Choral Connectivity: A People-First Approach to Singing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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