Podcasts about choral conducting

“One of the things we know about the brain is that information that is acquired through problem solving is more likely to be retained. I might start rehearsal by saying 'take out the piece in D major,' 'let's start in the climactic moment of the Brahms,' 'take out the piece where fire is used as a metaphor for passion.' You start with a problem, so you're already engaging neurons. This works at any age."Sharon J. Paul holds the Robert M. Trotter Chair of Music at the University of Oregon, where she currently serves as Department Head of Music Performance and Director of Choral Activities. Her teaching includes graduate courses in choral conducting, repertoire, and pedagogy, along with conducting the internationally award-winning Chamber Choir.In March 2020, Oxford University Press published Dr. Paul's book, Art & Science in the Choral Rehearsal, which features many of the creative and evidence-based teaching strategies she has cultivated over her career.The University of Oregon Chamber Choir has placed first or second in four international choral competitions, most recently winning first prize in the Chamber Choir category at the Grand Prix of Nations Competition in Gothenburg, Sweden in August 2019. The Chamber Choir became a resident ensemble of the Oregon Bach Festival in 2014, performing each summer under conductors such as Helmuth Rilling, Matthew Halls, John Nelson, Jane Glover, and Joann Falletta.University of Oregon choirs under Dr. Paul's direction have performed at the National Association for Music Education's state and divisional conferences, and at ACDA Northwestern Division conferences.Dr. Paul has presented interest sessions at regional, state, division, national, and international conferences. She appears frequently as adjudicator, clinician, teacher, and honor choir director throughout the United States and abroad. In 2019, she received Oregon ACDA's Podium Award for “outstanding contributions to the choral arts,” and in the fall of 2014 she received the University of Oregon's Fund for Faculty Excellence Award.Dr. Paul completed her DMA in Choral Conducting at Stanford University, her MFA in Conducting from UCLA, and her BA in Music from Pomona College.To get in touch with Sharon, you can email her at sjpaul@uoregon.edu or find her on Facebook (@sharon.paul.50).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

“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

“Your first year is not going to be perfect. You're not going to feel like you're having a lot of success a lot of the time because you're figuring out how to work within a school system, how to work with other teachers, with parents, with students that may not be too much younger than you if you start teaching high school. So you do your best, and you do a lot of reflection at the end of every day, at the end of every week, and you just prepare to wake up and then try something different.”Ross Cawthon is a graduate teaching assistant at Louisiana State University, where he is progressing towards a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting with a minor emphasis in Music Education. He is the instructor of record for undergraduate choral conducting and a teaching assistant for the LSU A Cappella Choir and LSU Chamber Singers. Additionally, he is the Music Director at University Presbyterian Church in Baton Rouge. Before coming to LSU, Ross was the Director of Choirs at DeLand High School in Deland, Florida, where he taught choir, piano, AP Music Theory and IB Music. The DeLand High Chorus has performed across the US, and was invited to sing at the Florida Music Educators Association conference in 2023.In addition to his choral interests, Ross has a passion for the poetry and music of J.R.R. Tolkien, barbecue, and exercising. He lives in Baton Rouge with his wife Kristina, who is a singer and licensed speech-language pathologist.To get in touch with Ross, you can find him on Instagram (@rossisastore) or Facebook (@ross.cawthon.3).Email choirfampodcast@gmail.com to contact our hosts.Podcast music from Podcast.coPhoto in episode artwork by Trace HudsonBoomers, Bucks, and Bling PodcastUnlock the secrets to financial success with the Boomers, Bucks, and Bling...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

“Going back for a master's was exhilarating. So many of the things that I had been doing in my studio were corroborated with education. On the flip side, I had a lot of moments where I thought, “I've been doing that wrong. I should change that.” Having had years doing a lot of my own education—I attended conferences and did everything I could to soak up anything available to me—going back to school and having it corroborated and defined was career-changing.”Award-winning coloratura soprano Alisa Toy has an impressive thirty-year performing and teaching career. She currently teaches and performs at Washington State University as a Lecturer of Voice. Internationally, Alisa soloed in Great Britain, Canada, Pakistan, and Italy, including a concert for Pope Benedict XVI with the Rome Symphony Orchestra. Some of her past favorite soloing opportunities include Mozart's Requiem and Coronation Mass, along with multiple performances of Handel's Messiah and Judas Maccabeus. Opera and musical theatre roles include Pamina in Mozart's The Magic Flute, Gertrude in Humperdinck's Hänsel and Gretel, Maria in Bernstein's West Side Story, and Grace in Strouse's Annie.As a choral conductor, Alisa currently serves as the Artistic Director of the Lewis and Clark State College Concert Choir, the Assistant Conductor of the Palouse Choral Society, and previously served as the Artistic Director for the Columbus Choral Society.Memorable performances for her include the world premiere of John Purifoy's Chronicles of Blue and Gray in New York's Carnegie Hall and the world premiere of Benjamin Harlan's The Seven Last Words of Christ in New Orleans. She frequently serves in her church as a soloist, choral conductor, and organist/pianist.Alisa holds a Master of Music in Vocal Performance and Choral Conducting from the University of Idaho and graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from Mississippi University for Women. Alisa enjoyed teaching K-12 music for several years in public and private schools and enjoys teaching voice through her private studio, Singingtoy Studio in addition to her appointment at WSU. She is currently working on her Ph.D.To get in touch with Alisa, you can email her at alisa.toy@wsu.edu, find her on Facebook (@toysrusfamily), or follow the SingingToy Studio on Facebook.Email choirfampodcast@gmail.com to contact our hosts.Podcast music from Podcast.coPhoto in episode artwork by Trace Hudson

“I said, ‘I really wish a book existed with more women composers in it'... This book is so important in 2024 with equality and inclusivity being at the forefront of our profession. I think that this is timely, and I think it's a great representation of where we're going in our profession right now especially given the fact that I see a lot more programming to be equal with male composers and women composers.”Alan Troy Davis is a conductor, music educator, tenor, and voice teacher with extensive experience in both academic and community music settings. He has completed the coursework for a Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) degree in choral conducting at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and is currently finalizing his doctoral document. He also holds a Master of Music (M.M.) in Choral Conducting from California State University–Los Angeles, a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Secondary Education from Portland State University, and a Bachelor of Musical Arts (B.M.A.) in Music from Pacific Lutheran University.Davis has taught in public high schools across Oregon, Colorado, and California and has directed a variety of church and community ensembles. His research interests focus on choral intonation, conducting pedagogy and score study, vocal pedagogy within choral rehearsals, Renaissance and Baroque performance practices and repertoire, and the exploration of choral repertoire by women composers.As a compiler and contributing author, Davis is playing a key role in the forthcoming book Choral Repertoire by Women Composers, scheduled for publication by GIA Publications, Inc. in January 2025. In addition, he will co-present an interest session titled In Her Voice: Highlighting Female Composers at the 2025 American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) National Conference in Dallas, Texas.To get in touch with Alan, you can find him on Instagram (@thechoralgeek) or Facebook (@alantdavis) or email him at alantroydavis@gmail.com.Email choirfampodcast@gmail.com to contact our hosts.Podcast music from Podcast.coPhoto in episode artwork by Trace Hudson

Greg's father was a Russian-Polish Jew and his mother is Italian-American.  Greg remembers accepting Yeshua while visiting his grandmother's church at eight years of age. As a teenager and college student, Greg attended a wide variety of churches.  He also gained proficiency in gospel music during these years.  Greg graduated from college at the University of Massachusetts with a B.A. in both Vocal Jazz & Gospel Music as well as Psychology.In 2001, while studying classical choral conducting for a Master's degree at Temple University, Greg was invited by a friend to visit Congregation Beth Yeshua, one of the flagship Messianic synagogues in the United States.  From the moment he arrived, he felt spiritually as though he had “come home.” Greg ministered full-time at Congregation Beth Yeshua from 2004-2010.  In Summer of 2010, the Silverman family moved out west to Tucson, Arizona. Greg had been accepted with full scholarship into the prestigious University of Arizona doctoral program in Choral Conducting.  Dr. Greg Silverman completed the doctoral degree in December 2013.  He served as a Music Professor and Choral Conductor at Eastern University.  Dr. Greg presently is the President of his own ministry as well as the Director of Worship Arts at Desert Hope Lutheran Church in Tucson (www.deserthope.org).  As part of his work in Silverman Ministries, Inc., Dr. Greg offers worship concerts, recordings, and training for other worship leaders and artists.  Visit https://gregsilverman.com/about/ministry to learn more about Silverman Ministries, Inc.

