The Choir Guys

By Blake Richter

Unfiltered chats from the choir room with Blake Richter and Daniel Gutierrez.... more

4.9

1616 ratings

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FAQs about The Choir Guys:

How many episodes does The Choir Guys have?

The podcast currently has 30 episodes available.

The Choir Guys episodes:

January 22, 2026 Pinch Me Moments, Learning from Jason Max Ferdinand, and Melodic Dictation from the Womb with Cindy Ellis | Ep 30
Welcome to this episode of The Choir Guys Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with the powerhouse herself — Cindy Ellis — for a conversation that’s as inspiring as it is energizing. Cindy is a Cuban-born choral director at Miami Arts Studio, where her middle and high school ensembles have graced stages from Carnegie Hall to the Latin GRAMMYs and beyond.
We talk about her journey from immigrating to the U.S. in 2005 to conducting at ACDA, singing with the Jason Max Ferdinand Singers, and collaborating with artists like Gloria Estefan, Jacob Collier, and Coldplay. Cindy shares her insights on programming powerful performances, building long-term curriculum across grade levels, and how she fosters musicianship and vocal technique in her students.
She also opens up about her “pinch me” moments, lessons learned from performing on the world’s biggest stages, and how she stays grounded and passionate as both an educator and artist.
Whether you’re a veteran choir director or a music ed student just starting out, this episode is packed with the kind of wisdom, joy, and fire that will stick with you.
We hope you find our discussions helpful, entertaining, and applicable. If you have any questions or topics you would like us to cover, please email us at [email protected], or simply message us on social media - @thechoirguyspod.
We will be back in a few weeks with a new episode! Make sure to follow us on our social media pages (linked below) so you do not miss an episode.
Visit The Choir Guys’ website here:
https://thechoirguyspod.weebly.com/
Subscribe to our Newsletter!
https://the-choir-guys-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe
Want to become a sponsor of the podcast? Email us at [email protected].
Download the full podcast here:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-choir-guys/id1730260085
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1vQx1T5IYKNs5ztnOkuVns
Follow The Choir Guys on Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556415050610
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thechoirguyspod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechoirguyspod/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechoirguyspod
Sponsors:
Sight Reading Factory: sightreadingfactory.com
Kansas Maid Frozen Pastries: kansasmaid.com
Endeavor Music Publishing: endeavormusicpublishing.com
Encore Tours: encoretours.com
S-Cubed: teacherspayteachers.com/Product/S-Cubed-Sight-Singing-Program-Level-ONE-Original-Power-Point-Version-1208701
Class Intercom: classintercom.com
GIA/Walton Music: giamusic.com/walton-music
Pavane Publishing: www.pavanepublishing.com/
Gateway Sheet Music: gatewaysheetmusic.com/
...more
1h 11min
January 06, 2026 Ringing in the “Yu” Year with Dr. Julie Yu-Oppenheim | Ep 29
Welcome to this episode of The Choir Guys Podcast! In this episode, we’re honored to kick off 2026 with the brilliant and inspiring Dr. Julie Yu-Oppenheim—Professor of Music and Director of Choral Studies at Oklahoma City University and Artistic Director of Canterbury Voices.
Julie shares her journey from teaching high school choir in Oklahoma to becoming a nationally recognized conductor, educator, and clinician. We talk about her experience leading collegiate and community ensembles, setting meaningful goals (and actually keeping them), and how she maintains a positive mindset in a world that often feels heavy.
She also offers powerful insight into her leadership philosophy in the choral world. This conversation is packed with wisdom, warmth, and reminders of the joy and impact we can bring to our classrooms and communities through music.
We hope you find our discussions helpful, entertaining, and applicable. If you have any questions or topics you would like us to cover, please email us at [email protected], or simply message us on social media - @thechoirguyspod.
We will be back in a few weeks with a new episode! Make sure to follow us on our social media pages (linked below) so you do not miss an episode.
Visit The Choir Guys’ website here:
https://thechoirguyspod.weebly.com/
Subscribe to our Newsletter!
https://the-choir-guys-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe
Want to become a sponsor of the podcast? Email us at [email protected].
Download the full podcast here:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-choir-guys/id1730260085
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1vQx1T5IYKNs5ztnOkuVns
Follow The Choir Guys on Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556415050610
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thechoirguyspod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechoirguyspod/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechoirguyspod
Sponsors:
Sight Reading Factory: sightreadingfactory.com
Kansas Maid Frozen Pastries: kansasmaid.com
Endeavor Music Publishing: endeavormusicpublishing.com
Encore Tours: encoretours.com
S-Cubed: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/S-Cubed-Sight-Singing-Program-Level-ONE-Original-Power-Point-Version-1208701
Class Intercom: classintercom.com
Haymes Insurance: https://haymesinsurance.com/
Pavane Publishing: https://www.pavanepublishing.com/
Gateway Sheet Music: https://gatewaysheetmusic.com/
...more
51min
December 16, 2025 Service, Giving Back, Cringey Music Videos, and Chubby Bunny with Kenny Kabak | Ep 28
