Choral Connectivity: A People-First Approach to Singing

Sometimes, you have students who impact you deeply. And sometimes...you ask them to be on your podcast.Why talk about students all the time, when you can just talk to them?In today's joyful and laughter-filled episode, I chat with my recently-graduated student George Potenza about his experiences in choir from 6th-12th grade, what was impactful, and what he has learned. There is so much that I learned from this conversation, and I know you'll learn a lot too!Be sure to check out the song that George proudced, FOOL by callista!

A "read and riff" episode, I read and riff on my latest Chorus Connection Blog Post, titled Valuing Learning Over Knowing.

Today's story-filled episode features Erik Jacobs, a middle-school-choir expert from northern Virginia. We talk about students and teachers and how to build individual relationships with each student to engage them and get buy in.We also chat about something we agree on wholeheartedly - the importance of inclusivity in the choral classroom and field. Don't miss this joy-filled, inspiring episode!

In today's episode, we speak with Adrian Dunn - a critically acclaimed singer, composer, and conductor - about his story, his compositions, and his truth. This conversation inspires all to think about the cultural context of the pieces we teach, and the importance of understanding the "why" of yourself, your singers, and your audience. You can check out Adrian's latest composition, Emancipation: Act 2 (Live), recorded by The Adrian Dunn Singers and Rize Orchestra wherever you listen to music!https://adriandunn.com/

Inspired by a quote from the book Untamed by Glennon Doyle, podcast host Kirsten Oberoi chats today about creativity and imagination in the classroom, in the choral field, and in life. In what ways have you busted open the glass ceilings? How have you imposed yourself - your ideas and thoughts and dreams - onto the world, leaving it changed forever by who you are and what you bring forth from your depths?

Today's episode features an exploratory conversation with singing voice specialist and trauma-informed voice car facilitator Megan Durham. Through this episode, Megan and I talk and philosophize together, as well as explore language, choices, intentions, and more. Megan and I come from two different perspectives - one-on-one voice perspectives and large ensemble perspectives. Whether you teach voice in a individual or group setting, this information is so valuable! I learned more about myself in this conversation than I expected to. You may learn about yourself as well!In the episode, Megan recommends the book Stalking Wild Psoas by Liz Koch. Check it out!Learn more about Megan on her website.Be sure to join our community on Facebook and Instagram, and if you are inspired by the content, please support using Buy Me A Coffee! Check back every Thursday for a new inspiring episode. 

Today's episode is the continuation of last week's episode with the inspiring members of October Project, who discuss their "Book of Rounds" and more!Through the end of our conversation, we discuss Julie's intent for her lyrics in the world, as well as how the three work together in collaboration through music. Check out the remainder of this episode on your way home from ACDA this weekend!

Today's epsiode is the first of two parts with the inspiring members of October Project, who discuss their "Book of Rounds" and have inspiring conversation regarding performance, connection, and more.Composer Emil Adler, writer Julie Flanders and vocalist Marina Belica of October Project are award-winning, genre-defying recording artists and producers who collaborate in the creation of musical recordings and events.Powered by Flanders' words, Adler's music, and the group's trademark harmonies, their earlier work with SONY/Epic and subsequent recordings have been enjoyed by millions. Bridging the worlds of pop, classical, a cappella and choral, they continue to innovate the landscape of Independent Music.See how their work can be used in the newly published Oxford Press “Choral Artistry: A Kodály Perspective for Middle School to College-Level Choirs, Volume 1.”

Why is music education research important? How is it connected to practice? What are the big questions being explored?Today's conversation with Dr. Kelly Bylica revolves around music education research and advocacy. We discuss Brené Brown's definitions of "fitting in" versus "belonging", and how perhaps Music Education Advocacy needs to step away from saying we are "just like" other academic subjects. Rather, let's answer the more challenging questions like value and why, and advocate for music education using what makes our classrooms unique and different (and necessary!)Be sure to join our community on Facebook and Instagram, and if you are inspired by the content, please support using Buy Me A Coffee! Check back every Thursday for a new inspiring episode. 

