This Repertoire Exploration Episode, with Composer/Conductor Dr. Michael John Trotta, discusses the concept of "how to respond to the people in front of you.” We specially talk about Dr. Trotta’s role as an educator and how his experiences teaching elementary, middle, high, and college influences his job as a composer. The conversation focuses on the flexibility of three titles, why they were written, and how they were adapted. By the end of the episode, we see how “responding” to the group in front of you and knowing your singers allows us as choral educators to build life-long choir lovers who know and feel their value. Whether a full 8-part split, regular SATB, or 2-part and unison, excellent music that is thoughtfully written can assist our singers in making beautiful musical moments, and not just learning the notes and rhythms. Through this rep exploration, we are reminded that it is part of our job as music educators to constantly make relatable parallels to great music so that our ensembles can know that indeed their presence and their effort do matter.

Link to recordings of works included in the episode:

https://www.mjtrotta.com/latest-news/new-choral-music-michael-john-trotta/

 

Links to age appropriate listening lessons on “You Are My Refuge” (Virtual Choir):

https://www.mjtrotta.com/latest-news/choir-distance-learning-middle-school/

https://www.mjtrotta.com/latest-news/choir-distance-learning-high-school/

*Show music originally written by Mr. Todd Monsell

**Show photography provided by Dr. Dan Biggerstaff