. He and his wife of over 30 years have two adult children and two grandchildren.Find out more about Chris Hitch at his website: https: chrishitch.comIn addition to the other book recommendations Chris mentions in the podcast, he would like to encourage listeners to buy a copy of Values Based Leaders In Action, where all proceeds go to NCSU's Shelton Leadership Center for youth scholarships.Book link is here.Choir Baton Host: Beth Philemon | Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie HemedingerFor more information on Choir Baton please visit choirbaton.com and to follow us on Instagram @choirbaton @bethphilemon Music by: Scott HolmesTo join the Choir Baton Teaching Membership waiting list or for more information, go here. To receive the weekly Choir Baton Weekly Letter, sign-up here.

Emmy and I discuss a wide range of topics but we keep returning to the "why." Knowing the "why" of anything you do is important, listen to this episode to find out more about how to find your purpose and self-reflect. Dr. Emily Williams Burch is the founder and artistic director of RISE Chorales, a community choir organization in Savannah, GA with a mission of experiencing musical artistry, education, and personal growth through the choral arts and community experiences. Burch received her Doctorate in Conducting with doctoral minors in music history and music theory from the University of South Carolina, during which she taught introduction to music, designed and taught the history of rock, and directed the university women’s chorus. Dr. Burch earned her Masters of Music Education from Florida State University, where she assisted with the Capital Children’s Choir, and a Bachelor of Music Education from Louisiana State University, where she graduated magna cum laude. Prior to that, she served on the podium as Director of Education and Music for the Savannah Children’s Choir for nine years and worked as Department Chair/General Music/Piano Teacher at Garrison School of Visual and Performing Arts. She continues to have the privilege of traveling the country as a Teacher Trainer and Choral Curriculum Developer for Quaver’s Marvelous World of Music, an interactive K-8 music curriculum. Additionally, she serves as an Artistic Adviser for Perform International, where she helps organizations create and realize their dreams on tours in the US and abroad. Choirs under her direction choirs have performed regionally, nationally, and internationally. Emmy has volunteered in various roles within the American Choral Directors Association, including Repertoire & Resources Chair for Children’s and Youth Community Choirs for the Southern Region. She and her husband live in Savannah, GA where they are members of the Metropolitan Savannah Rotary Club and marathoners who train with the Savannah Striders.To contact Emmy or find out more visit: EmilyBurch.org, Facebook, or Instagram: @dremmybChoir Baton Host: Beth Philemon | Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie HemedingerFor more information on Choir Baton please visit choirbaton.com and to follow us on Instagram @choirbaton @bethphilemon Music by: Scott HolmesTo join the waitlist for the Choir Baton Teaching Membership or for more information, go here. To receive the weekly Choir Baton Weekly Letter, including information regarding the FREE Introductory Singer Course, sign-up here.

Join me in this episode with Tori Cook as we discuss the intersection of music and business, the future of community choirs, the innovation of the choral community during Covid-19, and much more!Tori Cook is the Director of Sales & Marketing at Chorus Connection. She sings with the Tanglewood Festival Chorus and is a board member of the Greater Boston Choral Consortium. In a past life, she was the Music Director of the Harborlight Show Chorus and President of Chorus pro Musica in Boston. When not making music, she daydreams about adopting a golden retriever puppy and scuba diving to exotic locations around the world.Contact Tori Cook from this email: tori@chorusconnections.comFind more information about Chorus Connections here.Choir Baton Host: Beth Philemon | Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie HemedingerFor more information on Choir Baton please visit choirbaton.com and to follow us on Instagram @choirbaton @bethphilemon Music by: Scott HolmesTo join the Choir Baton Teaching Membership or for more information, go here. To receive the weekly Choir Baton Weekly Letter, including information regarding the FREE Introductory Singer Course, sign-up here.

I met Tommy Economou through a Tik Tok he made about the influence choir has had on his professional singing career with his band. Listen to find out more about how growing up in choir has made an impact on his current life and how Tik Tok has brought musicians together during these pandemic times. You can connect with Tommy and his band More Fatter with the info below:Instagram: @MoreFatterWebsite: morefatter.liveFind their music on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and more!Check out the YouTube video of this episode to see the Tik Tok that connected us!Choir Baton Host: Beth Philemon | Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie HemedingerFor more information on Choir Baton please visit choirbaton.com and to follow us on Instagram @choirbaton @bethphilemonMusic by: Scott HolmesTo join the Choir Baton Teaching Membership or for more information, go here.To join the waitlist for the Choir Baton Teaching Membership, go here.To receive the weekly Choir Baton Weekly Letter, sign-up here.