Today's passionate conversation is with Dr. Jace Saplan, Director of Choral Activities at Arizona State University and the Artistic Director of the Nā Wai Chamber Choir. Our conversation weaves together many important topics, including (but not limited to:)conductor mindset and living into your identities outside of choral musichonoring others and honoring yourself in choral musicReplacing the word "rebuilding" with "evolving"Music as an ancestor...and so much more! Tune in to be inspired today.Be sure to join our community on Facebook and Instagram, and if you are inspired by the content, please support using Buy Me A Coffee! Check back every Thursday for a new inspiring episode. 

People want to repeat intentionally impactful experiences.Today, I felt inspired coming off the South Shore Children's Chorus Winter Concert last Sunday. I take some time to discuss "relevance", especially when it comes to how singers and audience members are engaging in choral music. Additionally, I read & riff from my latest article on the Chorus Connection Blog titled, The Hard Truth About Recruitment. Enjoy! Here is a link to the article!

Arreon Harley-Emerson is the President and CEO of Equity Sings, serving organizations with consulting on matters of governance, fundraising, strategic planning, management, and creating cultures of diversity, equity and inclusion. He also serves as the ACDA Diversity Initiatives chair. Arreon's passion and joy is in every moment of this episode, as he gives some really helpful do's and don'ts, discusses the 6 Traits of Inclusive Musical Leadership and more. You won't want to miss this episode!Be sure to join our community on Facebook and Instagram, and if you are inspired by the content, please support using Buy Me A Coffee! Check back every Thursday for a new inspiring episode. 

This week's conversation is with Ruthie Millgard, the Artistic Director of San Diego Children's Choir. With her high school level singers, Ruthie makes time for improvisation and "circle songs" in rehearsal (and even, often, in performance!). Through these improvisation exercises, students are allowed to explore musical phrases and are given lots of space to be "wrong". Community is built in this non-judgemental space, and connects the ensemble in a unique way. At the end of the episode, we talk about Ruthie's passion project, Music & Memory, and how her students are singing with, serving, and holding hands with people effected by dementia. Interested in more information about the San Diego Children's Choir Youth Festival in 2024? Find more info at this link.Be sure to join our community on Facebook and Instagram, and if you are inspired by the content, please support using Buy Me A Coffee! Check back every Thursday for a new inspiring episode. 

We continue with our conversation this week with Kayla Gautereaux who teaches voice lessons and vocal pedagogy at Boston Conservatory and Berklee College of Music. Hear from an expert at what YOU can do in your choral rehearsal to help create easier, repeatable, and sustainable vocal pedagogy habits for your individual singers.Be sure to join our community on Facebook and Instagram, and if you are inspired by the content, please support using Buy Me A Coffee! Check back every Thursday for a new inspiring episode. 

Happy new year! Enjoy hearing about 5 lessons I learned this year. Be sure to join our community on Facebook and Instagram, and if you are inspired by the content, please support using Buy Me A Coffee! Check back every Thursday for a new inspiring episode. 

If you love this content, and you want to give back, please consider a donation of any size to the South Shore Children's Chorus! Singing is a way to transmit love, and voice teacher and pedagog Kayla Gautereaux encourages her students at Berklee College of Music & Boston Conservatory to do that every lesson. In the first part of this two part episode, Kayla and I dive deep into private teaching philosophy that is student-centric and playful. Kayla offers incredible insight on student-driven lessons, teaching practically so the student can self-explore, intrinsic validation vs. extrinsic (teacher) validation, avoiding preference-based language... packed with thought-provoking conversations and questions, Kayla is bound to leave you deep in thought!Be sure to join our community on Facebook and Instagram, and if you are inspired by the content, please support using Buy Me A Coffee! Check back every Thursday for a new inspiring episode. 

Liana Salinas shares with us her inspiring story of growing up as a chorister with the Miami Children's Chorus, determining at a young age that she would become the Artistic Director one day, and living out her dream! In this episode, Liana shares incredible stories and her take on a people-first approach philosophy through her work with the choir and also through the creation of her company, My Music Match. Liana's imaginative and entrepreneurial spirit is evident in every second of this episode - listen on your favorite podcast app today!Additionally, in the episode, Liana mentions this amazing song. Check it out!Be sure to join our community on Facebook and Instagram, and if you are inspired by the content, please support using Buy Me A Coffee! Check back every Thursday for a new inspiring episode. 