“When people talk about what skills kids are lacking in America these days, two of the skills that come up a lot are the ability to listen to each other and have some empathy for each other. Some people would say it's not just kids that are lacking those skills; it might be what is really missing from our society. I think choir is the best subject to teach those skills.”Hailed by The Oregonian for providing “the finest choral concerts in Portland in recent memory,” Ethan Sperry is the Director of Choral Activities at Portland State University, where he conducts the world-renowned Chamber Choir and leads undergraduate and graduate programs in conducting. He is also the Artistic Director and Conductor of the Oregon Repertory Singers, one of America's most distinguished adult choruses. Choirs under his direction have performed at over a dozen ACDA and NAfME Conferences, won over thirty awards and medals at international choir competitions on four continents, and sung at The Hollywood Bowl, The Kennedy Center, and the United Nations. Under his direction in 2013 The Portland State Chamber Choir became the first American Choir ever to win the Grand Prix at the Seghizzi International Choral Contest in Italy, and in 2017 they became the first American choir to win the Grand Prix at the Bali International Choral Festival, the largest choral gathering in Asia. Sperry has recorded albums for the Naxos and Gothic labels. A prolific arranger of World Music for choirs, Dr. Sperry is the editor of the Global Rhythms series for Earthsongs Music, one of the best-selling choral series in the world, and is also published by Hal Leonard. Sperry is also a frequent collaborator with film composer AR Rahman and has appeared as a guest conductor for him numerous times including at Bollywood Night at the Hollywood Bowl and the 2008 Filmfare Awards, the Indian equivalent of the Oscars. He also serves as a consultant for the KM Music Conservatory in Chennai, the first classical music school in India, which opened in 2009.He has earned a bachelor's degree in Philosophy from Harvard College and Masters and Doctoral degrees in Choral Conducting from the University of Southern California. Prior to moving to Oregon, Sperry served for 10 years on the faculty of Miami University in Ohio where he conducted the Men's Glee Club, Collegiate Chorale, and Global Rhythms Ensemble. He has also served as Artistic Administrator of the Arad Philharmonic Chorus in Romania and Conductor of the Coeur Regional de Guadeloupe, the only Symphonic Chorus in the French West Indies.To get in touch with Ethan, you can email him at ethansperry@gmail.com. You can find the Portland State University Chamber Choir on Facebook (@psuchamberchoir), Instagram (@psuchamberchoir), or Tiktok (@psuchamberchoir), and you can find the Oregon Repertory Singers on Facebook (@OregonRepertorySingers) or Instagram (@orsingers). Email choirfampodcast@gmail.com to contact our hosts.Podcast music from Podcast.coPhoto in episode artwork by Trace Hudson

Dr. Brett Stewart is a conductor, composer, pianist, and vocalist. He has taught music to youth and adults for nearly three decades and—together with his brother—founded Millennial Choirs & Orchestras. He is also a composer-in-residence for MCO, having composed and arranged well over one hundred works for the organization, including the full-length oratorio Messiah in America, and the full-length patriotic work To Be American. Brett received a doctorate degree in Choral Conducting with cognate studies in Composition from the University of Cincinnati College–Conservatory of Music, a master's degree in Choral Conducting from California State University, Long Beach, and a bachelor's degree in Piano Performance from Brigham Young University. Extremely active and busy with his family and religious life, Stewart devotes his career time exclusively to MCO and other composing projects. Brett and his wife, Mindy, are the parents of seven children and live in northeast Texas. Links Millennial Choirs and Orchestras MCO on YouTube Messiah in America on YouTube "Savior, Redeemer of My Soul" There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts. Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Coming soon The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill and many more in over 700 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Sinikka Waugh and Myles Finn discuss Teaching Young People To Be More Empathetic Through Vulnerability And Authenticity.   Brought to you by the Change Makers Certification Program! Learn more here!   Myles is in his seventh year as choral director at Indianola High School, in Indianola, Iowa. He is the director of The Indianola Singers, The Apollo Chorus, and Cantare. He also directs Indianola's Varsity Show Choir, Side One. He and his wife are the directors of musicals at Indianola High School where they have directed Disney's Newsies, The 25h Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, The Sound of Music, The Addams Family, and The Wizard of Oz. He is most known for his TikTok videos going Viral at the start of the 2022 school year. Amassing over 120 million and 1.2 million followers, his videos have seemed to spark a love for choral music, musical theatre, and goofy choir teachers. Myles received his Master's Degree in Choral Conducting from Michigan State University, and his Bachelor's of Music Education from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. He directly relates his success within his classroom with his work at Michigan State, his work with Dr. Lee Nelson at Wartburg College, and his passionate high school choir director, Duane Philgreen. Myles is a loving father and husband. He and his wife, choreographer and school counselor Haley (Rudd) Finn live in Indianola and they are proud parents to two beautiful children, Rory and Lyra. When Myles is not in the choral classroom, he can be found on the golf course, reading, playing video games, and spending time with his loving family.   Join our email list here!

“As choral conductors, we're first and foremost educators, and we have to realize that we have to come with compassion in everything that we do when we listen to choirs. All too often we sit there thinking, ‘the intonation wasn't so great, or maybe their phrase endings could be better,' but we don't understand what people are working with. No two choirs are the same. No choir operates in the same context.”Dr. Michael Joseph Barrett is the conductor of the University of Pretoria (Tuks) Camerata and a senior lecturer in Choral Conducting in the Department of Music. He obtained the degrees BMus in Performing Arts and MMus (Performing Arts), specializing in choral conducting, in 2008, both from the University of Pretoria. He holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education and a Performance Licentiate in Singing, both received in 2008, from Unisa. In 2017, Michael was awarded a Doctorate of Music degree (Performing Arts) in Choral Performance by the University of Pretoria.Michael's choirs have won numerous national and international awards, as well as choral competitions all over the world, including the Grand Prix of Nations; the 8th World Choir Games; the St Petersburg Choral Competition; the Llangollen (Shlangoshlen) International Musical Eisteddfod (ICEtedfud); and the International Youth Music Festival. In 2017, Tuks Camerata was invited to perform at the World Choral Symposium in Barcelona, Spain. The choir has released three CDs, which were all nominated for South African Music Awards. In March, the Tuks Camerata will perform as an invited choir to the National ACDA Conference in Dallas.Michael is an active composer and arranger whose music is published internationally by Santa Barbara Music Publishers and Walton Music. He is regularly invited to present workshops and adjudicate choral competitions both locally and abroad. He is also the executive director and co-producer of Capital Singers, South Africa's largest community choir project. To get in touch with Michael, you can email him or find him on Instagram (@mbarrett1310) or Facebook (@michael.j.barrett.54). You can also visit the Tuks Camerata website or follow them on Instagram (@tuks_camerata), Facebook (@UPCamerata), or YouTube (@universityofpretoriacamera357). To support the Tuks Camerata's travel to National ACDA 2025, visit their funding website.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

“At the end of that first year, I did a pops concert. I developed the formula that I use now, which is to make it sound a lot like the actual songs. You give a lot of soloists opportunities to sing solos, especially in the verses which are harder because of the syncopation. We had a band that we hired: some horns, a rhythm section. The kids loved it, and we had 750 people come watch it.”J.D. Frizzell is the Director of Fine Arts and Director of Vocal Music at Briarcrest Christian School in Memphis, TN. He earned his Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in Choral Conducting from The University of Kentucky. Dr. Frizzell earned the double Master's in Music Theory/Composition and Conducting from The University of Southern Mississippi, where he also earned the bachelor's degree in Music History and Literature.In 2024, Frizzell was named a national finalist for the GRAMMY Music Educator Award. Frizzell was chosen by the Tennessee Music Educators Association as the 2011 Outstanding Young Music Educator. Additionally, he was awarded the Dr. Clair E. Cox Award for Teaching Excellence in both 2011 and again in 2023.As the Director of Fine Arts at Briarcrest, Dr. Frizzell leads a faculty of twelve full time faculty-artists and is responsible for coordinating curriculum, instruction, and budgets for all of the fine arts programs (K2-12th grade). He also serves as an advocate and school liaison for all of the visual art, instrumental music, vocal music, dance, theatre, and technical production programs. As the Director of Vocal Music, he teaches the Men's Choir, Advanced Women's Choir, and OneVoice.A leader in the contemporary a cappella movement, he is the co-founder and President of The A Cappella Education Association, a nonprofit dedicated to helping groups around the world. He also founded the National A Cappella and Choral Convention. His high school a cappella group, OneVoice, is a SONY Recording Artist. They were the winners of the Macy's A Cappella Challenge judged by Pentatonix, contestants on America's Got Talent, performers at The Emmys, and collaborators with Foreigner and The Swingles. Their music has been streamed, downloaded, and viewed over 120 million times. Dr. Frizzell co-authored the books “A Cappella Warm Ups for Pop and Jazz Choirs” and “Teaching Music Through Performance in Contemporary A Cappella”.Dr. Frizzell is active as a presenter, adjudicator, clinician, and guest conductor. As an active member of TNMEA, NATS, ACDA, and WTVMEA, he has served in multiple volunteer capacities. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation named him one of “Memphis' Finest” for his philanthropic efforts. He is also a professional member of the Recording Academy. He lives in Memphis, TN with his wife, Emily and sons Henry and Elliott.For commission, conducting, workshop, or other booking information, please visit www.jdfrizzell.net. To get in touch with J.D., you can visit his website or find him on Facebook (@jdfrizzellmusic) or Instagram (@jdfrizzell1983).Choir Fam wants to hear from you! Check out the Minisode Intro Part 3 episode from February 16, 2024, to hear how to share your story with us.Email choirfampodcast@gmail.com to contact our hosts.Podcast music from Podcast.coPhoto in episode artwork by Trace Hudson

