This week, I am discussing music with a unique guest for this show! Ananya Venkateswaran, is a 17-year-old choral High School Student in Dubai, UAE. She shares her unique experiences as a “third culture kid” and her journey in music. From her roots in Carnatic music to her passion for Western choral traditions, Ananya discusses the importance of cultural identity in music, her education in an international school, and her leadership experiences in choral settings. She reflects on her participation in the European Choir Games, where her trio represented the UAE, and emphasizes the interdisciplinary connections between music, language, and the arts. Ananya’s insights reveal a deep understanding of music’s role in bridging cultures and fostering community.

Tune in now on YouTube or your favorite podcast app!

Tune in, and have your thinking stimulated and challenged. Then, weigh in yourself with your related ideas and experiences on Facebook in the Choralosophers group or over on choralosophy.substack.com Also, don’t forget to grab a reading rope for your classroom wall from the shop! Music Reading Rope

Independent Student Rehearsal By The Second Month Of School School by Chris Munce

Welcome back to Choralosophy Community Contributor, Ian Henning! This fantastic article will useful to vocal music educators of all levels. Ian is a great example of a myth buster.

For future rehearsal clips, find me on TikTok, Insta and FB!

Ananya Venkateswaran is a seventeen year old choral director, arranger, composer, and vocalist at the crossroads of several musical worlds. She is of Indian heritage, with US roots and nationality. However, she’s spent most of her life living in the United Arab Emirates and considers it home. Ananya is a classically trained Carnatic vocalist, but also grew up singing in a variety of Western Art Music choirs, and has been a member and soloist in various international honor choirs. Her musical identity is rooted in the multiple musical traditions that she’s grown up in, a love for cross-cultural conversation, and a deep-seated belief in the power of interdisciplinary thought pollination (her love for literature and writing influences her approach to score-studying, directing, and composing, as does her passion for the social sciences). As a choral director and singer, Ananya is a big believer in the importance of authentic musical diversity, the power of music to spark relevant dialogue, and the value of buildable skills like sight-reading.

Ananya was the Founder, Artistic Director, and soprano of ARA | أرى. An unconducted, a cappella youth choir, ARA made history this past summer as the first ensemble to compete for the UAE on the global choral stage at the 2025 European Choir Games in Denmark. The smallest ensemble at the festival, ARA brought home a silver diploma. The ECG trip was a success against all odds, culminating countless hours of hard work, study, rehearsal, and learning on the fly.

Additionally, Ananya is the founder of Sound Circle, a community music-making initiative that has hosted events in India, the US, and the UAE across a variety of age ranges.

Choralosophy Podcast (@choralosophy) • Instagram photos and videos

In this episode, the two researchers and I delve into effective strategies for teaching musical expression with experts Craig Hurley and Rebecca Atkins. We explore how integrating expression from the start can transform choir performances, and learn about innovative techniques such as using physical movements to teach dynamics, the importance of auditory cues, and the role of emotional connection in music. I learn a lot about how to engage students with both auditory and visual elements, and get to hear inspiring stories about fostering creativity and expression in young musicians. Whether you’re a seasoned conductor or new to teaching, this episode offers valuable insights and practical tips to elevate your teaching approach.

Tune in now on YouTube or your favorite podcast app!

Tune in, and have your thinking stimulated and challenged. Then, weigh in yourself with your related ideas and experiences on Facebook in the Choralosophers group or over on choralosophy.substack.com Also, don’t forget to grab a reading rope for your classroom wall from the shop! Music Reading Rope

Independent Student Rehearsal By The Second Month Of School School by Chris Munce

Welcome back to Choralosophy Community Contributor, Ian Henning! This fantastic article will useful to vocal music educators of all levels. Ian is a great example of a myth buster.

For future rehearsal clips, find me on TikTok, Insta and FB!

Craig Hurley is currently in his second year as the Artistic Director of the Spivey Hall Children’s Choir Program, where he leads both the Children’s Choir and the Tour Choir. Prior to this role, he led the Spivey Hall Young Artists, the preparatory ensemble of the organization, for 18 years. Dr. Hurley has been a guest clinician for honor choirs across the southeastern United States and is the immediate past president of the Georgia Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association.