With over 800k followers on TikTok, Myles Finn has become a relevant face in the choral field. His social media presence began with a fun musical show announcement for his theatre students, and has grown to include fun warm-ups and teaching techniques to inspire us all. In this episode, Myles encourages us to hold interpersonal relationships as a high priority, and to embrace our own personalities when teaching. Myles' joy and passion for teaching, coupled with his innate positivity, makes this episode so fun to listen to! Be sure to join our community on Facebook and Instagram, and if you are inspired by the content, please support using Buy Me A Coffee! Check back every Thursday for a new inspiring episode. 

Dr. Joe Svedsen from the University of Nevada Las Vegas shares with us his passion for music education philosophy. This episode is a philosophical deep dive into the differences between a people-centric and a music-centric teaching philosophy, how that impacts our singers, and what each style looks like in the classroom. Buckle up for this intensive episode that will require listeners to engage in self-reflection, ask "why", and engage thoughtfully in their own teaching philosophy.Be sure to join our community on Facebook and Instagram, and if you are inspired by the content, please support using Buy Me A Coffee! Check back every Thursday for a new inspiring episode. 

Our first international guest, Lynsey Callaghan tells us her story in this episode, and what led her to found the Dublin Youth Choir in 2017. Lynsey's passion for holistic music teaching is evident through the whole episode. She talks the very intentional ways she ensures that every single singer in DYC is seen and heard at every rehearsal, and the importance of doing so. This inspiring episode reminds us that it isn't just here, in America, that we are living out a people-first approach to music making. This endeavor is world-wide! Be sure to join our community on Facebook and Instagram, and if you are inspired by the content, please support using Buy Me A Coffee! Check back every Thursday for a new inspiring episode. 

In this week's episode, Reagan Paras (Director of Choral Activities at Anna Maria College) vulnerably shares his story and experiences with us. Reagan reminds us that we have a holistic responsibility to children that supersedes the academic responsibility. Music is pervasive, and at the core is the emotional connection and humanness that music teaches us. This episode is a strong reminder of the importance of keeping a people-first philosophy at the core of your teaching. Be sure to join our community on Facebook and Instagram, and if you are inspired by the content, please support using Buy Me A Coffee! Check back every Thursday for a new inspiring episode. 

Jason Alexander Holmes, Artistic Director of the Cincinnati Boychoir, shares how culturally responsive teaching changed his experience and lead to his future in music education. His experiences with his middle school choir teacher embracing his value in the classroom has opened his eyes to see and recognize value in his own students, encouraging a strong culture of belonging for each member of the choir. Listen now to learn from this story, and a strong reminder of the importance of embracing the individual student for who they are. Be sure to join our community on Facebook and Instagram, and if you are inspired by the content, please support using Buy Me A Coffee! Check back every Thursday for a new inspiring episode. 

Composer, teacher, and choral entrepreneur Ryan Main shares his inspiring story with us today about how he came to the field of music. Ryan's story is unique, as he is now a force of nature in the world of choir, but he didn't sing in choir until his sophomore year of college. Ryan walked in to an audition for choir totally unprepared, but the choral director saw potential in Ryan, and gave him a chance anyway. Thanks to that chance, Ryan's impact on the world of choral music is great through his composed music and the organization he founded, the Youth Chorus of Kansas City. We should all learn from this story to never discourage and to remember the power of seeing potential in all people.Be sure to listen all the way through and definitely check out his music to perform with your groups or consider commissioning him for a piece. Additionally, here is the link to Ryan's list of recommended accessible choral repertoire for young voices.  Be sure to join our community on Facebook and Instagram, and if you are inspired by the content, please support using Buy Me A Coffee! Check back every Thursday for a new inspiring episode. 

