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In this episode of The Spine Pod, hosts Courtney Schutze and Brady Riesgraf sit down with Dr. Kevin Rutz, an orthopedic spine surgeon based in St. Louis who brings over two decades of experience in spine care, including nearly 2,000 disc replacement procedures. With this breadth of experience in motion preservation, Dr. Rutz shares his insights and knowledge on the best applications for when to use motion preserving surgeries for the best possible patient outcomes. Dr. Rutz isn't just a surgeon who treats spine conditions; he's experienced one himself. After he experienced pain and numbness radiating down his arm and into his hand, he decided on treatment and opted to undergo a cervical disc replacement for his own care. With this experience, he brings both surgical expertise and firsthand patient insight to his approach. That dual perspective has shaped his belief in motion preservation as a critical tool for helping patients maintain function and quality of life. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Rutz shares how his own recovery journey influenced the way he talks with patients, evaluates treatment plans, and helps people avoid unnecessary fusions when possible. He also dives into the practical realities of building and running a high-volume, patient-centered practice; the role of mentorship in shaping surgical philosophy; and how collaboration with industry partners continues to drive innovation in spine care. In this episode, you'll learn: How motion preservation became a cornerstone of Dr. Rutz's care philosophy, and when it should be considered over fusion. The differences in cervical disc replacement (ACDA) and cervical fusion (ACDF) and the right circumstances to choose each respective treatment. Why surgeon-industry collaboration is essential for developing new technologies and treatment pathways. The importance of training and mentorship for upcoming surgeons to learn how to safely and effectively provide the highest possible level of care. What technologies Dr. Rutz is most excited about in the rapidly evolving landscape of spine surgery. How Dr. Rutz's experience as a spine patient influenced his surgical approach and patient care. As a spine surgeon who began his career primarily in fusion techniques and later switched to become a motion-preserving provider, Dr. Rutz is able to share a unique perspective on how our spine care has evolved and improved over time. Whether you're a provider, industry professional, or patient seeking deeper understanding, this episode offers a thoughtful look at what it really means to prioritize motion in modern spine surgery. Learn more about Dr. Rutz and his practice Orthopedic Specialists: • Orthopedic Specialists: https://stlorthospecialists.com/ You can find The Spine Pod on all Podcast Streaming Platforms, including: • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSpinePod • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0DBzWfVt1ExQE0qTjhOERa?si=EEBPwQgRQSujyZsaXnJagA • Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-spine-pod/id1745442311 • Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/98fd41ad-75ee-4371-bb70-c5b274324a47/the-spine-pod?ref=dm_sh_kmfvSHB5iY109GDslhiJul22E • iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-spine-pod-174320414?cmp=ios_share&sc=ios_social_share&pr=false&autoplay=true Follow The Spine Pod on Facebook to learn more about the latest episodes and happenings in the world of motion preservation: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558880652712 The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.
"I start every morning at the junior high, and we co-teach together. It's great for alignment in the program, for familiarity with the students and getting to know them and hopefully continuing in choir. Our students see that we collaborate. I like that they can see that because it shows them how to go about relationships. People need be modeled how to treat each other and work together and talk to each other.” -Daniel Gutierrez"It was super rewarding to be so invested in those pieces, and that's something that our middle schoolers are getting with conference performances. They're getting a set of songs for an extended period of time. We try to get our students to really invest so it can have an impact on them and in turn have an impact on the audience. That journey is just something that the kids don't forget, and that's why I keep submitting for conferences." - Blake RichterDaniel Gutierrez, the head choir director at Nixa High School, is an acclaimed conductor, clinician, and speaker nationwide. He has earned several prestigious awards, including Teacher of the Year for Springfield Public Schools, a finalist for the state award, the Springfield Rotary Award for Community Service, and honors from the Springfield Business Journal's 40 Under 40. Daniel has received the Missouri Choral Directors Association Podium Award. His choirs are renowned, frequently winning at music festivals and performing at notable conferences, including regional and national ACDA events and the National Conference for MS/JH Choral Music.Blake Richter is a middle school choir director in his hometown of Nixa, Missouri. Blake directs over 250 seventh and eighth grade students in his various ensembles at Nixa Junior High. Blake's choirs have been selected to perform at the Missouri Music Educators Association Conference multiple times. In 2017, Blake was named one of Missouri's 32 Regional Teachers of the Year, in 2019, Blake was awarded the Prelude Award from the Missouri Choral Directors Association for demonstrating exemplary work as a young choral professional, and in 2020, Blake was named a Semifinalist for the GRAMMY Music Educator Award. In his spare time, Blake runs his Blake Richter Productions business which specializes in video production, audio engineering, photography, and music composition.To get in touch with the Choir Guys, you can find them on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. You can find Danny on Instagram and find Blake on X, TikTok, and Instagram (@drrichternixa).Email choirfampodcast@gmail.com to contact our hosts.Podcast music from Podcast.coPhoto in episode artwork by Trace Hudson
“I think during my formative years, shying away from my true self – my authentic self – that's definitely shaped how I approach being in front of choirs, using choir as a platform to really encourage kids to be themselves. I think there's a vulnerability to singing where it really is an avenue to accessing the truest parts of ourselves, and so that's kind of my life mission now that I get to be in front of choirs.”Chris Maunu is a conductor, educator, and composer dedicated to inspiring young singers and shaping the future of choral music. Based in Portland, Oregon, he serves as Artistic Director of the acclaimed Pacific Youth Choir, Affiliate Faculty at Portland State University, and Artistic Director of the professional ensemble Choro in Schola. Previously, he spent 17 years as the Director of Choral Activities at Arvada West High School in Colorado and 7 years as Co-Artistic Director of the professional Anima Chamber Ensemble. A four-time GRAMMY® Music Educator of the Year Finalist and two-time CMA® Foundation National Music Teacher of Excellence honoree, Chris is a passionate advocate for music education. Choirs under his direction have received national and international acclaim, performing at over a dozen major conferences, including National and Regional ACDA events. His ensembles have earned prestigious honors such as the American Prize in Choral Performance and the Gold Diploma at the Rimini International Choral Competition.In high demand as a guest conductor and clinician, Chris recently conducted the 2025 National 11-12 HS Honor Choir at the National ACDA Conference in Dallas, TX to great acclaim. As a composer, his award-winning works have been performed worldwide. He also serves as editor of the Pacific Youth Choir Choral Series with Pavane Publishing. An active member of NAfME and ACDA, Chris is the NWACDA Chair for Community Youth Choirs and frequently presents at both the regional and national levels. His writings appear in the Choral Journal, and he is a contributing author to A Choral Conductor's Companion.Chris holds a Master of Music degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a Bachelor of Music Education from Northern State University. Most importantly, Mr. Maunu shares his life with his beautiful wife Aleisha, and their children Bodhi and Astraea.To get in touch with Chris, you can find him on Facebook (@chris.maunu) or Instagram (@chrismaunu) or visit his website, chrismaunu.com.Email choirfampodcast@gmail.com to contact our hosts.Podcast music from Podcast.coPhoto in episode artwork by Trace Hudson
“Sometimes my students ask me if I worry about the future of choral music with advanced technology, AI, but I really am not concerned at all. The way that I see it, the act of making music with each other, the need to connect with each other – I don't see that going away anytime soon. To connect through honest, authentic communication that is not a digital platform – people want that. I'm excited for the future of choral music.”Dr. Michael Murphy is the director of choral activities and a professor in Stephen F. Austin State University's School of Music, where he teaches choral conducting, ensembles, repertoire and methods courses, and oversees the graduate conducting program.Before joining the School of Music faculty in 2017, Murphy was the director of choral activities and associate professor at the University of Idaho for nine years. During this time, he was founder and artistic director of the Idaho Bach Festival and was recognized with the UI Faculty Award for outstanding scholarship, teaching and engagement.He is an active clinician, adjudicator and author, and research interests include training and developing the holistic conductor, rehearsal techniques, new choral compositions and investing and creating impactful connections in our global community through music.Murphy's international conducting and teaching experiences include Austria, China, Czech Republic, Ecuador, England, Germany, Norway, Panama and Sweden. The Confucius Institute awarded Murphy with the "Understanding China Fellowship" and asked him to serve as visiting scholar at Sun Yat-sen University, South China University of Technology and Guangzhou University of Foreign Studies.Murphy is the coauthor and editor of "Conducting Primer in Practice," has been published several times in "Choral Journal" and contributed to volume four of "Teaching Music Through Performance in Choir."As a passionate champion of music for all, Murphy has experience teaching all ages and levels and several auditioned and non auditioned collegiate, community, school and church choirs. His choirs have been invited to perform for several state and regional American Choral Directors Association and The National Association for Music Education conferences. He also has held several international, national and state leadership positions in International Choral Conductors Federation, ACDA, NAfME, and National Collegiate Choral Organization.Murphy received his degrees in conducting and choral music education from Florida State University and East Carolina University.To get in touch with Michael, you can email him at murphymt2@sfasu.edu or find him on Facebook or Instagram.Email choirfampodcast@gmail.com to contact our hosts.Podcast music from Podcast.coPhoto in episode artwork by Trace Hudson
Dive into the world of choral music publishing with this episode featuring Jack Zaino from Alfred Music! Gain insights into Alfred's focus on serving public schools, teachers, students, and community choirs. Aspiring composers will discover essential advice on submitting music and building industry connections. Choral directors will find valuable tips for selecting the perfect repertoire. Explore the collaborative nature of music publishing and hear Jack's reflections on his mentor, Audrey Snyder. A must-listen for anyone involved in the choral music community.
Joining me live at the American Choral Director's Association National Conference in Dallas is Scott Harris, Stacey Nordmeyer, and Luke Talen for a wide ranging discussion about the state of the choral industry and how composers can find their place in it!