In addition to his role at Spivey Hall, Dr. Hurley serves as the music specialist at Ford Elementary School in Cobb County, Georgia, where he instructs general music for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. He has led interest sessions at various state, regional, and national conferences including the 2024 ACDA Children’s & Community Youth Choir Conductors’ Retreat. His research focuses on expressive choral performance pedagogy and has been published in the International Journal of Research in Choral Singing, Bulletin of the Council for Research in Music Education, & The Choral Journal among others. Dr. Hurley was honored as the Teacher of the Year in both 2002 and 2016, and he was recognized as the 2020 Cobb County Elementary General Music Teacher of the Year. In 2021, he was named the Educator of the Year by the Georgia Music Educators Association.

Dr. Hurley earned his degrees from Shorter College, Berry College, and the University of Georgia.

Rebecca L. Atkins is an Associate Professor of Music Education (Vocal/Choral) and was awarded the General Sandy Beaver Professorship 2022-2024. Previously she was the Assistant Professor and Coordinator of Music Education at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga (2013-2016) where she supervised student teachers, conducted Women’s Chorale, and taught Choral Methods, Design, Instruction, and Evaluation for Music Education, and Ear-training. She also taught graduate courses in Psychology of Music, Research Methods in Music Education, and supervised projects and thesis. She received her Ph.D. in Music and Human Learning at The University of Texas at Austin (2013), an M.M. in Choral Conducting at Missouri State University (2008), and a B.M. in Music Studies at The University of Texas at Austin (1994).

Dr. Atkins is an active clinician, adjudicator, performer, and music education researcher. Her current research focuses on the effects of attention on vocal tone quality. She is also drawn to research questions that pertain to the development of performance skills and the refinement of pedagogy. Before her collegiate career, Atkins successfully directed middle school and high school choir programs for 14 years in the public school systems of Texas, Alabama, and Tennessee, earning superior and excellent ratings consistently at competitions.

Spivey Hall Children’s Choir Program: https://spiveyhall.org/education/childrens-choir/ Hurley Personal Teacher PD Page: https://express.adobe.com/page/C995ybF6tQiWP Rebecca Atkins UGA https://music.uga.edu/directory/people/rebecca-atkins

Choralosophy Podcast (@choralosophy) • Instagram photos and videos

In this episode, we delve into the critical role of repertoire selection in shaping music education. Discuss with me how the right choice of music can inspire, challenge, and elevate both students and the educators. We will explore expert insights from Harry Wong, share success stories and failures, and uncover the transformative power of a well-curated repertoire.

Whether you’re a seasoned conductor or a budding choir director, this episode offers valuable perspectives to enhance your choir’s journey. Tune in and let the music guide you!

Tune in now on YouTube or your favorite podcast app!

Tune in, and have your thinking stimulated and challenged. Then, weigh in yourself with your related ideas and experiences on Facebook in the Choralosophers group or over on choralosophy.substack.com Also, don’t forget to grab a reading rope for your classroom wall from the shop! Music Reading Rope

July 2025 Newsletter. The Calm Before the Storm by Chris Munce

Subscribe for free and never miss out on the conversation. The show is on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube or ANY podcast player! Last month might have been the best yet!

For future rehearsal clips, find me on TikTok, Insta and Facebook

Harry K. Wong authored over 130 publications, including the leading book in education on how to start THE First Days of School, a monthly column in an online site for teachers, a CD set, and books on new teacher induction, classroom management, and instruction.  He co-created an eLearning course on classroom management and appeared in the award-winning video series, The Effective Teacher.

His techniques have been adapted by thousands of educators for success in their schools and classrooms.  He was called “Mr. Practicality” for his common sense, research-based, no cost approach to managing a classroom for high-level student success.

His many journal articles were featured in such publications as Educational Leadership, KAPPAN, Principal Leadership, NASSP Bulletin, American School Board Journal, Kappa Delta Pi Record, School Business Affairs, Education Week, and Instructor.