“The folks who I think are really doing incredible work around the world, not just for one festival or for one tour, but for decades, are the folks who are trying to literally make the world a better place through choral music. How many opportunities can we provide for them so they can feel like they're part of that bigger family to help legitimize the hard work and the experiences that they're having in their corner of the world?” T. J. HARPER is Associate Professor of Music and Specialist in Choral Music Performance, Choral Pedagogy, Conducting, and Vocal Performance at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. Choirs under the direction of Dr. Harper have performed at Carnegie Hall in 2022, NAfME division and national conferences, ACDA conferences, and International performances by invitation including Costa Rica, Austria, Czech Republic, Spain, and Italy.Dr. Harper maintains an active schedule in the US and abroad as a guest conductor, clinician, and jury member. Recent engagements include headlining the China National Choral Conference and conducting the Beijing Harmonia Choir; Master classes for El Sistema and conducting the Venezuela National Choir. He has been engaged as a lecturer, presenter, and guest speaker at the 2015 Yale University International Choral Music Symposium; the 2015 European Choir Games in Magdeburg, Germany; Harvard University, Hofstra University, and the New England ACDA Collegiate Choral Conference.Dr. Harper is the Associate Director for the Jeju International Choral Festival in Jeju, South Korea, Associate Director for the Icheon World Choral Festival in Icheon, South Korea, the Associate Director for the San Juan Canta Choral Festival and Competition in San Juan, Argentina, the Associate Director for the World Youth Choir Festival and Competition in Jeju, South Korea.Dr. Harper recently held positions as Board Member for the International Federation of Choral Music (IFCM), the past Chair of the ACDA Standing Committee on International Activities, and the Director of the ACDA International Conductors Exchange Program (ICEP).  Dr. Harper received the Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) from the University of Southern California, his Master of Arts in Choral Conducting from California State University, Northridge and his B.A. in Choral Conducting from California State University, Fresno.  To get in touch with T. J., you can find him on Instagram (@conductortj) or Facebook (@harper.tj).Choir Fam wants to hear from you! Check out the Minisode Intro Part 3 episode from February 16, 2024, to hear how to share your story with us.Email choirfampodcast@gmail.com to contact our hosts.Podcast music from Podcast.coPhoto in episode artwork by Trace Hudson

“I've really enjoyed getting into classrooms to affirm my colleagues. I seek whenever I do a visit to say something that is both positive and true. I could just be positive, but if it's not truthful, students can sense that. I've really enjoyed getting to bop in, see great teaching in action, and affirm my colleagues in front of their students.”Dr. Brett D. Epperson is Director of Choral Activities and Assistant Professor of Music at Hastings College. He directs the Hastings College Choir and teaches courses in conducting, vocal pedagogy, diction and studio voice. Brett also serves as director of the adult Chancel Choir at First Presbyterian Church of Hastings.Prior to his career in higher education, Brett was a public school music educator for nearly a decade. Epperson led choral programs at Yutan Public Schools (Nebraska), Jefferson High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and East High School in Lincoln, Nebraska. Under his leadership at Lincoln East, the choral program tripled in enrollment, East Singers was selected as a featured concert choir at the Nebraska Music Educators Association Conference and Epperson was the recipient of a Lincoln Public Schools Inspire Award for implementing an Adaptive Music program. Epperson has also served as a graduate assistant within the College of Music at Florida State University, was an adjunct instructor of voice at Doane University (Nebraska), and is a previous Artistic Director-Conductor of the Lincoln Lutheran Choir.Dr. Epperson is active as a guest conductor, clinician, adjudicator and collaborative keyboardist, with appearances across the United States, the Caribbean and Europe. In June 2023, Epperson traveled to Nairobi, Kenya, where he was a featured conductor as part of AVoice4Peace choral festival. As a vocalist, he has sung with Grammy-nominated choral ensembles and has been a featured soloist in choral-orchestral performances across the Midwest and South. Galaxy Music Corporation released his first published composition in 2022.Brett earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Michigan State University, and the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Music Education-Choral Conducting from Florida State University.To get in touch with Brett, you can find him on Facebook (@brettdepperson) or Instagram (@brettdepperson).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

"Choral programs don't exist in a vacuum. They exist in a place, and they exist in a place that serves a people. That people group is always bigger than choir. The first thing that you've gotta do is answer the question, 'how are my people, how is my place going to be served by choral music?' and then build that. You've gotta build that one step at a time."Joshua Cheney, a native of Fayetteville, North Carolina, is the Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, North Carolina. He is responsible for the leadership and administration of GWU Choirs, to include the direction of Concert Choir, Men's Chorale, Handbell Ensemble, and the Worship Ensemble. Joshua also teaches courses in conducting, voice, and guitar.In addition to his work in teaching, Joshua currently serves as the Interim Music Minister for the First Baptist Church of Asheville, North Carolina. In this role he participates in worship planning and leads the Adult Choir in rehearsal and worship. Joshua is an active performer and has sung professionally with the North Carolina Master Chorale Chamber Choir, Bel Canto Company, the Red Shift Choir, and Coro Vocati. Joshua is a regular clinician, adjudicator, and presenter, having directed honor choirs, adjudicated choral festivals, and given lectures at professional conferences throughout the South. Previous appointments include service as the Assistant Professor of Choral Music at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee, the Assistant Director of Music and Worship at the First United Methodist Church of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the Choral Music Educator at John M. Morehead High School in Eden, North Carolina, and the Choral Music Educator at Harnett Central Middle School in Angier, North Carolina.Joshua holds the B.A. in Music Education from Campbell University, the M.M. in Choral Conducting and Church Music from Mercer University, and the D.M.A. in Choral Conducting from Louisiana State University. Joshua is married to Rebekah Cheney, who serves as the Director of Annual Giving at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina. Joshua and Rebekah reside in Asheville, North Carolina.To get in touch with Joshua, you can find him on Instagram (@jcheneyconductor or @gardnerwebbchoirs) or email him at mailto:jcheney1@gardner-webb.edu .Choir Fam wants to hear from you! Check out the Minisode Intro Part 3 episode from February 16, 2024, to hear how to share your story with us.Email choirfampodcast@gmail.com to contact our hosts.Podcast music from Podcast.coPhoto in episode artwork by Trace Hudson