In this episode, I talk about how we as musicians and especially as music teachers often find it hard to ask for help. I discuss the stigma around seeking assistance both in our classrooms and personal life and I share some examples from my own life. When we ask for help, it allows us to focus our attention on things that need it.Choir Baton Host: Beth Philemon | Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie HemedingerFor more information on Choir Baton please visit choirbaton.com and to follow us on Instagram @choirbaton @bethphilemon Subscribe to the Choir Baton YouTube channel for more Choir Baton content.Music by: Scott HolmesTo join the Choir Baton Teaching Membership or for more information, go here. To join the waitlist for the Choir Baton Teaching Membership, go here.To receive the weekly Choir Baton Weekly Letter, sign-up here.

This interview was conducted with two former students of mine: Maggie Hemedinger and Jonathan Pelletier. Jonathan is a senior civil engineering student at North Carolina State University and continues to sing in his university's ensemble. Maggie is a senior music education and Hispanic Studies major at East Carolina University. In this episode, they discuss bonding over choir, the applicable skills from choir in the real world and several other nerdy choir topics.You can find Maggie on Instagram @mdinger1 or reach via email mhemedinger@gmail.comChoir Baton Host: Beth Philemon | Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie HemedingerFor more information on Choir Baton please visit choirbaton.com and to follow us on Instagram @choirbaton @bethphilemonMusic by: Scott HolmesTo join the Choir Baton Teaching Membership or for more information, go here. To receive the weekly Choir Baton Weekly Letter, including information regarding the FREE Introductory Singer Course, sign-up here.

Long time friend and colleague, Troy Meeker, shares his experience with addressing the fear of failure in the choir classroom. How can we show students that it is okay to make mistakes? How can we show ourselves that it is okay to make mistakes? Taking the time to grapple with this makes us better musicians and better humans. We also discuss some of the ways Troy Meeker has created a choral community in schools from chocolate chip cookies on the first day of class to creating self-sufficient choral officers to help lead his program. Listen to Meeker's stories and experiences to learn and to grow. Troy Meeker, Phoenix Children’s Chorus Artistic Director and Conductor of Encore, has taught with the organization since 2011. Mr. Meeker is a graduate of Northern Arizona University, where he earned a Bachelor’s in Music Education, and Master’s degrees in Educational Technology and Choral Conducting while studying under Dr. Edith Copley and Dr. Ryan Holder.Mr. Meeker enjoys the opportunity to serve. Having served the Arizona choral community in a variety of positions he is currently the AzACDA Men’s Choir Repertoire and Resources Chair. He also enjoys mentoring young educators, guest lecturing for state universities, and providing professional development workshops for districts throughout the state. Mr. Meeker was recently recognized for his outstanding teaching winning the O.M. Hartsell Excellence in Teaching Music Award from the Arizona Music Educators Association and the Arts Educator of the Year Award from the Arizona Department of Education. In addition, his choir Encore performed for the AMEA Convention in 2020 marking the 3rd performance appearance of ensembles under his direction. In his free time, Mr. Meeker enjoys watching movies, cooking, cycling, and studying karate with his son. His home is in Glendale, Arizona, with his wife, Adrienne, and their children Grant and Annika.Choir Baton Host: Beth Philemon | Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie HemedingerFor more information on Choir Baton please visit choirbaton.com and to follow us on Instagram @choirbaton @bethphilemon Music by: Scott HolmesTo join the Choir Baton Teaching Membership or for more information, go here. To receive the weekly Choir Baton Weekly Letter, sign-up here.

You don't want to talk about this, but we must. As we come to grips with rehearsing through a variety of digital and socially-distanced means, we must determine what "concerts" will look like in the future. Research indicates that more people are watching concerts live/ live-streaming these days (shocker) but once concerts are "reinstated" - research also shows people will be more hesitant to attend in-person events, especially those at higher risk. What does that mean for us? Two solutions and ideas presented here for you. Choir Baton Teaching Membership closes Monday, August 31 to new members.

New to the Choir Baton podcast? OG Choir Baton podcast listener? Somewhere in between? In this episode, I'm recapping the last 50 episodes to help you find which one you've forgotten about, where to start if you're not sure, or highlighting some of your favorite moments. Have a favorite episode? Let me know, I'd love to hear.A friendly reminder to join the Choir Baton Teaching Membership now through the end of August if you're interested. I'm here to support you through this podcast, YouTube videos, emails, and social media. But if you are looking for a resource that can help you during this time, know I believe from the bottom of my heart the Teaching Membership is that for you. Here's the link for you to find more information on it.As always, grateful for you and your support of Choir Baton.@BethPhilemon@ChoirBaton