He was credited with transforming schools and turning around the lives of tens of thousands of teachers. 

Choralosophy Podcast (@choralosophy) • Instagram photos and videos

In part 3 of the “First Days of Choir” series, we are talking about grading. There are different philosophies related to grading. Some even want to not “grade” at all, others want grading to be more traditional. This episode attempts to chart a bit of a “middle path.” We need to incentivize students to work hard using language they (and their parents) understand. And they understand the need to get good grades.

However, there are real and legitimate criticisms of traditional grading in schools. This episode seeks to thread the needle by providing both the incentives AND the feedback students need from our grade books.

Tune in now on YouTube or your favorite podcast app!

Tune in, and have your thinking stimulated and challenged. Then, weigh in yourself with your related ideas and experiences on Facebook in the Choralosophers group or over on choralosophy.substack.com Also, don’t forget to grab a reading rope for your classroom wall from the shop! Music Reading Rope

July 2025 Newsletter. The Calm Before the Storm by Chris Munce

Subscribe for free and never miss out on the conversation. The show is on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube or ANY podcast player! Last month might have been the best yet!

For future rehearsal clips, find me on TikTok, Insta and Facebook

Harry K. Wong authored over 130 publications, including the leading book in education on how to start THE First Days of School, a monthly column in an online site for teachers, a CD set, and books on new teacher induction, classroom management, and instruction.  He co-created an eLearning course on classroom management and appeared in the award-winning video series, The Effective Teacher.

His techniques have been adapted by thousands of educators for success in their schools and classrooms.  He was called “Mr. Practicality” for his common sense, research-based, no cost approach to managing a classroom for high-level student success.

His many journal articles were featured in such publications as Educational Leadership, KAPPAN, Principal Leadership, NASSP Bulletin, American School Board Journal, Kappa Delta Pi Record, School Business Affairs, Education Week, and Instructor.

He was credited with transforming schools and turning around the lives of tens of thousands of teachers. 

Choralosophy Podcast (@choralosophy) • Instagram photos and videos

We say we want a more inclusive choral canon—but for too long, women composers have been treated like a sidebar or a “special item to seek out for program diversity.” This week on the podcast, I sit down with Hilary Apfelstadt and Alan Davis, editors of Choral Repertoire by Women Composers, to talk about what it really means to reshape the repertoire.

This isn’t an episode about a book. It’s a challenge to the way we define “core literature,” and a call to stop letting convenience or tradition shape our programming.

If you’ve ever thought, “I’d include more women—if I just knew where to start,” this is where you start.

Tune in now on YouTube or your favorite podcast app!

Tune in, and have your thinking stimulated and challenged. Then, weigh in yourself with your related ideas and experiences on Facebook in the Choralosophers group or over on choralosophy.substack.com Also, don’t forget to grab a reading rope for your classroom wall from the shop! Music Reading Rope

Independent Student Rehearsal By The Second Month Of School School by Chris Munce

Welcome back to Choralosophy Community Contributor, Ian Henning! This fantastic article will useful to vocal music educators of all levels. Ian is a great example of a myth buster.

For future rehearsal clips, find me on TikTok, Insta and FB!

Dr. Hilary Apfelstadt is Professor Emerita of Choral Studies at the University of Toronto. She remains active as a guest conductor, clinician, masterclass presenter, and author. She has served ACDA as interim Executive Director, National President, Central Region President, NC-ACDA President, and has received leadership awards from both ACDA (NC-ACDA, Ohio-ACDA, Central Region, Midwestern Region) and also Choirs Ontario in Canada. She has taught public school, community, and church choirs and was a faculty member at the University of North Carolina-Greensboro and the Ohio State University. Her ensembles have performed at conferences of ACDA and Choral Canada, and she has guest conducted many festival choirs, including 40 all-state choirs in the U.S., and the National Youth Choir of Canada. She curates a choral series by Canadian composers for Hinshaw Music, and recently edited Choral Repertoire by Women Composers (GIA Publications, 2025), for which she also wrote several chapters.  

