Podcasts about American Choral Directors Association

“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

“I want students to function in a studio recording session and a live performance, which are very, very different worlds. I want them to be able to do not just jazz, not just classical, not just gospel, but everything so that they can be hired to sing backgrounds for Beyoncé one day and the next day be singing with Andrea Bocelli on tour. I try to give them the most well-rounded experience I can.”A native of Holguín, Cuba, Cindy Ellis immigrated to the United States in 2005. She earned her Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Education and Jazz Voice from Florida International University and her Master's Degree in Music Education from the University of Missouri. Mrs. Ellis is a full time choral director at Miami Arts Studio, a 6th-12th grade public performing arts magnet school in Miami, FL. Her middle school and high school ensembles have been featured at numerous venues throughout the country. These include Carnegie Hall (2018 and 2024), and the Florida, Southern, and National Conferences of the American Choral Directors Association. In 2022, Mrs. Ellis' students performed in Los Angeles for the Summit of the Americas, a meeting hosted by President Joe Biden that brought together 40 Presidents and leaders from the Americas and Caribbean. Additionally, in the last 7 years, the students have recorded and performed background vocals for Gloria and Emilio Estefan and several music award shows including the AMAs, Latin American Music Awards and the Latin GRAMMY Awards. In 2024 Mrs. Ellis conducted her students at the Miami show of Jacob Collier's DJESSE Volume 4 World Tour. Beyond her school responsibilities, she frequently performs, conducts honor choirs and teaches masterclasses for music directors and students from elementary to college throughout North America. As a jazz vocal soloist and alto with the Jason Max Ferdinand Singers, she collaborated with Jacob Collier for performances at the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, and recording projects including a performance alongside Coldplay for NBC's Saturday Night Live and the 2024 BBC Proms Music Festival in London, UK.In 2020, Mrs. Ellis was published by GIA Publications as a contributing author on “Teaching with Heart,” and in 2022, she served as instructional design editor and contributing author of “Teaching Beyond the Music,” the second edition in the series. Ellis is Miami Arts Studio's 2025 Teacher of the Year, a 2025 Grammy Music Educator Semi-Finalist, and currently serves as the World Musics & Cultures Coordinator for the American Choral Directors Association Southern Region.To get in touch with Cindy, you can find her on Instagram (@cindycellis) or Facebook (@ccellis) or email her at cindycellis@icloud.com. You can follow MAS Vocal on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or Spotify (@masvocal) or on YouTube (@masvocal2765).Email choirfampodcast@gmail.com to contact our hosts.Podcast music from Podcast.coPhoto in episode artwork by Trace HudsonPodMatchPodMatch Automatically Matches Ideal Podcast Guests and Hosts For Interviews

“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

“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

“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

“For me, choral music is all about the people. I write for the choristers. I've gone through that phase in my life where I've written only for myself, where I had a lot of things I needed to express and every note that went on a page was for me. Now I'm in a phase where I want to adore every note that's on the page. I want every note that's on the page to represent me well and to reflect who I am -- somebody who sees herself in partnership with conductors, in partnership with choristers, making music together.”Canadian composer and educator Sarah Quartel is known for her fresh and exciting approach to choral music. Deeply inspired by the life-changing relationships that can occur while making choral music, Sarah writes in a way that connects singer to singer, ensemble to conductor, and performer to audience. Her works are performed by choirs across the world, and she has been commissioned by groups including the American Choral Directors Association, the National Children's Chorus of the United States of America, and New Dublin Voices. Since 2018 she has been exclusively published by Oxford University Press, and she continues to work as a clinician and conductor at music education and choral events at home and abroad.To get in touch with Sarah, you can visit sarahquartel.comor email her at sarah.k.quartel@gmail.com. You can listen to her music on Spotify or SoundCloud (@sarahquartel) or find her on Facebook (@sarah.quartel).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 HudsonTexas ToastThe #1 Country Music Podcast in Texas!Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Dr. David Fryling is director of choral activities at Hofstra University, where he conducts both the select Hofstra Chorale and Hofstra Chamber Choir and teaches beginning and advanced studies in choral conducting, as well as graduate-level studies in choral conducting and choral literature. In addition, he is an adjunct professor for the Hofstra School of Education, and has served as music director and conductor of the Hofstra Opera Theater. In fall 2014 David was inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame as the “Educator of Note” in recognition of his years of leadership in the Long Island music education community, and in the spring of 2017 David was named the winner of the American Prize in Conducting in two categories: community chorus and college & university.In fall 2013 David founded the eVoco Voice Collective, a nonprofit organization of singers of the highest musical, technical, and expressive abilities, who together believe in the transformative and educational power of music. From 2007 to 2013, David served as coordinator of the Vocal Artists program at the Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan, where he was conductor and music director of the World Youth Honors Choir and Festival Choir & Orchestra.Before his appointment at Hofstra, David served as music director and conductor of the University of Michigan Arts Chorale and assistant conductor of the Michigan Chamber Singers, University Choir, and the internationally acclaimed Michigan Men's Glee Club. While in Ann Arbor, he was also the music director and conductor of the Michigan Youth Women's Chorus, a year-round all-state honors choir composed of select high school sopranos and altos from across Michigan.In addition to his professional teaching and conducting responsibilities, David is the current President of the American Choral Directors Association. To get in touch with Dave, you can find him on Facebook (@david.fryling) or Instagram (@davidnfryling) or email him at david.n.fryling@hofstra.edu or Dfryling@acda.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.Podcast music from Podcast.coPhoto in episode artwork by Trace Hudson

“My goal is that no child will leave my classroom thinking they can't sing. If I have a coworker say, ‘I can't sing,' I'm like, ‘no, no. First, give me 15 minutes and a piano and I will show you that you can. Second, you can't say that because if you say that, then the kids think it's okay to say that.' I'm really fighting all day to prove to them that yes, they can sing, and it's cool, so do it. That foundational skill is just confidence and belief in their instrument.”Bethany Main is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City's Conservatory of Music and Dance, where she received her Master's and Bachelor's of Music Education. She teaches general music in Kansas City. She also directs the 6th-9th grade choir, Intermezzo, with the Youth Chorus of Kansas City.In addition to teaching, Bethany is a composer and author. She has written her first children's book titled “Our First Day of Music,” featuring an original song. Her piece, “Becoming You,” was selected for the JW Pepper's Editor's Choice distinction, as was her piece, "Be Who You Are," written in collaboration with Ryan Main.Bethany is an active presenter and honor choir clinician, and has presented at numerous conferences and led various honor choirs. She is a two-time Olathe School District finalist for Teacher of the Year, and the recipient of East Central KMEA's “Outstanding Young Educator” award in 2021. Previously, she taught music and directed the Special Chorus at Manchester Park Elementary in the Olathe School district, serving students in grades K-5. During her tenure at Manchester Park, her students performed with distinction at the Kansas Music Educators Association state conference. Bethany is an active member of the American Choral Directors Association, the National Association for Music Education, and the Kansas Music Educators Association. When Bethany isn't teaching music, she can be found running, cross stitching, or snuggling on the couch with her husband Ryan and their two dogs, Pippa and Missy.To get in touch with Bethany, you can find her on Instagram (@mrsmainsmusicians) or TeachersPayTeachers (@mrsmainsmusicians) or visit her website: mrsmainsmusicians.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

This week Nick Averwater continues his conversation with Dr. Emily Williams Burch, Professor of Music at Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, GA. Dr. Burch was also named to the 2023 Yamaha 40 Under 40 list of Music Educators. In this episode we'll learn about the work she has done with the American Choral Directors Association to provide advocacy resources to fellow educators. Our conversation was recorded in November, 2023. We've broken it up into two episodes, and this is part two. 

"The greatest lesson that I learned as a gig singer is that your career and reputation are built one chance at a time. You get one chance and one chance only. If I want people to go out on a limb for me and recommend me for a gig, then I have to make sure that I'm protecting their reputation as well as my own. That starts with never being late, always being prepared, and almost never missing a note." Dr. Stephen Caldwell is Associate Professor and Outgoing Chair of the Faculty Senate at the University of Arkansas. He is a nationally recognized conducting pedagogue and scholar, in demand as a clinician, conductor, and composer. At Arkansas, he conducts the nationally renowned Schola Cantorum, teaches the undergraduate sequence in conducting technique, graduate conducting lessons, and the graduate sequence in Choral History and Literature. Since his arrival in 2012, he has twice been awarded the Associated Student Government's “Top 10 Most Outstanding Faculty Award," he has received “The Golden Tusk” from the Division of Student affairs, he is a 4-time Outstanding Mentor, the inaugural recipient of the Paul Cronan Award for Excellence in Teaching with Technology and was named one of the “Top 10 Artistic People to Watch” in Northwest Arkansas.Under his direction and leadership, the Schola Cantorum has become one of the leading collegiate choirs in America, appearing at numerous conferences of NCCO, SWACDA, and ArkCDA, while touring internationally to the Republic of Serbia, Belgium, Germany, and Puerto Rico, and collecting more than half a million views on YouTube.He has conducted more than 40 works with orchestra and has prepared choirs for performance with the Philadelphia Orchestra, Delaware Symphony, Arkansas Philharmonic, and the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas. He has presented interest sessions at multiple regional and national conferences of the American Choral Directors Association and the National Collegiate Choral Organization and was an ACDA International Conducting Exchange Fellow in Kenya. He has conducted District, Region and All-State choirs across the country and his original, multi award-winning compositions and arrangements are performed throughout the world. Dr. Caldwell holds a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Northern Colorado, two Master of Music Degrees from Temple University, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Rutgers University.To get in touch with Stephen, you can email him at stephenc@uark.edu. You can find him on X (@DrC_UArk) or Instagram (@stephen_caldwell). Visit the University of Arkansas Choirs YouTube page for more information about the UArk Choirs: @uofascholacantorum .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 HudsonRecording: "Weathers" performed by University of Arkansas Schola Cantorum from the album Wander-Thirst: The Choral Music of Florence Price

Today on conduct(her) McKenna & Kyra interview Moira Smiley. An active composer and performer, Mora has written commissions for ensembles such as the LA Master Chorale, Conspirare, Cincinnati Vocal Arts Ensemble, Mirabai, American Choral Directors Association, and countless others.  Her arrangements and original compositions for choir – especially those with her signature body percussion – are performed by millions of singers around the world. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/conducther/support

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.

Breathwork helps us connect with ourselves on a much deeper level. My guest, Brenda Winkle, is a breathwork coach, empath, and intuitive – and she's someone I've worked with personally. In this episode, we talk about the power of breathwork, the body's energetic fields, how empaths can protect their energy, and how to raise your vibration.   The Body's Energetic Fields Mental Field: For most of us, this is where we're thinking, and our thoughts live. We're fast and reactionary. Always doing. Emotional Body: For everyone, this lives inside of our chest. This is where our emotions live.  Intuitive Body: For some of us, this is all around us. Everyone has access to their intuition.   About Brenda Winkle Brenda is the host and creator of the Yes Filled Life Podcast, a podcast globally rated in the top 5% of all podcasts.  Her mission is simple: to help people feel better; she has been doing so for the past 8 years. She says, "You have something special that the world needs. The best way to heal the world is to help one person at a time find their purpose, their passion, and peace. Healed people, heal people."  Brenda is an advanced trauma-informed breathwork facilitator and trauma-informed Reiki Master. She is certified and highly trained in multiple energy healing modalities that she offers in her "Heal to the Yes" method.  Brenda is an empath, a highly sensitive person, and an intuitive. She was a music educator for 26 years and has a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership. Brenda has been featured in Authority Magazine/Medium.com multiple times, guested on KCAA Radio, been a podcast guest on upwards of 30 podcasts, and has spoken on stages in Washington, Oregon, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri. She has upcoming features in The Daily Telegraph and The Metro.  Brenda is the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Chair for the Northwestern Region of the American Choral Directors Association and is committed to social justice and antiracist work.   Breathwork is a Powerful Tool Breathwork helps us reach a deeper place inside of us. It helps us release judgment and the fear of what others think about us and gives us permission to follow our soul's mission. When I started working with Brenda, I felt an amalgamation between the two very distinct parts of myself – it brought me together as a whole. One of the reasons for this is that breathwork allows us to access the emotional and intuitive fields of our body. If we only access the mental field, we're cutting everything off below the neck. The breathwork allows us to access the deeper knowing within us.   Breathwork and Your Energy When it comes to making shifts to your life, your energy, your career (anything, really), the universe will provide, but it's up to you to take the first step. Breathwork can help you learn to trust your intuition and the signs the universe gives you. Brenda gives some practical advice on how to raise your vibration. She asks you to question what energy you are tuning into. Are you stuck in negative energy? How are you experiencing joy? It's a choice and a commitment to be high vibe. Finally, we talk about some of the tools empaths can use to protect their energy. Make sure that your energy can stay in your field. We have the ability to merge our energy with other people, and when we do, we're taking on and in some of their emotional states. This isn't good for the empath or the person. Do you practice breathwork? If so, I'd love to hear some of the ways you benefit from it, let me know in the comments on the episode page. If you haven't tried it yet, I really encourage you to check out Brenda's gift.   In This Episode  How breathwork can help us get to a deeper place within ourselves [7:00] How breathwork allows you to access your own soul's mission [8:30] How using your breath can help you combine the different aspects of yourself [11:45] What you need to know about the different fields of your body [12:30] Why you have to be willing to take the first step [19:30] How to raise your vibrational energy [21:30] Top tools empaths can use to protect their energy [26:00] An exercise for empaths to reclaim their energy [27:30]   Quotes “When we activate the breath by taking intentional control over something that's usually an autonomic system, it changes the way everything functions in our body. We can actually release some of the stuck emotionality and access parts of ourselves that feel like we've never accessed before. And all we're doing is adding breath.” [7:29] “I had to get over my fear of what other people would think, embracing ‘the woo' that I am because I believe in energy. I believe in spirituality. I believe that energy is everything and energy has no walls. In order to lean into that gift, I had to get out of my own way.” [9:04] “When we drop from the mental field into the emotional body, we have access to our emotions in a different way.” [13:37] “We all have these three fields. The mental body, the emotional body, and the intuitive body. We all have them. The breathwork allows us access to the emotional and intuitive bodies. Otherwise, we're stuck in the mental field.” [14:17] “We have to choose our hard. Is it hard to think about leaving a stable career with a really structured retirement and benefits? Yeah! It's hard. Is it hard to do work that you don't feel completely lit up by anymore? Yeah, that's also hard. You have to choose your hard.” [20:15] “If you're feeling low vibe, what are you tuning to?” [22:27] “As empaths, if we can recall our own energy, come back into our own central channels, reclaim our essence, then we have so much more to serve with other people.” [28:32]   Resources Mentioned Breathwork to Strengthen and Trust Your Intuition Listen to Your Yes Filled Life Find Brenda Winkle Online Follow Brenda Winkle on Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok Check out the full episode page here Find Life Coaching for Women Physicians Online Follow Dr. Ali Novitsky on Facebook | Instagram | YouTube Subscribe to Life Coaching for Women Physicians on Apple Podcasts Podcast production by the team at Counterweight Creative   Related Episodes  Episode 180: Energetic Health Episode 172: When In Doubt, Create Space Episode 185: Emotionally Regulated Parenting

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!