Recently selected President-Elect of the American Choral Directors Dr. Jessica Nápoles joins me to talk imposter syndrome, leadership and her ACDA passion. Balancing a passion for music with the demands of higher education isn't easy, but Jessica has found a way to do just that. In this episode, we explore her unique career path that … Continue reading "Episode 239: Shaping the Future Through Leadership with Jessica Nápoles"
Lieve luisteraars, allereerst de beste wensen voor 2025! Want die hadden we jullie al podcastend nog niet kunnen doen toekomen. Het is onze eerste podcast van het nieuwe jaar. En dat heeft alles te maken met de prachtige gebeurtenis in Huize Van der Zandt. Want daar werd medio januari Felix geboren. Hieperdepiep Hoera! Maar we zijn er weer. En hoe! Meteen met een bomvolle show. Martijn is dolgelukkig na zijn terugkomdag bij de bikefitters van Mago, Herman blikt terug op zijn avonturen op de stranden tussen Scheveningen en Alkmaar (spoiler: honden, zeehonden, lekke band en geen eten) en Martijn heeft een paar ritjes met een Nederlandse fietscomputer gereden: The One, hij deelt zijn ervaringen. Maar we hebben meer! Zo is er een nieuwe rubriek, jaja. We bellen vanaf nu elke aflevering met een oud-prof en vragen aan hem/haar hoe hij/zij het fietsen is gaan beleven ná de actieve carrière. We trappen af met vriend-van-de-show Maarten Ducrot. Maar heeft hij nou een glaasje te veel op, of lijkt dat maar zo? Het Gouden Ventiel reiken we in het korte bestaan van deze prijs voor het eerst postuum uit aan niemand minder dan Let de Stigter. Zij overleed op 14 december 2024. En wij zijn haar zeer dankbaar voor het prachtige fietspad dat naar haar vernoemd is. Segmenten van de Show Martijn kiest voor de Hoge Duvel vanaf boswachterswoning. Een brede baan zuigend gravel op het o zo mooie Kroondomein. Herman selecteert een Amsterdams stukkie: De Stad Uit. Een naam van een segment dat ook zomaar een nummer van Acda & De Munnik had kunnen zijn. ShownotesPrachtige koffiebar / wielercafé in Moraira, Spanje. Gerund door Ingrid Kimber: 53.eleven. 100waard, een prachtig boek van Bram van der Wal en Ferry Verheij over fietsen in de Alblasserwaard en gemeente Vijfheerenland. Gravelen doe je op 29 maart bij de vrienden van Let's Gravel; er zijn nog kaarten! Ooit gaan we de Torino - Nice Rally op de gravelbike rijden. We gaan naar het Colnago Cycling Festival Giro NelloWil je meefietsen met de Giro Nello? De wielertocht waar het niet alleen om fietsen draait, maar vooral ook om La Dolce Vita. Een dag leven en fietsen als een Italiaan in Soest en omstreken. Een kaart kopen doe je met de volgende waardeboncode: bumper25. Anders lukt het afrekenen niet. Ciao! Zelfbevlekkende linkjesVolg ons WhatsApp-kanaalVolg ons op InstagramVolg Martijn en Herman op StravaSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/tweewielers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
“People may live in a place that's very different from us, but they have the same hopes, dreams, fears, and struggles with everyday life that we all do at some level. All the parents want education for their kids. Everyone wants a home, wants good food to eat, loves a good laugh and a good joke, loves to play and be silly together. If you find that out as a young person, you are less likely to quickly judge in a negative way someone who is different from you.”Nationally recognized as a leader in the field of youth choral conductors, Emily Ellsworth enjoys an active schedule as guest conductor and clinician both nationally and abroad. She has conducted all-state choirs and festivals in over 30 states, honor choirs for the Northwest, North Central, Southwest and Western regions of the American Choral Directors Association, and the 2019 national children's honor choir for ACDA's 60th anniversary conference. International appearances include festival choirs in Ireland, England, Hong Kong, Grand Cayman Island, Greece, and presentations for the national association of choral directors in Brazil.Collegiate work most recently includes teaching Conducting III at Elmhurst University, conducting the Elmhurst University Concert Choir, joining the Luther College choral faculty as Visiting Assistant Professor of Music, and conducting the University Singers at Northwestern University. She served as Artistic Director of Anima (Ah-nee-mah)–Glen Ellyn Children's Chorus from 1996–2018. She conducted Anima on several national conferences for both ACDA and Chorus America, led concert tours to six continents, and produced nine CD recordings. Ms. Ellsworth has served as music panelist for the National Endowment for the Arts, and spent 20 years as a professional singer and voice teacher in various college and university settings.Her home base of Chicago has featured Ms. Ellsworth's preparation of dozens of youth and women's ensembles for major musical organizations, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Berlin Philharmonic, and Ravinia Festival, and many more.Ms. Ellsworth holds vocal performance degrees from Macalester College under Dr. Dale Warland and the University of Southern California, as well as the Artist Teacher Certificate from the Choral Music Experience Choral Teacher Training Institute. Her primary choral mentors are Drs. Dale Warland and Doreen Rao. More information can be found at emilyellsworth.net.To get in touch with Emily, you can find her on Facebook (@emily.ellsworth.50) or visit her website.Email choirfampodcast@gmail.com to contact our hosts.Podcast music from Podcast.coPhoto in episode artwork by Trace Hudson
Deze aflevering is Thomas Acda te gast bij Korneel en Remco. En wat een ongelooflijke eer is dat! Thomas maakte natuurlijk furore met zijn vriend en kompaan Paul de Munnik als het duo "Acda en de Munnik". Iedereen kent hun hits "Niet of nooit geweest" "Ren Lenny ren" en "Het regent zonnestralen". We bespreken hoe Thomas is begonnen met muziek maken, maar ook hoe hij tot zijn eigen verbazing één van de eerste leden werd van de Comedytrain. Natuurlijk hebben we het ook over All Stars en Dit was het Nieuws. Daarnaast heeft Thomas nog een hilarisch verhaal over het optreden van Acda en de Munnik op festival de Zwarte Cross. Kortom, het complete verhaal. En dat verteld door de man die het mooier kan vertellen dan wie dan ook. Een geweldige aflevering met, wat ons betreft, een levende legende.
“In science, they're not tied to an outcome. They're open to the possibilities of what is going to result from an experiment. How freeing is that – not to be tied to a specific outcome. I've really tried to adopt that in my own personal life, the idea of just growing, learning, and being open. So many things are out of my control, so I might as well just be ready to go for the ride. I guess what I would tell young people is just equip yourself, make the best informed decision you can, then be at peace with it.”Dr. Julie Yu, an award-winning choral conductor and music educator, leads the Wanda L. Bass School of Music at Oklahoma City University as Director of Choral Activities and Canterbury Voices as Artistic Director. In these roles, she conducts and guides the acclaimed 150-voice Canterbury Voices ensemble and shapes the artistic vision of OCU's four major choirs, including the Chamber Choir and Ad Astra women's chorus. She also teaches conducting and graduate choral curriculum courses.Dr. Yu's choirs have performed at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., and internationally in Austria, Czech Republic, France, and more. She was an ACDA International Conducting Exchange Fellow to Kenya in 2019 and has led All-State choruses across the United States.A sought-after presenter, conductor, and clinician, Dr. Yu has shared her expertise at state and regional conferences of the American Choral Directors Association, National Association for Music Education, and European Music Educators Association. She is a past president of the ACDA's Southwestern Region and has been featured at events such as the International Dublin Choral Festival and European Music Educators Association Conference.Dr. Yu holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Choral Conducting from the University of North Texas, a Master's degree in Choral Conducting from Oklahoma State University, and a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Central Oklahoma.To get in touch with Julie, you can find her on Instagram (@julieyuoppenheim) or Facebook (@julie.yuoppenheim).Email choirfampodcast@gmail.com to contact our hosts.Podcast music from Podcast.coPhoto in episode artwork by Trace Hudson
Myles van der Jagt over Rob Acda Awards by Haarlem105
Hocus Focus Mix met Chef'Special, Triggerfinger, SNAP!, Acda & De Munnik, HUGEL, Topic, Arash & Daecolm
jess pretty is on a quest for pleasure that transcends time and the spaces she claims to reside in. her practices include writing, teaching, cooking, singing, conjuring, and dancing. pretty received an MFA in Dance with a minor in Queer Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. she has shown her work at the Chocolate Factory Theater, La Mama Experimental Theater Club (2017 La Mama Moves Festival), New York Live Arts (as a 2016/17 Fresh Tracks artist), CATCH!, Gibney Dance Center, Brooklyn Studios for Dance, the CURRENT SESSIONS, panoply performing arts space, Green Street Studios, and three ACDA conferences. pretty has been an artist in residence at Kent State (2017), the Chocolate Factory Theatre, and the Center for Performance Research (2019-2020) and was a 2020 member of the Queer Art Fellowship. pretty has collaborated and been a part of the works of: Will Rawls, Claudia Rankine, Kevin Beasley, Okwui Okpokwasili, Peter Born, Catherine Gallasso, David Thomson, Katie Workum, Niall Jones, Jennifer Monson, Cynthia Oliver, Leslie Cuyjet and Dianne McIntyre. pretty is the current steward of AUNTS; a punk/DIY performance series that hosts events/festivals/shows to highlight the works of experimental dance makers in NYC and beyond. pretty currently lives in Minneapolis, MN where she is an Assistant Professor of Dance at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Jess's Website The Walker Art Center i'm curating this year's Choreorapher's Evening Reverence for Impulse Is an unscripted and unplanned podcast with me, Weena Pauly-Tarr and my brother Tim Pauly, both working in the worlds of somatics: exploring bodies and all they hold/do/feel. We start each guest encounter with a few minutes of meeting each other without words, through the language of our bodies, before we press record and bring it to a conversation. This is not a hard hitting agenda or getting to the bottom of things. It's about finding each other in the not-knowing. We're here for the spaciousness, the awkwardness, the silliness, the silence — from the dark insides of our bodies to the bright insights of our minds, we're excited to welcome people who's impulses we'd like to get to know. Intro Music by Annie Hart Weena's Website: weenapauly.com Weena's IG: @weenapaulytarr Tim's Website: intheserviceoflife.com Tim's IG: @in.the.service.of.life
"I have always been very intentional about my programming. My students sit in front of me, they're 18 to 22 years old, but I would have programmed for their 35-, 40-year-old self, for when the hard times come. What are we singing? What is this choir mama feeding them that eventually, when the hard times come, bubbles up in their spirit to help them get through the harder times?"Dr. Pearl Shangkuan is a highly sought-after conductor, lecturer and clinician who has led performances and workshops on six continents. She is the National President-elect of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), having previously served on the Board of Directors of Chorus America, as well as ACDA central division president and ACDA Michigan state president. She is the chorus director of the Grand Rapids Symphony, a Grammy-nominated professional orchestra and Professor Emerita of Music at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan.Appointed in 2022 as the Editor of Hinshaw Music, a major choral music publisher in North America, she also has a signature choral series with earthsongs and is the music editor of the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship Choral series published by GIA. She was an invited guest lecturer at the World Symposium for Choral Music held in Seoul, South Korea and her guest conducting engagements regularly take her to Europe, Asia, and across North America.Dr. Shangkuan has served on the jury of several international choral competitions in Europe and Asia. She has conducted numerous All State choirs and has headlined several ACDA state and other professional conferences. She has commissioned and premiered numerous choral works and her choirs have performed at ACDA national, division and state conferences.In 2023, the National Collegiate Choral Organization (NCCO) gave her its Honorary Life Member Award for “distinguished leadership and extraordinary service to the choral community, both nationally and internationally.”To get in touch with Pearl, you can find her on Facebook (@pearl.shangkuan) or email her at pshangkuan@hinshawmusic.com or pearl.shangkuan@calvin.edu.Email choirfampodcast@gmail.com to contact our hosts.Podcast music from Podcast.coPhoto in episode artwork by Trace Hudson
“Historically, in higher education and in music in general, it was a male-dominated podium expectation. When we step on the podium as women-identifying conductors, we're breaking that image. There's a long way to go, and WiCHEd is working on bringing a supportive community together, helping the next generation figure out how to navigate this complicated web.”Coreen Duffy is associate professor of conducting and director of choral activities at the University of Colorado Boulder where she conducts the CU Boulder Chamber Singers and oversees the choral program. Her duties at the College of Music include leading the graduate program in choral conducting at both the master's and doctoral levels.Duffy is also artistic director of the Seicento Baroque Ensemble, a Boulder-based semi-professional choral ensemble committed to working with period instruments and historically-informed performance practice. Prior to her appointment at CU Boulder, Duffy served on the faculties of the University of Montana and the University of Miami Frost School of Music. Under her direction, the University of Montana Chamber Chorale performed at the Marktoberdorf International Chamber Choir Competition, the 75th Anniversary Festival of Music at the Hochschule für Musik Saar, Cadogan Hall and Southwark Cathedral, Carnegie Hall, the Northwest Conference of the American Choral Directors Association, and the Montana International Choral Festival.Duffy is an active clinician and composer: Her works are published by ECS Publishing, Hinshaw Music, Pavane Publishing and Walton Music. She specializes in Jewish choral music and has presented sessions on the subject internationally including the international conference of the European Center for Jewish Music (EZJM) in Hannover, Germany, and national conferences of the College Music Society, National Association for Music Education, National Collegiate Choral Organization, North American Jewish Choral Festival and ACDA.Duffy is vice president of the National Collegiate Choral Organization and recently served as president-elect of the Northwestern ACDA and Northwest representative of the NAfME National Choral Council. Duffy earned her DMA in choral music from the USC Thornton School of Music, Her MM in conducting from the University of Miami Frost School of Music, Juris Doctor at the University of Michigan Law School and her BMA and BA with honors in English from the University of Michigan.To get in touch with Coreen, you can email her at coreen.duffy@colorado.edu. You can also find her on Facebook or Instagram (@coreenduffy).Email choirfampodcast@gmail.com to contact our hosts.Podcast music from Podcast.coPhoto in episode artwork by Trace Hudson