Alan Troy Davis is a conductor, music educator, tenor, and voice teacher whose career bridges secondary and higher education, sacred and secular choral leadership, and the intersections of performance and scholarship. He is currently completing a Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) in Choral Conducting at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where he has served as Head Graduate Conducting Assistant. His responsibilities have included leading four university ensembles, conducting two full productions of Amahl and the Night Visitors, and teaching advanced undergraduate conducting.

With more than a decade of conducting and teaching experience, Davis has worked extensively with high school choirs in Oregon, Colorado, and California, earning consistent recognition for his ensembles’ vocal flexibility, musical expressiveness, and inclusive ethos. He has also directed church and community choirs and is regularly invited as a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator throughout the United States.

Davis is extensively trained in both vocal pedagogy and choral methods, and he integrates technical vocal development with expressive artistry in every rehearsal and performance. His research interests include choral intonation, conducting pedagogy, Renaissance and Baroque performance practices, and the role of vocal technique within the choral ensemble.

A committed advocate for equity in the arts, Davis is the primary architect, associate editor, and contributing author of Choral Repertoire by Women Composers (GIA Publications, 2025), a groundbreaking resource that highlights the work of women—including transgender women—within the choral canon. At the 2025 American Choral Directors Association National Conference, he co-presented the interest session In Her Voice: Spotlighting Female Choral Composers, contributing to the national conversation on inclusive programming and representation.

His mentors include Dr. Donald Brinegar, Dr. William Belan, Dr. Christopher Gravis, and Dr. Peter Eklund—each of whom has shaped his approach to artistry, pedagogy, and leadership.

Davis also holds degrees from California State University–Los Angeles (M.M. in Choral Conducting), Portland State University (M.Ed. in Secondary Education), and Pacific Lutheran University (B.M.A.). Through his work, he strives to create musically rigorous and emotionally resonant spaces where students feel empowered to grow, explore, and connect through the choral arts.

Choralosophy Podcast (@choralosophy) • Instagram photos and videos

In the second installment of the series, we are hopping around in the book a bit to Unit C related to infrastructure. But first, we will start with where we left off last time. “Why You Should Use Proven, Research-Based Practices.”

This conversation delves into the essential elements of effective classroom management and teaching strategies in the context of music education. It emphasizes the importance of classroom infrastructure, maximizing student learning, and minimizing misbehavior and distractions through effective management techniques. The discussion also covers the significance of setting up the classroom for success on the first day, fostering student engagement, and building a positive environment.

Tune in now on YouTube or your favorite podcast app!

Tune in, and have your thinking stimulated and challenged. Then, weigh in yourself with your related ideas and experiences on Facebook in the Choralosophers group or over on choralosophy.substack.com Also, don’t forget to grab a reading rope for your classroom wall from the shop! Music Reading Rope

July 2025 Newsletter. The Calm Before the Storm by Chris Munce

Subscribe for free and never miss out on the conversation. The show is on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube or ANY podcast player! Last month might have been the best yet!

For future rehearsal clips, find me on TikTok, Insta and F

Harry K. Wong authored over 130 publications, including the leading book in education on how to start THE First Days of School, a monthly column in an online site for teachers, a CD set, and books on new teacher induction, classroom management, and instruction.  He co-created an eLearning course on classroom management and appeared in the award-winning video series, The Effective Teacher.

His techniques have been adapted by thousands of educators for success in their schools and classrooms.  He was called “Mr. Practicality” for his common sense, research-based, no cost approach to managing a classroom for high-level student success.

His many journal articles were featured in such publications as Educational Leadership, KAPPAN, Principal Leadership, NASSP Bulletin, American School Board Journal, Kappa Delta Pi Record, School Business Affairs, Education Week, and Instructor.

He was credited with transforming schools and turning around the lives of tens of thousands of teachers. 

Choralosophy Podcast (@choralosophy) • Instagram photos and videos

Harry and Rosemary Wong literally “wrote the book” on this. It was formative for me, so I decided to mine this book again for wisdom that is directly applicable to choir teachers.

