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.

Today's story-filled episode features Erik Jacobs, a middle-school-choir expert from northern Virginia. We talk about students and teachers and how to build individual relationships with each student to engage them and get buy in.

We also chat about something we agree on wholeheartedly - the importance of inclusivity in the choral classroom and field. 

Don't miss this joy-filled, inspiring episode!

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 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.”

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!

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 music
• honoring others and honoring yourself in choral music
• Replacing 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.