Arreon A. Harley-Emerson graduated from Goucher College in Baltimore, Maryland, with bachelor's degrees in Music Theory & Composition and Vocal Performance (opera). He received master's of music degrees in Choral Conducting and Vocal Performance from the University of Delaware School of Music and is a doctoral candidate and University Fellow at the Boyer School of Music and Dance at Temple University in Philadelphia. He has had the opportunity to conduct in venues such as St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, The Kimmel Center for the Arts in Philadelphia, and the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore.  Mr. Harley-Emerson has held a number of teaching and artistic director positions. He served as Director of Music and Operations of the Choir School of Delaware from June 2013 through December 2022. In this position, he was responsible for the musical components of the renowned Choir School program as well as serving as Executive Director, managing the day-to-day operations of the organization.  An avid researcher and presenter, Mr. Harley-Emerson has contributed a chapter to The Oxford Handbook for Choral Pedagogy entitled “The Gang Mentality of Choirs: How Choirs Have the Capacity to Change Lives.” He also has a TEDx Talk with the same title and contributed to the research literature regarding culturally responsive choral and classroom practice.  Committed to the principles of Access, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Restorative Practice (ADEIBR), Mr. Harley-Emerson has established a thriving consultancy to assist arts and culture nonprofit organizations in remaining relevant in the 21st century. His work includes longitudinal studies, strategic planning, Board Excellence training, resource and asset development, and board diversification. Mr. Harley-Emerson currently serves as the National Chair of the American Choral Directors Association's Diversity Initiatives Committee. An active member of the Wilmington, Delaware community, Mr. Harley-Emerson is on the Delaware Arts Alliance's Board of Directors, where he serves as President of the Board and chairs the Advancement Committee, which is tasked with fundraising, membership development, and DEIB.To get in touch with Arreon, you can visit his website, equitysings.com. You can also find him on Facebook (@EquitySings) or Instagram (@equitysings). Learn more about Arreon's pro choir, Elevation, at elevatevocalarts.org.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

Advocacting for music generally is one thing. Advocating specifically for YOUR music is quite another. To unpack this topic, I'm joined by Dr. Emily Williams Burch and Alex Gartner, the authors of The Business of Choir and members of the American Choral Directors Association committee for advocacy and collaboration. In addition to being experienced and well respected choral conductors, Alex is an established composer and Emmy is the host of the Music Ed Matters Podcast. This episode is a big one! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/garrett-breeze/support

Joseph Svendsen is the Director of Choral Studies and Associate Professor of Music at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he conducts the UNLV Singers and Collegium and teaches graduate coursework in conducting and choral literature, working with students seeking the MM in Choral Conducting. During his tenure at UNLV the choirs have toured internationally and regionally and performed at professional conferences and festivals in the southwestern United States. The choirs host the Desert Rose Choral Festival, a one-day festival chorus of high school students drawn from across the southwest.Svendsen is the artistic director of the Las Vegas Master Singers, a 90-voice volunteer ensemble that serves as the symphony chorus for the Las Vegas Philharmonic and provides the choruses for Opera Las Vegas's main stage productions. The chorus regularly collaborates with Las Vegas and regional orchestras, choirs, and solo artists and commissions works about life in Nevada through its New Voices outreach program. Svendsen is also music minister at Faith Lutheran Church in Summerlin, Nevada, where the church's choral scholars recently completed a residency at St Albans Cathedral in Hertfordshire, England. An active clinician, he has served as an invited conductor in eight countries and seven states, with choirs ranging from middle school through adulthood.Svendsen is an advocate of critical pedagogy and agency building in the choral rehearsal, developing student musicianship, independence, and engagement through the teaching of diverse repertoire. He has presented on this subject for conferences of the American Choral Directors Association and the National Association for Music Education, as well as several university and school district guest lectures and residencies. He is the 2023 recipient of the UNLV College of Fine Arts Outstanding Teaching Award.Svendsen is a proud alumnus of Luther College, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and Texas Tech University, from which he earned his DMA in Choral Conducting. From 2007-2013 he taught high school vocal music in Fort Dodge, Iowa. His choral mentors and teachers include Richard Bjella, Chester Alwes, Craig Arnold, and Timothy Peter.To get in touch with Joe, you can email him at joseph.svendsen@unlv.edu or find him on Instagram (@joseph.svendsen) or Twitter (@josephsvendsen).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

“It's powerful to see [the Dallas Street Choir] perform. It's powerful to see the invisible become visible. Both the audience reaction to take an invisible, isolated population and see them for the very first time in many ways, but it's also powerful for them to be seen.”Jonathan Palant is Associate Dean of the Arts and Director of Choral Activities at the University of Texas at Dallas and is founder and conductor of the Credo Community Choir, a 140-member adult mixed choir, and the Dallas Street Choir, a musical outlet for those affected by homelessness. In addition, Dr. Palant is Director of Music at Kessler Park United Methodist Church, and is employed by the Dallas Independent School District to mentor middle and high school vocal music teachers.From 2007-2011, he served as Artistic Director of Dallas' Turtle Creek Chorale. Prior to that, Palant held collegiate teaching positions at Western Kentucky University and Madonna University in Livonia, Michigan. He taught secondary choral music at University School, an all-boys independent school in Cleveland, Ohio, and San Pasqual High School in Escondido, California.Dr. Palant currently serves as president of the National Alliance for Music In Vulnerable Communities, Repertoire and Standards Chair for the Southwest American Choral Directors Association (SWACDA), and sits on the board of directors of the Intercollegiate Men's Choruses. He has also served on the state board of the Michigan chapter of the American Choral Directors Association and Youth First Texas where he was founder and conductor of Dallas PUMP!, a choir serving at-risk youth.Dr. Palant holds degrees from Michigan State University, Temple University and the University of Michigan.Both Palant's book, Brothers, Sing On! Conducting the Tenor-Bass Choir and Brothers, Sing On! The Jonathan Palant Choral Series are published by Hal Leonard.To get in touch with Jonathan, you can email him at jonathanpalant@gmail.com or find him on Facebook (@jpalant).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

“As first-year teachers, we have more power than we think we do. Our voice is heard more because we're the new person in town. As young teachers, I think that our confidence is still growing. We're still learning to navigate what to ask and how to ask admin... You can always ask for something, and the worst thing they're going to say is ‘no' or ‘not yet.'”Christina Hall is a master's student in Choral Conducting at Arizona State University.  Concurrently, she is in her third season as a soprano in the GRAMMY-award winning Phoenix Chorale.  Christina served as the choir director at Millennium High School in Goodyear, Arizona, for four years teaching choir and class guitar and founded the first piano curriculum in the district. She is a native of Walla Walla, Washington, and received her Bachelor of Arts in Choral Music Education at Northern Arizona University.  While in Flagstaff, Christina directed the Living Christ Lutheran Church Choir for three years and performed at Carnegie Hall in December 2019.Vocally, she trained with Dr. Judith Cloud and performed as a backup singer for Josh Groban and Sarah Brightman. An active member of the American Choral Directors Association, Christina frequently attends state, regional, and national conferences and recently presented at the AzACDA State Conference on Program Advocacy. She serves her second term as the Youth Repertoire & Resources Coordinator for the Western Region of the American Choral Directors Association and first year as the AzACDA Vocal Jazz Chair.To get in touch with Christina, you can find her on Instagram (@challmusic) or Facebook (@christina.hall.213), visit her website (https://www.challmusic.com), or email her at cihall1@asu.edu.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

Clint Hardy, Middle School Choral Director in Keller, TX, is here to share several great ideas for teaching expectations and sharing information, activities to help you learn about your students, helping students get to know each other, and teaching us a fun music game involving rhythms.   These are fabulous ideas to use at the start of the year or integrate at other times as well. Instagram - @choirwithclint Twitter - @tsms.choirs Podcast - The Choir Chronicles Facebook Group: The Choir Chronicles Teachers Pay Teachers - Choir with Clint Facebook Group:  Choir with Clint   Meet Clint: Clinton Ray Hardy is in his fifteenth year of directing choral music, and is the head choral director at Trinity Springs Middle School in Keller ISD. He received his Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Texas Christian University and earned his Master's degree in Music Education from the University of North Texas.  At Trinity Springs, Mr. Hardy directs seven choirs and serves as the head of the fine arts department.  His choirs consistently have earned Sweepstakes awards for superior ratings at the yearly University Interscholastic League Concert and Sight-Reading Contest. Mr. Hardy's Varsity Treble Choir was invited to perform at this past year's 2023 Texas Music Educators Association Convention. Previous to this, his Varsity Treble Choir performed at the 2022 Southwestern American Choral Directors Association Convention, his Varsity Tenor-Bass Choir performed at the 2021 National American Choral Directors Association Convention. In addition, his Varsity Treble Choir performed at the 2019 Texas Music Educators Association Convention and in 2018 his Varsity Treble Choir performed at the MS/JH National Cambiata Institute Convention. The Keller Honor Choir, under the co-direction of Clinton Hardy, performed in the elementary division for the 2017 Texas Music Educators Association Convention, and in 2014 his Varsity Tenor-Bass Choir was invited to perform at the MS/JH National Cambiata Institute Convention. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Mr. Hardy currently serves as the National ACDA JH/MS R&R Chair. He also currently serves as the TMEA Region 30 MS/JH Secretary. Mr. Hardy is frequently requested to be a clinician/conductor for All-City, All-Region, and All-State Choirs. He is an adjudicator for UIL Concert and Sight-Reading contests throughout the state and is a judge for Solo and Ensemble contests in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.  He is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association, the Texas Choral Directors Association, the American Choral Directors Association, and the Texas Music Adjudicators Association. He is proud to have had 120 students selected for the TCDA All-State Choir and 663 Middle School All-Region Choir members selected during his thirteen years of teaching.  Mr. Hardy has been named Teacher of the Year three times in teaching career.  The first happened in 2013-2014 for Linda Jobe Middle School in Mansfield ISD, and the second and third were at Trinity Springs MS for the 2016-2017 and the 2020-2021 school years.  In 2014 he was awarded the TCDA Young Director of Distinction Award. He strives to first teach his students how to be the best humans possible and then to be excellent musicians.   Jessica's Links: Website: www.jessicagrant.org Instagram: @howtoteachmusicwithjessica  

"The repertoire will always have some sort of example of something that you're talking about in music theory, and it helps really build that connection between the studying of music and the doing of music. The more and more I teach theory, the more little leaves I uncover, and I'm able to help students make that connection more and more every year."John Guarente is Professor of Choral Ensembles and Music Theory at South Puget Sound Community College. He leads the SPSCC Choirs and teaches courses in music theory, popular music, and music appreciation.Dr. Guarente previously served on the faculty at Lakeland University in Wisconsin and the College of Central Florida. He has held teaching and conducting positions with schools and organizations including the University of Miami, Miami Choral Academy, Marion Civic Chorale, the Civic Chorale of Greater Miami, and Highland Park Community Chorus.An active composer and arranger, John has fulfilled commissions for colleges and universities including Florida International University and Hawai'i Pacific University. In 2020, he wrote the music and lyrics for SPSCC's Alma Mater, "The Waves of South Puget Sound." John has prepared and conducted choirs for groundbreaking recording artists such as Passion Pit and Juanes. In working with adult and collegiate choirs, Dr. Guarente has conducted numerous major works including Handel's Judas Maccabaeus, Saint-Saëns's Oratorio de Noël, Mozart's "Coronation" Mass, Faure's Requiem, and Vivaldi's Gloria. As a baritone soloist, his singing engagements have included such choral-orchestral literature as Orff's Carmina Burana, Handel's Messiah, Dvorak's Te Deum, and Szymanowski's Stabat Mater.John received his doctor of musical arts degree from the University of Miami, and holds a master of music in choral conducting and a bachelor of arts degree in music from Rutgers University. He is an inductee of Pi Kappa Lambda: The National Music Honor Society, and is an active member of the American Choral Directors Association, the National Collegiate Choral Organization, the College Music Society, and the National Association for Music Education.To get in touch with John, you can find him on Facebook (@johnguarente), Twitter ( @johnguarente), or Instagram (@johnguarente). You can also email him at jguarente@spscc.edu.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