Part 1 of this Mini-Series focuses on the essential strategies for choir teachers to establish a successful classroom environment from the very first day of school. It emphasizes the importance of creating a nurturing and predictable atmosphere, understanding the stages of teacher development, and engaging students effectively. The discussion also highlights the significance of establishing clear procedures and routines, building confidence through music, and ensuring that students leave the classroom feeling accomplished and excited about their learning experience.

Tune in now on YouTube or your favorite podcast app!

Tune in, and have your thinking stimulated and challenged. Then, weigh in yourself with your related ideas and experiences on Facebook in the Choralosophers group or over on choralosophy.substack.com Also, don’t forget to grab a reading rope for your classroom wall from the shop! Music Reading Rope

“Merit” in Music Education- Does it still have a place? by Chris Munce

Or are we afraid to talk about it? This article was originally published in the SWACDA magazine in September. It appears here in its more developed form.

For future rehearsal clips, find me on TikTok, Insta and FB!

Harry K. Wong authored over 130 publications, including the leading book in education on how to start THE First Days of School, a monthly column in an online site for teachers, a CD set, and books on new teacher induction, classroom management, and instruction.  He co-created an eLearning course on classroom management and appeared in the award-winning video series, The Effective Teacher.

His techniques have been adapted by thousands of educators for success in their schools and classrooms.  He was called “Mr. Practicality” for his common sense, research-based, no cost approach to managing a classroom for high-level student success.

His many journal articles were featured in such publications as Educational Leadership, KAPPAN, Principal Leadership, NASSP Bulletin, American School Board Journal, Kappa Delta Pi Record, School Business Affairs, Education Week, and Instructor.

He was credited with transforming schools and turning around the lives of tens of thousands of teachers. 

Choralosophy Podcast (@choralosophy) • Instagram photos and videos

This week I had the pleasure of speaking with a true leader in the choral art, Elena Sharkova. who shares her extensive journey in choral music, from her early education in Russia to her current role as the artistic director of Cantabile Youth Singers. She discusses the importance of youth choral education, the challenges of working with different types of choirs, and her innovative approach to incorporating movement into choral rehearsals. (Example posted below in show notes.) Elena also addresses the complexities of programming music in a politically sensitive climate, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and understanding in the arts. Her passion for music and education shines through as she offers valuable insights for choir directors.

Building a Transformative Program: Storytelling Through Repertoire by Chris Munce

“I’ve found that the strongest programs are those that elevate artistry, challenge the singers, and leave both performers and listeners changed in some way.”

Tune in now on YouTube or your favorite podcast app!

Tune in, and have your thinking stimulated and challenged. Then, weigh in yourself with your related ideas and experiences on Facebook in the Choralosophers group or over on choralosophy.substack.com Also, don’t forget to grab a reading rope for your classroom wall from the shop! Music Reading Rope

For future rehearsal clips, find me on TikTok, Insta and FB!

Russian-American conductor Elena Sharkova has been the Artistic Director of Cantabile since 2004 and assumed the role of Managing Director in 2018. Under her leadership, the organization has grown from 80 to over 250 singers, has toured Denmark, Sweden, Spain, England, Ireland, France, Russia, Estonia, Finland and Italy, performed at the American Choral Directors National (2019), Western Division (2016) and State (2018) Conferences, made two solo appearances on stage of Carnegie Hall, won gold medals at the 5th European Choir Games and the 2016 Golden State International Choral Trophy Competition, and released its first studio CD, Music Down in My Soul.

Native of St. Petersburg, Elena had culturally and artistically rich upbringing and received a rigorous professional training as a pianist since the age of six. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in music education and piano, and a graduate degree in conducting from the famed Rimsky-Korsakov State Conservatory, alma materto Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, Schostakovich, Prokofiev, and Balanchin.

Ms. Sharkova began her career as a professional choral singer in one of Russia’s premier choirs, Lege Artis, with whom she recorded for SonyClassical and toured extensively in Russia and Europe before moving to the U.S. in 1993 to pursue a career in conducting and academic teaching. She subsequently received her second conducting degree and served as music professor at Western Michigan University and later at San Jose State University until 2006.

