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

Today’s episode is an inspiring story of failure, unknowns, and persistence. Through assessing your learning environment and finding the power of “approaching them where they are" to engage young singers….Maria A. Ellis drops multiple “life bombs” and leaves us with critical ideas to employ in the classroom and motivation to make it through the craziest of times. Get to know "Girl Conductor" Maria A. Ellis and you're for sure going walk away with passion, purpose, and persistence!

Links from the Episode

YOUTUBE for “Hair Love” Book - https://youtu.be/kNw8V_Fkw28

Girl conductor link - https://girlconductor.com/

Donate books here - https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3H0NERQ7HO5NF?ref_=wl_share

Update: The students read their 500 books! Find the picture and post on Maria’s Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/maria.chapmanellis

This episode features a series of questions posed to your host, Dr. Emily Williams Burch. This week, Dr. B answers student questions as the university semester wraps up and students finish final projects and papers.

Questions include: What do I do next? What can I do to be successful in the first weeks of teaching?  How does one actually plan repertoire for an entire year? Is there really any difference between working with adults versus children? ....and many more!

This is our first ever Special BONUS Episode! In this episode we discuss our interrupted rhythm during a time that would normally be a bustling concert season—specifically addressing ideas on how we are staying motivated, disciplined, and encouraged.

Who better to turn to for inspiration and advice than the one and only, Dr. Tim Sharp, Executive Director of the American Choral Director’s Association (ACDA). This conversation explores what a true “educator’s” response can be and should be during this particularly unique time and what these small choices can mean for the future of our programs. We discuss what is still within our realm of control and ideas for staying productive and engaging the members of our programs. As we all are thinking and innovating and brainstorming, Dr. Sharp gives some very insightful ideas about maximizing our impact and effectiveness now and moving forward in our profession. Hope you enjoy!

Want to join the conversation Dr. Sharp mentioned about science and singing in the COVID-19 world? Tuesday, May 5th, 2020 at 5pm Eastern you can join and learn with us: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2156142708620183311?fbclid=IwAR1nVw5KJeGMPtH_6tscDDd4UXxDNNjMKOxkr0SwYFc2R0m2yupuAyqqBKY.

Listening after the webinar and want to connect? Find out more at www.acda.org.

Today’s teaching tip is brought to you by middle and high school choir expert, the current Southern Region ACDA president, Mr. Vincent Oakes. Vic shares his story of using skittles, literally and figuratively, to motivate and inspire students. This episode, the first of our "teach tips," will give you a tangible nugget to address and advance not just classroom management and behavior, but musical skills, leadership, literacy and overall focus.

Meet your host, Dr. Emily Williams Burch, and start to get a glimpse into what is to come in the “Music (education) Matters” podcast