"The middle school was a three-story building. At the bottom were all of the 'rough' kids. There was a second floor that was moderate. All the kids who had resources had their classes on the third floor. I'm teaching choir down in the bottom where there's a fight every 90 seconds. Over the course of my five years there we ended up through the choir program merging the entire school from top to bottom. It was one of the most memorable, rewarding experiences of my entire life."Reginal Wright was born in Henderson, Texas. His life as a musician began in his middle school band as a trombonist. As a 20-year educator, Reginal has earned many awards including Outstanding Teacher, Who's Who Among America's Teachers, and a nomination for the UIL Sponsor Excellence Award. Reginal also earned the 2018 Educator of the Year Award for the Mansfield School District.Reginal has performed music in Vienna and Salzburg, Austria as well as Munich, Germany and throughout the United States. As a conductor, he is a sought after clinician in both Gospel and Classical genres. He has enjoyed the opportunity to conduct Honor Choirs for many school districts throughout the United States. He also serves as a clinician in many Texas All State Choir camps and All State Choirs. Reginal is also an aspiring composer, writing music that caters to school and church choirs.Reginal received both his Bachelor and Masters of Music Education Degrees from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. He is currently the head choral director at Mansfield High School. His choirs are consistent sweepstakes winners in both concert and sight reading contests. Choirs under his direction also earn “Outstanding in Class” awards at National Music Festivals. In 2012 and 2022 the Mansfield High School A Cappella Women's choir was honored as SWACDA honor choir.   In 2018, the Mansfield Varsity Men's Choir performed at the prestigious Texas Music Educators Association Convention in San Antonio.  He is a member of Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Music Adjudicators Association, Texas Choral Directors Association, American Choral Directors Association and served as Vocal Chair for TMEA Region 5 from 2014-2017. He was recently appointed Artistic Director of the Arlington Master Chorale.Reginal resides in Arlington with his wife Renetta, son Gabrien, daughter Reece and Yorkie Cooper.To get in touch with Reginal, you can find him on Facebook (@reginalwrightmusic and @reginal.wright.39) and Instagram (@regwright). You can check out his website at https://www.reginalwright.com/ .Choir Fam wants to hear from you! Check out the Minisode Intro episode from September 16, 2022, 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

On this episode of The Stage, Robyn Hilger, Executive Director of the American Choral Directors Association, joins the show to discuss what it means to have sustained creativeness and entrepreneurialism in the music classroom. With a wealth of knowledge within music education and advocacy, Hilger provides key information for all music educators looking for new, innovative ideas in their curriculums.Learn from one of the brightest minds in music education and advocacy on:Robyn's unique journey from band student to choral professionalResources that ACDA gives for music educators and programs all overAdvice she would give for music educators in maintaining creativity and longevityHer love for educating, advocating, and Formula 1 racingSubscribe and leave a rating! Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn! https://www.nfhs.org/ Know someone who would be a great guest? Email: kburke@nfhs.org

"It gave me some amazing opportunities, just that one phone call, that one chance. For my grad students, that's one of the things that I really try to model and mentor and teach them: you can be a fantastic musician, but if you aren't one that seizes the moment or takes the initiative, it makes a difference."John Dickson is Professor Emeritus and former Director of Choral Studies at Louisiana State University's School of Music.  Holding the School of Music's first Chair as the Edward G. and Catherine M. Galante Chair for Choral Music Education, he conducted the A Cappella Choir and supervised the masters and doctoral programs in choral conducting.  Recently retired after forty-four years of collegiate teaching, he continues his conducting through workshops and festivals, and as the founding artistic director and conductor of Coro Vocati, one of Atlanta's most accomplished professional chamber choirs.  He also serves as one of the principal guest artists for KI Concerts.As a conducting pedagogue, he has presented masterclasses before the Association of British Choral Directors, the American Choral Directors Association, the Royal Northern Music Conservatory (Mancester), and the Russian State Music Conservatories of St. Petersburg and Moscow.  He has conducted festivals and workshops in England, Wales, Scotland, Finland, France, Italy, Hungary, Austria, the Czech Republic, Mexico, Canada, and throughout the U. S.  For three decades his choirs have been featured at conventions of the ACDA, ABCD, Texas Music Educators Association, and the National Collegiate Choral Organization.Appointed as a Visiting Fellow of Wolfson College, Cambridge University in 1992, Dr. Dickson sang with Sir David Willcocks and The Bach Choir; a second post-doctoral fellowship in 1998 allowed him to serve as principal rehearsal conductor under musical director David Hill.  For his summer conducting institutes Dr. Dickson has co-directed with British friends and colleagues Stephen Cleobury, David Hill and Bob Chilcott.  He is the Founding Director of the C. S. Lewis Choral Institute, featuring a professional chorus for its triennial symposium in Oxford and Cambridge.  He holds the D.M.A. degree in choral conducting from The University of Texas, at Austin, the M.M. degree in musicology from Baylor University, and has done post-doctoral study at Cambridge University, Cambridge.You can email John at jdickson@lsu.edu.Choir Fam wants to hear from you! Check out the Minisode Intro episode from September 16, 2022, 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

Having just gotten back from a life-changing concert at the American Choral Directors Association national conference in Cincinnati, Andrew and Allison have an impromptu conversation to capture the moment.

"As someone who moves at a million miles per hour, choir -- music -- is the one thing that does make time stop for me. I knew that I needed to be in the arts. I have to be a teacher, I have to be a conductor, so that I can live in this endless moment that is quite finite but feels like infinity. I want to live in this forever."Coty Raven Morris  is a proud alumnus of Texas State University- San Marcos where she studied with Drs. Lynn Brinckmeyer, Jonathan Bacock, and Joey Martin. She received her Masters of Music in Choral Conducting from Michigan State University in the Spring of 2020 under Drs. David Rayl, Jonathan Reed, and Sandra Snow. She is currently the Visiting Assistant Professor of Choir, Music Education, and Social Justice at Portland State University. Prior to this, she was the Director of Choirs at Crosby High School in the Houston area and has served as the Outreach Choir Director at the MSU Community Music School and Music Director at Grand Ledge United Methodist Church. Her choirs received consistent Sweepstakes & Division I ratings at UIL and choral festivals.      Morris was the recipient of the Hays CISD Linebarger Academic Recognition Award for 2013 & Galena Park ISD's Dazzling Diamond Award in  2014, 2016, 2017, and 2018  for outstanding mentorship and leadership in her field. She is the Northwest Choral representative for the National Association for Music Education as well as the Community Choir Chair for Northwest  region of the American Choral Directors Association.A newly published author and composer, Morris is a sought after clinician and speaker across the country. She has recently served as the Clinician and Headliner for Florida ACDA, Washington MEA, and Minnesota ACDA as well as the Keynote speaker for the city of Lake Oswego's Juneteenth festival. Her future engagements include the Alaska All State Treble Choir and the Oregon Middle School Tenor Bass Choir. Morris has been a choir member of the South Texas Vocal Artists and Mirabai and has devoted over a decade of summers to working as a camp director at the Texas State, Northeastern and Lamar University summer camps.Coty Raven Morris the Founder of Being Human Together, a budding community rooted in music education  striving to normalize difficult topics in our field through conversation and connection. BHT seeks to discuss traditionally taboo topics like mental health, systemic oppression, diversity, and inclusivity.To get in touch with Coty, you can visit her website, https://cotyravenmorris.com or find her on Instagram and Tiktok: @cotyraven.Choir Fam wants to hear from you! Check out the Minisode Intro episode 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

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"

"The skill set of the executive director is actually the activation of knowledge in the organization rather than the specialization of the knowledge itself. I'm better served in clearing the road so that the artistry can come through. The outcome of that is really exceptional experiences for students and their teachers."Robyn Hilger is beginning her second year as executive director of the American Choral Directors Association. A native Oklahoman, Hilger is a classically trained clarinetist. She graduated with high honors in 1999 from Oklahoma City University with a bachelor's degree in instrumental music education. She earned her master's degree in school administration from the University of Central Oklahoma and is currently pursuing her doctorate of education in administration and leadership at Southern Nazarene University. She is a National Board-Certified Teacher in early adolescence/young adult music with specialization in band.The overarching theme of her work is meeting the identified needs of historically marginalized and under-resourced communities. Robyn began her career as the band and strings teacher at Belle Isle Enterprise Middle School, in Oklahoma's largest urban school district, where she created the fine arts department. In 2006, she was recognized as Oklahoma's State Teacher of the Year and she served as Oklahoma's Ambassador of Teaching, traveling more than 20,000 miles delivering some 200 workshops and speeches focused on teaching, advocacy, and education policy.In 2007, she joined the staff of the Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools as the chief programs officer. In 2013, she supported the launch of El Sistema Oklahoma as a volunteer. In 2014, she was asked to join the organization as the executive director. El Sistema Oklahoma facilitates the development of empowered youth who use music to make strong positive change in their lives, their communities, and the world. El Sistema Oklahoma operates every day after-school and is completely free for participating families.In 2017, she was named New Fundraiser of the Year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Oklahoma City Chapter. Robyn also serves on the advisory board for the Oklahoma Youth Orchestras and is a board member for Oklahoma Youth Sing! (formerly known as the Norman Children's Chorus).Robyn is a connector of people, organizations, and opportunities. She lives in Oklahoma City with her husband Stephen and their three cats.To get in touch with Robyn, you can add her on Facebook (@robynhilger or @robynhilgeracda) or email her at executivedirector@acda.org.Choir Fam wants to hear from you! Check out the Minisode Intro episode 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

Coty Raven Morris Coty and I met at an ACDA (American Choral Directors Association) conference and immediately connected. We both were new to the Portland area, but that wasn't why we connected - I'm not sure either of us realized we both lived in Portland when we met in Spokane, Washington. We've become good friends and this episode is two friends having a conversation over lunch (actually it was before lunch). Now, we both serve on the Northwest Region of ACDA board together and we have so much to talk about!! Friendship, choral music, balance, building healthy relationships, personal responsibility and social justice are the themes of this episode. About Coty Raven Morris Coty Raven Morris is a proud alumnus of Texas State University- San Marcos where she studied with Drs. Lynn Brinckmeyer, Jonathan Bacock, and Joey Martin. She received her Masters of Music in Choral Conducting from Michigan State University in the Spring of 2020 under Drs. David Rayl, Jonathan Reed, and Sandra Snow. She is currently the Visiting Assistant Professor of Choir, Music Education, and Social Justice at Portland State University. Prior to this, she was the Director of Choirs at Crosby High School in the Houston area and has served as the Outreach Choir Director at the MSU Community Music School and Music Director at Grand Ledge United Methodist Church. Her choirs received consistent Sweepstakes & Division I ratings at UIL and choral festivals. Morris was the recipient of the Hays CISD Linebarger Academic Recognition Award for 2013 & Galena Park ISD's Dazzling Diamond Award in 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2018 for outstanding mentorship and leadership in her field. She is the Northwest Choral representative for the National Association for Music Education as well as the Community Choir Chair for the Northwest region of the American Choral Directors Association. A newly published author and composer, Morris is a sought-after clinician and speaker across the country. She has recently served as the Clinician and Headliner for Florida ACDA, Washington MEA, and Minnesota ACDA as well as the Keynote speaker for the city of Lake Oswego's Juneteenth festival. Her future engagements include the Alaska All-State Treble Choir and the Oregon Middle School Tenor Bass Choir. Morris has been a choir member of the South Texas Vocal Artists and Mirabai and has devoted over a decade of summers to working as a camp director at the Texas State, Northeastern and Lamar University summer camps. Coty Raven Morris the Founder of Being Human Together, a budding community rooted in music education striving to normalize difficult topics in our field through conversation and connection. BHT seeks to discuss traditionally taboo topics like mental health, systemic oppression, diversity, and inclusivity. Here are the takeaways Intentional relationships lead to authentic relationships that can expand, grow and evolve together If you are in relationship with someone who isn't growing and evolving - or if you aren't growing and evolving - the distance between you will continue to grow We can be a toxin to ourselves by maintaining relationships that no longer serve us whether that's a job, a friendship or a romantic relationship Delayed obedience is disobedience. What you don't correct, you give permission to Lean into dissonance - there is beauty there Trust your gut. If you won't listen to your own compass, it's difficult to trust yourself in a relationship Compromise can be a form of assimiliation. Be careful what you compromise on. Guilt is the body's way of asking for a time out Choir and arts give you community of people who look out for you Don't leave DEI efforts for someone else. Get involved. And do not expect people to advocate for themselves. It takes all of us. Social injustice occurs when boundaries are violated. If someone asks you to or to not do something, listen. Homelessness / houselessness doesn't look a certain way Arts has always and will continue to save humanity It is your responsibility to set aside time to be creative so that you have the freedom to create Contact Coty Website: https://www.cotyravenmorris.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cotyraven/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cotyravenmorris TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cotyraven?lang=en Being Human Together: https://www.beinghumantogether.net/ Coty's Book - "When I Grow Up" - https://fflat-books.com/product/when-i-grow-up/?fbclid=IwAR3lP8BfOJZA9K0wX7l7HYNc6lCy4uMqpzpcGU-u2FW2GgUKvqHzx41RtIk Coty's Music - https://www.brileemusic.com/coty-raven-morris Contact Brenda Website: 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/brenda-winkle-empowerment/ Email: brenda@brendawinkle.com Free Meditation https://www.brendawinkle.com/feelbetter Free Guide and Cheat Sheet to Feel Better Fast https://www.brendawinkle.com/feelbetterfast Oregon Coast Reiki I Retreat https://www.brendawinkle.com/retreat