Today, Elena Sharkova is recognized at the international choral scene as one of the profession’s leading experts on youth choral music education and a much sought-after guest conductor with a unique and inspiring voice. She has led professional, university, amateur, and youth choirs and orchestras and has taught masterclasses and summer courses in over twenty countries on four continents.

Elena’s recent conducting engagements have been with Britain’s foremost professional choir the BBC Singers in Glasgow and London, Miami-based GRAMMY-nominated Seraphic Fire,GRAMMY Award-winning men’s choir Chanticleer, Cincinnati Vocal Arts Ensemble, and the GRAMMY-nominated Houston Chamber Choir. She is in demand as a jury member at international choral competitions (10thInterkultur World Choir Games, 15thInternational Chamber Choir Competition Marktoberdorf, 26thMontreux Choral Competition, among others), and has been a guest conductor and clinician at over thirty national, all-state, regional and festival choirs around the world from the US to Japan, Qatar, and Australia. Ms. Sharkova has conducted on stages of Carnegie Hall, Davies Symphony Hall (San Francisco), Chicago Orchestra Hall, the Kennedy Center (Washington, DC), the Mormon Tabernacle, and in world cultural landmarks such as the Vatican, Notre Dame de Paris, Dublin’s Christ Church Cathedral and Sherborne Abbey, among others.

Since 2015 Elena has been a member of the World Choir Council, an international advisory board of Interkultur, where she represents the U.S.

As the Music Director of Symphony Silicon Valley Chorale since 1998, she has prepared over fifty major choral-orchestral works for distinguished conductors such as John Nelson, George Cleve, Carlos View, Jane Glover, Gregory Vajda, William Boughton, and many others. She often leads the orchestra, chorus, and soloists in programs of choral masterworks and conducts the annual Carols at the California family concert.

Ms. Sharkova served on music faculty of San Jose State University from 1998 to 2006 where she held the position of Director of Choral Activities, directed three choirs and taught classes in conducting, methods, and music theory. As soprano, Elena Sharkova can be heard on five SonyClassical studio CDs by Lege Artis Chamber Choir (St. Petersburg, Russia).

Choralosophy Podcast (@choralosophy) • Instagram photos and videos

In this engaging conversation, Chrises Munce and Maunu explore the nuances of choir education, reflecting on their recent experiences at a choir camp in Kansas City, and discussing the differences between school and community choirs. They delve into the challenges posed by the pandemic on music education, the importance of student engagement, and the ways community programs like Kantorei Summer Choral Institute and Pacific Youth Choir in Portland can enrich school programs, and be enriched by them. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of music education and the strategies educators can employ to inspire and connect with their students.

Also, don’t miss Chris’ recent Choralosophy Community blog contribution on Storytelling via Repertoire choices over on Choralosophy.Substack.com

Building a Transformative Program: Storytelling Through Repertoire by Chris Munce

“I’ve found that the strongest programs are those that elevate artistry, challenge the singers, and leave both performers and listeners changed in some way.”

Tune in now on YouTube or your favorite podcast app!

Tune in, and have your thinking stimulated and challenged. Then, weigh in yourself with your related ideas and experiences on Facebook in the Choralosophers group or over on choralosophy.substack.com Also, don’t forget to grab a reading rope for your classroom wall from the shop! Music Reading Rope

For future rehearsal clips, find me on TikTok, Insta and FB!

Chris Maunu is a conductor, educator, and composer dedicated to inspiring young singers and shaping the future of choral music. Based in Portland, Oregon, he serves as Artistic Director of the acclaimed Pacific Youth Choir, Affiliate Faculty at Portland State University, and Artistic Director of the professional ensemble Choro in Schola. Previously, he spent 17 years as Director of Choirs at Arvada West High School in Colorado, where he expanded the boundaries of what young singers can achieve.

A four-time GRAMMY® Music Educator of the Year Finalist and two-time CMA® Foundation National Music Teacher of Excellence honoree, Chris is a passionate advocate for music education. Choirs under his direction have received national and international acclaim, performing at over a dozen major conferences, including National and Regional ACDA events. His ensembles have earned prestigious honors such as the American Prize in Choral Performance and the Gold Diploma at the Rimini International Choral Competition.