I am incredibly particular in my approach to teaching music literacy because when I'm teaching music literacy, I'm teaching music. I'm teaching everything. I don't do voice placements, I do this. I don't start with teaching quarter notes, I do this. I don't avoid improvisation, I do this. And here's the thing with "this." You can do it online or in person. It's the exact same approach and sequencing.You're about to hear three different audio recordings...1. My sister describing her thoughts on what singing at home could do for her musicianship (she's not a professionally trained musician, she's a community singer, sang at church and in school and because her big sister made her) THIS is what I want you to realize your students can realize, too.2. My brief overview of what you're about to hear, why, and how it's a part of talk I just gave at FABSS (F-flat Annual Back to School Symposium) that talks about building successful choir programs by starting with YOU, realizing it's a SLOW process, and it involves SINGING (duh.) But just as I showed them in that talk, how they could sing online together, I showed our Sunday Night Zoom session how.3. The actual, minimally edited (because I love you but I just can't edit it perfectly right now because #life) Zoom session where I walked through my entire process in real-time about how to build musicianship. Here's the thing, this is the exact process I lay out all of my literacy components in the Teaching Membership... but it's not just literacy you're teaching my implementing this sequencing. It's so flexible, I just provide the framework.Whether you join the Teaching Membership or not, I'm here to support you through this podcast, YouTube videos, emails, and social media. But if you are looking for a resource that can help you during this time, know I believe from the bottom of my heart the Teaching Membership is that for you. I'm closing the doors to new members at the end of August. Here's the link for you to find more information on it.As always, grateful for you and your support of Choir Baton. @BethPhilemon@ChoirBaton

In a time where "normal" just is not a possibility, how do we "unlearn" what we have been learning and teaching for years and move forward with choir in a meaningful but safe way? Change can be scary, especially when we must make drastic changes in a short amount of time, not knowing whether it will be effective or work. In this episode, I walk through many choral concepts and thoughts I have had to work to unlearn in order to improve my choir and my teaching. I reference two articles in this podcast that can be found here:The Art of Unlearning by Scott Young Why the Problem with Learning is Unlearning by Mark Bonchek "Unlearning is not about forgetting. It’s about the ability to choose an alternative mental model or paradigm. When we learn, we add new skills or knowledge to what we already know. When we unlearn, we step outside the mental model in order to choose a different one."Click here for information on the Choir Baton Teaching Membership... doors close August 30 in order to focus on the needs of the membership holders, don't miss your chance to join and receive valuable teaching material, resources, and support.Choir Baton Host: Beth Philemon | Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie HemedingerFor more information on Choir Baton please visit choirbaton.com and to follow us on Instagram @choirbaton@bethphilemonMusic by: Scott HolmesTo join the Choir Baton Teaching Membership or for more information, go here.To receive the weekly Choir Baton Weekly Letter, sign-up here.

This is a long awaited interview with my dear friend and colleague, Darrick King. A native of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Darrick King began his tenure as Director of Choral Activities at Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School - University Connections: School of Design, Arts, & Engineering in July of 2016. Darrick earned a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Winston-Salem State University (2010) and holds a Master of Arts in Choral Conducting from Mansfield University of Pennsylvania (2015). While at Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) he served as a student conductor and accompanist for Schola Cantorum, the all-male performing ensemble. WSSU provided him with the opportunity to travel, perform, and record with the Dvorak Symphony in Prague, Czech Republic, the Winston-Salem Symphony Orchestra, as well as the New England Symphony Orchestra at Carnegie Hall. Upon graduation, he taught in Prince George’s County, Maryland as well as Rockingham County, North Carolina. Several students who have studied under Mr. King have pursued careers in Music Education.While serving as a Graduate Assistant in the Music Department at Mansfield University, he had the opportunity to conduct the Mansfield University Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, Festival Chorus, Women’s Chorale, and Men’s Chorale. Darrick is a member of ACDA, NAfME, NCMEA, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America, Inc., and briefly served on the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Public Art Commission. Mr. King also serves as Music Director at Windborne United Methodist Church in North Raleigh and as Choral Director of the new African American Choral Ensemble at North Carolina State University.Join us as we have both the hard and the fun conversations regarding equity, access, race, and friendship in our classroom. Click here for information on the Choir Baton Teaching Membership... doors close August 30 in order to focus on the needs of the membership holders, don't miss your chance to join and receive valuable teaching material, resources, and support.Choir Baton Host: Beth Philemon | Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie HemedingerFor more information on Choir Baton please visit choirbaton.com and to follow us on Instagram @choirbaton@bethphilemonMusic by: Scott HolmesTo join the Choir Baton Teaching Membership or for more information, go here.To receive the weekly Choir Baton Weekly Letter, sign-up here.