"If you can give students really clear directions about what they're doing with their bodies at all times, then their minds are much more likely to be focused. By the end of the rehearsal, there's all this energy. That comes if you're able to grab their attention and have everyone participate in a visual and kinesthetic way."Dr. Reed Criddle is Director of Choral Activities at Utah Valley University, where he conducts the Chamber Choir and Men's Choir and teaches conducting and voice. In recognition of his innovative pedagogy and professional work as a composer and conductor, Utah Valley University has presented him with the School of the Arts Dean's Award, two Faculty Senate Excellence Awards, and the Presidential Fellowship Award.As a conductor and U.S. Fulbright Senior Scholar, he has directed ensembles, conducted research, and led workshops throughout Europe, Asia, Cuba, and the United States. Dr. Criddle has served as president of the Utah chapter of the American Choral Directors Association. UVU choirs under his direction have performed many times at the national conference of NCCO, the western division conference of ACDA, and state conferences of the ACDA and NAfME.Dr. Criddle's compositions have been performed worldwide by a large variety of ensembles like Musikhochschüle Lübeck Kammerchor (Germany), Beijing Queer Chorus (China), Hollywood Master Chorale (California), National University of Singapore International Festival Chorus, and Auckland Welsh Choir (New Zealand). He has recently guest-lectured at institutions such as the Hochschüle für Musik Franz Liszt Weimar (Germany), California State University (Los Angeles), Taipei University of the Arts (Taiwan), Foguangshan Buddhist College (Taiwan), and the Technical University of Kenya. His compositions and arrangements are available through Earthsongs, Hal Leonard, Santa Barbara Music Publishing, and North Star Music.He is a graduate of Stanford University, the Eastman School of Music, and the University of Michigan.To get in touch with Reed, you can find him on Facebook (@reed.criddle) or Instagram (@reedcriddle).Choir Fam wants to hear from you! Check out the Minisode Intro episode 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 PexelsQueens On A RollThis podcast was created to educate & inspire people about the ably different...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify FRANK HORROR Presents: THE HORROR ANALYSISFRANK HORROR features both horror fiction and talk-format showsListen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Buzzsprout — Easiest Way to Start a PodcastStart podcasting today. It's the easiest way to start, grow, and monetize your podcast.Brand

"The text is so crucial to my process. I try and derive every little detail -- rhythm and harmony and melody and the overall mood and tone and textures and timbres of the piece -- from the text itself. The text is really at the heart of everything I do."Dale Trumbore is a Los Angeles-based composer and writer whose music has been called "devastatingly beautiful" (The Washington Post) and praised for its "soaring melodies and beguiling harmonies deployed with finesse" (The New York Times). Trumbore's compositions have been performed widely in the U.S. and internationally by the Chicago Symphony's MusicNOW ensemble, Los Angeles Children's Chorus, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Modesto Symphony, Pasadena Symphony, Phoenix Chorale, Tonality, and VocalEssence.​The recipient of ACDA's inaugural Raymond W. Brock Competition for Professional Composers, an ASCAP Morton Gould Award, and a Chamber Music America Classical Commissioning Grant, Trumbore has also served as Composer in Residence for Choral Chameleon. She has been awarded artist residencies at Copland House, the Helene Wurlitzer Foundation, the Tusen Takk Foundation, and Ucross. Her choral works have been commissioned for premieres at national conferences of the American Choral Directors Association, American Guild of Organists, Chorus America, and National Collegiate Choral Organization, and her music is available through Boosey & Hawkes, G. Schirmer, and Graphite Marketplace.Trumbore is passionate about setting to music poems, prose, and found text by living writers. She has  written extensively about working through creative blocks and establishing a career in music in essays for Cantate Magazine, the Center for New Music, and NewMusicBox. Her first book, Staying Composed: Overcoming Anxiety and Self-Doubt Within a Creative Life, was hailed by writer Angela Myles Beeching as a "treasure trove of practical strategies for moving your artistic career forward... not only for composers, but for performers, writers, and any other creatives." Trumbore's short fiction is published or forthcoming from Southern Indiana Review, New Delta Review, and F(r)iction. She is currently working on a collection of short stories.Trumbore holds a dual degree in Music Composition (B.M.) and English (B.A.) from the University of Maryland, as well as a Master of Music degree in Composition from the University of Southern California. A New Jersey native, Trumbore currently lives in Azusa, CA with her spouse and their three cats.To get in touch with Dale, you can visit her website --  daletrumbore.com -- or use her contact form.Email choirfampodcast@gmail.com to contact our hosts.Podcast music from Podcast.coPhoto in episode artwork by Trace Hudson from Pexels

"Through breaking down stereotypes and saying 'this is who I am'...my students in turn would be their authentic selves and break down some of their own stereotypes about how they're supposed to sound... and be more open to the journey of being creative through choral music."Angelica Brooks is an acclaimed choral director and music educator. With a passion for excellence in music and education, Mrs. Brooks' résumé exhibits service, equity, and drive.  She has taught at all levels and served various student populations. Angelica Brooks was recently the Director of Choral Activities at Bowie High School in Prince George's County, Maryland where she taught choir, drama, and music theory.Mrs. Brooks earned a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and Media Management from the Bowie State University in Bowie, Maryland. She completed her Master of Music  with a focus in Vocal Pedagogy from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. Mrs. Brooks also holds a Administration I Certificate from McDaniels College. She is currently a DMA Candidate in the Music Teaching and Learning program at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA and serves as adjunct faculty at the University of Maryland Baltimore County in the Music Education Department.A member of the National Association for Music Education Equity Committee and the American Choral Directors Association, Angelica has served as an honor choir guest conductor, choral festival adjudicator, and presenter at statewide and local music conferences. Mrs. Brooks has been honored to serve her professional community as a mentor teacher, curriculum writer, and professional development presenter. She is a member of Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity.To get in touch with Angelica, you can find her on Facebook (@angelica.brooks) or Instagram (@angelica_brooks) or visit www.angelicabrooks.com. Information about The Table Music Education Conference is available at www.thetablemec.com.Email choirfampodcast@gmail.com to contact our hosts.Podcast music from Podcast.coPhoto in episode artwork by Trace Hudson from Pexels

University Singers Washington and Lee University Singers, conducted by Shane Lynch, continues to be recognized as one of the finest a cappella choirs in the region. Routinely touring both nationally and internationally, the University Singers perform a wide variety of literature as a feature choir in major concert series and prestigious music festivals of groups such as the Virginia Music Educators Association and the American Choral Directors Association. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mike-weed5/support

Now in his eight season, Sean Mikel Baugh is the Artistic Director of the Turtle Creek Chorale. Originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Sean studied music at Oklahoma Baptist University and the University of Central Oklahoma and was awarded a Master of Music in Conducting degree from the Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University where he was named outstanding graduate conductor. At the Meadows School, Sean served as assistant conductor of the world-renowned Meadows Wind Ensemble. He has studied with Nancy Hill Cobb, Jack Delaney, Paul Phillips and many others.Sean has been called “expressive and incredibly dynamic, a consummate musician with a side of showman. He exhilarates audience members and singers alike.” He is regularly praised for his innovative programming and expressive technique. His choirs have enjoyed positive reviews and have been lauded for their musicality and emotional performances. An active advocate for male choral music, Sean regularly commissions new works from established composers.Sean also serves as Conductor and Associate Director of Music and Worship for Dallas-based Cathedral of Hope United Church of Christ where he leads the choir and orchestra for Sunday worship services. Cathedral of Hope is the world's largest congregation with a primary outreach to the LGBT community.Under his direction, the Turtle Creek Chorale has performed for the national conference of the American Choral Director's Association, and the Southwest division of ACDA. Sean was recently invited to conduct at Carnegie Hall, and will take the TCC there in 2022. Sean is in demand nationwide as speaker, guest-conductor and clinician. He has served on the music faculty of the University of Dallas and is an active member of the American Choral Directors Association, Gay & Lesbian Association of Choruses, Texas Choral Directors Association, and Chorus America.Sean has been twice named “Outstanding LGBT Role Model” by the Dallas Voice.

Dr. Tim Sharp is an author, researcher, conductor, composer, strategist, futurist, and collaborator. From 2007 through 2020, Dr. Sharp was the Executive Director of the American Choral Directors Association. Today, Randy and Tim discuss the state of choral music in the spring of 2022.

"A retreat sets the tone, sets the table, but throughout the year, whether it's a little sprinkle of a community-building activity, an exercise that is reflective, or a revisit to something that they did at the retreat, that's even more important. The retreat is just the first step... then we maintain that culture in our ensembles."Melanie Brink grew up and began her career in South Dakota, U.S.A. prior to teaching abroad. Her undergraduate degree in vocal music is from Augustana University and she holds a Master's in Educational Leadership from Southwest Minnesota University.She moved to the Sultanate of Oman 20 years ago to begin a choral music program at The American International School of Muscat (TAISM). There she teaches about 200 choral students in grades 6-12.  She prioritizes developing heart within her ensembles through retreats and inclusion activities that help her students learn how to be adaptive collaborators and leaders. Melanie designs activities and themes that promote a sense of belonging; promoting community, healthy singing and a meaningful experience. The selection of repertoire and telling a story through connection and design in the performance is a process she deeply enjoys.Melanie applies her training of the Mindfulness in Education Institute, a practice of centering - paying attention to the present in her rehearsals. She has also completed the Thinking Collaborative (Adaptive Schools) Seminar which presents a productive, practical set of strategies for developing collaborative groups in becoming effective and better equipped to resolve complex issues around student learning. She has presented workshops for both AMIS and ACDA music educator conferences. Melanie has been a guest conductor for the AMIS Middle School Mixed Honor Choir, the ASIAC Choir Festival in Chennai, and the MESAC Senior Fine Arts Chorus in Abu Dhabi.Since March 2004, she has served as the founder and Artistic Director of TAISM's annual Festival of Choirs. She oversees the coordination of the event and works closely with each year's guest conductor from the United States. Over 2,500 students have participated in the TAISM festival. Melanie is also a member of American Choral Directors Association and serves the South Dakota chapter as the R&R Chair for Global Music.To get in touch with Melanie, you can email her at brinkm@taism.com or find her on Facebook (@MelanieReneeBrink) or Instagram (@melanie.brink28).Email choirfampodcast@gmail.com to get in contact with our hosts.Podcast music from Podcast.coPhoto in episode artwork by Trace Hudson from Pexels

Dr. Tim Sharp is an author, researcher, conductor, composer, strategist, futurist, and collaborator. From 2007 through 2020, Dr. Sharp was the Executive Director of the American Choral Directors Association. An outstanding thinker and communicator, Tim joins Randy today in a discussion of effective communication as a crucial component of strong choral leadership.

"Working with different people on the podium has given me a lot of skills I can take back to my classroom. It's just a matter of reaching out. If you have one connection, you have 25. If you have 25, you have 1000."Katherine Rosenfeld graduated from Northern Arizona University in 2019 with a degree in choral music education. Her time at NAU was marked by leadership roles including serving as the President for both the NAU chapter of the American Choral Directors Association and the Shrine of the Ages Choir. Rosenfeld grew up in Arizona and is an alumna of the Phoenix Children's Chorus and Horizon High School in Scottsdale. She has sung with the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra, the Sedona Academy of Chamber Singers, Quartz Ensemble, Canto Vivo, was the soprano soloist for the Pinnacle Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir, and has sung backup for touring acts including Roger Waters and the Eagles. Rosenfeld loves sharing her passion for music through education. She currently teaches choir and guitar at Rhodes Junior High in Mesa, runs a private voice studio in North Phoenix, and serves on the Arizona state board of the American Choral Directors Association. She currently sings soprano with the Grammy Award-winning professional choir, the Phoenix Chorale.Email choirfampodcast@gmail.com to get in contact with our hosts.You can find Katherine on TikTok and Instagram: @ms.rosenfeld. You can also email her at ms.rosenfeld23@gmail.com. Podcast music from Podcast.coPhoto in episode artwork by Trace Hudson from Pexels

Dr. Lynne Gackle is Director of Choral Activities at Baylor University and the Past National President of the American Choral Directors Association. Today we will talk to Lynne about how she communicates with her students and faculty colleagues. We'll discover how she thinks about and approaches communication in an environment of constant change has become the norm.