“Octave displacement is a really big thing with adolescent singers. Make a game out of it - I'll have them match me, match me up an octave, match me down an octave - versus scolding when you're in the middle of rep and someone is singing too low and you just point and say ‘that's too low.' That's a little ambiguous for the average 13-year-old. To give them the strength to identify it themselves is practicing the skill we want to see played out in the repertoire.”Since 2006, Mr. Oakes has served as Director of Choral Music and Music Instructor at The Baylor School, a grade 6-12 independent day and boarding school in Chattanooga. Under his direction, the choral program has grown to include over 200 participants in four student choirs and a faculty choir. In 2015, he was awarded Baylor's Glenn Ireland Chair for Distinguished Teaching and starts his service as Chair of Baylor's Fine Arts Department beginning with the 2019-2020 school year.Mr. Oakes also serves as Artistic Director of the Chattanooga Boys Choir, a music education and performance organization founded in 1954 which now includes over 120 choristers ages 8-18 in five ensembles. Including innovative performance opportunities and collaborative community initiatives, the CBC maintains a performance calendar of thirty appearances annually. The choir has performed and toured extensively, including performance tours to Europe, Canada, and Cuba. Recording opportunities for the CBC have included commercially-released recordings with Stephen Curtis Chapman, Casting Crowns, and the grammy-nominated NAXOS recording of Maurice Ravel's L'enfant et les sortilèges with the Nashville Symphony Orchestra.He is the former President of the ACDA's Southern Region and in 2012, he was selected as one of seven conductors chosen to represent the United States at the inaugural ACDA International Conductor Exchange Program in Cuba.As a conductor/clinician, he has conducted numerous honor choirs and festivals throughout the United States, including ACDA regional honor choirs. A lifelong advocate for music in worship, he has served churches in Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee and as a clinician/conductor for children and youth choirs at Lake Junaluska, Massanetta Springs, and Montreat church music conferences.Mr. Oakes earned the Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Florida and the Master of Sacred Music degree in Choral Conducting from Emory University. He has contributed articles to Choral Journal and a chapter in the textbook Choral Pedagogy (3rd edition) by Robert Sataloff and Brenda Smith. To get in touch with Vic, you can visit chattanoogaboyschoir.org or baylorschool.org.Choir Fam wants to hear from you! Check out the Minisode Intro Part 3 episode from February 16, 2024, to hear how to share your story with us.Email choirfampodcast@gmail.com to contact our hosts.

Eamonn Dougan kicks-off our eighth season, talking choral conducting with guests Patrick Russill, Hilary Campbell and Jack Apperley.TRACKS : (1) Tomás Luis de Victoria - Tantum Ergo; Choir of the London Oratory / Patrick Russill (2) Judith Weir - Love Bade Me Welcome; Eric Ericson Chamber Choir / Fredrik Malmberg - Listen on Apple Music https://apple.co/3U3H5pg (3) Caroline Shaw - The Isle, III. Caliban; Roomful of Teeth - Listen on Apple Music https://apple.co/49BcFAm (4) Herbert Howells - Regina caeli; Choir of the London Oratory / Patrick Russill (5) James MacMillan - Tu es Petrus; London Brass / Westminster Cathedral Choir / Martin Baker - Listen on Apple Music https://apple.co/3vWbY6ISupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/choral-chihuahua. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ronald A. Matthews joined Eastern University in 1992 and was appointed the 10th President of Eastern University effective March 1, 2018. Prior to this call, Dr. Matthews served as Professor of Music, Chair of the Music Department, and since 2010, Executive Director of the Fine and Performing Arts Division. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Dr. Matthews graduated from Central High School. Having received a Philadelphia Board of Education music scholarship, he did his undergraduate work in Church Music and Organ at Westminster Choir College where he graduated magna cum laude and received both the Senior Class Conducting Award and the Christian Leadership Award. Dr. Matthews received the Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting from Temple University, during which time he was invited to conduct the Jerusalem Chamber Orchestra for a recording project in Tel Aviv. At the age of 23, Dr. Matthews was invited to join the faculty of Nyack College as the Director of Choral Activities. He received his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Combs College of Music in Composition with an emphasis in Orchestral Conducting. From 1982-1992, Dr. Matthews was the Chair of the Department of Music at what is now Cairn University. For several years, he was a Thomas F. Staley Foundation lecturer/artist and served on professional and denominational boards and task forces. From 2005 until 2018, he was the Pastor of Worship Arts at Church of the Saviour in Wayne, PA. Dr. Matthews has conducted, recorded, and performed in France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Switzerland and the Vatican. He is a commissioned and published composer. He has performed and recorded regularly with his younger brother, Rev. Dr. Gary Matthews, in concerts and workshops throughout the United States and internationally. His older brother, Dr. John T. Matthews, is Professor of English at Boston University. Dr. Matthews' most recent release is a jazz piano Christmas recording, Holly and Ivory. Dr. Matthews is married to Pamela R. Matthews, who was raised in Oreland, PA and graduated from Springfield High School. She graduated from Chestnut Hill Hospital's School of Radiologic Technology. Mrs. Matthews is a registered Ultrasonographer and received her training in Ultrasonography from Jefferson University and Chestnut Hill Hospital. For over thirty years she worked in Obstetrics and Gynecology with Abington Hospital - Jefferson Health until 2017. She served as the President of the Home and School Association for the Upper Moreland Round Meadow Elementary School during which she raised funds for new playground equipment. For the Middle School, she organized a campaign resulting in the purchase of a new grand piano for the music program. Mrs. Matthews is an avid tennis player and is also interested in charitable and mission work. She has organized fundraising projects for Haiti and the Cherokee Indians in Cherokee, NC, and she has traveled to Cartagena, Colombia on a sports mission trip. Dr. and Mrs. Matthews have two adult sons.  

Iese Purcell Wilson's life mission is to hold space and build bridges at complex intersections of society. This is due to his backgrounds of being Samoan, Hawaiian, Filipino, and English raised in the US while also claiming space in both the LGBTQ Community & the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The choral craft has become the perfect medium for empathy-based advocacy at these intersections. Iese is currently at ASU pursuing a Masters of Music in Choral Conducting. He was previously known for his work of building bridges at his alma mater, BYU-Hawai'i, where he came out as being openly gay. At BYUH, Iese would go on to privately comfort about 200 students from dozens of countries, meet with the BYUH Presidents Council to discuss the wellbeing of these LGBTQ+ students for the first time in school history, co-found Hawai'i's first (Latter-day Saint) LGBTQ+ support group off campus for students and staff, helped create and host the first LGBTQ+ fireside on the BYUH campus, and offered the first LGBTQ+ awareness training for the Guest Services Department at the Polynesian Cultural Center. To connect with Iese go here: _______________________________ The ⁠⁠Beyond the Shadow of Doubt™⁠⁠ podcast is a proud member of the Dialogue Podcast Network found at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DialogueJournal.com/podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Part of the Dialogue Journal, the Dialogue Podcast Network was founded by Eugene England, a Mormon writer, teacher and scholar. “My faith encourages my curiosity and awe,” Gene wrote in the very first issue of the journal. “It thrusts me out into relationship with all creation” and “encourages me to enter into dialogue.” My hope is that this podcast is an extension of his vision. Starting January 2024, come join "First Fridays Free Coaching." ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to register⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (or go here: https://app.paperbell.com/checkout/packages/71129)! Connect with me at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠meaganskidmorecoaching.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠; click "Work with Me" to subscribe to get my free Pronouns 101 guide. Schedule a complimentary chat with me here: https://app.paperbell.com/checkout/packages?provider_id=17026. Hopeful Spaces is a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dallas Hope Charities⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ component of Hopeful Discussions, which is sponsored by Mercedes-Benz Financial Services USA. Hopeful Spaces is a monthly parent support group facilitated by Meagan Skidmore Coaching. To join Hopeful Spaces send an email to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠chc@dallashopecharities.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.  Please help the podcast grow by following, leaving a 5 star review on Spotify or Apple podcasts and sharing with friends.

Joshua Harper, Director of Choral Activities and Assistant Professor of Choral Conducting and Applied Voice at Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, speaking about a program titled, "Shining Light: A Hymn to the Sun," to be performed by the Choral Society of Northeast Pennsylvania on Sunday, March 10, 2024 at 4:00 pm at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 35 South Franklin Street, in downtown Wilkes-Barre. Admission is free. For more information: www.choralsociety.net/