Rebecca Sabree is a choir teacher in Michigan with a love for choir music, but especially show choir. In some places, Show Choir gets a bad rep. (other places, not so) But the important take away from this episode is, "all choir is choir." And if there's ever been a time for the discussion of what "is" choir and what "isn't" choir today - it's now as we engage with the validity of virtual choirs. I hope this episode further challenges you to remember that "all choir is choir" - an extension of the Choir Baton motto for #MorePeopleSinging. Are you a choir teacher? Learn more about the Choir Baton Teaching Membership. Join now through the end of August.Are you a choir singer or interested in singing in a choir? Take the COMPLIMENTARY Choir Baton Singer Course here. Full course opens end of July.Choir Baton is all about #morepeoplesinging - and amidst COVID - #morepeoplesingingEVENONLINETo purchase Choir Baton merch, go here. (Shipping times are delayed due to COVID)Make sure you're following us on Instagram. Producer: Maggie HemedingerHost: Beth PhilemonMusic: Scott Holmes

and the Choir Community Needs to HearSpoiler alert:1. What makes you a choir teacher? (read some of your IG comments here)2. What is choir truly about?3. Focus on what you can control.4. Your voice matters (shout out to my sister here and GSW singer, Ella) 5. American society will never respect teachers like they should. 6. It's okay to want to make money, in fact choral music should probably focus more on this, as should all arts.7. Look for innovation, look for opportunity. It's there.8. Dig into singing, dig into music.9. You don't have to do everything10. Go listen to the Choir Baton Episode #27.Are you a choir teacher? Learn more about the Choir Baton Teaching Membership. Join now through the end of August. Are you a choir singer or interested in singing in a choir? Take the COMPLIMENTARY Choir Baton Singer Course here. Full course opens end of July.Choir Baton is all about #morepeoplesinging - and amidst COVID - #morepeoplesingingEVENONLINETo purchase Choir Baton merch, go here. (Shipping times are delayed due to COVID)Make sure you're following us on Instagram. Video coming to YouTube soon.

Y'all. I'm throwing down some fire in this week's episode. I'm talking about why I believe online teaching is what you need to plan for this fall but cite examples of how I've used online teaching in my past classroom experiences and know it can be effective. Simultaneously, we need to realize we have to stop teaching people to love our choir more than they love choral singing. This year more than ever needs to be focused on teaching singers how to learn on their own, setting them up for success to enter future community choirs.Want to watch this episode? This link sends you to the video of this podcast and a follow up two video sequence on what to implement and how to do so as you plan for online teaching. The video is also available on the Choir Baton YouTube page. This link also includes downloadable planning worksheets with each video for you, too. Choir Baton Host: Beth Philemon Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie HemedingerFor more information on Choir Baton please visit choirbaton.com and to follow us on Instagram @choirbaton @bethphilemon Music by: Scott HolmesTo join the Choir Baton Teaching Membership or for more information, go here. To receive the weekly Choir Baton Weekly Letter, including information regarding the FREE Introductory Singer Course, sign-up here.

Today I interview Maria Ellis, founder of Girl Conductor. Maria and I met online over a year ago via, of course, Instagram. If you’ve ever found yourself unsure of how to go after your dreams or in need of choral-inspiration. This episode is for you! Maria Ellis is a Music Educator, Choral Conductor, with over 20 years of choral music experience. Called a “Master Educator” and a “Force of Nature” by Dr. Jim Henry, University of Missouri- St. Louis, she holds a B.M. in Music Education emphasis on Voice (K-12 Certified) Degree from the University of Missouri- St. Louis and served as the Arts and Administrative Fellow for The St. Louis Symphony. Maria currently serves as the Community Engagement Manager for The St. Louis Children’s Choirs and is the Founding Conductor of The Sheldon Concert Hall and Art Galleries' newly formed City of Music All-Star Chorus. Follow Maria Ellis on Instagram and visit her website Choir Baton Host: Beth Philemon | Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie HemedingerFor more information on Choir Baton please visit choirbaton.com and to follow us on Instagram @choirbaton @bethphilemon Music by: Scott HolmesTo join the Choir Baton Teaching Membership or for more information, go here. To receive the weekly Choir Baton Weekly Letter, including information regarding the FREE Introductory Singer Course, sign-up here.