“When people talk about what skills kids are lacking in America these days, two of the skills that come up a lot are the ability to listen to each other and have some empathy for each other. Some people would say it's not just kids that are lacking those skills; it might be what is really missing from our society. I think choir is the best subject to teach those skills.”Hailed by The Oregonian for providing “the finest choral concerts in Portland in recent memory,” Ethan Sperry is the Director of Choral Activities at Portland State University, where he conducts the world-renowned Chamber Choir and leads undergraduate and graduate programs in conducting. He is also the Artistic Director and Conductor of the Oregon Repertory Singers, one of America's most distinguished adult choruses. Choirs under his direction have performed at over a dozen ACDA and NAfME Conferences, won over thirty awards and medals at international choir competitions on four continents, and sung at The Hollywood Bowl, The Kennedy Center, and the United Nations. Under his direction in 2013 The Portland State Chamber Choir became the first American Choir ever to win the Grand Prix at the Seghizzi International Choral Contest in Italy, and in 2017 they became the first American choir to win the Grand Prix at the Bali International Choral Festival, the largest choral gathering in Asia. Sperry has recorded albums for the Naxos and Gothic labels. A prolific arranger of World Music for choirs, Dr. Sperry is the editor of the Global Rhythms series for Earthsongs Music, one of the best-selling choral series in the world, and is also published by Hal Leonard. Sperry is also a frequent collaborator with film composer AR Rahman and has appeared as a guest conductor for him numerous times including at Bollywood Night at the Hollywood Bowl and the 2008 Filmfare Awards, the Indian equivalent of the Oscars. He also serves as a consultant for the KM Music Conservatory in Chennai, the first classical music school in India, which opened in 2009.He has earned a bachelor's degree in Philosophy from Harvard College and Masters and Doctoral degrees in Choral Conducting from the University of Southern California. Prior to moving to Oregon, Sperry served for 10 years on the faculty of Miami University in Ohio where he conducted the Men's Glee Club, Collegiate Chorale, and Global Rhythms Ensemble. He has also served as Artistic Administrator of the Arad Philharmonic Chorus in Romania and Conductor of the Coeur Regional de Guadeloupe, the only Symphonic Chorus in the French West Indies.To get in touch with Ethan, you can email him at ethansperry@gmail.com. You can find the Portland State University Chamber Choir on Facebook (@psuchamberchoir), Instagram (@psuchamberchoir), or Tiktok (@psuchamberchoir), and you can find the Oregon Repertory Singers on Facebook (@OregonRepertorySingers) or Instagram (@orsingers). Email choirfampodcast@gmail.com to contact our hosts.Podcast music from Podcast.coPhoto in episode artwork by Trace Hudson
CTL Script/ Top Stories of September 14th Publish Date: September 14th From the Ingles Studio Welcome to the Award-Winning Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast Today is Saturday, September 14th and Happy 77th Birthday to actor Sam Neil. ***09.14.24 – BIRTHDAY – SAM NEIL*** I'm Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cherokee is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia. Woodstock Play Studio Offers Fun for Kids Ages 5 and Under Rise and Dine Family Restaurant Opens in Southwest Cherokee Woodstock Optimists Raise Over $14K for Homeless Veterans We'll have all this and more coming up on the Cherokee Tribune-Ledger Podcast, and if you're looking for Community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe! Commercial: CU of GA STORY 1: Woodstock Play Studio Offers Fun For Kids Ages 5 and Under Little Leaf Play Studio, founded by Hector and Karen Quintanilla, offers a fun, family-friendly space for kids 5 and under in Woodstock. Since its soft opening on August 8, the studio has quickly become a local favorite, with plans for a grand opening in October. Located at 12186 Highway 92, Suite 106, the studio provides a play area with options for single and sibling passes, and even party rentals. Hector, an industrial designer, crafted the studio's play structures, while Karen, a former preschool teacher, brings her extensive experience with children. The studio will soon feature a coffee bar in partnership with Woodstock Coffee Company. Operating hours are Monday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. It's closed on Tuesdays and Saturday afternoons. For more info, visit www.littleleafplaystudio.com. STORY 2: Rise and Dine Family Restaurant Opens in Southwest Cherokee Rise & Dine Family Restaurant, recently opened by Alex Espinosa on August 26, offers a range of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options with a focus on fresh, homemade meals. Located at 5345 Bells Ferry Road in Acworth, the restaurant is open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. The menu features a variety of dishes, including a daily special for $12.99 that includes meat, two sides, bread, and dessert. Highlights include breakfast staples and unique options like fried Spam. Espinosa, with 25 years of restaurant experience, aims to provide a welcoming spot for families and friends. The restaurant seats 60-70 and has a small outdoor area. For more info, visit their website or social media pages. STORY 3: Woodstock Optimists Raise Over $14K for Homeless Veterans The Woodstock Midday Optimist Club has raised $14,287 through a raffle to support the Cherokee County Homeless Veterans Program. The funds will be presented to the program's Director, Jim Lindenmayer, in November. Established in 2014, the program aids veterans with food, housing, clothing, and more. Lindenmayer is also working on developing a veterans' campus with housing, food services, and job training at a 13,000 square-foot building on Faye Drive near Canton. The program is based at American Legion Post 45 in Canton. For more details, visit www.cherokeehomelessvets.com. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info. Back in a moment Break: DRAKE STORY 4: Creekview Choral Group Selected to Perform at Statewide Events Creekview High School's Camerata Treble choral group has been selected to perform at two major statewide events. Under the direction of Scott L. Martin, the group will perform at the Georgia Music Educators Association's In-Service Conference in Athens on January 31, 2024, and at the Georgia American Choral Directors Association Fall Conference in October at Kennesaw State University. Fewer than a dozen groups statewide are chosen for the GMEA evening concerts. The group includes 35 members, and both events will feature music educators from across Georgia. Dean Rusk Middle School's Chorus will also perform at the ACDA event. STORY 5: Fulton judge tosses three counts in Trump's election interference case A Fulton County Superior Court judge has dismissed three counts in District Attorney Fani Willis' election interference case against former President Donald Trump. The dismissed counts involved accusations of filing false documents in federal court, which Judge Scott McAfee ruled the state does not have jurisdiction to prosecute. The remaining charges, related to a scheme to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia, remain intact. This ruling leaves five of the original 13 counts against Trump. The case has been on hold since June due to concerns about Willis' impartiality, which were addressed after the special prosecutor she hired resigned in April. Commercial: INGLES 8 (SALTS) STORY 6: Cherokee County Students Named National Merit Semifinalists Four Cherokee County School District high school seniors—Maja Brooker, Kevin Duncan, and Alfred Tang from River Ridge High School, and Robert Raymer from Sequoyah High School—have been named 2025 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists. This honor, given to less than 1% of U.S. high school seniors, is based on exceptional PSAT scores. These students will be recognized at the Cherokee County School Board meeting on October 17. To advance, they must complete an application detailing their achievements and pass additional requirements. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation will select 15,000 finalists to compete for 7,500 scholarships worth around $30 million. STORY 7: West, De la Cruz tossed from Georgia presidential ballot Two Fulton County judges have disqualified independent Cornel West and socialist Claudia De la Cruz from Georgia's presidential ballot due to improperly filed nominating petitions. Despite the disqualification, their names will still appear on the November 5 ballot because of timing issues. This decision reduces the list of qualified candidates in Georgia to four: Vice President Kamala Harris, former President Donald Trump, Libertarian Chase Oliver, and Green Party's Jill Stein. The Democratic Party of Georgia had appealed the earlier decision by Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, concerned that West and De la Cruz could affect votes for Harris. We'll have closing comments after this. COMMERCIAL: Heller 4 (GENERIC) SIGN OFF – Thanks again for hanging out with us on today's Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.tribuneledgernews.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. 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This episode checks in with Choristers Guild. I began my ministry in church music in the late-1970s and early 1980s, and Choristers Guild was a primary source I turned to for wonderful and high-quality children's Christian music. Back then, church music was organized around graded choirs and music ensembles. But during the mid-1970s and early 1980s, the "seeker" churches grew rapidly and with them the use of "contemporary" Christian music. During the 1990s "contemporary" Christian music became dominant. The result, often, was the loss of graded choir programs. In its origins, Choristers Guild had a strong focus on children's music. This episode seeks to learn of the state of things in church music and how Choristers Guild is navigating the challenges of the current situation with Christianity in the United States and music ministry. My guests are Katie Houts and Mark Burrows. Katie has worked with Mark in editing some of his music pieces. Katie Houts is the Sacred Choral and Curriculum Editor for Choristers Guild. Serving CG since 2013, Katie curates and edits sacred choral anthems, collections, musicals, curriculum, and teaching resources; she also serves on the faculty of the Choristers Guild Institute. She studied music at Wartburg College (Waverly, IA), where she majored in Church Music (Organ) and Religion. She has served in ELCA, UCC, and UMC congregations as Director of Music, Worship Curator, Organist, and Children's Choir Director. Katie is a published composer, professional accompanist, and a frequent clinician at sacred conferences throughout the country. She currently serves on ACDA's National Committee for Composition Initiatives, working to support and champion the work of living choral composers. Katie is based in Salt Lake City, where she leads choral ensembles throughout the community, including Rise Up Children's Choir - Utah's premiere contemporary vocal performance group for ages 6-18. She conducts RUCC's intermediate ensemble, Rise Up Ignite, and is the assistant director and accompanist for the advanced mixed children's choir. She also teaches second grade music and directs the 5th and 6th grade choirs at Wasatch Charter School (Holladay, UT). What Choristers Guild and other publishers say about Mark Burrows is this: Mark Burrows (b. 1971) is a composer and clinician whose works are published by many major houses, including The Lorenz Corporation, Shawnee Press, Abingdon Press, Choristers Guild and Warner Brothers. Several works, such as the Gettin' Down with Mama Goose Series, The Body Electric, and Outside the Lines top many best-seller lists. Known to little listeners as “Mister Mark” he tours the country performing concerts for children and families. His three children's albums – You've got a Song, Go Ape!, and Go, Galileo! – have won a total of nine national awards. His songs can be heard on XM Radio, and one song, Amazon Rock, was recently recorded by Nick Records for a Dora the Explorer album. Mark is currently the Director of Children's Ministries at First United Methodist Church – Fort Worth, Texas, where he leads the weekly Children's Message, a monthly worship service for families called Children First, and directs the 65-voice Youth Choir. Mark received his undergraduate degree in music education from Southern Methodist University, and his graduate degree in conducting from Texas Christian University. He lives in Fort Worth with his wife, Nina, and their two daughters, Emma and Grace. What Mark prefers to say about himself is this: Mark loves traveling the country reminding people how amazing they are and how, together, they can do amazing things! While Mark does not have perfect pitch, he does have “perfect dynamics.” He can tell, just by listening, if a piece of music is loud or soft. Mark loves cinnamon rolls and tacos but can't stand peas. He's a Ravenclaw, and he adores classical music (especially Haydn for his sense of humor).