Welcome back to Choral Connectivity, where we explore the meaningful ways that teaching singing can affect human nature, discuss teaching philosophies, and celebrate amazing stories of people who are doing incredible and meaningful work in the choral field. I have a full season of amazing guests and conversations, but first, let's dive into "why." In order to understand why I am so passionate about a people-first philosophy when it comes to teaching and singing, you have to know a little bit more about me and my story. This episode will give you some vulnerable context on where I'm at in life, why I do what I do, and why I'm rethinking how chorus can be done. Be sure to join our community on Facebook and Instagram, and if you are inspired by the content, please support using Buy Me A Coffee! Check back every Thursday for a new inspiring episode. 

"...creating spaces and styles of music making where whatever music lives inside people that wants to come out is encouraged; inspired to come out and to engage with other people. I think everyone has song inside them, creativity inside them, has beauty inside them. I think a people-first approach to singing makes everyone feel safe, wanted, and uplifted such that they can share that, then their community can uplift it and share it with the world."Matt Goldstein, the founder of Gaia Music Collective in New York City speaks beautifully to creating pressure-less and accessible spaces for folks to sing together. Through Tik-Tok, Gaia gained footing in the social media world, and now is expanding rapidly with their philosophy and programming. Matt is a kindred spirit with an open heart, aiming to make singing and music accessible to anyone who is interested in making sound. He believes that everyone has a song inside of them, and actively works to allow that song to be heard. Thank you, Matt, for all your work! Definitely check out this episode - you won't want to miss it!Head on over to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen and check it out!

Welcome back! After a bit of a hiatus due to a busy season, Choral Connectivity is BACK! Today's episode features Arreon Harley-Emerson and Brittney Stanton of the Choir School of Delaware as they speak about their organization and upcoming conference, Bent but Not Broken. I first met Arreon this past January at the ACDA Children's Choir retreat in Tuscon, and attended his four hour deep dive Accessibility, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion session. He is truly a master at being people-centric in his approach, and is an inspiration!Should you be interested in attending the Bent but Not Broken conference, visit this link to register! Use the code "choralconnectivity" at check out to save 15% before April 5th. I can not recommend enough making the time to attend this wonderful conference and supporting the wonderful mission. Do you have an idea for an episode? Reach out to me on Facebook (@choralconnectivitypodcast), through the contact form on the website (choralconnectivity.com) or through my email (podcastchoralconnectivity@gmail.com). I want to hear from you!

"Choirs have this wonderful way of being a nurturing place for the act of discovering what you didn't think you could do - all these new aspects of yourself through making sound/feeling that sound in your body."Composer and Artist Moira Smiley speaks eloquently in this episode about having an open mind beyond your own experience when it comes to being a musician. This heavily philosophical discussion centers on inclusivity, justice, and a people-first approach. Moira's thoughtful nature is clear through every moment of this episode, especially as she discusses her creative process as a composer.Additionally, we discuss her piece Rise to it Now, which my organization the South Shore Children's Chorus virtually performed in collaboration with Moira Smiley, Elevate Vocal Band, the Youth Chorus of Kansas City, Capriccio Youth Choir, Lynch Dance Institute, and the Temecula Prep Choirs. I highly encourage you to check out the virtual performance, as the student dancers really bring this work to an inspirational level with their artistry.After recording this, I find myself reflecting on ways that I can open my ears, eyes, and mind to truly be able to experience beauty everywhere I go - outside of what I have previously experienced or understood.  Reach out to me and let me know your thoughts about the philosophies presented in this episode episode on Instagram and Facebook (@choralconnectivitypodcast), through the contact form on the website (choralconnectivity.com) or through my email (podcastchoralconnectivity@gmail.com). I want to hear from you!

"How do we help people gather the tools necessary to navigate life in a better way?"Roger Emerson is a "choral household name," known for millions of copies sold of his choral compositions and arrangements. What you may not know? Roger Emerson is filled with joy, and his first goal is to help spread that joy to students and conductors. In this episode, Roger reminds us that performance can be absolutely perfect, and not make music. Making music is about the humanity - the soul, the spirit, and most of all the joy. If you're ready to smile for a straight hour, make sure you check out this inspiring 20th episode!What are your favorite teaching moments that "may not have been perfect, but were perfectly sincere?"  Reach out to me and let me know your thoughts about this inspiring episode on Instagram and Facebook (@choralconnectivitypodcast), through the contact form on the website (choralconnectivity.com) or through my email (podcastchoralconnectivity@gmail.com). I want to hear from you!

