With One Accord

In this final episode of the season, we welcome GRAMMY®-nominated composer and conductor, Benedict Sheehan. Join arts and culture expert, St. John Flynn, as he chats with Sheehan about his recent nomination, and the exciting projects waiting around the corner.

Houston Chamber Choir speaks with Adams Jr. High choral directors, Jennifer Agbu and Tiffany Sau. Jennifer, a veteran teacher, started the program at Adams just before the pandemic. Despite circumstance, enrollment greatly expanded, leading to Tiffany's new position as a first year teacher. Together, the two are commanding a flourishing choral program, and have built a phenomenal partnership as colleagues and co-directors. Join us as we discuss how to develop a healthy co-director relationship, the mentor-colleague dynamic, and how teachers and students alike thrive with the right mindset and environment.

In this latest episode of Behind the Music, we welcome conductor, singer, educator and composer Jason Thoms. Join arts and culture expert, St. John Flynn, as he chats with Thoms and shares his personal journey including his early introduction to music, his unique basso profondo skills and unique perspective on choral education.

Houston Chamber Choir speaks with educator Peyton Moseley. Peyton is the Director of Choirs at Victory Lakes Middle School, and Assistant Choral Director at Clear Springs High School, both in Clear Creek ISD. Peyton received his Bachelors of Music Education from University of Houston, and began his first year as a middle school and high school choral teacher this past Fall. Despite challenges from the pandemic, his middle school choirs received top marks at University Interscholastic League (UIL), an annual assessment that grades the sight-reading and performance skills of choirs in Texas. Join as we discuss what it was like beginning as a teacher during the pandemic, and how Peyton learned to inspire his students.

In this latest episode of Behind the Music, we welcome renowned choral conductor Maria Guinand. Join arts and culture expert, St. John Flynn, as he chats with Guinand and shares practical tips for North American Choirs in teaching and performing Latin and South American choral music, and her experiences in the multiple roles she has held in her renowned career.

Houston Chamber Choir speaks with educator Heather Orr. Heather is currently the Head Director of Choral Activities at Montgomery High School in Montgomery ISD. Heather holds a Master of Arts in Vocal Pedagogy from The Ohio State University and a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance from Heidelberg University. Choirs under Heather Orr's direction have performed at the Texas Music Educators Association Convention (TMEA) in 2018, 2010, and 2005. In addition, they have performed at the National ACDA Conferences in 2021 (Dallas, TX/virtual) and in 2011 (Chicago, IL), as well as the SWACDA Divisional Conference (Oklahoma City, OK) in 2018.

In this latest episode of Behind the Music, we welcome pianist, writer, director and producer Sarah Rothenberg. Join arts and culture expert, St. John Flynn, as he chats with Rothenberg about her early introduction to piano, her creative process, her experience as Artistic Director at DACAMERA and much more.

Houston Chamber Choir speaks with our very own Choral Conducting Intern, Matthew Lyon Hazzard. This past December, Matthew conducted the Houston Chamber Choir on his piece, “The Lamb.” Matthew talks about the performance, the experience of being an intern for a professional choir, and about the exciting things Houston Chamber Choir is doing for students in the Houston community and beyond.

In this latest episode of Behind the Music, we're excited to welcome long-time Houston Chamber Choir collaborator and performing arts writer, Carl R. Cunningham. Join arts and culture expert, St. John Flynn, as Cunningham looks back on over 25 years as a critic and program annotator in Houston's performing arts scene.

In this latest episode of Behind the Music, we're excited to welcome leading organist Daryl Robinson! Winner of both First Prize and Audience Prize in the 2012 American Guild of Organists National Competition in Organ Performance, Daryl currently serves as Assistant Professor of Organ at the University of Houston and Cathedral Organist for Christ Church Cathedral (Episcopal). Join arts and culture expert St. John Flynn in this episode as Daryl talks about his friendship with the Houston Chamber Choir, his passion for the organ, and everything you need to know about this beautiful instrument!

Houston Chamber Choir speaks with Pearland High School Choir Director, Michael Kessler. Michael received his B.M. in Music Education at the University of Houston in 2011, and has been teaching ever since. Choirs under Michael consistently receive superior ratings at UIL Concert and Sightreading as well as other state and national music festivals. Just recently, he had 22 students move on to the third round of Texas All-State Choir auditions!