Earlier this year we started a little mini-series on avoiding burnout thanks to feedback we are hearing as part of ACDA's Advocacy and Collaboration Standing Committee. The goal of these episodes is to provide our members and listeners with tools to avoid and overcome burnout - one of the leading causes to folks leaving our fabulous career. Part one, we talked about how to guard your time throughout different stages of your career. We continue that conversation in this episode, part two of two, where you'll hear from Dr. Stephanie Robertson. We talk about the many tools and resources you can employ to manage your mental health - can't wait to see which technique or tool you end up using to power through the fall! Stephanie Robertson, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Psychology and Director of the Child Center for Wellbeing at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas. She has worked in public schools, non-profit institutions, and higher education for over fifteen years, with a focus on the wellbeing and healthy development of children. She researches the impact of invisible disabilities and student access to education at secondary and post-secondary levels. Her husband, Troy Robertson, PhD, is the Director of Choirs at Tarleton. He conducts Tarleton's five choral ensembles, teaches conducting and choral methods, and supervises clinical teachers. He is also a composer whose works are published with Hinshaw Music, Santa Barbara Music Press, Colla Voce, and Music Spoke. They make their home in Stephenville with their ten-year-old son, Winton.Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8lgoFPv3tAE The Music (ed) Matters Podcast is sponsored by our friends over at Perform International. Thinking of going on tour domestically or abroad, want to take a solo tour, or team up with a dynamic festival? PI offers the best educationally sound and culturally significant experiences! Check them out, and tell them Emmy sent you :) Perform-International.com Order your copy of “The Business of Choir" - check out the website, businessofchoir.com. Join us over at Patreon.com/MusicEdMatters for monthly meet-ups, monthly bonus episodes, special content, and more!
Julie Kerr-Berry retired in 2023 after 35 years at Minnesota StateUniversity, Mankato (MSUM). In 2020, she became chair of theDepartment of Theatre & Dance. Throughout her tenure, she helped tobuild multiple degrees in Dance. Julie is Editor Emerita of the Journal ofDance Education. Her scholarly publications focus on the intersections ofdance, race, and history specific to whiteness. Recently she was namedof Minnesota Dance Educator of the Year and was the recipient ofa Distinguished Faculty Scholar Award at MSUM (2019). From the NationalDance Education Organization, she received a Top Paper Citation (2011),an Outstanding Leadership Award (2012), Executive Director's Award (2020),and Presidential Award for dedication to the National Dance EducationOrganization's, Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Project/JDEI Project(2022). The American College Dance Association (ACDA) recognized hercreative research. War Story was the 2nd Alternate for ACDA's 2014 NationalDance Festival at the Kennedy Center. Julie taught in a federal prison forwomen which she hopes to continue. As a Fulbright Scholar in Indonesia,she became an advocate of international dance education, which latermotivated her travels to Nigeria, Australia, New Zealand, Cuba, andFrance. In France, Julie co-led a study abroad course to Paris and Dijon onseveral occasions where students danced, performed, traversed bothcities, and the French countryside. She is an avid practitioner of Vinyasayoga. Currently, she is writing a book that is a cultural critique of Americandance history through the lens of whiteness. Julie earned her EdD andMEd in Dance from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA.
“At the end of that first year, I did a pops concert. I developed the formula that I use now, which is to make it sound a lot like the actual songs. You give a lot of soloists opportunities to sing solos, especially in the verses which are harder because of the syncopation. We had a band that we hired: some horns, a rhythm section. The kids loved it, and we had 750 people come watch it.”J.D. Frizzell is the Director of Fine Arts and Director of Vocal Music at Briarcrest Christian School in Memphis, TN. He earned his Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in Choral Conducting from The University of Kentucky. Dr. Frizzell earned the double Master's in Music Theory/Composition and Conducting from The University of Southern Mississippi, where he also earned the bachelor's degree in Music History and Literature.In 2024, Frizzell was named a national finalist for the GRAMMY Music Educator Award. Frizzell was chosen by the Tennessee Music Educators Association as the 2011 Outstanding Young Music Educator. Additionally, he was awarded the Dr. Clair E. Cox Award for Teaching Excellence in both 2011 and again in 2023.As the Director of Fine Arts at Briarcrest, Dr. Frizzell leads a faculty of twelve full time faculty-artists and is responsible for coordinating curriculum, instruction, and budgets for all of the fine arts programs (K2-12th grade). He also serves as an advocate and school liaison for all of the visual art, instrumental music, vocal music, dance, theatre, and technical production programs. As the Director of Vocal Music, he teaches the Men's Choir, Advanced Women's Choir, and OneVoice.A leader in the contemporary a cappella movement, he is the co-founder and President of The A Cappella Education Association, a nonprofit dedicated to helping groups around the world. He also founded the National A Cappella and Choral Convention. His high school a cappella group, OneVoice, is a SONY Recording Artist. They were the winners of the Macy's A Cappella Challenge judged by Pentatonix, contestants on America's Got Talent, performers at The Emmys, and collaborators with Foreigner and The Swingles. Their music has been streamed, downloaded, and viewed over 120 million times. Dr. Frizzell co-authored the books “A Cappella Warm Ups for Pop and Jazz Choirs” and “Teaching Music Through Performance in Contemporary A Cappella”.Dr. Frizzell is active as a presenter, adjudicator, clinician, and guest conductor. As an active member of TNMEA, NATS, ACDA, and WTVMEA, he has served in multiple volunteer capacities. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation named him one of “Memphis' Finest” for his philanthropic efforts. He is also a professional member of the Recording Academy. He lives in Memphis, TN with his wife, Emily and sons Henry and Elliott.For commission, conducting, workshop, or other booking information, please visit www.jdfrizzell.net. To get in touch with J.D., you can visit his website or find him on Facebook (@jdfrizzellmusic) or Instagram (@jdfrizzell1983).Choir Fam wants to hear from you! Check out the Minisode Intro Part 3 episode from February 16, 2024, to hear how to share your story with us.Email choirfampodcast@gmail.com to contact our hosts.Podcast music from Podcast.coPhoto in episode artwork by Trace Hudson
“The folks who I think are really doing incredible work around the world, not just for one festival or for one tour, but for decades, are the folks who are trying to literally make the world a better place through choral music. How many opportunities can we provide for them so they can feel like they're part of that bigger family to help legitimize the hard work and the experiences that they're having in their corner of the world?” T. J. HARPER is Associate Professor of Music and Specialist in Choral Music Performance, Choral Pedagogy, Conducting, and Vocal Performance at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. Choirs under the direction of Dr. Harper have performed at Carnegie Hall in 2022, NAfME division and national conferences, ACDA conferences, and International performances by invitation including Costa Rica, Austria, Czech Republic, Spain, and Italy.Dr. Harper maintains an active schedule in the US and abroad as a guest conductor, clinician, and jury member. Recent engagements include headlining the China National Choral Conference and conducting the Beijing Harmonia Choir; Master classes for El Sistema and conducting the Venezuela National Choir. He has been engaged as a lecturer, presenter, and guest speaker at the 2015 Yale University International Choral Music Symposium; the 2015 European Choir Games in Magdeburg, Germany; Harvard University, Hofstra University, and the New England ACDA Collegiate Choral Conference.Dr. Harper is the Associate Director for the Jeju International Choral Festival in Jeju, South Korea, Associate Director for the Icheon World Choral Festival in Icheon, South Korea, the Associate Director for the San Juan Canta Choral Festival and Competition in San Juan, Argentina, the Associate Director for the World Youth Choir Festival and Competition in Jeju, South Korea.Dr. Harper recently held positions as Board Member for the International Federation of Choral Music (IFCM), the past Chair of the ACDA Standing Committee on International Activities, and the Director of the ACDA International Conductors Exchange Program (ICEP). Dr. Harper received the Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) from the University of Southern California, his Master of Arts in Choral Conducting from California State University, Northridge and his B.A. in Choral Conducting from California State University, Fresno. To get in touch with T. J., you can find him on Instagram (@conductortj) or Facebook (@harper.tj).Choir Fam wants to hear from you! Check out the Minisode Intro Part 3 episode from February 16, 2024, to hear how to share your story with us.Email choirfampodcast@gmail.com to contact our hosts.Podcast music from Podcast.coPhoto in episode artwork by Trace Hudson
“From my first ACDA in 1991 to ACDA now: complete reversal. People are not afraid to perform something that moves the soul, and in 1991 nobody did it. Now people are digging in and not being afraid. I applaud all of my fellow choral conductors for being fearless and not being afraid to tell the stories that mean something.”Tim Seelig is a conductor, singer, speaker and educator. He continues a busy schedule of appearances across the U.S. He conducted LGBTQ+ choruses for 35 years and is Conductor Laureate of the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus and Conductor Emeritus of the Turtle Creek Chorale.Dr. Seelig holds four degrees, including the Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of North Texas and the Diploma from the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria. He has written 6 books on choral technique, several of which are best-sellers, and his memoir, Tale of Two Tims: Big Ol' Baptist, Big Ol' Gay.Dr. Seelig has conducted at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center for 25 years. He conducted the Guinness Book Of World Record's Longest Choral Concert and carried the Olympic torch in 1996 as a community Hero. He has conducted over 50 recordings which have been on Billboard Top Ten and iTunes Top Ten classical charts. His choruses have been the topic of three documentaries. The PBS documentary, After Goodbye: An AIDS Story was awarded the national Emmy for best documentary.He is the proud grandfather of the amazing Clara Skye, Eden Mae, Cora Rose, Ivy Hope.To get in touch with Tim, you can find him on Facebook (@tim.seelig) or email him at tgseelig@gmail.com.Choir Fam wants to hear from you! Check out the Minisode Intro Part 3 episode from February 16, 2024, to hear how to share your story with us.Email choirfampodcast@gmail.com to contact our hosts.Podcast music from Podcast.coPhoto in episode artwork by Trace Hudson
“I have fallen deeply in love with looking at a piece, seeing what it is, and realizing that there are no real absolutes in music. There are no rules. You have to look at each piece of music for what it is and consider it in its historical and cultural context and then find out enough about the composer. It feels like a journey, a rabbit hole that go down.”Dr. Elizabeth Schauer serves as Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at the University of Arizona, where she is in her twentieth year of teaching. An award-winning educator, Dr. Schauer directs the Symphonic Choir and teaches graduate courses in conducting and choral literature. In addition, she served as Chancel Choir director at St. Mark's United Methodist Church. She came to the University of Arizona following ten years as Director of Choral Activities at Adams State College in Colorado. Dr. Schauer is in demand as an adjudicator, clinician, presenter and guest conductor throughout the United States, including recently for performances at Carnegie Hall and with Georgia, Connecticut and New Mexico All-State Choirs. Choirs under her direction have been selected by audition and invited to perform on local, state and regional conferences of American Choral Directors Association, National Association for Music Education, College Music Society, and American Guild of Organists. In addition her choirs have been featured on the ACDA National YouTube Channel and the Community Concert Series of KUAT-FM Classical Radio, and are regularly invited to collaborate, notably with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, Arizona Symphony and the UA Wind Ensemble. She has presented sessions at the national conventions of American Choral Directors Association, Presbyterian Association of Musicians, and College Music Society; regional conferences of ACDA, and state conferences of ACDA and National Association for Music Education. Dr. Schauer holds degrees from University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Westminster Choir College, and University of Michigan.To get in touch with Betsy, you can find her on Facebook: @betsy.schauer.9. You can find more about the University of Arizona choral program on Facebook (@uarizonachoirs) or Instagram (@uarizonachoirs) or visit their website: choral.music.arizona.edu, where you can find their Distinguished Speakers Series and discover more information about the DEI Choral Literature Intensive.Choir Fam wants to hear from you! Check out the Minisode Intro Part 3 episode from February 16, 2024, to hear how to share your story with us.Email choirfampodcast@gmail.com to contact our hosts.Podcast music from Podcast.coPhoto in episode artwork by Trace Hudson