"Everyone should have the right to make music."Adán Fernandez is passionate about creating spaces in choral music that are people-centered and culture-centered. His work in the Catholic church with Coro Guadalupano (a Spanish-speaking choir) and his Simbayanan' Chorale (a Filipino choir) alongside his work with the National Children's Choir has led him to inspiring conclusions when it comes to a culture-centered experience. Being from an immigrant family, culture has always been an important part of Adán's upbringing and teaching philosophy. You will be inspired by Adán's willingness to consider the people of his choirs (or orchestras!) as the first priority. America is a diverse society, so it is important that as American choral conductors we explore the choral world outside of our own experiences, whatever that may be. Reach out to me and let me know your thoughts about this inspiring episode on Instagram and Facebook (@choralconnectivitypodcast), through the contact form on the website (choralconnectivity.com) or through my email (podcastchoralconnectivity@gmail.com). I want to hear from you!

"Face it, I think the days where you have someone on the podium - just directing and telling students what to do and we have a successful program - those days pretty much are over." Having an unconventional approach doesn't mean throwing everything we learned in school out the window! Rather, it means finding new, exciting, people-first ways to get them "there". This inspiring conversation centers around Odell Ziegler's latest blogpost on ChoralNet, and offers some strong suggestions on how to keep a people-first approach a priority. Odell is a music educator originally from Illinois, who has spent a significant amount of time studying urban environments, and how choral music can often connect very differently with students in those environments. What are some unconventional approaches you have tried that are working for you this year? How are you changing your approach to reach your singers, with their best interest in mind? Reach out to me and let me know your thoughts on Instagram and Facebook (@choralconnectivitypodcast), through the contact form on the website (choralconnectivity.com) or through my email (podcastchoralconnectivity@gmail.com). I want to hear from you!

How do you teach leadership? What does leadership mean in a choral setting? What is expected of choral leaders, and how can they best communicate with the conductor? What are the steps to becoming a great leader in your ensemble?Using John Maxwell's 5 Levels of Leadership, Dr. Keith Pedersen from Point Loma Nazarene University answers these questions. I spent my four years of undergrad singing in various choirs led by Dr. Pedersen, and to say he was an influence on me as a musician, educator, and person is an understatement. Dr. Pedersen's honest and down-to-earth approach to teaching leadership is evident in this episode, and it is an hour that any music educator will learn greatly from. As I reflect on this episode, I recognize how well Maxwell's levels of leadership fit within the context of a people-first approach. Level 2 (Permission) is based on relationship. "To grow at this level, leaders work on getting to know their people and connecting with them." (Maxwell.) This level comes before Level 3 (Production). "On this level, leaders who produce results build their influence and credibility."  Creating community, culture, and a people-first environment will build your choristers' trust in you and each other, which opens the gate to producing beautiful and high-quality musical results. Relationship and community come before anything else! How are you building on your Level 2 leadership, leading in to Level 3? Reach out to me and let me know your thoughts on Instagram and Facebook (@choralconnectivitypodcast), through the contact form on the website (choralconnectivity.com) or through my email (podcastchoralconnectivity@gmail.com). I want to hear from you!

"As you rebuild whatever arts program you may be involved with, I encourage you to remember that we are not back to "normal" - we are moving forward to something greater. To fully embrace this "greater," we may need to release a little bit of what has been to make space for what will be. We may need to challenge our traditions and set aside our comforts. However, those who've challenged conventions and forged ahead with unique ideas have started new eras and ignited a renaissance in the past."In this short mini-sode, I take just a few minutes to chat about this quote from my article in the Chorus Connection Blog; 5 Tips for Rebuilding Your Youth Choir Post-Pandemic. I feel passionately that we need to leave behind how it used to be, and embrace something new and different going forward. When we, as a choral community, decide that "normal" is gone, but "greater" is possible, we will reach new heights as artists and community builders.How are you embracing the "greater" and igniting the Renaissance? I would love to hear from you, and compile an episode as a resource to those who are ready to leave behind what has been to make space for what will be. Let me know your thoughts on Instagram and Facebook (@choralconnectivitypodcast), through the contact form on the website (choralconnectivity.com) or through my email (podcastchoralconnectivity@gmail.com). I want to hear from you!