We welcome J. Todd Frazier, composer and Director at Houston Methodist Center for Performing Arts Medicine, on our first episode of Behind the Music. Todd is a long-time friend of the Houston Chamber Choir, and we have had the honor to perform some of his works. Most recently, we premiered his new work "Hymn for Strength," with words by Houston Poet Laureate Outspoken Bean, at the "To Bring Comfort" concert on November 6, 2021. Join arts and culture expert St. John Flynn as we take a glimpse into Todd's early interest in music, his friendship with the Houston Chamber Choir, and his passion to help his community through music and arts.

Our first season of With One Accord wraps up with today's Education Spotlight featuring C. Paul Heins! Paul is the associate conductor of the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC and the founding director of their youth chorus, GenOUT, which is one of nine vocal ensembles for LGBTQ+ and allied youth in the country. GenOUT has welcomed over 100 students from more than four dozen schools around the DC area since its founding in January 2015. Learn how the youth ensemble has continued to serve youth throughout the pandemic, offering weekly private lessons and rehearsals, virtual performances, engagement in social justice activism, and community-building opportunities.

“Earth Song” was performed by the Houston Chamber Choir at the 2018-2019 season's “This Is Why I Sing.” This performance was featured on the first episode of With One Accord on Tuesday, March 17, 2020.

Get ready for our latest episode of Behind the Music with Houston Chamber Choir accompanist, Dr. Andreea Muţ! Andreea has been our piano master since 2015, and she played a significant role in our upcoming album Circlesong. Join arts and culture expert St. John Flynn on Andreea's musical world. Take a glimpse into her childhood in Romania, her remarkable academic journey in the states, and some of her favorite moments with Houston performers as a collaborative musician. After the show, enjoy Andreea's curated playlist!

Music Mondays featuring the Treble Choir of Houston and Founder and Artistic Director Marianna Parnas-Simpson. "Circles of Motion," composed by Bob Chilcott and text by Joy Harjo, performed by the Treble Choir of Houston with accompanist Andreea Muţ. This was performed and recorded at South Main Baptist Church in March 2019 and will be included in the Houston Chamber Choir's upcoming album Circlesong.

In this episode arts and culture expert St. John Flynn speaks to alto and educator Clipper Hamrick! Hamrick has been singing with the Houston Chamber Choir since 2016 and is also a passionate middle school choir teacher in Conroe ISD.

Music Mondays featuring Chanticleer and Countertenor & Assistant Music Director Gerrod Pagenkopf. "Trade Winds," composed by Zhou Tian (b. 1981), was performed by Chanticleer with soloists tenor Matthew Mazzola and countertenor Adam Ward. This was recorded live in concert at Mission Santa Clara, September 18, 2019, during the "Trade Winds" concert.

In this episode arts and culture expert St. John Flynn speaks to composer Mark Buller! Buller has collaborated with the Houston Chamber Choir on several occasions, including our most recent commission "The Passion of St. Cecilia".

Music Mondays featuring the Young People's Chorus of NYC and Founder and Artistic Director Francisco J. Núñez. "So Much On My Soul," composed by Ellen Reid and text by Adedayo, Ana, Brandon, Marcus, Ronan and Skye of the Young People's Chorus of New York City, was performed by the Young People's Chorus of New York City at National Sawdust on September 27, 2020.

Houston Chamber Choir speaks with conductor, singer and composer Dr. Zanaida Stewart Robles! Dr. Robles is a monumental community leader and advocate for diversity and inclusivity and shines with her ability to educate, motivate and inspire through choral music. Her vocal talents and passion for choral music performance and education have greatly benefited her Southern California community, as well as national and international audiences and students.

Music Mondays featuring the National Lutheran Choir and Artistic Director David Cherwien. "Hold On!", text comes from a Negro Spiritual and arranged by Marques L.A. Garrett, was performed by the National Lutheran Choir and featured in their 2020 Virtual All Saints Program – “In Memoriam: We Remember.”

In this episode arts and culture expert St. John Flynn speaks with composer, pianist, producer and educator Paul English! Get to know Paul as he shares his favorite memories during the Houston Chamber Choir concerts, his musical childhood, and his expansive career.

Music Mondays featuring the Boston Children's Chorus and representing the choir Director of Artistic Programming Robbie Jacobs. "Harriet Tubman," composed by Walter Robinson and arranged by Kathleen McGuire, was performed by the Boston Children's Chorus at their 2019 Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute Concert "She Persisted" at Boston Symphony Hall, and was conducted by Dr. Lynnel Joy Jenkins with Pieter Struyk on percussion.