“Octave displacement is a really big thing with adolescent singers. Make a game out of it - I'll have them match me, match me up an octave, match me down an octave - versus scolding when you're in the middle of rep and someone is singing too low and you just point and say ‘that's too low.' That's a little ambiguous for the average 13-year-old. To give them the strength to identify it themselves is practicing the skill we want to see played out in the repertoire.”Since 2006, Mr. Oakes has served as Director of Choral Music and Music Instructor at The Baylor School, a grade 6-12 independent day and boarding school in Chattanooga. Under his direction, the choral program has grown to include over 200 participants in four student choirs and a faculty choir. In 2015, he was awarded Baylor's Glenn Ireland Chair for Distinguished Teaching and starts his service as Chair of Baylor's Fine Arts Department beginning with the 2019-2020 school year.Mr. Oakes also serves as Artistic Director of the Chattanooga Boys Choir, a music education and performance organization founded in 1954 which now includes over 120 choristers ages 8-18 in five ensembles. Including innovative performance opportunities and collaborative community initiatives, the CBC maintains a performance calendar of thirty appearances annually. The choir has performed and toured extensively, including performance tours to Europe, Canada, and Cuba. Recording opportunities for the CBC have included commercially-released recordings with Stephen Curtis Chapman, Casting Crowns, and the grammy-nominated NAXOS recording of Maurice Ravel's L'enfant et les sortilèges with the Nashville Symphony Orchestra.He is the former President of the ACDA's Southern Region and in 2012, he was selected as one of seven conductors chosen to represent the United States at the inaugural ACDA International Conductor Exchange Program in Cuba.As a conductor/clinician, he has conducted numerous honor choirs and festivals throughout the United States, including ACDA regional honor choirs. A lifelong advocate for music in worship, he has served churches in Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee and as a clinician/conductor for children and youth choirs at Lake Junaluska, Massanetta Springs, and Montreat church music conferences.Mr. Oakes earned the Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Florida and the Master of Sacred Music degree in Choral Conducting from Emory University. He has contributed articles to Choral Journal and a chapter in the textbook Choral Pedagogy (3rd edition) by Robert Sataloff and Brenda Smith. To get in touch with Vic, you can visit chattanoogaboyschoir.org or baylorschool.org.Choir Fam wants to hear from you! Check out the Minisode Intro Part 3 episode from February 16, 2024, to hear how to share your story with us.Email choirfampodcast@gmail.com to contact our hosts.
jess pretty is an Assistant Professor of Dance at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities and the current artistic director of AUNTS; a punk/DIY performance series that hosts events/festivals/shows to highlight the works of experimental dance makers in NYC. she has shown her work at La Mama Experimental Theater Club (2017 La Mama Moves Festival), New York Live Arts (as a 2016/17 Fresh Tracks artist), CATCH!, Gibney Dance Center, Brooklyn Studios for Dance, the CURRENT SESSIONS, panoply performing arts space, Green Street Studios, three ACDA conferences, and the Chocolate Factory Theatre. pretty has been an artist in residence at Kent State (2017), the Chocolate Factory Theatre, and the Center for Performance Research (2019-2020) and was also a 2020 member of the Queer Art Fellowship. pretty has collaborated and been a part of the works of: Will Rawls, Claudia Rankine, Kevin Beasley, Okwui Okpokwasili, Peter Born, Catherine Gallasso, David Thomson, Katie Workum, Niall Jones, Jennifer Monson, Cynthia Oliver, Leslie Cuyjet and Dianne McIntyre. call and response is a methodology for building connection and community; a celebration and appreciation for black life; an archival tool; and lens for embodiment. this work is personal and archival; calling on me to turn towards my own story, lineage and memory as the site of choreographic creation. in looking at myself, i aim to build a black queer archive to provide proof of life (instead of the constant images of black death we experience) for future generations. how do we come together? how do we see each other? how do we care for each other? how do we make space for pleasure, joy, ease and non-urgency? how do we 'get free' using the body as the site for radical transformation? taking place somewhere between an improvised self portrait and the middle of the dance floor, call and response directs our attention inward to the deep histories our bodies hold. calling us to say ‘yes' to "the encounter”, to vulnerability, to the collective, to the moving body, to change and to transformation.
"I didn't want to do any middle level teaching because of behavior, but I ended up teaching eight years at Patrick Henry Junior High. I loved every moment of it. I learned that if the kids loved and trusted you, they would do anything for you. It was just so much fun to take what they were willing to give and do some good work with them. It all translated into how they behaved in choir."Cathleen Britton has been making music her entire life. She grew up in Aberdeen, South Dakota, and then studied music at The University of South Dakota, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Master's Degree in Music Education. Britton has spent her career largely in Sioux Falls directing middle and high school vocal music programs. Her concert choirs have been selected repeatedly to perform at regional conventions, college music festivals and even at Carnegie Hall. Show choirs directed by Britton have received top awards at competitions in a multi‐state area. Outside school, Britton directed the Asbury Methodist Adult Choir for 15 years and was vocal conductor at the Augustana Summer Music Camp. She has served as Clinician and Festival Conductor at numerous conventions and competitions throughout the state and region. She traveled to Muscat, Oman as a festival conductor for the TAISM Festival of Choirs.Britton has fostered the growth of vocal music programs through her work in the American Choral Directors' Association where she has served as Repertory and Standards Chairperson for Vocal Jazz and Show Choir, Publicity Chair, and Convention Clinician for the North Central Division of the ACDA. She also held the office of State President of the South Dakota Chapter of ACDA. In 1996, Britton received the Encore Award for excellence and achievement in choral music and in 2008 was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by her peers in the American Choral Directors' Association‐South Dakota Chapter. Britton was honored as the South Dakota recipient of the National Federation of High Schools 2011 Outstanding Music Educator Award. She was their North Central regional recipient for the same award in 2017, and in 2020, she received a national citation from NFHS.To get in touch with Cathy, you can find her on Facebook (@cathy.clark.britton) or Instagram (@catbritton).Choir Fam wants to hear from you! Check out the Minisode Intro Part 3 episode from February 16, 2024, to hear how to share your story with us.Email choirfampodcast@gmail.com to contact our hosts.Podcast music from Podcast.coPhoto in episode artwork by Trace Hudson
Kurt van Wijck zingt al jaren met veel plezier bij het Nederlandse koor ZING!. Het repertoire omvat Middeleeuwse en oud-Hollandse (zeemans)liederen, maar ook liedjes van o.a. Guus Meeuwis en Acda en de Munnik. Het eerstvolgende grote optreden van het koor staat gepland op 27 april, tijdens het Holland Festival, maar ZING! zou graag met een grotere groep op het podium staan, zo vertelt Kurt.
Try breathwork free: https://www.brendawinkle.com/breathe. In this episode, you'll hear about two leadership styles that host Brenda Winkle has termed Hen and Eagle. Both are lovely birds but they are very different. One isn't good or bad. It's only a problem for you if you THINK you want to be one but you are behaving as the other. In this episode, Brenda shares 10 discoveries about leadership using the lens of the hen and the eagle.. Here are the takeaways... There are 10 symptoms you might be a hen. You find yourself saying things like “no one listens to me” or “no one asks me for my opinion”, you are listening and talking to the same people with the same perspectives all the time without being intentional about seeking other perspectives, you talk about the same things all the time, and most of what you are saying is complaining, you move in a large group, where one of you goes, all of you go, you talk more than you listen, you don't take time or space to resource yourself and often complain about being tired, you move very fast. No one is going to invite you to the table or to share your opinion BEFORE you engage in active listening and learn about what's needed. It's never just about you. Ask questions to better understand things and you'll be amazed at what tables you get invited to. Complaining just to complain is a bad habit. You can make a different choice and when you do… your energy will begin to trend in a new direction that will blow your mind. If you do have a complaint to lodge, a hen complains to hear themselves talk. An eagle brings an idea to the table for a solution. It's not up to someone else to make you feel better. No one is coming to rescue you. No one will do it for you. Take full responsibility for your experience and let go of any blaming or finger-pointing. Hens want to you stay with them. They will pull you back repeatedly and it's so easy to go back. But if you want to be an eagle, you'll need to love your hens and then go fly high. Eagles fly alone but are always connected to other eagles. Spend time alone. Create space for your own thoughts and ideas to emerge. You need spaciousness to fly as an eagle. This doesn't mean you are doing it alone… it means you know when to connect with others WHILE you maintain your sovereignty as an eagle. Be intentional about putting yourself into rooms with new people, new experiences and new perspectives. You don't have to LEAVE the hens in your life but you'll need to create spaciousness so that you aren't living in a wind tunnel of influence. When something doesn't feel good, walk away. Don't stay there complaining - that's a hen move. Turn your attention away from what doesn't feel good, resource yourself, then go back in with a new attitude and energy. DO not tolerate things that don't feel good. Go slow. Ask questions. Do not let anyone rush you… that's why the eagle can fly so high…. The eagle isn't manically flapping their wings. They soar. They take their time. Then when they are ready, they move in. Eagles take care of themselves UNAPOLOGICALLY. They take space. Breaks. Rest. Hens don't. They complain about being tired, being sick and not feeling good but eagles make sure they feel good or they wait to show up UNTIL they feel good. Your ability to be an eagle is impacted by the qualify of the questions you are willing to ask yourself. Is this who I want to be? Is this what I want to be known for? Is this behavior, activity or conversation supporting my mission in life? Does this feel good? Unlock Intuition: Discern Intellect from Intuition - a masterclass for high performers https://www.brendawinkle.com/unlockintuition Learn More about Yes Academy https://www.brendawinkle.com/yesacademy Contact Brenda Website: https://www.brendawinkle.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brendawinkle/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brenda.winkle111 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brendawinkle111 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendawinkle/ Pause Breathwork App - 1 Month FREE Trial - https://www.pausebreathwork.com/affiliate-app-one-month/?ref=brenda&el=Affiliate&tap_a=115239-993745 Keywords: leadership, expansion, choral music, Brenda Winkle, Your Yes Filled Life, sovereignty, energy healer, high performer, high performance, American Choral Directors Association, ACDA, Northwest, Spokane, responsibility, sovereignty, asthma, breathwork, breathwork expert, high achievers, energy, Your Yes Filled Life, coach, healer, personal growth, mindset, taking responsibility, Yes Academy, mastermind, healing program, active listening, openness, learning, asking questions, understanding perspectives, complaining, shifting energy, radical responsibility, hens, eagles, creating space, seeking new experiences, self-care, unapologetic breaks, quality of questions, integrity, leadership, soul's mission, transformational container, deep healing, curriculum of the soul, energy work, free masterclass, ratings, reviews, gratitude, fulfill soul's mission.