The love of choral singing is woven throughout not only this episode, but also in Linda Tedford's life.  Find out about her roots, specific experiences that shaped her, and how she became a founder and conductor of Central PA's award-winning choral group, the Susquehanna Chorale.  Reflections on the importance of singing and finding her own voice will resonate with you in an impactful way, especially for those of you who already love singing or simply wish to begin! Linda L. Tedford is the Artistic Director, Founder, and Conductor of the award-winning Susquehanna Chorale, established in 1981. She is responsible for the creation of the Chorale's Educational Outreach program, which reaches hundreds of local student singers annually. Ms. Tedford is Professor Emeritus (Director of Choral Activities) at Messiah University in Grantham, PA. Choirs under her leadership have performed at regional and state conventions of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) and the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA); for the Legislature and Governor of Pennsylvania; and in several European venues. Her work is featured on over 16 professionally produced CDs, and her choirs appear regularly with the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra. In 1994, Ms. Tedford and the Susquehanna Chorale received Chorus America's highest lifetime award, The Margaret Hillis Achievement Award for Choral Excellence. Ms. Tedford is the 2011 recipient of ACDA-PA's Elaine Brown Award for Choral Excellence for outstanding lifelong work in the choral art. In 2013, she received Theatre Harrisburg's Award for Distinguished Service to the Arts in the Capital Region. Ms. Tedford holds a Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting from Temple University, where she studied with internationally renowned conductor Robert Page. She pursued additional study at Westminster Choir College, as well as with prominent conductors such as Robert Shaw, Gregg Smith, and Dale Warland, and with voice teachers Robert Grooters and Thomas Houser. She is an active member of Chorus America and the American Choral Directors Association. Ms. Tedford is a frequent guest conductor and clinician. Links: https://www.susquehannachorale.org https://www.messiah.edu/info/21654/academics_in_action/2417/linda_tedford https://www.harrisburgsymphony.org Susquehanna Chorale website: Susquehannachorale.org Chorus America: Chorusamerica.orgAmerican Choral Directors Association: ACDA.org Co-hosts, Molly and Justin are Co-owners of www.ThePerfect5th.com

Dr. Lynne Gackle is Director of Choral Activities at Baylor University and the Past National President of the American Choral Directors Association. Lynne's superb choral skills, paired with her ability to forge strong relationships, create a synergy of excellence among the students she directs. In today's interview, Lynne explains some of how this dynamic works.

Maria A. Ellis is a passionate educator and conductor. She is the owner of Girl Conductor LLC, a company that creates diverse music education resources and currently serves as the Director of The Sheldon's City of Music All-Star Chorus and Choral Instructor at Sumner High School. Maria is an active clinician, adjudicator and presenter throughout the United States and abroad. She holds a B.M. in Music Education emphasis on Voice (K-12 Certified) Degree from the University of Missouri- St. Louis. She has served as the Arts and Administrative Fellow for The St. Louis Symphony and has served as the Community Engagement Manager for The St. Louis Children's Choirs. Maria is the host of the Award Winning Show Bach and Beyoncé on Classic 107.3 The Voice for the Arts in St. Louis and is a host for the St. Louis Symphony "Live at Powell" broadcast. Maria is an active member of the American Choral Directors Association, National Association of Music Educators, Missouri Alliance for Arts Education, where she is chair of the RIDE (Race, Inclusion, Diversity & Equity) Committee and holds Level 3 Certification from the CME Institute for Choral Teacher Education. Maria is the wife of Marion Ellis and the mother of Aria, Kendal and Noah Ellis. Check out GIRLCONDUCTOR.COM here! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/musicast-podcast/support

Jocelyn Hagen joins us for episode 13 of the Composer Happy Hour. Jocelyn is a prolific composer with many fabulous works, but what I think I admire most about her are her passion and enthusiasm for poetry, and her strong interest in collaboration. Her collaborations with hip-hop artist Dessa and electronic musician Spearfisher bring unexpected voices to choral music, and she performs together with her husband (choral composer Tim Takach) as Nation, an a cappella duo that often performs "pop" music. Her love of poetry is readily apparent just by seeing the poets she has illuminated in her choral music, but hearing her talk about the poems (or even read them aloud) reveals sincere admiration for the work of these other artists. On this episode, we discuss poetry, pop music, and whether or not Frasier is suitable binging material. Jocelyn Hagen composes music that has been described as “simply magical” (Fanfare Magazine) and “dramatic and deeply moving” (Star Tribune, Minneapolis/St. Paul). She is a pioneer in the field of composition, pushing the expectations of musicians and audiences with large-scale multimedia works, electro-acoustic music, dance, opera, and publishing. Her first forays into composition were via songwriting, still very evident in her work. The majority of her compositions are for the voice: solo, chamber and choral. Her melodic music is rhythmically driven and texturally complex, rich in color and deeply heartfelt. In 2019 and 2020, choirs and orchestras across the country premiered her multimedia symphony The Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci that includes video projections created by a team of visual artists, highlighting da Vinci's spectacular drawings, inventions, and texts. Hagen describes her process of composing for choir, orchestra and film simultaneously in a Tedx Talk given at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, now available on YouTube. Her dance opera collaboration with choreographer Penelope Freeh,Test Pilot, received the 2017 American Prize in the musical theater/opera division as well as a Sage Award for “Outstanding Design.” The panel declared the work “a tour de force of originality.” In 2013 Hagen released an EP entitled MASHUP, in which she performs Debussy's “Doctor Gradus ad Parnassum” while singing Ed Sheeran's “The A Team.” She is also one half of the band Nation, an a cappella duo with composer/performer Timothy C. Takach, and together they perform and serve as clinicians for choirs from all over the world. Hagen's commissions include Conspirare, the Minnesota Opera, the Minnesota Orchestra, the International Federation of Choral Music, the American Choral Directors Association of Minnesota, Georgia, Connecticut and Texas, the North Dakota Music Teachers Association, Cantus, the Boston Brass, the Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra and the St. Olaf Band, among many others. Her work is independently published through JH Music, as well as through Graphite Publishing, G. Schirmer, ECS Publishing, Fred Bock Music Publishing, Santa Barbara Music Publishing, and Boosey and Hawkes. www.jocelynhagen.com All Recordings Used by Permission of the Composer: "I Started Out Singing" University of Toledo Rocket Choristers "Look Out Above" Macalester College "Load Poems Like Guns" Conspirare

It's our second season, and we are starting a new series on the podcast  — It's the Prez Paul Podcast Changemaker series!  Nazareth Choirs director Brian Stevens and students Jonathan Benn and Elena Parkins, talking about the choirs' changemaking mantra “we sing to change lives.” The choirs actively collaborate with living and under-represented composers to bring their music to the world.   Guests:  Brian Stevens is Director of Choirs in the School of Music at Nazareth College, where he focuses on changing lives through the choral arts by building diverse and inclusive choral communities, providing transformative experiences for his students, and fostering choral excellence through innovative programming.  Jonathan Benn is a sophomore music education major heading down a vocal track and is the current President of the Nazareth College Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association. He studies voice with Dr. Kimberly Upcraft and is a member of the Nazareth College Chamber Singers. Elena Parkins is a graduate student in the music therapy program. She is a member of the Nazareth College Chamber Singers and holds a graduate assistantship with the Center for Student Success.

Former Executive Director of The American Choral Directors Association, Dr. Tim Sharp speaks with Adam about his leadership decisions, why he chose to retire, vision, teaching, etc. Leading Change with Adam Christie Instagram: https://instagram.com/thepodcastleadingchange Twitter: https://twitter.com/PodcastLeading Facebook: https://facebook.com/thepodcastleadingchange Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCHmMP9MSsYkZPqG8p5UhrIA Go to our website to watch more episodes at https://LeadingChangePodcast.com If you would like to be a guest, send an email to leadingchangebooking@gmail.com Tim Sharp is the former Executive Director of the American Choral Directors Association, the world's largest association of choral conductors, teachers, students, scholars, composers, and choral industry representatives. Dr. Sharp has pursued an aggressive agenda of strategic planning and progressive and innovative initiatives to keep the American Choral Directors Association energized and relevant in the 21st century. He represents choral activity in the United States as a member of the Board of the International Federation for Choral Music, and is Vice-President of Musica International. Sharp appears regularly as guest conductor and clinician throughout the world, with recent performances in Austria, Thailand, Greece, Italy, Ireland, England, and China. Tim is approaching his ninth season as Artistic Director of the Tulsa Oratorio Chorus, Tulsa, OK, where critics characterize his performances as “impressively polished”, and having “stunning power” and “great passion and precision”. In a recent review of the Tulsa Oratorio Chorus' performance of Mozart's Requiem, arts critic James Watts stated, “The Tulsa Oratorio Chorus, prepared by its artistic director Tim Sharp, was in excellent form, summoning up rafter-shaking power…and showing great sensitivity ….” In the summer of 2016, Sharp conducted the Tulsa Oratorio Chorus as the Festival Choir for the 28th International Haydn Festival in Eisenstadt, Austria. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/adam-christie0/support

Common Ground Voices / La Frontera brings together a diverse group of artists in community music and peace-building projects situated at the border of Mexico and the United States. Through its signature programs, weeklong residencies and two-day encuentros, Common Ground Voices / La Frontera considers forced migration, identity, place, belonging, and shared humanity in this politically charged and historically contested region.CGV La Frontera aims to generate meaningful collaboration through music, explore and create music of shared human values and aspirations, contribute to community music as an exercise of non-violence, and utilize music as a springboard for a meaningful discussion about social and political change within the group as well as with the society in general. We believe in transcending political and demographic borders through art-, theatre-, and music-making; in the transformative potential of immersive and experiential encounters with difference; in the power of proximity to expand perspectives and open hearts; and in the role that culture-bearers play in building community.Emilie Amrein (she/they) is a cultural strategist, a community music practitioner, and an advocate for justice-centered choral practice. She is executive producer of The Choral Commons, and co-artistic director of Common Ground Voices / La Frontera, a bi-national community music project that aims to build relationships and understanding across political, demographic, and perceptual borders as an exercise of non-violence. She is also founder of Peregrine Music, an arts and education organization committed to engaging communities in meaningful dialogue about the most pressing social issues facing the world with creative, youth-driven performance projects. Emilie has presented her work for several distinguished professional organizations, including Chorus America, the American Choral Directors Association, the College Music Society, and the National Youth Leadership Council. Emilie is Associate Professor of Music and Chair of the Music Department at the University of San Diego where she teaches courses on the intersection of music and social justice movements, community music, and changemaking.Soprano and Choral Conductor, Dzaya Castillo Jiménez studied music at the Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes and has diplomas in Choral Conducting and Mexican Ethnomusicology. Since 2001, she has served as Academic Coordinator and Teacher Trainer in the community choral program, RedeseArte Cultura de Paz and SALUDARTE de CONARTE in various border cities of Mexico such as Tapachula, Nogales, Ciudad Juárez and also Mexico City. Beginning in 2014, she has served as coordinator of choirs for the Redes 2025 program at Tijuana's Centro de Artes Musicales, a program that promotes individual, community and social transformation through art. This program currently serves 300 choristers who sing in Community Choirs and 110 youth in Selection Choirs from various neighborhoods and communities in Baja California. She has conducted choirs in renowned spaces as the Weill Recital Hall of Carnegie Hall and at the International Choir Festival "Tlaxcala Canta," and Youth Creating Harmony Festival in Encinitas, CA, among others. In 2018, she founded and directed the International Festival “Coralifornia,” an annual choral festival bringing choirs together from across the continent in song.

In this episode, it’s our great pleasure to welcome to the podcast Hilary Apfelstadt, Interim Executive Director of the American Choral Directors Association. Hilary stepped up to this vital role at the height of the pandemic and has helped to support and encourage ACDA members towards a revival of live singing. The post #211 The power of personal connection – with Hilary Apfelstadt of ACDA appeared first on Total Choir Resources.

Welcome back and thanks for listening. If you missed episode one and two, don't worry - they aren't sequential - but you should definitely go back and check it out when you are done here. It was a good one. If you are a first time listener: this show features conversations with composers, and yes, it is about their music - but mostly it is an opportunity to get to know them as people. We will be sharing a drink and just talking about things that interest us. I hope that this feels a little bit less like an interview, and more like a casual conversation at a bar during happy hour. Consider this an invitation to pour yourself a drink, sit down, relax, and join us. Episode 3 features a conversation with Mari Esabel Valverde. Mari and I actually met years ago at a bar in Seattle, but unfortunately didn't have much time to chat. I am so glad that she was able to join me for a drink and a conversation. We had a chance to discuss how artists begin to define themselves as artists, repertoire and required lists, and even briefly chat in French. Her music is gorgeous and challenging, and if you somehow aren't already familiar with her work - you will be soon. As always, if you like what you hear - you can buy us a beer! Visit us at www.buymeacoffee.com/whateverchoir and click "Support." Your contribution goes to supporting future projects by whateverandeveramen. Award-winning composer and singer Mari Esabel Valverde has been commissioned by the American Choral Directors Association, Texas Music Educators Association, Seattle Men's and Women's Choruses, and Boston Choral Ensemble among others and has appeared with Dallas Chamber Choir, Vox Humana, and EXIGENCE (Detroit). She was a featured composer at the 2016 Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses Festival, where her “Our Phoenix” was premièred by six collective ensembles from the United States and Canada. Her works are published by earthsongs and Walton Music and self-published. Fluent in Spanish and French, she has a particular interest in Brazilian Portuguese and Swedish. She has translated numerous vocal works and documents including a phonetic guide of Ravel's opera L'Enfant et les Sortilèges. Based in North Texas, she taught voice at the high school level for over six years. Her former students have participated in All-State Choirs and State Solo Competition. She currently teaches singing and transgender voice training with TruVoice Lessons. She holds degrees from St. Olaf College, the European American Musical Alliance in Paris, France, and San Francisco Conservatory of Music. She is a member of the American Choral Directors Association and the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers.