"I want my singers to be happy; that's what it means to keep people-first!"This week, I spoke with Maria Ellis - Girl Conductor, entrepreneur, music educator, vocalist, and all-around wonderful human being. Maria is a popular clinician at choral workshops (and will be presenting at the ACDA Children's Choir Retreat in January!) and after listening to her passionate speaking for two seconds you'll understand why.  Through this episode, Maria and I converse about "remixing" music education, and diversifying instruction so that everyone can feel included. This sometimes requires setting aside the literacy competent to balance with aural skills, or really just feeling the music - a common style of learning in the Gospel tradition in which Maria's musical roots are planted. However, this also includes opening space for those who would like to learn foundational literacy skills later in life. Regardless, Maria teaches it, and does so without any judgement of her students. Additionally, Maria encourages everyone to not "other" any types or genres of music - especially music that has roots in America! Her perspective is a refreshing look at diversity, equity, and inclusion, and left me laughing, smiling, and inspired. How are you remixing music education?  How are you diversifying instruction to be sure that the melting pot of America is being reflected in your classroom? As Maria says, we can't wait for the textbooks to do it for us. Let us know your thoughts on Instagram and Facebook (@choralconnectivitypodcast), through the contact form on the website (choralconnectivity.com) or through my email (podcastchoralconnectivity@gmail.com). I want to hear from you!

"If we broaden our perspective, we realize it doesn't really matter if a chord is out of tune or someone needs to miss a rehearsal to visit the doctor." Dr. Jaclyn Normandie is the author of the book The Mindful Musician: Finding a Healthy Balance. As I am reading this book, I am inspired by her philosophies and her strong approach to challenging the traditions of our field. I was thrilled when Jaclyn agreed to speak with me and share her philosophies on a people-first approach, which begins with having a people-first approach with ourselves. Jaclyn is well-studied in world religions, yoga practice, mindfulness, meditation, as well as the field of choral music. Through this episode, we challenge teachers and conductors to release many of the traditional cult-like attitudes musicians have, and begin finding our self-worth more intrinsically, and finding ways outside of the classroom to "fill your cup." How do traditions surrounding the practice of ensemble music affect your self-worth as a musician, conductor, and teacher? How do you want to see it change? Join the conversation.Let us know your thoughts on Instagram and Facebook (@choralconnectivitypodcast), through the contact form on the website (choralconnectivity.com) or through my email (podcastchoralconnectivity@gmail.com). I want to hear from you!

"It's about working together in kindness and love and spreading peace and positivity in this troubled world we live in."This is just one of a million amazing quotes that came from this conversation with Tom Brand and Rebecca Rosenbaum of the Elm City Girls Choir & United Choir School located in New Haven, CT. These two conductors and visionaries mean it when they say people are more important than anything else. The mission of their organizations is musical excellence through the prerequisite of a kind, loving, trusting community. Without that community first, the musical excellence and leadership can not exist. Just through the energy of my chat with them, I can only imagine the incredible experiences that their students receive every rehearsal. Don't miss this passionate conversation! Were you inspired by any parts of it, and want to chime in?Let us know your thoughts on Instagram and Facebook (@choralconnectivitypodcast), through the contact form on the website (choralconnectivity.com) or through my email (podcastchoralconnectivity@gmail.com). I want to hear from you!

In this unique episode, I speak with Adam Reinwald and Sara Langworthy - Beer Choir Twin Cities owner and enthusiast. Beer Choir is a fun and communal way to get people singing together in a no-pressure, no-commitment, super welcoming environment. Adam and Sara talk about what Beer Choir events or like, and how they reach the goal to always make the environment comfortable for participants. There is truly nothing like Beer Choir here in America, and I believe events like this are breaking down how we think of communal singing. Towards the end of the episode, the conversation turns towards the traditions in our choral community, and how we need to combat them to be more inclusive in our approaches going forward. Some choirs do it more naturally (like Beer Choir), but how can we create a more people-first approach at the collegiate or professional level, where often the question is asked "How can your voice serve the purpose of this choral machine?" Even at these more "musically excellent" levels, there is space for personal connection rather than transactional music making. We also discuss steps choirs can begin take to reach more diverse populations, and the active awareness needed to see better representation across the board.Do you love the idea of Beer Choir? Do you want to see an event in your area, or are you interested in starting a chapter near your home? Were you inspired by any of the conversation, and want to chime in? Let us know your thoughts on Instagram and Facebook (@choralconnectivitypodcast), through the contact form on the website (choralconnectivity.com) or through my email (podcastchoralconnectivity@gmail.com). I can't wait to hear your thoughts!