“So many people view conducting as a reflection of the music, and if that works for them, that's great. I view conducting as a reflection of the movement. Undergrads aren't always predisposed to musical language, but they are already predisposed to the language that Laban uses: time, space, weight, flow. Instead of saying 'that's not marcato enough,' you could instead say 'that's not heavy enough' or ‘direct enough.' That's language that we're already familiar with as people.”Dr. Eric Rubinstein is Director of Choral Activities and Assistant Professor of Music at Nazareth University, where he directs the Chamber Singers and Treble Choir and teaches additional coursework in conducting and music education. Prior to his appointment at Nazareth, Dr. Rubinstein served as Assistant Professor of Choral Music Education at the Aaron Copland School of Music, Queens College (CUNY).Ensembles under his direction have been recognized across New York and New England for performances of the highest artistic caliber. Program highlights with the Nazareth Chamber Singers include a performance tour of Poland, a year-long partnership with Nazareth's Department of Theatre and Dance, and an invited performance at the 2023 NYSSMA Winter Conference. Dr. Rubinstein led the Queens College Treble Choir to invited performances at the 2022 ACDA Eastern Division Conference in Boston, MA and as the demonstration choir for the 2019 NYSSMA Winter Conference conducting masterclass. The Treble Choir was also honored in 2022 by The American Prize.As a secondary school choral director, Dr. Rubinstein amassed a decade of high school teaching in Monticello and Westhampton Beach, NY, where he concurrently served on the music education faculty at CUNY Brooklyn College. Under his direction, the choirs were honored to perform at Carnegie Hall, Chautauqua Institute, and abroad, and were featured at the 2015 NY-ACDA Conference at the Eastman School of Music. Dr. Rubinstein has also served on the artistic faculty for the New York State Summer School of the Arts, and remains active as a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator for various choral festivals and conferences.Dr. Rubinstein is a member of NAfME and ACDA, where he also serves as a New York- ACDA Repertoire & Resources co-chair for LGBTQIA+ Choral Music. He holds Choral Conducting and Music Education degrees from Louisiana State University (D.M.A), Michigan State University (M.M.), and SUNY Fredonia (B.M.).To get in touch with Eric, you can email him at erubins6@naz.edu or find him on Facebook: https://facebook.com/erubinstein .Choir Fam wants to hear from you! Check out the Minisode Intro Part 2 episode from May 22, 2023, to hear how to share your story with us.Email choirfampodcast@gmail.com to contact our hosts.Podcast music from Podcast.coPhoto in episode artwork by Trace Hudson
When you think of dance in LA, you think commercial. But there is actually a pretty large community of contemporary dance companies in LA doing amazing things. Today's episode is a Career Spotlight episode and we are highlighting contemporary dance company experiences in Los Angeles. My guests, Michaela Moore and Nicole Hagen, both have a plethora of experience not only as dancers in LA, but also serving in different roles like rehearsal director, community liaisons and marketing. We chat about:the lengthy process of auditioningfiguring out the mutual relationship between company and company memberthe best advice for those looking to be a part of a dance company communityMichaela Moore @__mickmouz was born and raised in Colorado Springs, CO. Her dance education has come from Robin's Danceworks, The Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Arts Management program at OCU, and the BFA dance program at the University of Colorado-Boulder. In 2017 she joined AGT's “The Silhouette's” for a 4 month International tour, dancing across Germany and performing in 75+ shows. Michaela is a member and rehearsal director for GEOMETRY dance company, under the direction of Mackenzie Martin, with whom she has performed at MASHUP's International Women's Day Dance Festival, Fiestalonia Sea Sun Festival, Capezio's A.C.E. Awards, Donovan Wood's music video “She Waits For Me To Come Back Down” & Duomo's music video “What About Us”, in collaboration with Netflix's Bridgerton. Aside from performing, her love for teaching and choreographing is expansive and she has choreographed/produced award winning pieces for the past 12 years. You can find her teaching at GENESIS STUDIOS every Tues. Michaela truly believes in the art of dance as a way to globally communicate through movement.Nicole Hagen @nicole_hagen is a LA-based dancer, educator, and choreographer, who has performed works by Elías Aguirre, Gianna Burright, Genevieve Carson, Roderick George, Tess Hewlett, Madison Hicks, Iker Karrera, Kate Hutter Mason, Waeli Wang, and WHYTEBERG. Nicole was a company member with L.A. Contemporary Dance Company and MashUp Contemporary Dance Company, which provided her the opportunity to perform at iconic venues including LA Dance Project, The Odyssey Theatre, ODC Theater, The Architecture & Design Museum, and Highways Performance Space. Commercially, Nicole's credits include Paramore, NBC's This Is Us, Banks, and Netflix's Dear White People.Choreographically, Nicole's work has been seen on a multitude of stages throughout SoCal such as AMDA's Cosmo Theater, LA Dance Project, LA Theater Center, IAF, Bootleg Theater, Sophia B. Clarke Theater at Mt. San Antonio College, McCallum Theatre, Musco Center for the Arts and Waltmar Theater at Chapman University, and ACDA's Screen Dance Festival. She has been a two-time finalist at the McCallum Choreography festival.Nicole is on faculty at Loyola Marymount University (LMU) and AMDA College. She holds a BFA in Dance Performance, with a minor in Business Administration from Chapman UniversityHey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? Book a free 1:1 Career Call. You can also help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/SupporterConnect with me on Insta @mntr.mgmt
Happy New Year! And what a way to start with this awesome episode! We've started this little mini-series on avoiding burnout thanks to feedback we are hearing as part of ACDA's Advocacy and Collaboration Standing Committee. The goal of these episodes is to provide our members and listeners with tools to avoid and overcome burnout - one of the leading causes to folks leaving our fabulous career. In this episode, part one of two, you'll hear from Director of Choral Studies and Founder of ChorAmor.com, Dr. Troy Robertson. We talk about how to guard your time, explore what we really want in our life and careers, and a couple tools to help us. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/y8tT8DQNLFs Link to Presentation: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1YihgiNT5yYTkoXObQwDrwX3TIzly3RYwUpr3nQ2GORQ/editLink to Choral Journal Article: https://choralnet.org/archives/650130 Stephanie Robertson, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Psychology and Director of the Child Center for Wellbeing at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas. She has worked in public schools, non-profit institutions, and higher education for over fifteen years, with a focus on the wellbeing and healthy development of children. She researches the impact of invisible disabilities and student access to education at secondary and post-secondary levels. Her husband, Troy Robertson, PhD, is the Director of Choirs at Tarleton. He conducts Tarleton's five choral ensembles, teaches conducting and choral methods, and supervises clinical teachers. He is also a composer whose works are published with Hinshaw Music, Santa Barbara Music Press, Colla Voce, and Music Spoke. They make their home in Stephenville with their ten-year-old son, Winton.The Music (ed) Matters Podcast is sponsored by our friends over at Perform International. Thinking of going on tour domestically or abroad, want to take a solo tour, or team up with a dynamic festival? PI offers the best educationally sound and culturally significant experiences! Check them out, and tell them Emmy sent you :) Perform-International.com Order your copy of “The Business of Choir" - check out the website, businessofchoir.com. Join us over at Patreon.com/MusicEdMatters for monthly meet-ups, monthly bonus episodes, special content, and more!
Ryan W. Holder is currently in his eighteenth year as the Associate Director of Choral Studies at Northern Arizona University (Flagstaff, AZ), where he directs Vox Astra and the Northern Voices and High Altitude vocal jazz ensembles, teaches undergraduate and graduate conducting and choral methods, supervises choral student teachers, and serves as the adviser for the NAU student chapter of the American Choral Directors Association and the three contemporary a cappella groups. In addition, he is the coordinator of the annual Jazz/Madrigal festival, which brings in over 85 high schools and 145 choirs every year.Dr. Holder has given lectures and presentations at local, state, and regional ACDA and NAfME conventions, including a lecture on “Making the Transition from Classical to Vocal Jazz”. His vocal jazz ensembles have also been invited to perform throughout the Southwest, including performances at state and regional ACDA conferences, and was one of only three vocal jazz ensembles selected to perform at the 2012 Jazz Educators Network Conference in Louisville, Kentucky.Ryan has served as the Arizona State ACDA President as well as on the ACDA National Committee on Educational Technology. He also serves as the director of music at The Church of the Red Rocks in Sedona, Arizona where he is the founding artistic director of the Sedona Academy of Chamber Singers.Dr. Holder received his DMA degree from the University of Miami in addition to bachelor's and master's degrees from Southern Oregon University and University of Northern Colorado, respectively.To get in touch with Ryan, you can email him at Ryan.Holder@nau.edu or find him on Instagram (@the_ryan_holder).Choir Fam wants to hear from you! Check out the Minisode Intro Part 2 episode from May 22, 2023, to hear how to share your story with us.Email choirfampodcast@gmail.com to contact our hosts.Podcast music from Podcast.coPhoto in episode artwork by Trace Hudson
Let's talk about “customer value!” Meet the American Choral Directors Association's newest Director of Membership Programs & Services, Dennis Carpenter. In this episode, you'll learn all about the path that led Dennis to ACDA, his goals and ideas for the role, and lots of other little tidbits, especially related to advocacy and collaboration as this episode is part of the A&C Committee's curated content.Learn more about Dennis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denniscarpenteriom/ and https://acda.org/national-office Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jybyf3bbGxU. The Music (ed) Matters Podcast is sponsored by our friends over at Perform International. Thinking of going on tour domestically or abroad, want to take a solo tour, or team up with a dynamic festival? PI offers the best educationally sound and culturally significant experiences! Check them out, and tell them Emmy sent you :) Perform-International.com Order your copy of “The Business of Choir" - check out the website, businessofchoir.com. Join us over at Patreon.com/MusicEdMatters for monthly meet-ups, monthly bonus episodes, special content, and more!