Welcome to this episode of The Choir Guys Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with the endlessly passionate Kenny Kabak—Founder/Artistic Director of the Queen City Chorale. From teaching at the Drakensberg Boys Choir School in South Africa to co-founding the Springfield Street Choir, Kenny shares how he uses music as a tool for connection, community, and change. This episode is full of inspiration, insight, and laughter—as we reflect on long-time friendships, big musical moments, and the heart behind everything Kenny does.
We hope you find our discussions helpful, entertaining, and applicable. If you have any questions or topics you would like us to cover, please email us at [email protected], or simply message us on social media - @thechoirguyspod.
We will be back in a few weeks with a new episode! Make sure to follow us on our social media pages (linked below) so you do not miss an episode.
Visit The Choir Guys’ website here:
https://thechoirguyspod.weebly.com/
Subscribe to our Newsletter!
https://the-choir-guys-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe
Want to become a sponsor of the podcast? Email us at [email protected].
Download the full podcast here:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-choir-guys/id1730260085
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1vQx1T5IYKNs5ztnOkuVns
Follow The Choir Guys on Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556415050610
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thechoirguyspod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechoirguyspod/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechoirguyspod
Sponsors:
Sight Reading Factory: sightreadingfactory.com
Kansas Maid Frozen Pastries: kansasmaid.com
Endeavor Music Publishing: endeavormusicpublishing.com
Encore Tours: encoretours.com
S-Cubed: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/S-Cubed-Sight-Singing-Program-Level-ONE-Original-Power-Point-Version-1208701
Class Intercom: classintercom.com
...more
45min
December 02, 2025 Taylor Shaeffer’s Elementary Holiday Magic, Bad Roommates, Triplets, and Dance Routines | Ep 27
In this episode, we talk with Taylor Shaeffer—elementary music educator, conductor, and creator of The Treble Classroom. Taylor shares how he builds a joyful, student-centered culture in his K–6 music classroom and directs a thriving before-school choir with over 100 students. We also discuss his transition between elementary and middle school teaching, his approach to concerts (especially around the holidays), and the teaching strategies that work across all age groups. Whether you're a new teacher or a seasoned pro, Taylor’s insight and passion for music education will leave you inspired.
We hope you find our discussions helpful, entertaining, and applicable. If you have any questions or topics you would like us to cover, please email us at [email protected], or simply message us on social media - @thechoirguyspod.
We will be back in a few weeks with a new episode! Make sure to follow us on our social media pages (linked below) so you do not miss an episode.
Visit The Choir Guys’ website here:
https://thechoirguyspod.weebly.com/
Subscribe to our Newsletter!
https://the-choir-guys-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe
Want to become a sponsor of the podcast? Email us at [email protected].
Download the full podcast here:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-choir-guys/id1730260085
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1vQx1T5IYKNs5ztnOkuVns
Follow The Choir Guys on Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556415050610
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thechoirguyspod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechoirguyspod/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechoirguyspod
Sponsors:
Sight Reading Factory: sightreadingfactory.com
Kansas Maid Frozen Pastries: kansasmaid.com
Endeavor Music Publishing: endeavormusicpublishing.com
Encore Tours: encoretours.com
S-Cubed: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/S-Cubed-Sight-Singing-Program-Level-ONE-Original-Power-Point-Version-1208701
Class Intercom: classintercom.com
GIA/Walton Music: giamusic.com/waltonmusic/
Haymes Insurance Agency: haymesinsurance.com
...more
50min
November 18, 2025 Humanity, Spiders, and Kidney Transplants with Dr. Dustin Cates | Ep 26
Welcome to this episode of The Choir Guys Podcast! In this week’s episode of The Choir Guys Podcast, Blake and Danny talk with Dr. Dustin Cates, Director of Choral Activities at Temple University and one of the most compassionate voices in the choral world. Dustin shares his journey from Kansas City to Temple, his experience as an adoptive parent, and practical ways teachers can practice humanity in their classrooms.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3dx46Xkg7E
We hope you find our discussions helpful, entertaining, and applicable. If you have any questions or topics you would like us to cover, please email us at [email protected], or simply message us on social media - @thechoirguyspod.
We will be back in a few weeks with a new episode! Make sure to follow us on our social media pages (linked below) so you do not miss an episode.
Visit The Choir Guys’ website here:
https://thechoirguyspod.weebly.com/
Subscribe to our Newsletter!
https://the-choir-guys-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe
Want to become a sponsor of the podcast? Email us at [email protected].
Download the full podcast here:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-choir-guys/id1730260085
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1vQx1T5IYKNs5ztnOkuVns
Follow The Choir Guys on Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556415050610
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thechoirguyspod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechoirguyspod/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechoirguyspod
Sponsors:
Sight Reading Factory: sightreadingfactory.com