In this episode, I speak with choral colleague Brad Dumont, who has choral experience at almost every level. In a single week, Brad works with a church choir, a community choir, a collegiate choir, and a children's choir. In all of the aspects of his work, Brad evaluates his choices to ensure a people-first approach in everything he does. As a result, Brad's choirs perform in unique ways, his singers explore non-traditional aspects of the choral realm, and the community surrounding him is accepting and inclusive. How does non-traditional programming fit in with the people-first approach in choral music? Let us know your thoughts on Instagram and Facebook (@choralconnectivitypodcast), through the contact form on the website (choralconnectivity.com) or through my email (podcastchoralconnectivity@gmail.com). I can't wait to hear your thoughts!

In Episode 10, I have a conversation with a longtime friend from college, Jonathan Seligman. Jon is in his seventh year of teaching at Casillas Elementary School in Chula Vista, CA in a music program he built at the school from scratch. Jon shares an incredible amount of wisdom and passion in this episode, including an inspiring and emotional story of how - together with his after school elementary chorus - he used song to help a community in trauma. This story is a strong reminder that music is powerful outside of "traditional" ensemble pedagogy, and how being in an ensemble and singing together can heal the soul. (Read more about this story after you listen in his article with the American Center for Elemental Music and Movement.)Additionally, Jon talks about ways to build a music program outside of building a "high quality, musically excellent" ensemble. Working alongside the Save the Music Foundation, Jon was able to bring the popular band Switchfoot into his newly built program to inspire the students, and give them a performance experience of a lifetime. This episode is jam-packed with inspiration, passion, laughter, and emotion. I would love to hear your comments and thoughts on my Facebook page, Instagram (@choralconnectivitypodcast), or drop me a line in the contact form on my website. Additionally, feel free to email me any ideas to podcastchoralconnectivity@gmail.com. 

This week, I speak with Mike Kregler, jazz pianist, choral composer, and choral accompanist. He provides the valuable insight on the choral community from an accompanist point of view, discussing some of the unique differences of vocal study (an instrument inside of you that was built) versus playing an instrument that is not a part of your body. Mike sees the importance of building community in your choir firsthand, and encourages everyone to "just remember to always be a human." Our conversation touches on the mission statement of this podcast, and it was truly a pleasure spending time with Mike! After listening, we hope to hear from you about your thoughts on community building in a choral setting. Share your thoughts and ideas here with us on our website or facebook page! www.choralconnectivity.com

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Krishan Oberoi, Director of Choral Activities at Providence College, Artistic Director of the Falmouth Chorale, Principal Guest Conductor and Founder of SACRA/PROFANA, and also...my husband! Krishan has a unique story that brought him to choral music, and has had a major philosophical shift over the past six years of conducting that has led him to believe in a people-first approach for singers at all levels: professional, community, collegiate, and beyond. In this episode, we recap his journey and discuss ways to focus less on your own gain and to focus more on the experiences of the people you are leading.How do you judge your own effectiveness with the people you are leading? When you examine your motivations, what do you find? Hop on over to www.choralconnectivity.com and use the contact form to answer these questions and more.