“I really thought I wanted to be a high school teacher, but the first job I got was in elementary. That turned out to be the best ‘teaching-me' experience I could have had, because I learned that if one could get music across to people without much background, you can get it across to anybody.”Dr. Hilary Apfelstadt is Professor Emerita of Choral Studies at the University of Toronto where she held the Elmer Iseler Chair in Conducting and received the inaugural Teaching Excellence Award in 2013. Previously she taught at the Ohio State University and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, after receiving her doctorate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She also holds degrees from the University of Toronto and the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. Her teaching experiences range from teaching public school to directing community ensembles and church choirs. From 2013 – 2018, she was Artistic Director of Exultate Chamber Singers in Toronto.A native Canadian, she has performed with her university choirs at conferences of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), and at Podium, the national conference of Choral Canada. She has conducted honors choruses throughout Canada and the U.S., including almost 40 all-state high school choirs. She has directed choral festivals at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and throughout Europe.Dr. Apfelstadt has published numerous articles and book chapters, including contributions to Wisdom, Wit and Will: Women Choral Conductors on their Art (GIA Publications, 2009) and Conducting Successful Women's Choirs (GIA, 2012). She is co-editor of Teaching Music through Performance in Choir, v. 5, published by GIA (2019), and a contributing author to Volume 4 of the same series. Her book on the life and work of Canadian composer Ruth Watson Henderson, I Didn't Want It To be Boring (Toronto: Prism Publishers) won Choral Canada's award for the Outstanding Choral Publication in 2018. She is Feature Articles Editor for Anacrusis (Choral Canada) and an Editorial Mentor for The Choral Scholar (NCCO). She also serves on the Board of Chorus America.A Life Member of ACDA, Dr. Apfelstadt served as National President from 2007 – 2009 and as Interim Executive Director from 2020 – 2021. She has received leadership awards from NC-ACDA, Ohio CDA, ACDA Central Region, ACDA Midwestern Region, and Choirs Ontario.To get in touch with Hilary, you can email her at hilary.apfelstadt@utoronto.ca or find her on Facebook (@HilaryJApfelstadt).Choir Fam wants to hear from you! Check out the Minisode Intro Part 2 episode from May 22, 2023, to hear how to share your story with us.Email choirfampodcast@gmail.com to contact our hosts.Podcast music from Podcast.coPhoto in episode artwork by Trace Hudson
André J. Thomas is an Associate Artist with the London Symphony Orchestra.Thomas is Professor Emeritus of Music at Florida State University. He was visiting Professor of Choral Conducting at Yale University from 2020-2022. He also served as faculty member at the University of Texas, Austin.Dr. Thomas received his degrees from Friends University (B.A.), Northwestern University (M. M.), and The University of Illinois (D.M.A). He is in demand as a choral adjudicator, clinician, and director of Honor/All-State Choirs throughout North America, Europe, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, and Africa Dr. Thomas has conducted choirs at the state, division, and national conventions of the Music Educators National Conference (NAFME) and the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA). His international conducting credits are extensive. They include conductor/clinician for the International Federation of Choral Musicians' summer residency of the World Youth Choir in the Republic of China and the Philippines. He was also the conductor of the World Youth Choir's winter residency in Europe and a premier performance by an American choir (Florida State University Singers) in Vietnam.He is a highly respected guest conductor who has led numerous prestigious orchestras and choirs around the world, including the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra in England, the Berlin Radio Choir and the North German Radio Choir in Germany, the Netherlands Radio Choir, The Bulgarian Radio Choir and Orchestra, the Seoul Metropolitan Chorus, Ansan City Choir, Jeju Provincial Seogwipo Chorale in South Korea, the Charlotte Symphony, China's People's Liberation Orchestra, the Czech National Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony. He also served as the Artistic Director of the Tallahassee Community Chorus for 31 seasons.Thomas has also distinguished himself as a composer/arranger. Hinshaw Music Company, Mark Foster Music Company, Fitzsimons Music Company, Lawson Gould, Earthsongs, Choristers Guild, and Heritage Music Company publish his compositions and arrangements. Dr. Thomas has produced two instructional videos—What They See Is What You Get on choral conducting, with Rodney Eichenberger, and Body, Mind, Spirit, Voice on adolescent voices, with Anton Armstrong. His recent book, Way Over in Beulah Lan': Understanding and Performing the Negro Spiritual, has quickly become a significant source in this area of study.Various musical organizations have recognized Thomas. The African Diaspora Sacred Music honored Dr. Thomas as a Living Legend. In 2011, Chorus America recognized Thomas' dedication to and accomplishments in the choral arts, presenting him with its Distinguished Service Award. In March 2017, ACDA presented Thomas with its highest honor, the Robert Shaw Award, and in November of 2017, NCCO (National Collegiate Choral Organization) presented Thomas with its Lifetime Achievement Award. In January 2019, he was inducted into the Florida Music Educator's Hall of Fame. In 2022 he was presented with the Award of Excellence from the Southern Region of ACDA. Yale University School of Music presented Thomas with the Samuel Simons Sanford Medal, the most prestigious honor conferred by the Yale School of Music.He is a past president of the Florida ACDA, a past president of the Southern Division of ACDA, and the current Past President of the National ACDA.To get in touch with André, you can email him at athomas@acda.org or find him on Facebook (@andre.thomas.52).Choir Fam wants to hear from you! Check out the Minisode Intro Part 2 episode from May 22, 2023, to hear how to share your story with us.Email choirfampodcast@gmail.com to contact our
B.E. (Brittney Elizabeth) Boykin is a native of Alexandria, Virginia, and comes from a musical family. At the age of 7, she began piano lessons and continued her studies through high school under the tutelage of Mrs. Alma Sanford. Mrs. Sanford guided her through various competitions, such as the NAACP's ACT-SO competition where she garnered 1st place for 3 consecutive years in the local competition, as well as being awarded The Washington Post “Music and Dance Award” in the spring of 2007.Boykin then pursued her classical piano studies at Spelman College under the leadership of Dr. Rachel Chung. After graduating Spelman College in 2011 with a B.A. in Music, Boykin continued her studies at Westminster Choir College of Rider University in Princeton, New Jersey. During her time at Westminster, she was awarded the R and R Young Composition Prize just a few months shy of graduating with her M.M. in Sacred Music with a concentration in choral studies in May, 2013.Boykin's choral piece, “We Sing as One,” was commissioned to celebrate Spelman College's 133rd Anniversary of its founding at the 2014 Founders Day Convocation. She has also been featured as the conductor/composer-in-residence for the 2017 Harry T. Burleigh Commemorative Spiritual Festival at Tennessee State University. Boykin has been commissioned and collaborated with several organizations, including a number of ACDA divisions, the Minnesota Opera and the Kennedy Center. She obtained her Ph.D. from Georgia State University with an emphasis in Music Education and is currently an Assistant Professor of Music at the Georgia Institute of Technology.To get in touch with Brittney, you can find her on Instagram (@_klavia) or Facebook (@klaviapress). You can also visit her websites, klaviapress.com and beboykin.com.Choir Fam wants to hear from you! Check out the Minisode Intro Part 2 episode from May 22, 2023, to hear how to share your story with us. Email choirfampodcast@gmail.com to contact our hosts.Podcast music from Podcast.coPhoto in episode artwork by Trace HudsonExcerpt from "Stardust" by B.E. Boykin, performed by the WSU Treble Choir, Matthew Myers, conductor. Available from Graphite Publishing: https://graphitepublishing.com/product/stardust/
Meet Ruth—former opera singer, “compassionate truthteller”, relevance strategist, and arts champion. Her company, “Culture for hire,” addresses the eye-opening perspective shift for arts orgs - it's not about you! In this conversation, “The Business of Choir” Co-Author, Alex Gartner joins as co-host as we talk to Ruth about how we can all approach arts marketing and our arts orgs - no matter what kind of “arts” we are involved in - to start being essential! Learn more about Culture for Hire: https://www.cultureforhire.com/Learn more about Ruth Hartt: https://www.cultureforhire.com/about-ruth Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/88sBD6wXHSI The Music (ed) Matters Podcast is sponsored by our friends over at Perform International. Thinking of going on tour domestically or abroad, want to take a solo tour, or team up with a dynamic festival? PI offers the best educationally sound and culturally significant experiences! Check them out, and tell them Emmy sent you :) Perform-International.com Order your copy of “The Business of Choir" - check out the website, businessofchoir.com. Join us over at Patreon.com/MusicEdMatters for monthly meet-ups, monthly bonus episodes, special content, and more!
HOUR 1(Live Feed) House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee drills John Kerry, Climate Envoy, on President Biden's Climate Agenda / (FOX News) https://www.foxnews.com/video/6331125961112President Biden is in Finland, celebrating the country as the newest member of NATO / (CBS News) https://www.cbsnews.com/video/biden-in-finland-after-nato-shows-solidarity-with-ukraine-at-summit/Key take-aways after NATO's Summit / (NPR) https://www.npr.org/2023/07/13/1187435354/nato-summit-takeaways-ukraine-sweden-turkeyThe FDA approved the first over-the-counter birth control pill made in Dublin called Opill / (NYTimes) https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/13/health/otc-birth-control-pill.html?President Biden frames his energy plan but obscures his record on climate policy / (NPR) https://www.npr.org/2023/07/13/1186854511/biden-climate-jobs-votersTom overviews President Bidens Clean Energy agendaAlex Gimarc from South Anchorage on Biden's clean energy agenda HOUR 2Tom overviews why the U.S. has a presence in the Pacific and AsiaU.S. forces in the Pacific are leading a massive multi-nation exercise to prepare for a potential conflict / (NBC News) https://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/video/u-s-conducting-massive-military-exercise-in-pacific-as-tensions-with-china-heighten-187956805937The Anchorage Assembly is a step closer to establishing temporary allowed camps for homeless individuals / (ANS) https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/2023/07/13/anchorage-assembly-passes-municipal-code-changes-establish-allowed-camps/The Anchorage Community Development Authority launches the Facade programMike Robbins, Executive Director of ACDA calls in regarding the Facade ProgramAn invasive species of mollusks, typically found in Southeast Alaska and established in Girdwood in 2015, have been reported in the Anchorage Bowl this year / (ANS) https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/2023/07/13/invasive-slug-species-girdwood-may-be-move-experts-ask-public-help-tracking/Tom discusses ways to control slugs
