In this conversation, Reagan Paras shares his unique perspective on Filipino choral music and its cultural significance. He discusses his journey from the Philippines to the United States, the challenges of cultural identity, and the importance of diverse repertoire AND methods in music education. Reagan emphasizes the complexity of Filipino choral music, its indigenous roots, and the need for cultural recognition in various pedagogies. He also provides resources for choral directors to access Filipino music, highlighting the promising future of this genre in the global music landscape.

In this conversation, Reagan discusses the vibrant choral music scene in the Philippines, emphasizing the unique vocal qualities and cultural significance of singing in Filipino society. He explores the challenges faced by composers and performers, the importance of embracing the full range of the human voice, and the need for effective communication in music education. The discussion also addresses the social dynamics surrounding male participation in choirs, the crisis of male singers in the choral world, and strategies for engaging young male singers in choir programs. Also discussed

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!

Reagan G. Paras, (aka The Choral Doctor) serves as an Associate Professor for Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts for the Music Education Department.

A passionate conductor, singer, and educator, he has directed performance tours across the United States and abroad. He is the Artistic Director for Many Voices: Mechanics Hall Youth Singers, performing repertoire that authentically honors the mosaic of cultures represented in the ensemble. He serves as Music Director for The Salisbury Singers, one of the premier choral ensembles in the state. Throughout the summer, he conducts the Kodály Music Institute Choir, which is comprised of music educators from across the globe. Reagan was recently elected to represent the United States as a Conducting Fellow for the American Choral Directors Association’s International Choral Exchange Program. He is a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator for various music festivals across the country. An emerging researcher, Reagan regularly presents at research symposiums across the United States.

He is an advocate for choral music education, serving on various executive boards for music associations across the northeast. Currently, he is the Diversity Chair for MA-ACDA and has held the position of Higher Education Representative for MA-Music Educators Association.

He is a proud husband to his amazing wife Lindsey, and father of three children ages 10, 9, and 6.

TheChoralDoctor on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/thechoraldoctor

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