“So many people view conducting as a reflection of the music, and if that works for them, that's great. I view conducting as a reflection of the movement. Undergrads aren't always predisposed to musical language, but they are already predisposed to the language that Laban uses: time, space, weight, flow. Instead of saying 'that's not marcato enough,' you could instead say 'that's not heavy enough' or ‘direct enough.' That's language that we're already familiar with as people.”Dr. Eric Rubinstein is Director of Choral Activities and Assistant Professor of Music at Nazareth University, where he directs the Chamber Singers and Treble Choir and teaches additional coursework in conducting and music education. Prior to his appointment at Nazareth, Dr. Rubinstein served as Assistant Professor of Choral Music Education at the Aaron Copland School of Music, Queens College (CUNY).Ensembles under his direction have been recognized across New York and New England for performances of the highest artistic caliber. Program highlights with the Nazareth Chamber Singers include a performance tour of Poland, a year-long partnership with Nazareth's Department of Theatre and Dance, and an invited performance at the 2023 NYSSMA Winter Conference. Dr. Rubinstein led the Queens College Treble Choir to invited performances at the 2022 ACDA Eastern Division Conference in Boston, MA and as the demonstration choir for the 2019 NYSSMA Winter Conference conducting masterclass. The Treble Choir was also honored in 2022 by The American Prize.As a secondary school choral director, Dr. Rubinstein amassed a decade of high school teaching in Monticello and Westhampton Beach, NY, where he concurrently served on the music education faculty at CUNY Brooklyn College. Under his direction, the choirs were honored to perform at Carnegie Hall, Chautauqua Institute, and abroad, and were featured at the 2015 NY-ACDA Conference at the Eastman School of Music. Dr. Rubinstein has also served on the artistic faculty for the New York State Summer School of the Arts, and remains active as a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator for various choral festivals and conferences.Dr. Rubinstein is a member of NAfME and ACDA, where he also serves as a New York- ACDA Repertoire & Resources co-chair for LGBTQIA+ Choral Music. He holds Choral Conducting and Music Education degrees from Louisiana State University (D.M.A), Michigan State University (M.M.), and SUNY Fredonia (B.M.).To get in touch with Eric, you can email him at erubins6@naz.edu or find him on Facebook: https://facebook.com/erubinstein .Choir Fam wants to hear from you! Check out the Minisode Intro Part 2 episode from May 22, 2023, to hear how to share your story with us.Email choirfampodcast@gmail.com to contact our hosts.Podcast music from Podcast.coPhoto in episode artwork by Trace Hudson

Jim Kasen has degrees in Organ Performance and Interpersonal Communications from Brigham Young University, a Master of Social Work from the University of Utah, and a Masters in Choral Conducting from BYU. He is a licensed social worker, recently retired as Director of University Relations at BYU, and is the author of the book To Belong to Him. Jim first served as a branch president in the Philippines Manila Mission, and has served in branch presidencies at the Provo Missionary Training Center, in elders quorum presidencies, in a bishopric, four times as a high councilor, and as a music director, choir director, and organist many times on the ward and stake levels. He has also served on the Church Music Committee, as a guest organist at Temple Square, a member of the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, and in many other assignments such as directing choirs for general conference and on the hymnal submission review sub-committee. Links To Belong to Him There is already a discussion started about this podcast. Share your thoughts HERE. Watch on YouTube Transcript coming soon Scriptures referenced in this podcast: Ether 12:27 Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Coming soon The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 600 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

I'm so excited to welcome Nikisha Williams, who currently plays Eliza Schuyler on the Philip Tour, to the podcast! Prior to joining Hamilton in 2018, Nikisha gained a ton of experience performing in musicals and operas across the country. Oh! She was also a high school choir teacher! Yep, Nikisha has a masters degree in Choral Conducting and a Bachelor's degree in Vocal performance so she has the unique ability to bring her experience as an educator to the role of Eliza.  This week, Nikisha talks about her journey as both a teacher and a performer: from auditioning multiple times to get into her vocal performance program, to leading an award-winning all girl high school a cappella group, and how her students got her into Hamilton.  A firm believer in taking care of your mental health and meeting yourself where you are, Nikisha also talks about the strength of the women in the show and the strength of her Eliza specifically. For example, her version of “That Would Be Enough” isn't begging Hamilton to stay, but about getting these two determined people on the same page. /// "Random Black Girl" "It's a Man's Man's Man's World" /// Nikisha's Website Nikisha on Instagram Talking Horror Podcast Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

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

André J. Thomas is an Associate Artist with the London Symphony Orchestra.Thomas is Professor Emeritus of Music at Florida State University. He was visiting Professor of Choral Conducting at Yale University from 2020-2022. He also served as faculty member at the University of Texas, Austin.Dr. Thomas received his degrees from Friends University (B.A.), Northwestern University (M. M.), and The University of Illinois (D.M.A). He is in demand as a choral adjudicator, clinician, and director of Honor/All-State Choirs throughout North America, Europe, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, and Africa Dr. Thomas has conducted choirs at the state, division, and national conventions of the Music Educators National Conference (NAFME) and the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA). His international conducting credits are extensive. They include conductor/clinician for the International Federation of Choral Musicians' summer residency of the World Youth Choir in the Republic of China and the Philippines. He was also the conductor of the World Youth Choir's winter residency in Europe and a premier performance by an American choir (Florida State University Singers) in Vietnam.He is a highly respected guest conductor who has led numerous prestigious orchestras and choirs around the world, including the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra in England, the Berlin Radio Choir and the North German Radio Choir in Germany, the Netherlands Radio Choir, The Bulgarian Radio Choir and Orchestra, the Seoul Metropolitan Chorus, Ansan City Choir, Jeju Provincial Seogwipo Chorale in South Korea, the Charlotte Symphony, China's People's Liberation Orchestra, the Czech National Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony. He also served as the Artistic Director of the Tallahassee Community Chorus for 31 seasons.Thomas has also distinguished himself as a composer/arranger. Hinshaw Music Company, Mark Foster Music Company, Fitzsimons Music Company, Lawson Gould, Earthsongs, Choristers Guild, and Heritage Music Company publish his compositions and arrangements. Dr. Thomas has produced two instructional videos—What They See Is What You Get on choral conducting, with Rodney Eichenberger, and Body, Mind, Spirit, Voice on adolescent voices, with Anton Armstrong. His recent book, Way Over in Beulah Lan': Understanding and Performing the Negro Spiritual, has quickly become a significant source in this area of study.Various musical organizations have recognized Thomas. The African Diaspora Sacred Music honored Dr. Thomas as a Living Legend. In 2011, Chorus America recognized Thomas' dedication to and accomplishments in the choral arts, presenting him with its Distinguished Service Award. In March 2017, ACDA presented Thomas with its highest honor, the Robert Shaw Award, and in November of 2017, NCCO (National Collegiate Choral Organization) presented Thomas with its Lifetime Achievement Award. In January 2019, he was inducted into the Florida Music Educator's Hall of Fame. In 2022 he was presented with the Award of Excellence from the Southern Region of ACDA. Yale University School of Music presented Thomas with the Samuel Simons Sanford Medal, the most prestigious honor conferred by the Yale School of Music.He is a past president of the Florida ACDA, a past president of the Southern Division of ACDA, and the current  Past President of the National ACDA.To get in touch with André, you can email him at athomas@acda.org or find him on Facebook (@andre.thomas.52).Choir Fam wants to hear from you! Check out the Minisode Intro Part 2 episode from May 22, 2023, to hear how to share your story with us.Email choirfampodcast@gmail.com to contact our

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

“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

"The timbre of the singing voice [in Malaysian music] is definitely different from singing Western art music mainly because of the language itself. The way the language is being spoken accesses a different space in our whole instrument. If you want sing the music of a different culture or language in that particular tone, listen to how a person would speak the language, and you won't go far from it."Dr. Tracy Wong is a Malaysian-Canadian choral conductor, music educator, composer, vocalist, and pianist. Dr. Wong is passionate about helping choral leaders and educators to provide unique experiences for their singers and students through collaborative commissions, customized workshops, festivals, and artist residencies. She does this through focusing on the balance of performance practice considerations, vocal and acoustic explorations, and choral artistry and heart.Currently residing in Ontario, Canada, Dr. Wong is the Assistant Professor of Choral Studies at Western University, where she conducts Chorale and Les Choristes ensembles and teaches choral conducting. Dr. Wong holds Doctor in Musical Arts and Master in Music Performance (Choral Conducting) degrees from the University of Toronto under the tutelage of Dr. Hilary Apfelstadt. She is also a two-time recipient of the Elmer Iseler National Graduate Fellowship in Choral Conducting.As an active choral artist, Tracy collaborates regularly with choral organizations on conducting events, commissioned projects, and residences, and her compositions are widely published and performed internationally. As a composer/arranger, she advocates for repertoire-based music education by writing pieces that are teaching tools for singers to develop vocal technique, musicianship skills, and artistry. As part of her continued search to define her Chinese-Malaysian-Canadian identity, Tracy's music also shows the coming-together of different languages and musical elements that continue to influence her composition writing. A large number of her self-published works are on the Tracy Wong Series at Graphite Marketplace.To get in touch with Tracy, you can find her on her website, tracywongmusic.com, and join her mailing list. You can also find her on Facebook (@tracywongmusic) or Instagram (@thewongnote).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