In this episode arts and culture expert St. John Flynn speaks with countertenor Michael Skarke! Michael is one of the newest members of the Houston Chamber Choir, embarking on our journey with his unique voice since December of last year.

Music Mondays featuring The Crossing and Artistic Director and Conductor Donald Nally. "At Piece," the last movement from "A Native Hill" (music by Gavin Bryars and words by Wendell Berry) was composed as a gift for The Crossing, dedicated to Cassia Bryars-Rockey, and in memoriam Julian Rockey. It was recorded on October 8-11, 2019 at St. Peter's Church in the Great Valley, Malvern, PA and included in A Native Hill by Navona Records.

In this episode arts and culture expert St. John Flynn speaks to Tenor and Board Member Jack Byrom! Byrom has performed with the Houston Chamber Choir since 2014. Jack is a double performer: in the tenor section during the weekends and as a full time lawyer during the week!

Music Mondays featuring Cantus and Tenor Paul Scholtz. “Stars,” composed by Ēriks Ešenvalds, was recorded by Cantus on March 17, 2020 and is included in their album The COVID-19 Sessions.

Music Mondays featuring the Children's Chorus of Greater Dallas and Artistic Director Cynthia Nott. “Peace” (composed by Ruth Watson Henderson) and "Patapan" (arr. Roger Stratton, translation by Janine Cortell) were performed by the Children's Chorus of Greater Dallas and Mary Anna Salo, piano on December 1, 2019 at the Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas.

Houston Chamber Choir speaks with musician and educator Sonja Bruzauskas. Sonja is the Founder and Director of the pARTnerschools, an arts education non-profit dedicated to bringing the joy of music and art to all children, especially in our underserved communities. She also has a rich history with Houston Chamber Choir, formerly serving as a board member, choir member and instructor for the Rise Up Singing! educational program.

Nostalgia World was performed virtually in "A Time to Give Thanks", the first concert of our 2020-2021 season To Everything A Season. Watch the full video performance on the Houston Chamber Choir Digital Stage. Ryan Stickney and L. Wayne Ashley, scat soloists; Jesús Pacheco, percussion; Thomas Helton, bass.

In this episode, we're celebrating With One Accord's one-year anniversary! Learn more about the podcast straight from the creators: how we came up with the idea, the ins and outs of post-production, and how we've raised the podcast to where it is today! Don't forget to stay until the end of this episode and enjoy some of our favorite clips from behind-the-scenes!

“Gloria” was performed by the Houston Chamber Choir at the 2016-2017 season's “Mass in B Minor.” Concertists: Kelli Lawless, Lauren Pastorek, Matthew Mazzola and Rameen Chaharbaghi Gloria (From Mass in B Minor, BWV 232) J.S. Bach (1685-1750) [Sung in Latin] [English translation:] Glory to God in the highest. And on earth peace to people of good will.

In this episode arts and culture expert St. John Flynn speaks to classical guitarist Marc Garvin! Marc has performed with the Houston Chamber on a number of occasions, and we're glad to welcome him back at our upcoming concert, A Time to Journey Inward, which will debut on Sunday, March 21st on our Digital Stage.

Music Mondays featuring Volti and Founder & Artistic Director Robert Geary. “Cæli enarrant,” composed by Robin Estrada, was performed by Volti with soloists Celeste Winant, Philip Saunders, Nica Claire Dennis, and Andrea Mich at their premiere on March 23, 2017.

In this episode arts and culture expert St. John Flynn speaks to soprano and educator Rebecca Castillo! Rebecca joined the soprano section of the Houston Chamber Choir in 2018 and has ever since enriched our performances. She is also very dedicated to teaching, lifting young voices at her work every day!

Music Mondays featuring the Anima - Glen Ellyn Children's Chorus and Former Artistic Director Emily Ellsworth. “Stars Do Tell,” composed by Imant Raminsh and text by Okanagan First Nation poet Ben Abel, was performed by Anima - Glen Ellyn Children's Chorus and accompanied by William Buhrat on July 2012 at Glinka Cappella at St. Petersburg, Russia.