"You can write an amazing score or an amazing song, but it can sit in a drawer forever if there's no people to sing it." This episode is near and dear to my heart, as I interview two of my long-time students. This past summer at our South Shore Children's Chorus Summer Choral Intensive, these two singers came up with a saying about my direction: "so real, so true, so valid."  This was a mantra they would chant (and became our summer inside joke with the whole choir) every time I would stop and give a correction or praise in rehearsal. My students (unbeknownst to them) validated everything I had been trying to communicate: honesty. That small saying/joke that they giggled over impacted me as an educator, and told me I was on the right track in my relationship with my students.In this episode, my students and I explore the story behind this inside joke, and why having an open and honest director makes a difference. From a student perspective, they give insight to having a "safe space" in the classroom, and how directors can best create a bond of trust between their students. This episode is heartwarming for anyone who teaches, and I hope you really enjoy it! Let me know what you think at www.choralconnectivity.com. This episode is available anywhere you listen to podcasts: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and more!

This week's episode kicks off the SSCC Series, where I chat with the staff of the South Shore Children's Chorus (Quincy, MA) that I founded in 2016. Here, I speak with Liz Schorr - an expert in engaging in mindfulness in the classroom and creating equitable space using trama-informed approaches and responses with students. Inspired greatly by the Breathe for Change program, Liz is masterful when presenting mindfulness exercises to elementary students, middle school students, and even with the SSCC Staff at our professional development retreat this summer. You'll walk way from this episode with FREE strategies that you can use as soon as tomorrow in your classroom.Do you use mindfulness in your classroom? How does it improve the relationship between you and your students, or your students with eachother?  Head on over to www.choralconnectivity.com and use the contact form to reach out. I'd love to hear from you!

This week, I speak with choral colleague Dale Duncan, a middle school choral conductor in Atlanta and creator of the S-Cubed sight singing program. We dive into what creates a culture of acceptance in a classroom, as well as swap student stories that prove a people-first approach is inspiring and worthwhile. The episode may seem long, but you won't regret listening all the way through for some heartwarming and inspiring discussion!Did this episode remind you of a student who benefited from a people-first approach?  I would love to hear your story and feature it on the show! Head on over to www.choralconnectivity.com and use the contact form to tell me your story.

A basic description of our job as choral conductors or music teachers is to get a bunch of humans to make the specific noise at specific times to the best of their ability. There are standardized ways of getting these specific noises to happen, and also common terms that we use to describe the noises. As a conductor and teacher, I pay specific attention to the words I use when giving direction or feedback. More importantly, I am hyper aware about how the words I choose might make the singers feel emotionally or affect them psychologically. There are certain common terms that choral conductors use that I have deleted from my vocabulary and it has only served the group and individual singers well.Did this episode spark thought? I would love to hear what you think! Head on over to www.choralconnectivity.com and use the contact form to leave me some feedback.

On this episode I speak with Dr. Jamie Hillman, the Elmer Iseler Chair in Conducting at the University of Toronto. Dr. Hillman and I discuss his experiences and philosophies with people-first approaches to singing. His vast experience ranges from starting a choir with incarcerated men at a prison in Massachusetts, through adjudicating solo and choral festivals, and being a teacher of the next generation of conductors. This inspiring conversation looks to the future of choral conducting, and how we can aim to EMPOWER the singers above all.Have a thought, suggestion, or feedback? Drop me a line at www.choralconnectivity.com - I would love to hear your thoughts!

This week, I speak with friend, choral colleague, and music educator Justine Hansen, who poses the question: Do we need to commit to a large shift away from performance-based music education? Why is there so much research that Music Education is one of the best things we have to offer humankind, and yet public school education systems aren't "following the science?" Music advocacy has used research-based science regarding the importance of music education in child development for years, and yet the facts are so often not being considered in schools. What do we need to do differently to be heard? Is it time for a complete overhaul/renaissance with a community-based (not performance-based) focus, especially as we build up from what was lost through the pandemic?After listening, we hope to hear from you about your thoughts on our musings, as we prepare a Part 2 episode after hearing your creative ideas on a potential shift in the goals of music education. Share your thoughts and ideas here with us: www.choralconnectivity.com

Why do choral directors feel the need to audition their singers prior to them joining the ensemble? Community and children's choir singers are often too afraid of auditions to even show up, no matter how inviting you make it. In this first episode, we'll discuss how choral ensembles should reexamine closely their audition processes, and present a philosophy of inclusivity. The goal? Helping singers with mental health issues or performance anxiety participate in quality music-making, rather than excluding them with the fear of singing alone.