Choir Baton

Long time friend and colleague, Troy Meeker, shares his experience with addressing the fear of failure in the choir classroom. How can we show students that it is okay to make mistakes? How can we show ourselves that it is okay to make mistakes? Taking the time to grapple with this makes us better musicians and better humans. 

We also discuss some of the ways Troy Meeker has created a choral community in schools from chocolate chip cookies on the first day of class to creating self-sufficient choral officers to help lead his program. Listen to Meeker's stories and experiences to learn and to grow. 

Troy Meeker, Phoenix Children’s Chorus Artistic Director and Conductor of Encore, has taught with the organization since 2011. Mr. Meeker is a graduate of Northern Arizona University, where he earned a Bachelor’s in Music Education, and Master’s degrees in Educational Technology and Choral Conducting while studying under Dr. Edith Copley and Dr. Ryan Holder.

Mr. Meeker enjoys the opportunity to serve. Having served the Arizona choral community in a variety of positions he is currently the AzACDA Men’s Choir Repertoire and Resources Chair. He also enjoys mentoring young educators, guest lecturing for state universities, and providing professional development workshops for districts throughout the state. 

Mr. Meeker was recently recognized for his outstanding teaching winning the O.M. Hartsell Excellence in Teaching Music Award from the Arizona Music Educators Association and the Arts Educator of the Year Award from the Arizona Department of Education. In addition, his choir Encore performed for the AMEA Convention in 2020 marking the 3rd performance appearance of ensembles under his direction. 

In his free time, Mr. Meeker enjoys watching movies, cooking, cycling, and studying karate with his son. His home is in Glendale, Arizona, with his wife, Adrienne, and their children Grant and Annika.

Choir Baton Host: Beth Philemon | Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie Hemedinger

For more information on Choir Baton please visit choirbaton.com and to follow us on Instagram @choirbaton @bethphilemon 

Music by: Scott Holmes

To join the Choir Baton Teaching Membership or for more information, go here. 

To receive the weekly Choir Baton Weekly Letter, sign-up here. 

Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie Hemedinger
Music by: Scott Holmes

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You don't want to talk about this, but we must.

As we come to grips with rehearsing through a variety of digital and socially-distanced means, we must determine what "concerts" will look like in the future. Research indicates that more people are watching concerts live/ live-streaming these days (shocker) but once concerts are "reinstated" - research also shows people will be more hesitant to attend in-person events, especially those at higher risk.

What does that mean for us? Two solutions and ideas presented here for you.

Choir Baton Teaching Membership closes Monday, August 31 to new members. 

Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie Hemedinger
Music by: Scott Holmes

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New to the Choir Baton podcast? OG Choir Baton podcast listener? Somewhere in between?

In this episode, I'm recapping the last 50 episodes to help you find which one you've forgotten about, where to start if you're not sure, or highlighting some of your favorite moments.

Have a favorite episode? Let me know, I'd love to hear.

A friendly reminder to join the Choir Baton Teaching Membership now through the end of August if you're interested.  I'm here to support you through this podcast, YouTube videos, emails, and social media. But if you are looking for a resource that can help you during this time, know I believe from the bottom of my heart the Teaching Membership is that for you. Here's the link for you to find more information on it.

As always, grateful for you and your support of Choir Baton.
@BethPhilemon
@ChoirBaton

Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie Hemedinger
Music by: Scott Holmes

Follow @ChoirBaton on
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Follow @BethPhilemon on
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I am incredibly particular in my approach to teaching music literacy because when I'm teaching music literacy, I'm teaching music. I'm teaching everything. I don't do voice placements, I do this. I don't start with teaching quarter notes, I do this. I don't avoid improvisation, I do this.

And here's the thing with "this." You can do it online or in person. It's the exact same approach and sequencing.

You're about to hear three different audio recordings...
1. My sister describing her thoughts on what singing at home could do for her musicianship (she's not a professionally trained musician, she's a community singer, sang at church and in school and because her big sister made her) THIS is what I want you to realize your students can realize, too.
2. My brief overview of what you're about to hear, why, and how it's a part of talk I just gave at FABSS (F-flat Annual Back to School Symposium) that talks about building successful choir programs by starting with YOU, realizing it's a SLOW process, and it involves SINGING (duh.) But just as I showed them in that talk, how they could sing online together, I showed our Sunday Night Zoom session how.
3. The actual, minimally edited (because I love you but I just can't edit it perfectly right now because #life) Zoom session where I walked through my entire process in real-time about how to build musicianship.

Here's the thing, this is the exact process I lay out all of my literacy components in the Teaching Membership... but it's not just literacy you're teaching my implementing this sequencing. It's so flexible, I just provide the framework.