Episodio #146: Hic sunt dracones Dirección Coral Online, Temporada 4 Estamos analizando un texto de W.F. Folger: "The 7 deadly sins of Choral Conducting" podés colaborar con este podcast compartiendo el episodio, calificándolo con 5 estrellas o, invitándome un café y te llevas el pdf con la traducción del artículo de Folger Cafecito:   https://cafecito.app/gusespada/post/w-folger-seven-deadly-sins-of-choral-conducting-traduccin-IRzyf9eilb  Enlaces mencionados: Episodio #140 Episodio #141 Episodio #142 Episodio #143 Episodio #144    Si me olvidé algún enlace hace click acá y escribime: gusespada.com/contacto 

Dirección Coral Online, Temporada 4 Estamos analizando un texto de W.F. Folger: "The 7 deadly sins of Choral Conducting" Hoy nos toca analizar el pecado VI: “escucha ineficiente” Podés colaborar con este podcast compartiendo el episodio, calificándolo con 5 estrellas o, invitándome un café: Cafecito:  https://cafecito.app/gusespada  Enlaces mencionados: Episodio #140 Episodio #141 Episodio #142 Episodio #143 Episodio #144 

Dirección Coral Online, Temporada 4 Estamos analizando un texto de W.F. Folger: "The 7 deadly sins of Choral Conducting" Hoy nos toca analizar el pecado V: “dirección poco musical” Podés colaborar con este podcast compartiendo el episodio, calificándolo con 5 estrellas o, invitándome un café: Cafecito:  https://cafecito.app/gusespada  Enlaces mencionados: Episodio #143: “Menos es más” https://open.spotify.com/episode/21v4ctPGFw7DIX29dItNSn?si=00nLaDnBT1Gs1bWs7tuklw   Si me olvidé algún enlace hace click acá y escribime: gusespada.com/contacto  

"Every time on stage when we connect with the choral music and I see the students moved or touched by choral music, that's the moment I fall in love with choral music. The love of choral music is affirmed again and again by the connection you make with these humans and the music."Xiaosha Lin is currently assistant professor and director of choral activities at Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington. Prior to her appointment at Whitworth, she served as Director of Choral Activities at the University of Toledo and Assistant Conductor at Hong Kong Baptist University.Known as a dynamic conductor with her engaging rehearsal approach and expressive conducting, Lin was selected as a conducting fellow in several prestigious programs where she worked with Simon Carrington, Edith Copley, David Hayes, and Lucinda Carver. She was one of the semi-finalists in the national ACDA Graduate Student Conducting Competition in Kansas City, MO. As a chorister, she has performed regularly at the Kimmel Center, Carnegie Hall, and Lincoln Center under the batons of Yannick Nézet Séguin, Alan Gilbert, Simon Rattle, and Jane Glover. Lin is a sought-after conductor, adjudicator, and choral clinician in both the U.S. and China, where she was invited to workshops and clinics for all levels of choirs. She has frequently adjudicated in middle and high school choral festivals in Pacific Northwest and Midwest regions. Lin's international background makes her an open-minded, sensitive, and well-rounded musician and educator. She is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community through choral music. She recently received the Inclusive Excellence Faculty Award for the 2022-2023 academic year at Whitworth University and currently serves as a member of the Diversity Initiative Committee at WA-ACDA.Lin received her Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting at Michigan State University, Master of Music in Choral Conducting at Westminster Choir College, Master of Arts in Music at Hong Kong Baptist University (Hong Kong), and Bachelor of Music Education at Xinghai Conservatory of Music (China).   To get in touch with Xiaosha, you can find her on Instagram (@xiaosha_lin) or email her at xlin@whitworth.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 HudsonPracticing Connection: Working together to help families and communities thrive.Jessica Beckendorf and Bob Bertsch host this exploration of personal and collective...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Teaching While Queer PodcastTeaching While Queer Podcast is a space for LGBTQIA+ educators, administrators, and...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Dirección Coral Online, Temporada 4 Estamos analizando un texto de W.F. Folger: "The 7 deadly sins of Choral Conducting" podés colaborar con este podcast compartiendo el episodio, calificándolo con 5 estrellas o, invitándome un café: Cafecito:  https://cafecito.app/gusespada   Enlaces mencionados: #142: “Comunicar no es hablar " Video: Qué es el “over conducting”? Características-cómo evitarlo  Si me olvidé algún enlace hace click acá y escribime: gusespada.com/contacto  

“Comunicar no es hablar "  es el episodio #142 de Dirección Coral Online, Temporada 4 Estamos analizando un texto de W.F. Folger: "The 7 deadly sins of Choral Conducting" podés colaborar con este podcast compartiendo el episodio, calificándolo con 5 estrellas o, invitándome un café: Cafecito:  https://cafecito.app/gusespada  Enlaces mencionados: #141: Inseguridades y desconfianzas Video: Aprende a usar el contacto visual para dirigir   Si me olvidé algún enlace hace click acá y escribime: gusespada.com/contacto   podés lieer la transcripciuón comeplta en gusespada.com/142 

"Inseguridades y desconfianzas"  es el episodio 141 de Dirección Coral Online, Temporada 4 Estamos analizando un texto de W.F. Folger: "The 7 deadly sins of Choral Conducting" podés colaborar con este podcast compartiendo el episodio, calificándolo con 5 estrellas en Spotify, Like en YouTube  o, invitándome un café: Cafecito:  https://cafecito.app/gusespada 

Notas del programa: "Virtudes y pecados" es el episodio #140 de Dirección Coral Online, Temporada 4 Estamos analizando un texto de W.F. Folger: "The 7 deadly sins of Choral Conducting" podés colaborar con este podcast compartiendo el episodio, calificándolo con 5 estrellas o, invitándome un café: Cafecito: https://cafecito.app/gusespada

"The choir totally operates in Estonian. Luckily I think my musicianship is good enough that I can fall back on those skills even when I don't understand most of what the conductor says in rehearsals. When we start singing again, I can pick it up and improve on what we're doing. Sometimes I get what's happening based on context, and I'm also learning the language enough to pick up on what's going on."John William (or JW) Mathre is a full-time professional singer living in Tallinn, Estonia. Originally from Taylorsville, KY, he completed a dual emphasis Bachelor of Music degree in Music Theory/Composition and Music Industry from Eastern Kentucky University in 2017, and then continued on to complete a dual emphasis Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting and Vocal Performance from The University of Southern Mississippi, finishing in the spring of 2020. Before coming to Europe, John worked as a freelance chorister and soloist for churches and project ensembles around Louisville, KY and sang with the city's premier professional ensemble, the Louisville Chamber Choir. At the start of 2023 he moved abroad, accepting a position singing with the Estonian National Male Choir, the largest full-time professional men's choir in the world. In university and professional choirs John has toured across the US and in several different countries around the world. He has experience in all forms of vocal ensembles and enjoys performing across many genres, eras, styles, and languages.Outside of music, John is an avid rock climber and fitness enthusiast, and loves spending time outdoors and visiting new places.To get in touch with John, you can email him at john_mathre@outlook.com or follow him on Instagram: @jw_mathre.Choir Fam wants to hear from you! Check out the Minisode Intro Part 2 episode from May 22, 2023, to hear how to share your story with us. Email choirfampodcast@gmail.com to contact our hosts.Podcast music from Podcast.coPhoto in episode artwork by Trace Hudson from Pexels

Welcome Back to Season 2 of The Conductor's Podcast! With a carefully designed season, we will be focusing on Conductors How-To and share all the tips on planning efficient rehearsals, preparing for auditions, giving a great job interview, marketing and branding for musicians, and even more! All About Chaowen Ting & The Conductor's Podcast (Website)