The Choir Baton podcast was started with a desire to record real conversations with people about choir. I can think of no more of real conversation than to trace the journey of a new choir teacher. Over the course of the past year I have talked with Nyi Nyi Myin and Lamar Davis as they started student teaching, finished student teaching, and now have finished their first year of teaching. We reflect on the past two years, what they’ve learned, and where they’re going. Follow Nyi Nyi Myin and Lamar Davis on Instagram Choir Baton Host: Beth Philemon | Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie HemedingerFor more information on Choir Baton please visit choirbaton.com and to follow us on Instagram @choirbaton @bethphilemon Music by: Scott HolmesTo join the Choir Baton Teaching Membership or for more information, go here. To receive the weekly Choir Baton Weekly Letter, including information regarding the FREE Introductory Singer Course, sign-up here.

In graduate school, I was an assistant conductor with the Master Chorale of Flagstaff. This experience was transformative for a multitude of reasons, two of which you’ll hear about here. Working with this choir each week I established relationships with community members who loved to sing. I always identified more with non-music majors than music majors in undergrad, so these singers were a unique respite. (No hate to my fellow music majors, but we are special people.) I also began to realize how many barriers to entry there are for people new to choral music. Even for the most intelligent, motivated singer with a little general music experience, reading choir music is highly specialized. But we don’t have good systems in place to help teach adult singers in choir. In this episode, I sit down with two dear, dear friends of mine - Dawn and Stan Sutherland. Dawn and Stan sing in the Master Chorale of Flagstaff and are incredible advocates of the art form. Dawn grew up singing in choirs and Stan started later in life. In this episode, we unpack their “why” for singing in choirs beyond the classroom. I am committed to providing opportunities for adults to learn about choir and I am excited to share with you I am launching the Choir Baton Singer Course in July. For more information regarding this exciting new opportunity, sign up here. Choir Baton Host: Beth Philemon | Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie HemedingerFor more information on Choir Baton please visit choirbaton.com and to follow us on Instagram @choirbaton @bethphilemon Music by: Scott HolmesTo join the Choir Baton Teaching Membership or for more information, go here. To receive the weekly Choir Baton Weekly Letter, sign-up here.

The power of the Instagram choir community strikes again in this special interview with my dear friend, Emily Campbell. While I was struck with the fact there was another choir teacher posting about choir on Instagram (Yay! - this was a big deal 2 years ago) - I was also more struck by Emily’s openness in sharing her wedding pictures on her school choir social media picture with her wife. At the time I was amidst conversations with a good friend of mine experiencing heartbreak from his community about being out at the school he taught at. I’ll be honest, I know of very few openly out women in choral music, particularly in a secondary school setting. In this episode, Emily and I sit down and talk about her growth as a choir educator and in her transparency as a gay woman. There are hundreds of thousands of choir educators in the world very comfortable and safe in sharing their sexuality with their community, and there are hundreds of thousands of choir educators in the world who don’t. I want you to know you are not alone. Emily is an incredible resource as are many other educators I know who I would be happy to put you in contact with if you are in need of a mentor or to talk with someone who has been there. Special thanks to Emily Campbell who you can find hanging out on @choircampbell or with her new puppy Bernie @bernie_the_berner_pupChoir Baton Host: Beth Philemon | Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie HemedingerFor more information on Choir Baton please visit our website and to follow us on Instagram @choirbaton @bethphilemon Music by: Scott HolmesTo join the Choir Baton Teaching Membership or for more information, go here. To receive the weekly Choir Baton Weekly Letter, sign-up here.

Last year Choir Baton sold shirts with this phrase on it. Since then this phrase has continued to evolve in what it means to me. I’ve struggled to find my voice my entire life both metaphorically and musically. In this 40th episode of the Choir Baton podcast I share about how I’m leaning into owning the enough-ness of my voice both personally and musically. And so my question to you is, do you believe your voice is enough? As choral musicians, how often do we allow the voices of choral “leaders” to inform how, why, and what we do and view as “success?” As people, how often do we allow authoritative voices to frame our thoughts, opinions, and actions without engaging in an internal dialogue of our own? I hope this episode helps you begin to think differently. I hope this episode challenges you to think about why you program some of the music you do or want a certain choral “sound” from your choir. I hope this episode helps you think about what success means for you in choral music. I also hope this episode helps you think about why and what you believe beyond the world of choral music, too. Choir Baton Host: Beth Philemon | Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie HemedingerFor more information on Choir Baton please visit choirbaton.com and to follow us on Instagram @choirbaton @bethphilemonMusic by: Scott HolmesTo learn more about this month's mini-course that is a part of the Choir Baton Teaching Membership, go here. To join the Choir Baton Teaching Membership or for more information, go here.To receive the weekly Choir Baton Weekly Letter, sign-up here.