Whether you join the Teaching Membership or not, I'm here to support you through this podcast, YouTube videos, emails, and social media. But if you are looking for a resource that can help you during this time, know I believe from the bottom of my heart the Teaching Membership is that for you. I'm closing the doors to new members at the end of August. Here's the link for you to find more information on it.

As always, grateful for you and your support of Choir Baton.
@BethPhilemon
@ChoirBaton

Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie Hemedinger
Music by: Scott Holmes

Follow @ChoirBaton on
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Visit ChoirBaton.com

Follow @BethPhilemon on
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In a time where "normal" just is not a possibility, how do we "unlearn" what we have been learning and teaching for years and move forward with choir in a meaningful but safe way?

Change can be scary, especially when we must make drastic changes in a short amount of time, not knowing whether it will be effective or work. In this episode, I walk through many choral concepts and thoughts I have had to work to unlearn in order to improve my choir and my teaching.

I reference two articles in this podcast that can be found here:
The Art of Unlearning by Scott Young
Why the Problem with Learning is Unlearning by Mark Bonchek

"Unlearning is not about forgetting. It’s about the ability to choose an alternative mental model or paradigm. When we learn, we add new skills or knowledge to what we already know. When we unlearn, we step outside the mental model in order to choose a different one."

Click here for information on the Choir Baton Teaching Membership... doors close August 30 in order to focus on the needs of the membership holders, don't miss your chance to join and receive valuable teaching material, resources, and support.

Choir Baton Host: Beth Philemon | Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie Hemedinger

For more information on Choir Baton please visit choirbaton.com and to follow us on Instagram @choirbaton@bethphilemon

Music by: Scott Holmes

To join the Choir Baton Teaching Membership or for more information, go here.

To receive the weekly Choir Baton Weekly Letter, sign-up here. 

Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie Hemedinger
Music by: Scott Holmes

Follow @ChoirBaton on
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Visit ChoirBaton.com

Follow @BethPhilemon on
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Visit BethPhilemon.com

This is a long awaited interview with my dear friend and colleague, Darrick King. A native of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Darrick King began his tenure as Director of Choral Activities at Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School - University Connections: School of Design, Arts, & Engineering in July of 2016. 

Darrick earned a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Winston-Salem State University (2010) and holds a Master of Arts in Choral Conducting from Mansfield University of Pennsylvania (2015). While at Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) he served as a student conductor and accompanist for Schola Cantorum, the all-male performing ensemble. WSSU provided him with the opportunity to travel, perform, and record with the Dvorak Symphony in Prague, Czech Republic, the Winston-Salem Symphony Orchestra, as well as the New England Symphony Orchestra at Carnegie Hall. Upon graduation, he taught in Prince George’s County, Maryland as well as Rockingham County, North Carolina. Several students who have studied under Mr. King have pursued careers in Music Education.

While serving as a Graduate Assistant in the Music Department at Mansfield University, he had the opportunity to conduct the Mansfield University Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, Festival Chorus, Women’s Chorale, and Men’s Chorale. Darrick is a member of ACDA, NAfME, NCMEA, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America, Inc., and briefly served on the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Public Art Commission. Mr. King also serves as Music Director at Windborne United Methodist Church in North Raleigh and as Choral Director of the new African American Choral Ensemble at North Carolina State University.

Join us as we have both the hard and the fun conversations regarding equity, access, race, and friendship in our classroom. 

Click here for information on the Choir Baton Teaching Membership... doors close August 30 in order to focus on the needs of the membership holders, don't miss your chance to join and receive valuable teaching material, resources, and support.

Choir Baton Host: Beth Philemon | Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie Hemedinger

For more information on Choir Baton please visit choirbaton.com and to follow us on Instagram @choirbaton@bethphilemon

Music by: Scott Holmes

To join the Choir Baton Teaching Membership or for more information, go here.

To receive the weekly Choir Baton Weekly Letter, sign-up here. 

Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie Hemedinger
Music by: Scott Holmes

Follow @ChoirBaton on
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Visit ChoirBaton.com

Follow @BethPhilemon on
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Visit BethPhilemon.com

Rebecca Sabree is a choir teacher in Michigan with a love for choir music, but especially show choir. In some places, Show Choir gets a bad rep. (other places, not so) But the important take away from this episode is, "all choir is choir." And if there's ever been a time for the discussion of what "is" choir and what "isn't" choir today - it's now as we engage with the validity of virtual choirs. I hope this episode further challenges you to remember that "all choir is choir" - an extension of the Choir Baton motto for #MorePeopleSinging.

Are you a choir teacher? Learn more about the Choir Baton Teaching Membership. Join now through the end of August.