In this episode, we speak with musician, educator and motivational speaker Greg Fernandes. Greg is an Assistant Conductor for the Boston Children's Chorus and the Founder of the music and mentorship non-profit, The Rose Conservatory. Greg is a passionate and dedicated leader in his community, who strives to help children of all backgrounds harness their potential and creativity positively through the power of music and shared experience.

Music Mondays featuring the Elmer Iseler Singers and Artistic Director Lydia Adams. "Ave Verum" composed by Peter Togni was performed by Elmer Iseler Singers at the Église du Gesu in Montreal on April 27th, 2019.

Music Mondays featuring Cappella SF and Artistic Director Ragnar Bohlin. "V. The Book of Matthew" from Sirens by Mason Bates was performed by Cappella SF in March 2018.

In the latest episode, we welcome Rameen Chaharbaghi, who has sung bass in the Houston Chamber Choir since 2016! Rameen is also a passionate music educator, having inspired young generations to enjoy music. Watch or listen to the episode and find out Rameen's favorites with his curated Spotify playlist!

“Give Me Strength” was performed by the Houston Chamber Choir and the Treble Choir of Houston at the 2019-2020 season's “Circlesong” and will be featured in their upcoming album to be released by Signum Classics. Give Me Strength Bob Chilcott (b. 1955) Give me strength to the walk the soft earth. Give me the eyes to see and the strength to understand that I might be like you With your power only can I face the winds, All over the earth we are all alike. Look upon these faces of children without number and with children in their arms. With your power only can they face the winds and walk the good road to the day of quiet. Give me strength.

For this very special 100th episode, we're inviting one of the Houston Chamber Choir's dear long friends, Dr. Carey Cannon! Carey is Minister of Music at South Main Baptist Church, and he has assisted us tremendously in preparing concerts held in the church's venue, especially the Hear the Future Annual Invitational festival, which we traditionally perform there every season! Watch or listen to the episode and find out Dr. Cannon's big favorites with his curated Spotify playlist!

Music Mondays featuring Houston Boychoir and Artistic Director Carole Nelson. "Psalm 150, Op. 67," composed by Benjamin Britten and conducted by John Markert, was performed by Houston Boychoir during their spring concert on May 20, 2018.

Today we welcome University of West Georgia's Dr. Dawn Neely, Associate Professor of Voice and Director of Opera Workshop. Dr. Neely has taken an extremely inventive approach to vocal training, incorporating yoga and other meditative exercise for a fuller, more mindful music experience.

Music Mondays featuring the Dallas Chamber Choir and Artistic Director Jon L. Culpepper. "Flight Song," composed by Kim André Arnesen and text by Euan Tait, was performed by the Dallas Chamber Choir on August 2018 at the Moody Performance Hall Dallas Texas

This episode is a special feature where we welcome our very own Choral Conducting Intern Emily Jenkins and Manager of Operations April Harris! Jenkins and Harris are the amazing duo behind our next concert, A Time to Lift Up, a special tribute to music educators debuting on January 31st free of charge on our Digital Stage. Watch or listen to the episode and get in the mood for our upcoming concert "A Time to Lift Up" with this Spotify playlist!

A Tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. featuring "Lift Every Voice" performed by Exigence and Artistic Director Eugene Rogers..

Alto, arranger and composer Ryan Stickney chats with arts and culture expert St. John Flynn about her love for music in childhood, her musical journey in college and with the Houston Chamber Choir, and her other talents offstage!! Ryan has been a member of the Houston Chamber Choir since 2011 and has arranged several performance pieces for our ensemble. Watch or listen to the episode and find out Grass' musical influences with his curated Spotify playlist!

Music Mondays featuring the Salt Lake Vocal Artists and Artistic Director Dr. Brady Allred. "Stars," composed by Ēriks Ešenvalds and text by Sara Teasdale, was commissioned for the Salt Lake Vocal Artists in 2011. "Stars" was premiered by the Salt Lake Vocal Artists at Libby Gardner Concert Hall, Salt Lake City, Utah, on July 26, 2011.

In this episode, we welcome our Choral Conducting Intern, Emily Jenkins! She is in her second season with the Houston Chamber Choir and just began her second year of doctoral studies at the University of Houston, studying with Dr. Betsy Cook Weber and Dr. Jeb Mueller. She has conducted several pieces for the Houston Chamber Choir and was the featured conductor for the 21st Annual Hear the Future Invitational Choral Festival in January 2020.