Dr. Chapin, a professor at University of Northern Colorado and I discuss the evolving landscape of education, particularly in music education. We explore the challenges teachers face in engaging students, the impact of technology on learning, and the importance of authenticity in teaching. The discussion also delves into the role of risk tolerance in student participation, the significance of meeting students where they are, (what that means, and what it does NOT mean) and the concept of gamification as a tool for enhancing learning experiences. Throughout the conversation, we both emphasize the need for teachers to adapt their methods to better connect with students and foster a positive learning environment. We take the first volley of the conversation from a previous episode and move the ball forward. Be sure to go back and catch that one if you missed 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!

Dr. Clelyn Chapin serves as the Associate Director of Choirs at University of Northern Colorado where she leads choral ensembles and teaches courses in choral music education. As a frequent presenter and clinician, Clelyn focuses on non-hierarchical rehearsal practices and making individual vocal technique accessible and efficient in the choral rehearsal. Her scholarly work centers on creating collaborative rehearsal spaces and amplifying the work of women composers. You can read her contributions in the recently published Choral Literature of Women Composers or listen to her performances with mirabai, a professional treble choir conducted by Sandra Snow, on Spotify.

In addition to her work in schools, Clelyn is committed to expanding arts access for the community. In 2024, Clelyn was recognized with the Colorado Business Committee for the Arts (CBCA) Next Wave Leadership Award for her work with the Denver Women’s Chorus that she conducted from 2021-2025. Under her leadership, the chorus expanded from 70 to 180 active singers becoming the largest treble ensemble in the country and partnered with many nonprofits to amplify the voices of organizations that promote mental health, housing access, and care for the environment. She now conducts the Greeley Chorale in its 61st season.

Before joining the faculty at UNC, Clelyn spent 14 years teaching and conducting secondary, collegiate, and community ensembles in Texas, Colorado, and Michigan. During that time, her choirs were invited to perform at state conferences, and she developed a reputation for her engaging and inclusive approach to choral rehearsal. She completed her Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting at Michigan State University, studying under Dr. David Rayl and Dr. Sandra Snow, and holds a Master of Music Education from the University of Northern Colorado. When she’s not conducting, she enjoys hiking, reading with her cat, and beating her husband at pickleball.

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