Have you ever seen someone on Instagram and thought - THIS person - Who is she? Where did she come from? How did she get here? About a year ago I found her on Instagram and was captivated not just by the colorful, Pinterest perfect aesthetic of every aspect of her "grid" but found myself searching Targets for items she was repurposing for her classroom. (I went crazy with the letter spinners) While Katie's IG prowess has only grown since that summer, she went viral in February (listen in for the story) and really took off in the last several months when the world began looking online for music resources. We finally got a chance to sit down and record an episode together and I have to tell you - we cover the gamut of topics. The common thread within them all is that Katie is an amazing music educator grounded in creating colorful, intentional music opportunities for her classroom students. But the amazing thing is her classroom has now expanded worldwide. We talk about how we show up as "choralpreneurs" or "musicedupreneurs" or "teacherpreneurs" in this space. We talk about the tips she recommends for creating a beautiful "grid" and the level of detail she puts behind every post. We talk about how we are learning about what our white privilege means and how we can show up and do better to support #BlackLivesMatter .I truly had a list of varied topics to cover and we got through them all. No doubt, you will leave this episode knowing why her last name is so fitting. For More Information on Ms. Wonderly and her music room go here.On InstagramOn FacebookOn YouTubeTo Purchase a Lift Every Voice T-Shirt from Mr. Willis go here. Choir Baton Host: Beth Philemon | Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie HemedingerFor more information on Choir Baton please visit choirbaton.com and to follow us on Instagram @choirbaton @bethphilemonMusic by: Scott HolmesTo join the Choir Baton Teaching Membership or for more information, go here.To receive the weekly Choir Baton Weekly Letter, sign-up here.

Anyone else get as excited as I do when you hear choral music in mainstream media? When Coldplay released their 2019 album Everyday Life, I was captivated by the song "When I Need a Friend." Fast forward several months and I was lucky enough to sit down with Ben Parry, conductor of that track sung by London Voices. Ben is a conductor, composer, arranger, singer and producer. Former member of the Swingle Singers (his daughter now sings with the ensemble) and collaborator with hundreds of choral and "light music" projects, Ben is a world-renown musician who continues to make music for a variety of different age groups and experiences in a variety of different styles. In addition to his work with London Voices, Ben is the Assistant Director of Music and Bye-Fellow of King's College, Cambridge, and the Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain. He has made well over 100 CD recordings and his compositions and arrangements are published by Oxford University Press, Peters Edition and Faber Music. His latest album: The Hours just released and is available to listen here. #MorePeopleSinging Choir Baton Host: Beth Philemon | Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie Hemedinger For more information on Choir Baton please visit choirbaton.com and to follow us on Instagram @choirbaton @bethphilemon Music by: Scott Holmes To join the Choir Baton Teaching Membership or for more information, go here. To receive the weekly Choir Baton Weekly Letter, sign-up here. 

I'm excited to bring today's Choir Baton episode to you, because it is an example of how someone is innovating in music education, even before the pandemic hit. I was connected with Dr. Sara Gulish through Instagram, and you're about to listen to an Instagram Live we recorded about a month ago.Sarah’s story is an amazing example of how someone found a problem and is delivering a solution. Maybe innovation for you is not creating your own e-publishing commerce site for music education materials, but I guarantee you’ll be inspired by her story.I challenge you to think of how you might use this time to find your own creative space in the world whether it’s trying something new as a teacher, starting a new business, or anything in between.I also hope you’ll check out https://fflat-books.com online and follow them on Instagram @fflatbooks“Dr. Sarah Gulish is one half of the sibling duo behind F-flat books. Combining skills as a published author and multi-tasking mom, she is the mastermind behind the company. Her experience includes over a decade of public school teaching, work as a researcher/published author, recording and touring rock musician. She is passionate about music teaching and learning and finding ways to challenge norms in music education to create more equitable and inclusive spaces. When she’s not working on F-flat, you can find her jamming with her drummer husband, or chasing three kids around and convincing them that ‘mom’s music is cool.’” from fflat.com#MorePeopleSinging #EvenOnlineChoir Baton Host: Beth Philemon |Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie HemedingerChoir Baton Music: Scott HolmesFor more information on Choir Baton please visit choirbaton.com and to follow us on Instagram @choirbaton @bethphilemon