In this episode, Helen Kernizan, the Youth Chorus Director of Rise Up Chorus, guest hosts "Meet the Musicians". This is the 14th episode of "Meet the Musicians" and the fourth episode in our series that delves into issues surrounding race with professional, classical musicians and music educators of color. In this episode, Helen interviews the Brandon Waddles, a vibrant musician who is a respected singer, conductor, and composer.Brandon’s choral compositions and arrangements have been published and performed by choral ensembles around the world, including the Morehouse College and University of Michigan Glee Clubs, Oakwood Aeolians, Westminster Choir, Brigham Young University Singers and the Slovenian Philharmonic Choir. In 2019, he was awarded as the inaugural recipient of the ACDA Diverse Voices Collaborative Grant. In addition, he has worked as a transcriber of Black gospel music for numerous choral octavos, hymnals and hymnal supplements published by GIA, including his recent work as a contributing editor for the One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism hymnal. Brandon recently released Just In Case You’ve Forgotten, the first selected compendium of works by the late Thomas Whitfield, the subject of his dissertation. Brandon has been blessed to work with a diverse array of musicians including Dalton Baldwin, Martin Katz, Angela Brown, George Shirley, Donnie Ray Albert, Vinson Cole, Fred Hammond, Kathy Taylor, Anita Wilson and Chrystal Rucker. Recently serving as Music Director for Grammy-nominated recording artist Ledisi, he has collaborated with the celebrated singer on multiple occasions, including her Nina & Me concert series and LEDISI: THE LEGEND OF LITTLE GIRL BLUE show-run at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts.Dr. Waddles holds professional memberships with the American Choral Directors Association and the National Association of Negro Musicians, Inc.

Music in all its forms has gotten many of us through the pandemic with its power to stir so many emotions and transport us to places near and far. Music is alive on the Nazareth College campus. Hear about the School of Music's innovations that enabled our students and faculty to continue performing music. Guests on the podcast: David Davies is a composer whose music has been performed at festivals and major venues such as Carnegie Hall in New York City, the Moody Performance Hall in Dallas, and at historic venues in Belgium, Argentina, and Brazil. He is an enthusiastic educator and came to Nazareth College as director of the School of Music in July 2020. He serves on the national board of the Christian Fellowship of Art Music Composers, is vice president of the Northeast Chapter of the College Music Society, and the vice chair of Region VI of the National Association of Schools of Music.  David Davies original compositions: A Clasping of Hands "Get Up and Move"   Brandan Parks is a senior music/business major with voice as his primary instrument and minors in legal studies and in communication and media. He is from Herkimer, N.Y. Brandan is president of the College's National Society of Leadership and Success chapter, Class of 2021 vice president, Class of 2021 gift committee co-chair, a student ambassador, an orientation leader, and an Academic and College Success peer mentor. Within the School of Music, Brandan is a part of the School of Music student advisory board, serves as American Choral Directors Association chapter vice president, Nazareth College Chamber Singers section leader, and is a member of Opera Workshop and Rock Ensemble. After graduating in May, Brandan will be attending law school with aspirations to practice entertainment law.   Sydney Fina is a junior music therapy major from Syracuse, N.Y. Her primary instrument is the piano, and she also plays clarinet in the Nazareth College Wind Symphony. She is a music theory tutor and a member of both the School of Music student advisory board and AMTAS Naz (American Music Therapy Association — Students).   Nazareth Chamber Singers recording: of “The Sun Never Says” by Dan Forrest    

Composer Happy Hour - Episode 2: Joshua Shank You came back for Episode 2! Welcome back and thanks for listening. If you missed episode one, don't worry - they aren't sequential - but you should definitely go back and check it out when you are done here. It was a good one. If you are a first time listener: this show features conversations with composers, and yes, it is about their music - but mostly it is an opportunity to get to know them as people. We will be sharing a drink and just talking about things that interest us. I hope that this feels a little bit less like an interview, and more like a casual conversation at a bar during happy hour. Consider this an invitation to pour yourself a drink, sit down, relax, and join us. Episode 2 features a conversation with Joshua Shank. I've always admired Josh's work, so I was very excited to have an extended conversation with him. Josh is a great guy, and somehow I always suspected we might have a lot in common. In this episode we discuss our mutual admiration for Ben Folds, growing up in the Midwest, and the "darker" side of choral music. As always, if you like what you hear - you can buy us a beer! Visit us at www.buymeacoffee.com/whateverchoir and click "Support." Your contribution goes to supporting future projects by whateverandeveramen. The music of Boston-based composer, Joshua Shank (b. 1980), has been called “jubilant…ethereal” (Santa Barbara News-Press), “evocative and atmospheric” (Gramophone), and “emotionally charged” (Boston Classical Review). He has been commissioned by organizations such as the Lorelei Ensemble, the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, the Choral Project, the American Choral Directors Association, and the Association for Music in International Schools. From 2004 to 2014, he served alongside fellow Composers-In-Residence Jocelyn Hagen and Abbie Betinis for the Minneapolis-based professional choir, The Singers, where he collaborated annually to expand and invigorate the repertoire for professional-caliber ensembles through innovative programming as well as new works written specifically for the ensemble. In 2002, he became the youngest recipient ever of the Raymond W. Brock Composition Award from the American Choral Directors Association. The winning piece, Musica animam tangens, was premiered in Avery Fisher Hall at the Lincoln Center, and has since been performed and recorded from Los Angeles to South Africa. A native of Minnesota, his music was recently featured in a documentary about the extensive choral tradition in the upper Midwest, Never Stop Singing, and his published works have sold over 150,000 copies worldwide. Joshua received his undergraduate degree in Music Education from Luther College where he studied conducting with Weston Noble. He has also earned master's and doctoral degrees in Musicology and Composition, respectively, from the University of Texas at Austin where he studied with Charles Carson, Yevgeniy Sharlat, Donald Grantham, and the late opera composer Daniel Catán. A fierce advocate for students' access to music education, he was a public-school teacher in Minneapolis/St. Paul for many years before going on to teach at Gonzaga University, Valley City State University, and Eastern Washington University. When he's not writing music, you can probably find him biking, studying vegetarian cooking, or watching hilariously bad movies with his husband, sociologist Robert Ressler. Learn more at www.joshuashank.com All Recordings Used by Permission of the Composer.

Brandon's choral compositions and arrangements have been published and performed by choral ensembles around the world, including the Morehouse College and University of Michigan Glee Clubs, Oakwood Aeolians, Westminster Choir, Brigham Young University Singers and the Slovenian Philharmonic Choir. In 2019, he was awarded as the inaugural recipient of the ACDA Diverse Voices Collaborative Grant. In addition, he has worked as a transcriber of Black gospel music for numerous choral octavos, hymnals and hymnal supplements published by GIA, including his recent work as a contributing editor for the One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism hymnal. Brandon recently released Just In Case You've Forgotten, the first selected compendium of works by the late Thomas Whitfield, the subject of his dissertation. Brandon has worked with a diverse array of musicians including Dalton Baldwin, Martin Katz, Angela Brown, George Shirley, Donnie Ray Albert, Vinson Cole, Fred Hammond, Kathy Taylor, Anita Wilson and Chrystal Rucker. Recently serving as Music Director for Grammy-nominated recording artist Ledisi, he has collaborated with the celebrated singer on multiple occasions, including her Nina & Me concert series and LEDISI: THE LEGEND OF LITTLE GIRL BLUE show-run at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. Dr. Waddles holds professional memberships with the American Choral Directors Association and the National Association of Negro Musicians, Inc.brandonwaddles.com@thecareermusician@nomadsplace

Brandon's choral compositions and arrangements have been published and performed by choral ensembles around the world, including the Morehouse College and University of Michigan Glee Clubs, Oakwood Aeolians, Westminster Choir, Brigham Young University Singers and the Slovenian Philharmonic Choir. In 2019, he was awarded as the inaugural recipient of the ACDA Diverse Voices Collaborative Grant. In addition, he has worked as a transcriber of Black gospel music for numerous choral octavos, hymnals and hymnal supplements published by GIA, including his recent work as a contributing editor for the One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism hymnal. Brandon recently released Just In Case You've Forgotten, the first selected compendium of works by the late Thomas Whitfield, the subject of his dissertation.  Brandon has worked with a diverse array of musicians including Dalton Baldwin, Martin Katz, Angela Brown, George Shirley, Donnie Ray Albert, Vinson Cole, Fred Hammond, Kathy Taylor, Anita Wilson and Chrystal Rucker. Recently serving as Music Director for Grammy-nominated recording artist Ledisi, he has collaborated with the celebrated singer on multiple occasions, including her Nina & Me concert series and LEDISI: THE LEGEND OF LITTLE GIRL BLUE show-run at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. Dr. Waddles holds professional memberships with the American Choral Directors Association and the National Association of Negro Musicians, Inc. brandonwaddles.com 0:00:00 Dr. Brandon Waddles Intro 0:01:00 Becoming a Doctor of Music 0:01:30 Shout out to Dr. Molly Miller 0:02:00 The Great Zig Zag Path 0:03:00 Grew up in New Bethel Church, Detroit – Where Aretha Franklin came up 0:03:30 Going to Morehouse and Westminster Choir College 0:04:30 Working for Ledisi with Roland Jack 0:07:00 Brandon's Jazz and Church beginnings 0:08:30 Growing up listening to Bill Evans, Miles Davis, and Herbie Hancock 0:09:30 The problem with most music schools 0:11:00 Teaching at Wayne State College – Wayne Redefined 0:12:00 Working on a Ledisi and Greggory Porter collab 0:14:00 Find and connect the human to the art 0:14:30 Ledisi's Nina and Me Special – A tribute to Nina Simone 0:17:00 Directing Brian Collier, Ronnie Gutierrez, Keisha Renee, Shannon Pearson 0:18:00 Communication is key 0:18:30 Be careful what you post on social media! 0:21:00 Brandon's many "aha" moments 0:25:00 Working on Shrek, and Hairspray 0:25:30 Mid-roll 0:26:00 Nomad on working with Babyface and conducting 0:27:00 Rehearsal is 75-80 percent of a gig's success 0:28:30 Robert Shaw's unorthodox conducting 0:30:20 Playing with Babyface at Kennedy Center 0:31:30 Brandon's first gig with Ledisi and St. Louis Symphony Orchestra 0:34:00 Brandon's choral works being performed around the world 0:35:30 Find your human connection to the text of the music 0:36:00 Bach was a jazzer! 0:37:00 Working with Andrae Crouch, Richard Smallwood, and Yolanda Adams 0:38:00 So much beauty in the rest in music 0:39:00 Lalah Hathaway's no-phone policy 0:39:30 Brandon's words of wisdom 0:40:00 Listen to everything, love everything, and be you 0:41:30 Success is what you make for yourself 0:43:00 Rapid Fire! 0:43:30 Learn more about Brandon at www.brandonwaddles.com

Dr. Reed Criddle is Director of Choral Activities at Utah Valley University, where he conducts the Chamber Choir and Men's Choir and teaches conducting and voice. Twice recipient of the UVU Faculty Senate Teaching Excellence Award, his compositions and arrangements are available through Earthsongs, Hal Leonard, and Santa Barbara Music Publishing. As a conductor and U.S. Fulbright Senior Scholar, he has directed ensembles, conducted research, and led workshops throughout Europe, Asia, Cuba, and the United States. He is editor of "Chanting the Medicine Buddha Sutra" (A-R Editions), an ethnography of Buddhist liturgy. His pioneering English translation of third-century philosopher Ruan Ji's "Essay on Music" is published by Asian Music. Dr. Criddle has served as president of the Utah chapter of the American Choral Directors Association. UVU choirs under his direction have performed many times at the national conference of NCCO, the western division conference of ACDA, and state conferences of the ACDA and NAfME. Recent invitations include guest conductor of the Utah Valley Symphony, Timpanogos Symphony Orchestra, Utah Lyric Opera, Sine Nomine (Cuba), FACE Choral Festival (Texas), Utah Men's High School Honor Choir, Utah Junior High Honor Choir; professor-in-residence at Musikhochschule in Weimar, Lubeck, and Hamburg (Germany), National Sun Yat-sen University (Taiwan), Taipei National University of the Arts, and Fudan University (Shanghai); and keynote speaker for the China Children's Center in Beijing and Shanghai Music Conductors Association Conference. He is a graduate of Stanford University, the Eastman School of Music, and the University of Michigan. https://reedcriddle.webs.com/

This episode, we sat down with Dr. Ryan Ellis. He serves as Seattle Pacific University's Director of Choirs, in addition to the music director at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church in Bellevue, and artistic director of Choral Sounds Northwest of Northwest Associated Arts. Prior to starting a doctorate at the University of Washington, Dr. Ellis was director of the Bermuda Chamber Choir and co-founder of the Bermuda Festival Orchestra. He led an active performance season with those two ensembles that included several national television spots. He's an active member of the American Choral Directors Association and the National Association of Music Educators.

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

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

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

This week, Bailey talks with Nick Matherne. Nick offers a unique perspective on how student-led learning can improve the ensemble experience, while also giving students skills that allow them greater freedom in music making outside of school. Nick is an instrumental music teacher at Kaimuki High School and teaches the University Chorus and music education courses at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. He serves as president-electfor the Hawai’i Music Educators Association and is the University Resources and Repertoire Chair for the Hawai'i Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association. Born and raised in Charlottesville, Virginia, he has taught high school music in Hawaiʻi, Maryland, and Virginia, teaching courses in instrumental, vocal, and popular music. Nick holds a B.M. in Music Education and a B.A. in Spanish from James Madison University and an M.A. in Music Education from University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. His thesis examines older adults’ well-being and participation in community music and his research interests include popular music education, well-being, participation in school music, alternative music classroom formats, and distance learning pedagogy. He is a co-author for a chapter on school-university partnerships in popular music education in the upcoming book, Action-Based Pedagogies for Popular Music Education: A Practical Guide.Website: https://mathernemusic.weebly.com/

Dr. Lynne Gackle is President of the American Choral Directors Association, author of the book Finding Ophelia's Voice, Opening Ophelia's Heart: Nurturing the Adolescent Female Voice: An Exploration of the Physiological, Psychological, and Musical Developments of Female Students, and Director of choral activities Baylor University. She has a big message to share with us. Science has proven the value of singing to mental and physical health, community connection, and education. Singing is essential. Now is the time to advocate for it. Thank you to PepperJill and Jack for the theme music, and Ken Feisel for designing the Every Sing logo.