"I first spend time building trust between me and then ensemble and then having them build trust within the ensemble. If they don't trust me, we won't be able to do a particular level or type of music. We spend so much time learning to work together." - Matthew Gardner"I entered my teaching career with all these ideals about teaching choral music, but what if they don't receive those ideals? There's a certain truth of listening to where your students are in the moment that you're there and then gaining the trust to be able to implement more of your ideals." - Taylor StricklinMatthew Gardner is the choral director at Austin High School in Decatur, AL, where he teaches AP Music Theory and conducts the Chamber Choir, Treble Choir, Tenor-Bass Choir, and Show Choir. He is co-founder of the Huntsville Summer Music program, which provides music education students practical teaching and conducting experience before they begin their careers. Matthew served as coordinator and conductor of the program's chorus and wind band. Matthew is an active performer in professional choral ensembles such as Coro Vocati in Atlanta, GA, Valley Consort in Huntsville, AL, and the Cahaba Chamber Chorale in Birmingham, AL. In addition to his full-time teaching, Matthew is an adjunct instructor at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. He has served as conductor of the UAH Concert Choir as well as the substitute conductor of the UAH Chamber Choir. Matthew also serves as Director of Music Ministries at Valley United Methodist Church in Huntsville, AL. Matthew holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University of Alabama in Huntsville as well as a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Louisiana State University.Taylor Stricklin is the Choral Director at Vestavia Hills High School. Mr. Stricklin is a native of Birmingham, AL and earned his Bachelor of Choral Music Education degree from Samford University. In the Spring of 2020, he graduated with a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Louisiana State University, where he served as conductor of Chamber Singers and assistant conductor of the Tiger Glee Club. Prior to graduate study, Taylor taught choral music at Dauphin (daw-fin) Junior High School and Enterprise High School in Enterprise, AL . He currently sings in several professional ensembles, Red Shift, based in Baton Rouge, LA and the Cahaba Chamber Chorale, based in Birmingham. Since the summer of 2018, Taylor has also served as the Assistant Conductor of Iron City Singers, a community choir based in Birmingham. You can find Matthew on Facebook (@matthew.gardner.54) or Instagram (@mcgardner93). You can also find Taylor on Facebook (@tstricklin2) or Instagram (@tstrick17 and @vestaviahillschoir).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

"That was the beginning of me working with a homeless women's choir. As someone who grew up doing music my whole life, it was just part of my DNA. This broke open everything I had ever thought or experienced about music, and it gave me some really new opportunities and new ways to look at the power and purpose of singing. For the people I was working with, it was part of what would get them through a day or week, and that was really powerful." Amanda Weber currently serves as Director of Worship and the Arts at Westminster Presbyterian Church in downtown Minneapolis, where she oversees a wealth of arts programming. Her work explores the intersections of art, spirituality, and justice and their impact on community. With a deep love for teaching, Weber has served as adjunct professor for Concordia University St. Paul and the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. She co-facilitated a Social Justice and Music January-term course at St. Olaf College and was a Vocal Instructor for theology students at Yale Divinity School. Weber also taught high school at the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts in Hartford, CT.Weber is the Founder and Artistic Director of Voices of Hope, an organization that builds choral singing communities in correctional facilities in the state of Minnesota. Weber's doctoral dissertation, which focused on this work, was awarded the Julius Herford Dissertation Prize in 2018. She has presented on the topic of incarceration and choral singing at numerous conferences and was also invited to speak for a TEDx Minneapolis Salon in 2016.Weber's interest in using music as a tool for social justice grew through her work at Luther Place Memorial Church in Washington, DC, where she founded Bethany's Women of Praise, a choir for homeless women.  Weber received a Doctorate of Musical Arts from the University of Minnesota in 2018, a Master of Music Degree in Choral Conducting at the Yale School of Music and Institute of Sacred Music in 2013, and a Bachelor of Arts in Music and Art at Luther College in 2008.  You can find out more about Amanda by visiting amandakateweber.com and learn more about Voices of Hope at www.wearevoicesofhope.org. You can also find Amanda on Facebook (@amanda.weber.731) or Instagram (@we6er).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

I'm at The Groundlings Theatre for an Improv class. We're doing two-person scenes when our instructor says it's time for a drill. “This next exercise is a way to go deeper into your characters, fast.” For each pair, he instructs one person to start with a mundane statement about the other. The second person repeats the statement and adds something about what it means. Then it goes back to the first person to repeat the added-on part of the statement and add something else about what that means. Kymberlee: Carl, you look lonely standing here by the punchbowl all by yourself. Carl: I look lonely standing here by the punchbowl all by myself, and what that means is I'm not very good at social events. K: You're not very good at social events, and what that means is you prefer to have fun where you don't have to talk to people. C: I prefer to have fun where I don't have to talk to people, and what that means is I'm really into gaming. And so on it goes, until the instructor says, “Scene!” to end the exercise. That simple made-up scene gives us lots of information about our characters in only a couple of sentences. In our world, we as communicators have so much we want to share. But sometimes we get stuck in expressing the meat of it in a way that resonates with our audience. When you tap into your feelings, you get to the heart of your story faster! My guest today, Jane Lui, knows all about storytelling in a variety of ways. She does it through singing, composing, acting, producing, and so much more. In this episode, she talks about how she brings stories to life through her work with emotion leading the way and answers questions like: In what ways can you start to build your story if you're stuck? And how can you make your story more interesting for your audience? What you will learn in this episode: What really lies behind the magic of storytelling How you can structure your story to get people's attention How you can bring out the layers and multiple facets of your story Who is Jane? Jane Lui is a singer, songwriter, composer, and actress who goes by the stage name Surrija (sur-rye-ya). Originally from Hong Kong, she grew up playing piano. She immigrated to the Bay area and started listening to everything from 1930s oldies to 1990s Bjork. After obtaining her Bachelor of Music in Choral Conducting, Jane released three albums on Youtube that gained a strong following. Then she evolved into her self-titled concept album SURRIJA based on Picasso's lovers and demonstrated her own growth as both a woman and musician, from classical training to electro-pop artistry. The album, which received a 2021 Best Pop Album nomination at the San Diego Music Awards, features drummer Matt Chamberlain who has also worked with artists such as David Bowie and Fiona Apple. In addition to Chamberlain, Jane also collaborated with Kate Earl, Melissa Polinar, Son Lux, Tom Brousseau, Vienna Teng, and more. Currently, she's a cast member and co-music director of Lauren Yee's Cambodian Rock Band. She also composed for the theater productions All's Well That Ends Well and Secret in the Wings. Links and Resources: SURRIJA @janelui on Twitter @surrija on Instagram @surrija on Facebook Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

"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

"As a realist, it's hard for me to be a dreamer, but I think when you're creative, you have to be. You have to find those ways to surround yourself with people who speak opportunity into your life. That's something that I'm really focusing on: how to find a neat path forward that isn't necessarily set in stone."Skip Stradtman is a choral composer and arranger based out of Tuscaloosa, AL. He is pursuing a DMA in music composition at the University of Alabama, where he serves as graduate assistant for the University Singers. He completed his Master of Music in Choral Conducting at the University of Alabama and his Bachelor of Music Education and Sacred Music Certificate from the Florida State University, where he graduated summa cum laude. As a composer, Skip specializes in writing in the "traditional choral" and "contemporary a cappella” styles for middle school, high school, collegiate, and community vocal ensembles. His works have been featured in multiple concerts and reading sessions at various ACDA conferences. From 2016-2018 and prior to his studies at UA, Skip was the choral director at East River High School in Orlando, FL. Skip also served as assistant choral director and staff accompanist at The Geneva School in Orlando, FL from 2018-2019.To get in touch with Reed, you can visit his website, https://skipstradtmanmusic.com, find him on MusicSpoke (https://musicspoke.com/composer/skipstradtman), or reach out on Facebook (@skipper.stradtman) or Instagram (@sstradtman).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 PexelsMeech SpeaksI'm Demetrius Thigpen, Staff Sergeants in the United States Marine Corps, Author, and...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

We are delighted to share our latest podcast episode “Into the Singing Studio” with Dr. Rebecca Loar. This episode showcases Dr. Loar's career as a vocalist, and her research into vocal health. We discussed her work with her students in the Department of Music and how we can all take proper care of our voices across our lives. After degrees in vocal and opera performance from Samford University and the Manhattan School of Music, Dr. Loar earned her Doctor of Musical Arts in Voice Performance with a cognate in Choral Conducting from the University of South Carolina. Her doctoral dissertation was “Singing Voice Specialization, an Essential Bridge Between Two Worlds,” discussing the need for medical arts specialists. An active performing artist, Dr. Loar has performed many opera roles and concert works, and is a former member of the New York Choral Artists where she performed with the New York Philharmonic, the American Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Society of St. Lukes, and the Little Orchestra Society of New York. She has worked under the batons of Maestros Kurt Masur, Leonard Slatkin, Leon Botstien, Pierre Boulez, Seiji Osawa, and more. Dr. Loar has been teaching voice for over twenty years and is an active vocal adjudicator and clinician throughout the Southeast. Her students perform on Broadway and in national Broadway tours, in summer opera programs and for major cruise lines. Many of her students have entered advanced conservatory graduate programs such as Manhattan School of Music, Oberlin Conservatory and Boston University. Listen as we learn about the important work Dr. Loar is doing in her teaching studio here at UNCP, which ensures healthy singing for her students as they make music here on campus and across our community. Find the episode transcript here and join Dr. Loar in the concert she mentions with UNCP Music colleagues Drs. Jaeyoon and Seung Ah Kim on Monday, January 30th, 2023 at 7:30 PM in Moore Hall Auditorium, free admission and no tickets required.  Visit https://www.uncp.edu/departments/music/calendar-events for more UNCP Music events and information.   Follow UNCP's College of Arts and Sciences  on Facebook, Twitter@uncpcas and Instagram@uncpcas