Are you a choir singer or interested in singing in a choir? Take the COMPLIMENTARY Choir Baton Singer Course here. Full course opens end of July.

Choir Baton is all about #morepeoplesinging - and amidst COVID - #morepeoplesingingEVENONLINE

To purchase Choir Baton merch, go here. (Shipping times are delayed due to COVID)

Make sure you're following us on Instagram. 

Producer: Maggie Hemedinger
Host: Beth Philemon
Music: Scott Holmes

Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie Hemedinger
Music by: Scott Holmes

Follow @ChoirBaton on
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Visit ChoirBaton.com

Follow @BethPhilemon on
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Visit BethPhilemon.com

and the Choir Community Needs to Hear

Spoiler alert:

1. What makes you a choir teacher? (read some of your IG comments here)
2. What is choir truly about?
3. Focus on what you can control.
4. Your voice matters (shout out to my sister here and GSW singer, Ella)
5. American society will never respect teachers like they should.
6. It's okay to want to make money, in fact choral music should probably focus more on this, as should all arts.
7. Look for innovation, look for opportunity. It's there.
8. Dig into singing, dig into music.
9. You don't have to do everything
10. Go listen to the Choir Baton Episode #27.

Are you a choir teacher? Learn more about the Choir Baton Teaching Membership. Join now through the end of August.

Are you a choir singer or interested in singing in a choir? Take the COMPLIMENTARY Choir Baton Singer Course here. Full course opens end of July.

Choir Baton is all about #morepeoplesinging - and amidst COVID - #morepeoplesingingEVENONLINE

To purchase Choir Baton merch, go here. (Shipping times are delayed due to COVID)

Make sure you're following us on Instagram. 

Video coming to YouTube soon.

Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie Hemedinger
Music by: Scott Holmes

Follow @ChoirBaton on
Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | Facebook
Visit ChoirBaton.com

Follow @BethPhilemon on
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Visit BethPhilemon.com

Y'all. I'm throwing down some fire in this week's episode. I'm talking about why I believe online teaching is what you need to plan for this fall but cite examples of how I've used online teaching in my past classroom experiences and know it can be effective. Simultaneously, we need to realize we have to stop teaching people to love our choir more than they love choral singing. This year more than ever needs to be focused on teaching singers how to learn on their own, setting them up for success to enter future community choirs.

Want to watch this episode? This link sends you to the video of this podcast and a follow up two video sequence on what to implement and how to do so as you plan for online teaching. The video is also available on the Choir Baton YouTube page.

This link also includes downloadable planning worksheets with each video for you, too.

Choir Baton Host: Beth Philemon 
Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie Hemedinger

For more information on Choir Baton please visit choirbaton.com  and to follow us on Instagram @choirbaton  @bethphilemon 

Music by: Scott Holmes

To join the Choir Baton Teaching Membership or for more information, go here. 

To receive the weekly Choir Baton Weekly Letter, including information regarding the FREE Introductory Singer Course, sign-up here. 

Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie Hemedinger
Music by: Scott Holmes

Follow @ChoirBaton on
Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | Facebook
Visit ChoirBaton.com

Follow @BethPhilemon on
Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | Facebook | LinkedIn
Visit BethPhilemon.com

Today I interview Maria Ellis, founder of Girl Conductor. Maria and I met online over a year ago via, of course, Instagram. If you’ve ever found yourself unsure of how to go after your dreams or in need of choral-inspiration. This episode is for you! 

Maria Ellis is a Music Educator, Choral Conductor,  with over 20 years of choral music experience.  Called a “Master Educator” and a “Force of Nature” by Dr. Jim Henry, University of Missouri- St. Louis, she holds a B.M. in Music Education emphasis on Voice (K-12 Certified) Degree from the University of Missouri- St. Louis and served as the Arts and Administrative Fellow for The St. Louis Symphony. Maria currently serves as the Community Engagement Manager for The St. Louis Children’s Choirs and is the Founding Conductor of The Sheldon Concert Hall and Art Galleries' newly formed City of Music All-Star Chorus. 

Follow Maria Ellis on Instagram and visit her website 

Choir Baton Host: Beth Philemon | Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie Hemedinger

For more information on Choir Baton please visit choirbaton.com  and to follow us on Instagram @choirbaton  @bethphilemon 

Music by: Scott Holmes

To join the Choir Baton Teaching Membership or for more information, go here. 

To receive the weekly Choir Baton Weekly Letter, including information regarding the FREE Introductory Singer Course, sign-up here. 

Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie Hemedinger
Music by: Scott Holmes

Follow @ChoirBaton on
Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | Facebook
Visit ChoirBaton.com

Follow @BethPhilemon on
Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | Facebook | LinkedIn
Visit BethPhilemon.com