Tim Sharp joins me to discuss his work as Executive Director of the American Choral Directors Association, and how he lives and works to make connections with intentionality.

HALIM A. FLOWERS was arrested at the age of sixteen and sentenced as an adult to two life sentences in the District of Columbia. His experiences as a child in the adult prison system were filmed in the Emmy award-winning documentary “Thug Life In DC.” In 2005, he started his own publishing company, SATO Communications, through which he has published eleven books. On March 21, 2019, Halim was released from prison after serving twenty-two years. Halim Flowers is an artist, poet, and performer. His fashion line “Ideallionaires” is a social justice brand that incorporates his poetry into apparel to amplify social impact. He serves as a consultant for Vera Institute, where he uses his experiences as a juvenile lifer to educate attorneys, judges, and prosecutors on how to effectively implement restorative justice principles into our juvenile justice system. You can learn more about Halim on his website www.halimaflowers.com.In early 2020, VOICES 21C, a Boston-based artists' collective developed a program on peace and justice for performance at the Eastern Division conference of the American Choral Directors Association. For the third act on race and mass incarceration, the ensemble invited Halim to collaborate in poetry, narrative, and song. Discover VOICES21C at www.voices21c.org.

National Chair of the American Choral Directors Association’s Diversity Initiatives Committee This episode flipped the normal script a little bit, where I got to be on the hot seat! I was honored to be invited to be the guest on “And the Beat Goes On” presented by Arreon Harley-Emerson of the Choir School of Delaware. … Continue reading "Episode 37: Speaking of Diversity in High Definition with Arreon Harley-Emerson"

National Chair of the American Choral Directors Association’s Diversity Initiatives Committee This episode flipped the normal script a little bit, where I got to be on the hot seat! I was honored to be invited to be the guest on “And the Beat Goes On” presented by Arreon Harley-Emerson of the Choir School of Delaware. … Continue reading "Episode 37: Speaking of Diversity in High Definition with Arreon Harley-Emerson"

One of the finest and busiest Music Educators in the country is Mr. Scott Melvin. With award winning choirs who have traveled extensively, he is now the Executive Director of Performing Arts at Mater Dei High School. Hear first-hand from this extraordinary musician and educator all about his passion for what he does and where he get the motivation to keep it all going. Mr. Melvin is a graduate of the Chapman University School of Music and is pursuing his MALA (Masters of Arts Administration and Leadership at Colorado State University. As a graduate student at CSULB, Mr. Melvin directed the Men’s Chorale as well as teaching beginning theory. As a faculty member at Chapman University, Mr. Melvin has directed the University Chorale and Men’s Chorale.In addition, Mr. Melvin is the Director of Music at Christ Our Savior Catholic Parish in Santa Ana, the Choir Director for Sts Simon and Jude Parish in Huntington Beach, CA, and is a frequent clinician throughout the Southern California area. Mr. Melvin is a member of the American Choral Directors Association, International Federation of Choral Music, Music Educators National Conference, California Music Educators Association, Chorus America, and the National Association of Church Music. He lives in Southern California with his wife, Debbie, and their three daughters, Emmerly, Nola and Aveline.MUSIC: Hosanna Brent Pierce Mater Dei Chamber Singers Scott Melvin, ConductorMUSIC: Sing Me To Heaven Daniel Gawthrop Mater Dei Chamber Singers Scott Melvin, ConductorMUSIC: Daniel Servant of the Lord Stacey Gibbs Mater Dei Chamber Singers Scott Melvin, ConductorMUSIC: Mata Del Anima Sola Antonio Estévez Mater Dei Chamber Singers Scott Melvin, Conductor Andrea Estrada, soloistMUSIC: Praise his Holy Name Kieth Hampton Mater Dei Chamber Singers and Women’s Ensemble Scott Melvin, ConductOriginal Air date Saturday, November 17, 2018

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

This podcast episode features my interview with Dr. Christopher Kiver. Dr. Kiver is the Director of Choral Activities at Penn State University where he directs the concert choir and glee club. In addition to discussing the importance of music and quality repertoire, Dr. Kiver also gives insight into the role that gender plays in a comprehensive music program.   Topics include: (02:57) Kiver talks about his life and background as starting out as an instrumentalist (05:27) The differences between music education in the USA and the UK  (30:03) What constitutes quality repertoire (38:40) The role of classical music in a comprehensive music program (43:19) The role gender plays in a music program (58:17) Favorite rehearsal tactics (1:00:00) Why do we teach music?  (1:02:01) Kiver discusses leaders that have made an impact on his life  (1:06:57) Advice for music educators   Links:  Kivers’s Penn State Page: https://music.psu.edu/faculty/christopher-kiver Kiver conducting the Penn State Concert Choir: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpozk4UG9fM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpBJTPAI_yM Kiver conducting the 2011 PMEA All State Choir: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4e_2sAVIFzA   Bio:  Christopher Kiver conducts the Concert Choir and Glee Club, oversees the graduate choral conducting program, and teaches classes in choral conducting and choral literature. He is founder and director of The Orpheus Singers and serves as Director of Music at the University Baptist and Brethren Church in State College. Kiver is a graduate of the University of London, Florida State University and the University of Michigan where he received the D.M.A. in choral conducting.   Choirs under Kiver’s direction have performed at state and regional conventions of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) and National Association for Music Education. He has taught at the Westminster Choir College Summer and Saturday Seminar programs, and appeared as a guest conductor, clinician and adjudicator in the United States, Australia, China, and New Zealand. Kiver is national chair for the Repertoire and Standards Committee on Male Choirs for the American Choral Directors Association, and a past-president of the Pennsylvania chapter of ACDA. A native of England, he has received numerous prizes and scholarships including a Fulbright Award, and the 2002 Sydney World Symposium Foundation Scholarship. In 2006, he was a double Grammy Award winner ("Best Choral Performance" and "Best Classical Album") as a chorus master for the critically acclaimed Naxos recording of William Bolcom’s monumental Songs of Innocence and of Experience. Kiver was the recipient of Penn State's "President’s Award for Engagement with Students" in 2017.    

This special episode features the renowned choral conductor and author, Dr. Ramona Wis. In this interview, I discuss several key components of leadership with Dr. Wis that she was written about in her popular book, “The Conductor As Leader: Principles of Leadership Applied to Life on the Podium.”  Topics include: (03:55) Dr. Wis shares some stories about her professional background as a conductor and educator (05:50) Dr. Wis discusses how she went about learning principles of leadership, applying them to her life as a music educator, and writing her book (09:18) Leadership vs. management of ensembles (16:25) Setting up students for success/approaching discipline in rehearsals (23:50) Planning for success in music making/student feedback (27:25) Thoughts on servant leadership for conductors (31:30) Building relationships  (38:05) Tactics for building relationships (43:52) Favorite choral rehearsal tactics  (45:40) Dr. Wis discusses influential figures in her life (53:00) Three words that describe a leader of a comprehensive music program  (54:50) Advice for music educators  (57:03) Being remembered as a leader for your music program Links:  Dr. Wis’s Website - http://www.ramonawis.com/html/ Dr. Wis’s profile at North Central College - https://www.northcentralcollege.edu/profile/rmwis Dr. Wis’s book on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Conductor-As-Leader-Principles-Leadership/dp/1579996531 Bio: Dr. Ramona Wis is a Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at North Central College in Naperville, Illinois. She conducts the Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, and Women’s Chorale and teaches courses in conducting, music methods, and servant leadership.   Dr. Wis’s book, The Conductor as Leader: Principles of Leadership Applied to Life on the Podium has quickly become a leadership classic among conductors and music teachers, as well as those interested in leadership outside the music profession. She has written for The Choral Journal, Music Educators Journal, Teaching Music and the China Europe International Business School Review.        Dr. Wis has served as President of the American Choral Directors Association in Illinois and on both ACDA and IMEA executive boards. She has sung under Robert Shaw, James Levine and Margaret Hillis, and has conducted and performed in professional, theatrical, community, and academic settings for more than 35 years.   

Having completed a Master of Music in Jazz Performance from the world-renown University of North Texas, Emily is a well-rounded and confident vocalist, composer, arranger, and educator with extensive skills and knowledge in and of jazz theory, jazz history, improvisation, research, pedagogy, and vocal physiology. Emily currently resides near Salt Lake City, Utah and is the owner, manager, and instructor at Emily Merrell Vocal Studio. Additionally, Emily is thrilled to direct BYU's vocal jazz ensemble, Syncopation. Emily performs locally as a solo vocalist/pianist, and is the lead vocalist and producer for the International Musicians League affiliate, Diamond Empire Band (bookings in Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana). Currently, Emily is working on her sophomore album of all original music, to be released in 2019. Additionally, Emily is thrilled to be serving as State Conference Manager for the Utah chapter of the American Choral Directors Association. Emily is known for her inextinguishable work ethic, excellent time management skills, candid professionalism and integral desire to serve and build up those around her. Thanks for listening and keep thriving! Show notes: www.SpenserLiszt.com/blog/TMP10 Free list of potential tax deductions: www.SpenserLiszt.com/p/TaxDeductions Join the Thriving Musicians closed Facebook group: www.Facebook.com/groups/ThrivingMusician Email questions, comments or nominate a Thriving Musician to spenser@spenserliszt.com Follow Spenser online: Facebook: www.Facebook.com/SpenserLiszt Twitter: www.Twitter.com/SpenserLiszt Instagram: www.Instagram.com/SpenserLiszt

Eric flies solo for this episode to discuss the phenomena of feeling down after attending the recent National ACDA Convention, though the feeling is most certainly shared by those in many professional fields.  How do we cope when we return to our normal lives after experiencing a mountaintop experience?  Eric offers a simple image that may prompt some small action and relief.'musica obscura' examines Erik Satie's (1866-1925) strange work, “Messe des pauvres.”'Readings and Writings' is taken from an article composed by Arnold Schoenberg (1874-1954) entitled "The Relationship to the Text" in which he discusses the homogeneous nature of the music-text relationship.

Richard and Eric are together (finally), and LIVE from Tribe Street Kitchen in downtown Kansas City.  They are joined by choral artist Dr. Albert Pinsonneault from Northwestern University and the Madison Choral Project.  The three discuss a variety of topics (some serious ...but mostly not so serious) surrounding the American Choral Directors Association's 2019 National Convention.  Also included is a mailbag question about influential short choral works.

Conductor Malcolm J. Merriweather is Music Director of New York City's The Dessoff Choirs, known for performances of choral works from the pre-Baroque era through the 21st century. An Assistant Professor, he is Director of Choral Studies and Voice Department Coordinator at Brooklyn College of the City University of New York, Artist in Residence at Union Theological Seminary, and Artistic Director of Voices of Haiti, a 60-member children's choir in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, operated by the Andrea Bocelli Foundation. Merriweather is also in demand as a baritone soloist, often performing throughout the eastern United States. During the summer of 2017, Merriweather led Voices of Haiti in performances with Andrea Bocelli at Teatro del Silenzio in Lajatico, Italy and for Pope Francis at the Vatican. Other conducting highlights of the 2017-18 season include: David Lang's The Little Match Girl Passion, Vaughan Williams's Dona nobis pacem, Bach's Singet dem Herrn, BWV 225, and Komm, Jesu, komm, BWV 229 with The Dessoff Choirs; Handel's Messiah at Brooklyn College and the Harvard Club of New York; and Leonard Bernstein's Mass (Concert Selections) and Honegger's King David at Brooklyn College. Recent conducting highlights have included Mozart's Requiem, Vivaldi's Gloria, Bernstein's Chichester Psalms, and Orff's Carmina Burana. Solo engagements for the 2017-18 season include the premiere of Sanctuary Road by Pulitzer Prize-winner Paul Moravec with Kent Tritle and the Oratorio Society of New York at Carnegie Hall; and Fauré's Requiem and Ralph Vaughan Williams's Dona nobis pacem​ with Christopher Shepard and The Masterwork Chorus. Recent performances have included the baritone solos in Rautavaara's Vigilia as a part of the Great Music in a Great Space series at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine; the music of William Byrd with Parthenia; and Vaughan Williams's Dona Nobis Pacem with the Grace Choral Society. Additionally, Merriweather has been featured as a soloist with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, The Dessoff Choirs, the New York Choral Society, and Bach Vespers Choir and Orchestra at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in New York City. The baritone has also premiered contemporary solo works by Eve Beglarian, John Liberatore, Ju Ri Seo, Douglas Fisk, and James Adler, and he has been a fellowship recipient at the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival and Tanglewood Music Center. Merriweather holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Conducting from the studio of Kent Tritle at the Manhattan School of Music, where his doctoral dissertation, Now I Walk in Beauty, Gregg Smith: A Biography and Complete Works Catalog, constituted the first complete works list for the composer and conductor. He received Master of Music degrees in Choral Conducting and in Vocal Performance from the studio of Rita Shane at the Eastman School of Music, as well as a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education from Syracuse University, summa cum laude. Merriweather's professional affiliations include membership in Pi Kappa Lambda, the American Choral Directors Association, and Chorus America, and he sits on the Board of Directors of the New York Choral Consortium. In this episode, Malcolm shares his one way ticket to join the Fisk University Jubilee Singers on their first tour in 1871! He also talks about his work with the Voices of Haiti, the life of a Conductor, and his eclectic play list. Malcolm is just one of the extraordinary guests featured on The One Way Ticket Show, where Host Steven Shalowitz explores with his guests where they'd go if given a one way ticket, no coming back! Destinations may be in the past, present, future, real, imaginary or a state of mind. Steven's guests have included: Nobel Peace Prize Winner, President Jose Ramos-Horta; Legendary Talk Show Host, Dick Cavett; Law Professor, Alan Dershowitz; Broadcast Legend, Charles Osgood; International Rescue Committee President & CEO, David Miliband; Grammar Girl, Mignon Fogarty; Journalist-Humorist-Actor Mo Rocca; ; Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr.; Abercrombie & Kent Founder, Geoffrey Kent; Travel Expert, Pauline Frommer, as well as leading photographers, artists, writers and more.