"In this small community, they're going to hear Beethoven's 9th Symphony in their backyard. The festival has the intention to broaden the horizons of this community through music. That's why we do what we do: to learn and grow and teach and support each other." - Shelby Laird"I've always been in love with the choral rehearsal. It is so methodical and engaging. Every step is planned out, but there's always room for flexibility and growth. That kind of stuff that is so streamlined and normal in the choral classroom is something we can really learn from in the instrumental world." - Micah LairdShelby Laird is from Hays, Kansas and has grown up entrenched in the choral world. Throughout her education she has had the privilege to work and learn from some inspiring and brilliant conductions including Dr. Judy Bowers, Dr. Anton Armstrong, Simon Carrington, Helmuth Rilling, Kim Ritzer, and Dr. Edith Copley. She was a Young Artist for the Ad Astra Music Festival in Russell, KS, in 2015 and now serves as their Festival Manager and sings on select projects. Shelby graduated from Northern Arizona University in December 2018 with a degree in choral music education. While at NAU, she performed with Shrine of the Ages Choir, High Altitude, Handbell Choir, and Women's Chorale, and student conducted University Singers. Additionally, Shelby served as NAU's Student Chapter President of ACDA and planned the Student Symposium for the state of Arizona in 2017. She was awarded the Outstanding Future Choral Educator of the Year for the state of Arizona in 2018 and has sung with the Sedona Academy Chamber Singers for numerous exciting projects including recording GRAMMY nominated composer Michael Hoppé's Requiem and singing backup for Josh Groban. Shelby taught choir in the Independence School District at William Chrisman High School for three years outside of Kansas City. Currently, Shelby is pursuing a master's degree in choral conducting at the University of Oregon and working with Dr. Sharon Paul. In her first year, she sang with the UO Chamber Choir and conducted the Repertoire Singers ensemble. Shelby joined the Eugene Symphony Chorus for a performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony and then served as Eugene Symphony Chorus Manager for Ravel's Daphnis et Chloe. This summer Shelby is singing with the University of Oregon's Chamber Choir as a part of the renowned Oregon Bach Festival. Micah Laird is a graduate of Northern Arizona University where he obtained a degree in Instrumental Music Education as the Outstanding Senior in the School of Music. During his time at NAU, Micah was an active member of the School of Music, performing with numerous instrumental and vocal ensembles including the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra. While in college, Micah also toured the country with the World Champion Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps in 2015 and 2016. Micah lived and taught in Blue Springs, Missouri, where he was the assistant director of bands at Brittany Hill Middle School and an associate director of bands for the Golden Regiment Marching Band from Blue Springs High School. In addition to his public-school teaching, he was on the instructional staff for the Academy Drum and Bugle Corps and the Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps for the 2022 season. Micah is also a part of the administrative staff for the Ad Astra Music Festival based out of Russell, Kansas. This is his first year at the University of Oregon working towards a graduate degree in Wind Conducting, studying under Dr. Dennis Llinás.To get in touch with Shelby and Micah, you can find them on Instagram: @shelbylaird19 and @micahtlaird.Choir Fam wants to hear from you! Check out the Minisode Intro Part 2 episode from May 22, 2023, to hear how to share your story with us. Email choirfampodcast@gmail.com to contact our hosts.Podcast music from Podcast.coPhoto in episode artwork by Trace Hudson
"I had already taught about a third of the students that we had at the opening of the school. We were able to hit the ground running. We spent a lot of time getting to know each other and team building. We built our own culture and have decided what we want to be." - John Parezo"It's been a really cool experience for me to teach elementary students for the first time. What's still blowing my mind every week is how musical and tuneful and brilliant these little people really are and how quickly they soak things up like sponges. They just learn so fast." - Stephanie Schumacher Stephanie Schumacher is wrapping up her first season with Honors Choirs of Southeast Minnesota as the conductor of both Children's Chorus and Treble Choir and the Director of Education and Enrichment. Honors Choirs is a nonprofit organization that serves about 300 students in grades 1-12 from all over southeast Minnesota. Stephanie holds a bachelor of arts in music education from Concordia College, where she studied with Dr. Rene Clausen. She has spent the last twelve years in the public schools, teaching everything from middle school band to high school chamber choir and directing musicals. Under her direction, many of her singers have participated in the MN All-State Choirs and ACDA Honor Choirs. At the height of the pandemic, her high school concert choir was selected to perform at the Minnesota Music Education Association Conference and was able to perform via videorecording, socially distanced and masked. This summer Stephanie will begin a three-year term as the Southeast District Chair for ACDA of Minnesota. She frequently serves as an adjudicator for MMEA, ACDA, and various local contests. Stephanie has sung with the Choral Arts Ensemble in Rochester, Minnesota, for past 15 seasons and serves as Alto I section leader. Stephanie lives in Zumbrota, Minnesota, with her husband, Aaron, who is also a choir director, and their children, Kate and Will.John Parezo currently serves as the choir and show choir director at Jefferson High School in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. In just two years as a new school, the choir department has already grown in size and has started to be recognized for musical excellence in competitive show choirs and vocal jazz ensembles. Prior to the opening of Jefferson in 2021, John worked at Roosevelt High School as the assistant choir director for six years. He was the director of Roosevelt High School's Chorale, RiderChor and Capitol Harmony show choir. He also co-conducted Mixed and Freshman Choruses. Under his direction, the Roosevelt RiderChor was invited to participate in and served as a featured performance choir for several festivals and conferences. Capitol Harmony show choir earned several grand champion placements in unisex division competition along with numerous evening finals placements. John is currently the All-State Show Choir Chair for the South Dakota High School Activities Association and President-Elect for South Dakota Region II Music. John was named Roosevelt High School Assistant Director of the Year for both the 2018-19 and the 2016-17 school years. He was also the 2017 SD-ACDA Overture Award recipient - an award given to outstanding choral directors in their first five years of teaching.To get in touch with Steph, you can find her on Instagram (@honorschoirs) or visit honorschoirs.org. To get in touch with John, find him on Instagram (@sfjeffersonchoirs) or visit jeffersonchoirs.com.Choir Fam wants to hear from you! Check out the Minisode Intro Part 2 episode from May 22, 2023, to hear how to share your story with us. Email choirfampodcast@gmail.com to contact our hosts.Podcast music from Podcast.coPhoto in episode artwork by Trace Hudson from Pexels
In this month's ACDA Advocacy and Collaboration Curated Episode you get to meet a fellow ACDA Standing Committee Chair, Dr. Joshua Habermann. Habermann chairs the International Activities Committee and in this conversation we explore what they do and why or how you can participate - but we also talk about Dr. Habermann's work in the professional chamber choir world with the Santa Fe Desert Chorale as well as thoughts on work-life balance and choices that all conductors face. This episode has a little bit of everything - including vulnerability - and we can't wait for you to give it a listen to see what collaborations or advocacy moments it inspires! Find out more about the ACDA International Activities Standing Committee: https://desertchorale.org/about/our-people/ https://acda.org/resources/icep Listen to this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XbZcflYHnMQ The Music (ed) Matters Podcast is sponsored by our friends over at Perform International. Thinking of going on tour domestically or abroad, want to take a solo tour, or team up with a dynamic festival? PI offers the best educationally sound and culturally significant experiences! Check them out, and tell them Emmy sent you :) Perform-International.com Order your copy of “The Business of Choir”: https://www.giamusic.com/store/resource/the-business-of-choir-book-g10713 or check out the website, businessofchoir.com. Join us over at Patreon.com/MusicEdMatters for monthly meet-ups, monthly bonus episodes, special content, and more!**Show music originally written by Mr. Todd Monsell
NATS members Alisa Belflower and Karen Brunssen share the exciting details about the new genres and the Children and Youth Categories that will be available as part of the NATS National Student Audition program. Discover new opportunities for your students to perform for professional adjudication. Links mentioned in this episode: https://www.nats.org/nats-membership.html https://www.nats.org/national_student_auditions.html For questions about the National Student Auditions: vpauditions@nats.org About our guests: Karen Brunssen, mezzo soprano, Professor of Voice, Co-Chair Department of Music Performance, Bienen School of Music at Northwestern University, Past-President of NATS. Author of The Evolving Singing Voice: Changes Across the Life Span Plural Publishing, Karen has presented for NATS, EVTA, AOTOS, Choral Canada, ACDA, Chorus America, ICVT, IFCM, many colleges, and universities, and has done teaching residencies in Zurich and in England at Cambridge University. She performed in concert, oratorio, and opera in Germany, France, Spain, Mexico, Switzerland, and throughout the United States. ALISA BELFLOWER joined the Korff School of Music's faculty and the Carson School of Theatre and Film's faculty at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 2000. She teaches voice and acting as well as serving as musical director, coach, and/or staging director for UNL productions. Alisa also works as an Associate Producer in Development with the Lied Center for Performing Arts. As an advocate of new works, she directs developmental staged readings with renowned guest composers-in-residence and is a resident stage director in ASCAP's Midwest New Musical Theatre Workshop. Having presented her research and performed internationally, Alisa is currently in her second term as the West Central NATS Region's Governor and is the NATS National Vice President of Auditions 2022-2024.
I really wanted to call this episode “Trust the Next Step.” Our conversation started as exploring the connection of text and expression through the power of choral music, but really turned into a series of inspirational quotes, tools, and great stories with poet, author, and longtime choral conductor, Dr. Robert Bode. The conversation felt like sitting down over a cup of coffee to share experiences, ideas, and more! I can't wait for you to hear this one!April is Poetry Month, so make sure you jump over the ACDA Advocacy and Collaboration Facebook and Instagram pages for weekly posts related to the collaboration between text and the choral arts. A huge thanks to the A&C committee for helping curate these episodes every month. You can also check them out as Blog posts on the ChoralNet blog every 3rd Wednesday of the month. Learn more about the ACDA Advocacy and Collaboration Committee and their resources at ACDA.org/advocacy or follow A&C on Facebook and Instagram.Learn more about Dr. Bode: https://www.giamusic.com/store/artists/robert-bode Get your hands on Dr. Bode's book, “Hearts All Whole: Reflections on (Life and) Twelve Choral Gems” published by GIA: https://www.giamusic.com/store/resource/hearts-all-whole-book-10808 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/y_Q51h8Uzqs The Music (ed) Matters Podcast is sponsored by our friends over at Perform International. Thinking of going on tour domestically or abroad, want to take a solo tour, or team up with a dynamic festival? PI offers the best educationally sound and culturally significant experiences! Check them out, and tell them Emmy sent you :) Perform-International.com Order your copy of “The Business of Choir”: https://www.giamusic.com/store/resource/the-business-of-choir-book-g10713 or check out the website, businessofchoir.com. Join us over at Patreon.com/MusicEdMatters for monthly meet-ups, monthly bonus episodes, special content, and more!**Show music originally written by Mr. Todd Monsell**Show photography provided by Dr. Dan Biggerstaff
Welcome to a fun first episode for the pod: LIVE at the exhibitor “Happy Hour” and LIVE after our in-person meeting of the ACDA Advocacy and Collaboration Committee all during the ACDA National Conference in Cincinnati 2023! In this episode, you'll hear folks share what they are taking away from the conference, what they are excited about, and new and fun resources heading your way from the A&C Committee. Huge THANKS to Brian Clissold with Kaleidoscope Adventures for allowing us to host a live show at their booth - already can't wait to do this again! Don't mind the lower-quality audio - it'll feel like you're right there with us in the exhibit hall and at the conference table after the meeting. Learn more about the Advocacy & Collaboration Committee at ACDA.org/advocacy or follow us on Facebook or Instagram (@ACDAadvocacyandcollaboration). Thanks for sponsoring the show, Patrons! Join us over at Patreon.com/MusicEdMatters for monthly meet-ups, monthly bonus episodes, special content, and more!**Show music originally written by Mr. Todd Monsell**Show photography provided by Dr. Dan Biggerstaff
Last week, I attended the first national gathering of the American Choral Directors since 2019. I had some incredible experiences, saw incredible choirs, heard wonderful and challenging thoughts presented in PD sessions. In this episode, I will recap my highlights, as well as presenting the highlights of some conference attendees that I interviewed during my … Continue reading "Episode 139: Digging into National ACDA"
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!
In part two of my conversation with ACDA Executive Director Robyn Hilger, we pick up right where we left off last week in Episode 130. I begin by asking Robyn about the ACDA national conventions session line up. We discuss what is there, and what is missing. We move from there into a deep discussion … Continue reading "Episode 131: Going Beyond Good Intentions with Robyn Hilger"
The American Choral Directors Association is the largest organization of choral musicians in the world. ACDA sets the tone and direction of choral music in the US and has a major impact on the global choral music community as well. The newly appointed Executive Director of the organization, Robyn Hilger seeks to usher in a … Continue reading "Episode 130: The Value of an Outsider with Robyn Hilger"