How many times of you struggled to find the exact piece of repertoire for a concert? How many times have you thought you found the perfect piece only to discover the tessitura that sits in all the wrong places? Or there's a four-part TB divisi in a random 2 pages of the piece. Or all of the many other pervading themes that are a part of the struggle for finding repertoire to meet your ensemble's needs. This week's guest on the Choir Baton Podcast is Victoria Boler. Victoria walks us through how and why we can and should be arranging in the choral classroom. This episode also has my vulnerability level on 100% because I'm singing and improvising on the spot with her. Here's why you should listen to this episode even RIGHT NOW, as we don't know what choir will look like for the next couple months. With the exception of composer Dale Trumbore and her amazing forward thinking - there is not a composition out there yet for a choir amidst these times. NOW is the time to begin to dust off your composing and arranging skills and try your hand at making music that works for your choirs.  --------- Victoria Boler is a leading elementary general music educator and curriculum designer. In addition to general music, Victoria has taught orchestra, choir, and percussion ensembles. In an administrative role, Victoria has served as Fine Arts Coordinator, leading band, orchestra, choir, general music, and musical theater at the programmatic level. Victoria’s primary instruments are voice and percussion, and she has earned undergraduate degrees in both instrumental and vocal music education. With Orff certification in all 3 levels, Victoria is currently completing her Masters of Music in Music Education and her Kodaly training. She publishes general music curriculum and instructional materials at victoriaboler.com, where she serves thousands of educators in their journey to create a grounded and artistic music curriculum for their unique teaching scenarios. Victoria's lesson planning subscription, The Planning Binder, empowers teachers to know exactly what to teach, when to teach it, and what strategies to use. Inside the Planning Binder, you’ll find long-range plans like scope and sequences, as well as specific teaching activities in concept plans. Each month you’ll see new documents to jump-start your planning, as well as steps to apply the plan to your classroom. You can learn more on her website. @victoriaboler #MorePeopleSinging #EvenOnline Choir Baton Host: Beth Philemon | Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie Hemedinger For more information on Choir Baton please visit choirbaton.com and to follow us on Instagram @choirbaton @bethphilemon

In an unprecedented era of technology use in choral music, I was curious: how has technology influenced the history of choral music? I knew insight could be found from none other than the god of choral repertoire himself, Dr. Dennis Shrock. As a graduate student in choral conducting his Choral Repertoire book served as our bible for three semesters of choral literature. I poured over the many pages of his scholarship looking for insight into what the best choice would be when I was trying to determine what music to select for my graduate lecture recital. Admittedly, this was the most intimidated I have ever been for an interview. I am the farthest thing from a choral literature savant. And yet, I had to know what this man thought on this subject. I am delighted to share this interview with you. We not only talk about technology in choral music and how it's benefitted his research and writing, we gain valuable insight into his process. You'll be moved by his story. You'll be reminded of the power and influence a teacher can have on the lives of their students. You'll be inspired to listen to new music and to try your hand at arranging. And you'll also have a greater sense of appreciation for writing literature. Thank you, Dr. Shrock for this wonderful interview. to listen to a playlist of Dr. Shrock's recommended repertoire, click here and subscribe to the Choir Baton YouTube channel.  #MorePeopleSinging Choir Baton Host: Beth Philemon | @bethphilemon Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie Hemedinger For more information on Choir Baton please visit choirbaton.com and follow us on Instagram @choirbaton    Dennis Shrock is author of three books published by Oxford University Press: Choral Repertoire (2009); Choral Scores (2015); and Choral Monuments (2017). He is also author of five books published by GIA: Performing Renaissance Music (2018); Performance Practices in the Baroque Era (2013); Handel’s Messiah, A Performance Practice Handbook (2013); Performance Practices in the Classical Era (2011); and Music for Beginning Conductors­, An Anthology for Choral Conducting Classes (2011). In addition, he is co-author with James Moyer of A Conductor’s Guide to Choral/Orchestral Repertoire, and he is editor of early-music editions for the GIA Historical Music Series. Dr. Shrock has held faculty positions at Boston University, Westminster Choir College, the University of Oklahoma, and Texas Christian University, and has had residencies at the University of Delaware, Baylor University, the University of Southern California, the University of Mississippi, and Yale University. He has also served as Artistic Director of the Santa Fe Desert Chorale and Canterbury Choral Society of Oklahoma City, Interim Conductor of the Dallas Symphony Chorus, and Editor of The Choral Journal. In addition, he has been a frequent All-State conductor and lecturer at various universities and conferences of the American Choral Directors Association. He has received a number of awards and recognitions for his work. The City of Santa Fe declared December 22, 2003 “Dennis Shrock Day,” Westminster Choir College granted him an “Alumni Merit Award,” the state of Oklahoma conferred on him a citation for “Contributions of Excellence,” and the University of Oklahoma granted him two “Distinguished Lectureships” and named him a “Presidential Professor.” Dr. Shrock received a bachelor’s degree in music education from Westminster Choir College a