For the next few episodes, the Choir Ninja podcast will focus on Voices From Houston, lifting up the directors in south Texas as they recover from Hurricane Harvey. This first episode in the series feature a replay of an interview that originally aired back in 2015. This interview is exactly what you need to start the new school year! A truly wonderful sit-down interview with Texas native and Houston-area high school choral director, Adrian O. Rodriguez. Listen in on how you can start your year off right by building an empowered music program through creating trust and staying relevant! Listen: Highlight to Tweet: “I realized that being with those friends in choir, that community, that’s where I wanted to be.” - Adrian Rodriguez Show Notes: The moment you knew you’d dedicate your life to music         When Adrian was a sophomore in high school, he felt pressured to follow his parents and go into a “more academic” career like a lawyer or doctor. Self-doubt set in, and he contemplated leaving chorus. Then his father encouraged him to try out for TMEA All State Choir. He was accepted. During the festival, Adrian was approached by clinician Betsy Cook Weber, who gave him her business card and encouraged him to apply to the University of Houston. He eventually attended the University of Houston, and owes his success to the support of his father and his mentor Dr. Weber. Later in high school, he took over rehearsal for the chamber choir in his director’s absence. He found out there how much he loved making music with his peers. Worst musical moment When Adrian was in college, he lost himself. Because of “impostor syndrome” he was doing musical things to impress others, because he didn’t consider himself as talented as those around him. He was pursuing performance, even though he was in Music Ed. He came to the realization that he didn’t like being in a practice room by himself and loved being with others. The proudest musical moment As an upperclassman in college, Adrian got the chance to direct a chamber ensemble of his peers. Your “Forte” Adrian recently gave a talk at TMEA entitled “From Passion to Action: Building Empowered Music Programs.”  He speaks about his open and vulnerable relationship with his students. He addresses four things on the first day of school with EACH class: What THEY want to learn, what TEXAS expects, what the PRINCIPAL expects, and what HE believes they should learn. Adrian gets it all out on day 1 and creates an unbelievable trust relationship with his kids. Most excited about right now Adrian is excited for his second year (he says his first “real” year) at his high school in Austin. Advice for your younger self Commit to be relevant to your students and create an education that is meaningful to them. Bio: Adrian O. Rodriguez currently serves as the Director of Choirs at Stephen F. Austin High School (Sugar Land, TX). In addition to conducting five choirs, he is the music director of the musical theatre program and teaches Advanced Placement Music Theory and Honors Music History. Rodriguez received his Bachelors of Music in Music Education from the University of Houston (2011) and, after finishing his thesis, will have earned his Masters of Music Education from the Westminster Choir College (Princeton, NJ). As an active choral clinician and consultant in Southeast Texas, Rodriguez has worked with a variety of school, church, and community choirs and has been invited to present the Texas Music Educators Association (2015) and the Texas Choral Directors Association (2014). His academic interests include: empowering pedagogical practices, community and culture in school music programs, and building choral sound. Rodriguez is a member of the American Choral Directors Association, National Association for Music Educators, Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Choral Directors Association, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. Resources/links Mentioned: Your students are worth the investment, with Dr. Amanda Quist Natalie Weiss – Breaking Down the Riffs On presence and keeping secrets, with Betsy Cook Weber Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action Choir Nation group on Facebook Email Patreon - Support the podcast! Sponsored by: Sight Reading Factory (Use promo code “NINJA” at checkout for 10 free student accounts!) My Music Folders (Use promo code “NINJA” at checkout for “last column” or best pricing - usually reserved for bulk purchases only!)

Authenticity and Experience, with Sean Baugh (Part 2, Following “Equality and Dignity for All People”) Turtle Creek Chorale does not do “stand and sing” concerts. Balancing music with a message is a difficult journey with great rewards, for both the musicians and the audience. Sean discusses the importance of balance in your programming, and gives you guidelines for programming a concert with an activist purpose. Musicians are, at the core, humanitarians. Listen: Highlight to Tweet: “Don’t end with a big smack in the face. End with material that everyone can grab on to.” - Sean Baugh Show Notes: Before you program a concert with a message, you have to know where your musicians stand. Get to know them and their perspectives. Social activism can have a real impact. After the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, TCC put together a 3 hour long concert in 2 days that raised $18,000 and was viewed by 37,000 people live and online. 24-hour Sing In to bring attention to trans* issues. Balance is key. Balance your message just as you balance your music. Making people uncomfortable is not the goal, although you do want to make them think. Sometimes programming for social issues is scary and uncertain. Trust your gut, and if a particular piece would take away from your performance, then don’t program it. “Audience members will accept anything you want to sing to them as long as you do it with authenticity and from experience.” -Sean Baugh Audiences are probably more open than we give them credit for, as long as you are performing with authenticity. Musicians are, at the core, humanitarians. Bio: Now in his fourth season, Sean Mikel Baugh is the Artistic Director of the Turtle Creek Chorale. Originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Sean studied music at Oklahoma Baptist University and the University of Central Oklahoma and was awarded a Master of Music in Conducting degree from the Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University where he was named outstanding graduate conductor. At the Meadows School, Sean served as assistant conductor of the world-renowned Meadows Wind Ensemble. He has studied with Nancy Hill Cobb, Jack Delaney, Paul Phillips and many others. Sean has been called “expressive and incredibly dynamic, a consummate musician with a side of showman. He exhilarates audience members and singers alike.” He is regularly praised for his innovative programming and expressive technique. His choirs have enjoyed positive reviews and have been lauded for their musicality and emotional performances. An active advocate for male choral music, Sean regularly commissions new works from established composers. Sean also serves as Associate Director of Music and Worship for Dallas-based Cathedral of Hope United Church of Christ where he leads the choir and orchestra for Sunday worship services. Cathedral of Hope is the world’s largest congregation with a primary outreach to the LGBT community. Sean is in demand nation-wide as speaker, guest-conductor and clinician. He has served on the music faculty of the University of Dallas and is an active member of the American Choral Directors Association, Gay & Lesbian Association of Choruses, Texas Choral Directors Association and Chorus America. Resources/links Mentioned: Turtle Creek Chorale Hope’s Door Socrates’ Analogy of the Gadfly SWACDA Choir Nation group on Facebook Email Patreon - Support the podcast! Sponsored by: Sight Reading Factory (Use promo code “NINJA” at checkout for 10 free student accounts!) My Music Folders (Use promo code “NINJA” at checkout for “last column” or best pricing - usually reserved for bulk purchases only!)

Sean Baugh skillfully leads the Turtle Creek Chorale in performances of both artistry and activism. Sean talks about how his ensemble of largely untrained singers is able to give powerful performances, leaning heavily on the passion of the musicians. We are all passionate about something, making us all activists, and music is our agent of change. Listen: Highlight to Tweet: “You can do a lot on a little bit of money if you love what you’re doing.” - Sean Baugh Show Notes: Sean Baugh rose to his position as Artistic Director of Turtle Creek Chorale through a mixture of fortuitous timing, being willing to pivot when opportunity presented itself, and sharing his ambition with others. Turtle Creek Chorale is one of the oldest gay men’s choruses, although it’s membership is comprised of different orientations. Few of the members of TCC are professional musicians, and many have no formal choral training. Sean estimates about half do not read music. TCC takes seriously its mission to lift up the disenfranchised, standing for equality and dignity for all people. Music is the tool that TCC uses to address social issues. You can’t predict who will be affected by your performance, or how it will impact them. Bio: Now in his fourth season, Sean Mikel Baugh is the Artistic Director of the Turtle Creek Chorale. Originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Sean studied music at Oklahoma Baptist University and the University of Central Oklahoma and was awarded a Master of Music in Conducting degree from the Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University where he was named outstanding graduate conductor. At the Meadows School, Sean served as assistant conductor of the world-renowned Meadows Wind Ensemble. He has studied with Nancy Hill Cobb, Jack Delaney, Paul Phillips and many others. Sean has been called “expressive and incredibly dynamic, a consummate musician with a side of showman. He exhilarates audience members and singers alike.” He is regularly praised for his innovative programming and expressive technique. His choirs have enjoyed positive reviews and have been lauded for their musicality and emotional performances. An active advocate for male choral music, Sean regularly commissions new works from established composers. Sean also serves as Associate Director of Music and Worship for Dallas-based Cathedral of Hope United Church of Christ where he leads the choir and orchestra for Sunday worship services. Cathedral of Hope is the world’s largest congregation with a primary outreach to the LGBT community. Sean is in demand nation-wide as speaker, guest-conductor and clinician. He has served on the music faculty of the University of Dallas and is an active member of the American Choral Directors Association, Gay & Lesbian Association of Choruses, Texas Choral Directors Association and Chorus America. Resources/links Mentioned: Turtle Creek Chorale GALA Choruses Choir Nation group on Facebook Email Patreon - Support the podcast! Sponsored by: Sight Reading Factory (Use promo code “NINJA” at checkout for 10 free student accounts!) My Music Folders (Use promo code “NINJA” at checkout for “last column” or best pricing - usually reserved for bulk purchases only!)

Concert: Tetzlaff Plays Dvořák Upbeat Live provides historical and cultural context for many concerts, featuring engaging speakers, audio examples, and special guests. These events are free to ticket holders and are held in BP Hall, on the second floor, accessible after your ticket is scanned. For more information: laphil.com/upbeatlive About the Speaker: Los Angeles native Christian Campos is managing artistic director of the Horizon Music Group. Under Campos' stewardship, the ensemble has collaborated with the Cincinnati Boychoir (Bach cantatas), Long Beach Camerata Singers (Handel's Messiah), Pacific Chorale (Lauridsen's Lux Aeterna), and Bach Collegium San Diego (Bach's St. John Passion). Campos has performed at the Oregon, Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Whittier College Bach Festivals. His conducting style has been described as “expressive, varied and tuned perfectly with the music” (Long Beach Grunion Gazette). Campos graduated from DePauw University where he studied music and economics while participating in honors programs in business management and information technology. A champion of world music, he received a grant from the ASIANetwork to study Indian Carnatic Music, the result of which was the first ever online database of ragas, composers, and compositions. Since returning to California, he has worked as a guest conductor and contractor of choirs and orchestras, regularly performing with musicians from the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, and Los Angeles Master Chorale. He has contracted for the American Choral Directors Association, Chorus America, Broad Stage, Santa Monica College, CalState Long Beach, Fullerton, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino, and a host of area performing organizations. Christian has been featured on the Los Angeles Philharmonic's Upbeat Live pre-concert series; in previous seasons he worked as a score reader at the Hollywood Bowl and lecturer as part of the Student Insiders pre-concert series. Campos has served on the faculty at Pomona College and the USC Thornton School of Music, where he recently completed his coursework towards a Doctor of Musical Arts degree.

In this tenth episode, Philip talks about preparations and excitement for the American Choral Directors Association national convention, which involves thousands of singers from all over the world, taking place in Minneapolis in early March 2017.

Fellow podcaster, John Hughes, of Choir Chat comes on the Find Your Forte podcast to follow my format and share his choral philosophy, ups and downs, and his unique contribution to the choral world. Listen   Bio Dr. John C. Hughes is assistant professor of music and director of choral activities at Ripon College in Wisconsin. In addition to conducting the college’s choirs, Hughes teaches conducting, choral methods, and private voice lessons. Beyond Ripon College, he is in demand as a clinician and honor choir conductor and serves as assistant conductor of the Choral Institute at the Green Lake Festival of Music (WI). He also founded and hosts Choir Chat, a weekly podcast of interviews with conductors and composers. Hughes earned his undergraduate degree in Vocal Music Education from Augustana College (IL), where he studied with Jon Hurty and Michael Zemek. After teaching in public schools for several years, he earned the M.M. in Choral Conducting from Northern Illinois University, where he studied choral conducting with Eric Johnson and orchestral conducting with Lucia Matos. Hughes earned the D.M.A. in Choral Conducting and Pedagogy at The University of Iowa, where he completed his dissertation on Leonhard Lechner’s 1593 Passion. His primary teachers at Iowa were Timothy Stalter and David Puderbaugh. A versatile choral musician and pedagogue, Hughes draws from his experience as a collegiate conductor, public school teacher, and church musician. His calm but firm demeanor and persistent dedication to excellence translate well across all ensembles. In addition to his busy performance schedule, Hughes is passionate about choral literature and scholarship, specializing in Lutheran music before 1600 and trends in contemporary choral composition. From January 2012 until August 2015, he wrote the Repertoire Forum column for the bi-monthly publication Choral Director. He has authored articles in Choral Journal and The Choral Scholar, as well as numerous reviews of choral music, books, and recordings. He serves as associate editor of Melisma, the newsletter of the north-central division of the American Choral Directors Association, and as associate editor of score reviews for The Choral Scholar. Additionally, he is a national board member of and the Wisconsin state representative for the National Collegiate Choral Organization. Links Book: Conscience of a Profession: Howard Swan, Choral Director and Teacher John’s Website John’s Twitter Choir Chat Podcast on Soundcloud Choir Chat Podcast on iTunes Support the show on