In high demand as a guest conductor and clinician, Chris is in demand as an All-State and Honor Choir clinician across the U.S. and internationally. He recently conducted the 2025 National 11-12 HS Honor Choir at the National ACDA Conference in Dallas, TX to great acclaim. As a composer, his award-winning works have been performed worldwide. He also serves as editor of the Pacific Youth Choir Choral Series with Pavane Publishing. An active member of NAfME and ACDA, Chris is the NWACDA Chair for Community Youth Choirs and frequently presents at both the regional and national levels. His writings appear in the Choral Journal, and he is a contributing author to A Choral Conductor’s Companion.

Throughout his career, Chris has received many accolades for his contributions to the field of choral music. He was named Colorado’s “Best of the Best” Teacher, honored with a Commendation from the House of Representatives, and received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Northern State University, where he later delivered the Commencement Address. He also co-founded and directed the professional Anima Chamber Ensemble for seven years, inspiring thousands of public school students through its unique community engagement mission.

Chris holds degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northern State University. Most importantly, he cherishes time with his wife, Aleisha, and their two children, Bodhi and Astraea.

For more information, visit chrismaunu.com.

Choralosophy Podcast (@choralosophy) • Instagram photos and videos

In this enlightening conversation, Kareem J Weaver discusses the critical importance of literacy in education, emphasizing its role in unlocking students’ potential and providing them with self-determination. He shares his extensive background in education, highlighting the connections between music and literacy, and the necessity for all educators to engage in teaching reading skills. Now, Kareem is NOT a music teacher. He is an activist, NAACP member, and long time literacy specialist. The discussion also delves into the ideological divides surrounding literacy education, the civil rights implications of illiteracy, and the need for a unified approach to ensure all students achieve excellence in reading.

Bonus: don’t miss the part where I ask Kareem about the time when I shared one of his Tweets and got in some trouble with colleagues for it…

Tune in now on YouTube or your favorite podcast app!

Tune in, and have your thinking stimulated and challenged. Then, weigh in yourself with your related ideas and experiences on Facebook in the Choralosophers group or over on choralosophy.substack.com Also, don’t forget to grab a reading rope for your classroom wall from the shop! Music Reading Rope

For future rehearsal clips, find me on TikTok, Insta and FB!

Kareem is the Co-Founder & Executive Director of FULCRUM. He is an award-winning educator and community advocate with extensive experience leading schools and systems in district, juvenile justice, and managed-care settings. His advocacy is featured in the 2023 documentary The Right to Read.

Kareem’s commitment to literacy is deep-rooted. He credits the quality of his education to a program through A Better Chance, a nonprofit that provides high-performing students of color access to the best schools, helping them become the nation’s next leaders. This program was foundational to Kareem’s understanding that education is the greatest equalizer. Kareem became a first-generation college graduate after obtaining a bachelor’s degree from Morehouse College and a master’s in clinical-community psychology from the University of South Carolina. At Morehouse, Kareem co-founded Students for the Children of Incarcerated Parents (SCIP), an endeavor that underlined illiteracy’s crushing impact on these families and their communication.

Armed with this knowledge, Kareem began his career in the classroom, rooting his approach in evidence-based methods exemplified by Marva Collins and the American Federation of Teachers—today, these strategies are referred to as the Science of Reading. Kareem taught grades spanning elementary to high school before becoming an administrator and eventually accepting the role of Executive Director—Western Region at New Leaders, an organization committed to developing technical, adaptive, and instructional leadership skills in educators serving high-needs schools.

Later, Kareem continued his community-based work as the Commissions Chair for the Oakland East Bay Alliance of Black Educators and provided financial and technical support to diverse schools from districts to reservations as a managing partner at a funding organization. He recently served as the 2nd Vice President of the Oakland NAACP and is the former Education Committee Chair.

Choralosophy Podcast (@choralosophy) • Instagram photos and videos