While you can't give your singers in the Spring of 2020 a final end of the year or semester concert as a culminating experience of the work they've done, I do believe you can provide a unique opportunity to reflect, showcase, and remember their year. Digital Portfolios, my friends. Yes, digital portfolios. Before you dismiss this idea - stay with me. A portfolio is a product that ultimately shows either your best work or how your work has progressed over time. This podcast is an example of a form of a digital portfolio. Listen to the progression of episodes and you'll (hopefully) see how I've grown as an interviewer.  This episode is a mix of a 2020 "there are four reasons why you should be exploring digital portfolios now" clip and a 2017 presentation I gave at the North Carolina Music Educators Conference on the same topic. I'll breakdown how, why, and what - and give you examples of what your students can put in them. Similarly, the April Mini-Course in the Teaching Membership also provides a further in-depth guide to implementing them. I firmly believe now is the time to begin experimenting who digital portfolio implementation. This is your dress rehearsal opportunity.  Here's the thing, why not use the digital content singers are creating during virtual learning and starting to organize it on a site that they can reference a year from now and show how they've grown? A digital portfolio isn't the current solution to online learning in the classroom, it is the long-term solution to assessing student growth and achievement, regardless of whether we're teaching in schools or online.  And note, I know not every school has digital portfolio capabilities. I address ideas you can take to doing a hard-copy of a portfolio, too.  #MorePeopleSinging #EvenOnline  Choir Baton Host: Beth Philemon | Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie Hemedinger For more information on Choir Baton please visit choirbaton.com and to follow us on Instagram @choirbaton @bethphilemon  

I remember sitting on my bed one day and crying (sobbing) to my best teaching friend, Valerie, that I had made the wrong decision to go to graduate school. That I couldn't do it. I was not good enough and was crazy for thinking I could. Simply put, my first year of graduate school for my masters in music was not easy. But my second year felt like a breeze in comparison. There were many reasons for that, one being this. The one factor that was my constant during those 2 years and provided me a source of mentorship, friendship, and sarcasm was Dr. Ryan Holder. I was a graduate assistant for Dr. Holder (or as oft affectionally referred to as "Holder") and learned not just music from this man, but how to be a better person. In this episode, you'll hear a rare side to the professor who likes to be known for the fear he invokes in his women's chorale. We talk about vulnerability and depression. We talk about vocal jazz and women's choir music. We talk about his latest collaboration with the Sedona Academy of Chamber Singers that is already gaining talk of a Grammy nod. You'll hear how his passion for teaching students and helping them learn is why he was such an important part of my journey as a musician and why he continues to impact so many other students past and present. Choir Baton Host: Beth Philemon | Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie Hemedinger Choir Baton Host: Beth Philemon @bethphilemon | www.bethphilemon.com Visit Choir Baton Online: @choirbaton | www.choirbaton.com Choir Baton Theme Song by Scott Holmes

My friend Andrew "Andy" Surrena began posting videos of him singing every day at 5pm from his soon-to-be inlaw's farmhouse in New York State amidst our nationwide quarantine. Andy's closing weekend as Romeo in Sarasota's Opera Romeo and Juliet had been cancelled and to encourage the singers to keep performing, the cast launched a 5'clock #SuddenlyOpera movement to encourage everyone to break into song wherever they were at that moment. (Read more here) I met Andy and his now fiance, Emily, during my first year in graduate school. Their friendship is something I hold dear to my heart and I asked Andy if he would sing for our Choir Baton community on Instagram Live. What I thought would be a fun opportunity for us to hear my talented friend turned into a conversation I will cherish forever. Amidst hearing Andy's singing voice, you'll hear him express how he is practicing as a solo singer these days - something every quarantined choir can relate to - and be encouraged by the optimism he and Emily share in response to the power of the arts within times likes these. Emily, a talented soprano in her own right decided to pursue a career in arts administration and is now the Associate Director of Vocal Arts at The Julliard School. There are so many amazing takeaways from three friends reuniting over an Instagram Live recording amidst the Coronavirus quarantine. Friends, family, and strangers joined us from around the world for this special recording and I'm excited to share it with you today. #morepeoplesinging    Choir Baton Host: Beth Philemon | Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie Hemedinger For more information on Choir Baton please visit choirbaton.com and to follow us on Instagram @choirbaton @bethphilemon   Emily Wells is the Associate Director of Vocal Arts at The Juilliard School. As Associate Director she oversees all non-opera production performance activities and projects, assists with season planning and casting, manages select contracting and budgeting, and works on admission/recruitment initiatives for all programs. Before moving to New York City in 2013 to start her job at Juilliard, she held positions at the Aspen Music Festival and the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra. Emily holds a bachelor's degree from Syracuse University and master's degree from Northern Arizona University. Outside of the arts, Emily loves to run marathons and is chasing a Boston Marathon qualifying time. Connect with Emily on LinkedIn