Chelsea and Kevin speak with poet, musician, teacher, and director of The Gay Men's Chorus Los Angeles, EJ Harrison about how music can heal you, using social justice as inspiration, moving through mental health challenges, and overcoming fears when it comes to something you're truly passionate about.  More about EJ: Ernest Harrison is a poet, musician, and teacher. He is a proud graduate of Tuskegee University (2010) where completed his Bachelor's in English Liberal Arts. He later received his Bachelor's in Vocal Performance from Auburn University (2014), where he studied voice with world-renowned composers/conductors Dr. Rosephanye and William Powell. He then received his Master's in Choral Conducting from the University of Missouri (2016) under the tutelage of Dr. R. Paul Crabb. Ernest is currently ADB, concluding his Doctoral studies in Choral Music at the University of Southern California under the direction of Dr. Jo-Michael Scheibe.  Ernest became a member of the international Grammy Award winning choral ensemble, Conspirare, in 2019. He was an associate conductor for the Grammy Award-winning National Children's Chorus (2017-2022) and conductor of the Pasadena Conservatory of Music's Cantare Chamber Choir (2019-2022). Ernest is now Music Director and Head of Education and Outreach of the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles. Ernest has also taught as an adjunct professor at Pepperdine College, the University of Southern California, and Columbia University. He is currently teaching Voice and Music & Social Justice at Loyola Marymount University. Ernest is dedicated to the fight for social justice, equity, and inclusion in the choral classroom, on the concert stage, and in the world. Whether it be as a conductor, composer, arranger, vocalist, choral clinician, poet, or lecturer, his passion for people is the guiding light in every facet of his music making. Instagram: @ej92187 Facebook: Ernest Harrison Gay Men's Chorus Los Angeles (for tickets and more info!): gmcla.org

Dr. Gregg Cannady is COO and co-founder of One voice for change, a Colorado-based non-profit whose Vision is to bring equal learning opportunities to children around the world. Gregg builds local, national, and even international communities to empower students via simple relationships and collaborations with industry and subject matter experts. Two of their most known international programs are the Martian Greenhouse and S2B2O, and we will hear more about the work he does with these programs today. Interestingly, Dr. Cannady does NOT have a background in aerospace. Instead, he has a music background, having received a D.M.A. in Choral Conducting and Literature from the University of Colorado, a M.A. in Music Education from the University of Wyoming, and a B.A. in Music Education from Colorado State University. His work bringing students together to solve problems on Earth and eventually beyond shows that there is a place for all passions in space. As always, stay tuned after. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/shawna-christenson2/support

"It's really easy for a teacher to work 80, 90, 100 hours a week. What does that do to a person? When I'm exhausted, I'm a less effective communicator. I am less prepared to deal with the emotional challenges of the classroom. I am less likely to give grace when I'm tired. Giving 100% of yourself is not an effective educational strategy. You can't give everything."Benjamin Hawkinson is Director of Choral Activities and Assistant Professor of Music at Millikin University. There he conducts numerous ensembles including the University Choir, the True Blue Chorale (TB) and Millikin's premier vocal jazz ensemble OneVoice. Additional teaching responsibilities include courses in High School Choral Methods and Conducting. Ensembles under his direction have toured across the region with One Voice recently being invited to perform at the 2022 Jazz Educators Network in Dallas, TX, and at the Illinois Music Educators Conference in 2023. Recently Dr. Hawkinson served as guest conductor for the Millikin Decatur Symphony Orchestra in a performance of Bernstein's Chichester Psalms, and served as chorus master for Ravel's Daphnis et Chloe. Dr. Hawkinson is an active clinician, presenter, and researcher. Common presentation topics include vocal improvisation practices of the late Italian Renaissance, interdisciplinary interactions between music and the social sciences, and mitigating burnout through time new perspectives in time management. Dr. Hawkinson holds a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting from Texas Tech University, a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Westminster Choir College, and a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Northern Arizona University. To get in touch with Ben, you can email him at bhawkinson@millikin.edu. You can also find him on Instagram (@hawkinsonben) or Facebook (@ben.hawkinson.14).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 PexelsGet The Fluff Out - Listen, laugh and enjoy GenX Music + Talk Get The Fluff Out! is a fun GenX Music + Talk podcast releasing 4 episodes per monthListen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Bless Our MessLife gets messy! Which is why we created Bless Our Mess. Join us as we tackle life issues.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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

Dr. Jacob Funk is director of choirs at Clark College in Vancouver, Washington. He came to Clark from the University of Missouri—Kansas City where he completed his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Choral Conducting. During his doctoral study he was a Graduate Assistant to the Choral Department, Associate Conductor of the Conservatory Concert Choir and co-conductor of the University Singers. While at UMKC he also served as Opera Chorus Master and the director of Canticum Novum. Jacob earned his masters degree in choral conducting from the University of British Columbia, and his undergraduate degree in vocal performance from John Brown University. Jacob has taught 5-12 grade vocal music in the state of Kansas. He served on the music faculty of John Brown University and Northwest Arkansas Community College, and served as the Associate Choir Master at Grace Episcopal Church in Siloam Springs, AR, where he conducted the Adult Choir and oversaw the Grace Children's Choir School. To get in touch with Jacob, you can email him at jfunk@clark.edu.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

*JOIN IN THE FUN!* The Confident Music Educator Course is opening for Cohort Two on September 1, 2022!  Danielle Larrick and I created this course with upper elementary and middle school general music teachers in mind. The course includes nine robust modules that help you earn strategies for working with older students, lesson planning, assessment, communication, technology and more.  You'll receive a wealth of information through video tutorials and conversations, a guided journal specifically made for the course, Google drive materials, and a private Facebook group for our community. The cost is $125 and doors open on September 1, 2022.  Don't miss out! Go to theconfidentmusiceducator.podia.com to join our email list and get ready to be inspired, prepared, and more confident in teaching your older students. Jodi Coke, aka The Choir Queen, is hear to share her secrets about creating a successful, joyful, and organized middle school choir.  Hint: relationships matter and so does planning!  If your students sing in the classroom - elementary, middle school general music, after-school ensembles, or middle school choir - this episode is for you!  Jodi has great ideas for starting off the year well and keeping organized throughout the year. Jodi Coke is a choral director and classical singer in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.  She is currently in her ninth year as the head choir director at Hillwood Middle School in Keller ISD and 17th year teaching. Jodi has sung with many professional choirs in the DFW area, including Orpheus Chamber Singers, Dallas Bach Society, and Vox Humana.  She has also sung with Conspirare, directed by the renowned Craig Hella Johnson, and is a soloist on the Grammy nominated album, “Threshold of Night.” Jodi holds a Bachelor of Music Education Degree from the University of North Texas in 2006 and Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Southern Methodist University in 2014.  She resides in Fort Worth with her husband, Wes, and eight-year-old daughter, Kennedy, who is a pediatric cancer survivor. Links: Website: www.thechoirqueen.com Instagram: @the_choir_queen Podcast: The Choir Chronicles Email: thechoirqueen@gmail.com TPT: The Choir Queen   Jessica Grant: Instagram - @highafternoonti Email - contact@jessicagrant.org

In this episode of Your Story Medicine, I welcome Dr. Kiki Steiner, DMA, (she/they/siya [sha]) a holistic vocal coach, decolonization consultant, and choral conductor. She is currently serving as an adjunct instructor of music at Millikin University in the Choral Conducting and Music Education area. As the founder of Decolonizing Kiki LLC, her work as a holistic vocal coach focuses on empowering others to connect with their voice through releasing shame around one's voice as well as facilitating self-led healing. Main Topics Discussed: Life as a “transracial adoptee”Using your voice to manifest liberation for your communityRerooting oneself in a predominantly white culture Learn more about Kiki: Visit her website: www.decolonizingkikillc.com Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/decolonizing_kiki Email me at hello@yourstorymedicine.com or send me a message on Instagram @jumakae. Download my free guided meditation on how to connect with your ancestors  bit.ly/ancestorinthemaking Apply to the summer cohort of Roots to Rise (final one of the year!) : www.yourstorymedicine.com/roots2rise