Kansas Maid Frozen Pastries: kansasmaid.com
Endeavor Music Publishing: endeavormusicpublishing.com
Encore Tours: encoretours.com
S-Cubed: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/S-Cubed-Sight-Singing-Program-Level-ONE-Original-Power-Point-Version-1208701
Class Intercom: classintercom.com
GIA/Walton Music: giamusic.com/waltonmusic
Pavane Publishing: pavanepublishing.com
...more
41min
November 04, 2025 Voice Changes, Changing Diapers, and Having Your Dad as a Choir Teacher with Zane Gutierrez | Ep 25
Welcome to this episode of The Choir Guys Podcast! This week on the podcast, Blake and Danny welcome a very special guest — Danny’s own son, Zane Gutierrez!
Zane is a seventh grader in the Varsity Tenor/Bass Choir, a cross-country medalist, a chess master, and a die-hard New York Knicks fan (for better or worse). In this hilarious and heartwarming episode, Blake and Danny get Zane’s take on what it’s like to have The Choir Guys as choir directors, who really sings better between father and son, and how long one of Danny’s warm-up stories actually lasts.
Full of laughs, family moments, and behind-the-scenes choir chaos, this episode gives listeners a fun peek into Danny and Zane’s father/son dynamic—and inside our co-taught choir class where chaos happens.
We hope you find our discussions helpful, entertaining, and applicable. If you have any questions or topics you would like us to cover, please email us at [email protected], or simply message us on social media - @thechoirguyspod.
We will be back in a few weeks with a new episode! Make sure to follow us on our social media pages (linked below) so you do not miss an episode.
Visit The Choir Guys’ website here:
https://thechoirguyspod.weebly.com/
Subscribe to our Newsletter!
https://the-choir-guys-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe
Want to become a sponsor of the podcast? Email us at [email protected].
Download the full podcast here:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-choir-guys/id1730260085
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1vQx1T5IYKNs5ztnOkuVns
Follow The Choir Guys on Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556415050610
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thechoirguyspod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechoirguyspod/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechoirguyspod
Sponsors:
Sight Reading Factory: sightreadingfactory.com
Kansas Maid Frozen Pastries: kansasmaid.com
Endeavor Music Publishing: endeavormusicpublishing.com
Encore Tours: encoretours.com
S-Cubed: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/S-Cubed-Sight-Singing-Program-Level-ONE-Original-Power-Point-Version-1208701
Class Intercom: classintercom.com
GIA/Walton Music: giamusic.com/waltonmusic
Pavane Publishing: pavanepublishing.com
Haymes Insurance: haymesinsurance.com/
Gateway Sheet Music: gatewaysheetmusic.com/
...more
35min
October 21, 2025 Tenor/Bass Choirs, Rotten Bananas, and Meteorology Skills with Nathan Dame | Ep 24
Welcome to this episode of The Choir Guys Podcast! In this episode of The Choir Guys Podcast, Blake and Danny sit down with Dr. Nathan Dame, Director of Choral Activities and Coordinator of Fine Arts at Wylie East High School in Texas, and current ACDA National Chair for Tenor-Bass Choirs.
Dr. Dame shares his insights on creating culture, community, and consistency in tenor/bass choirs—from developing healthy vocal technique to inspiring long-term participation. The conversation dives into everything from vocal pedagogy for the changing voice to building an environment where young men feel confident and valued.
Filled with humor, heart, and practical takeaways, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about growing and sustaining strong tenor/bass programs.
We hope you find our discussions helpful, entertaining, and applicable. If you have any questions or topics you would like us to cover, please email us at [email protected], or simply message us on social media - @thechoirguyspod.
We will be back in a few weeks with a new episode! Make sure to follow us on our social media pages (linked below) so you do not miss an episode.
Visit The Choir Guys’ website here:
https://thechoirguyspod.weebly.com/
Subscribe to our Newsletter!
https://the-choir-guys-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe
Want to become a sponsor of the podcast? Email us at [email protected].
Download the full podcast here:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-choir-guys/id1730260085
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1vQx1T5IYKNs5ztnOkuVns
Follow The Choir Guys on Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556415050610
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thechoirguyspod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechoirguyspod/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechoirguyspod
Sponsors:
Sight Reading Factory: sightreadingfactory.com
Kansas Maid Frozen Pastries: kansasmaid.com
Endeavor Music Publishing: endeavormusicpublishing.com
Encore Tours: encoretours.com
S-Cubed: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/S-Cubed-Sight-Singing-Program-Level-ONE-Original-Power-Point-Version-1208701
Class Intercom: classintercom.com
GIA/Walton Music: giamusic.com/waltonmusic
Pavane Publishing: pavanepublishing.com
Haymes Insurance: haymesinsurance.com/
Gateway Sheet Music: gatewaysheetmusic.com/
...more
51min
October 07, 2025 Choral Storytelling, Corn Fetching, and MySpace Memories with Susan LaBarr | Ep 23
Welcome to this episode of The Choir Guys Podcast! In this episode of The Choir Guys Podcast, Blake and Danny sit down with composer and Walton Music editor Susan LaBarr, whose music has touched choirs across the globe. From her beginnings in Springfield, Missouri, to her studies with the legendary Alice Parker, Susan shares how she found her voice as a composer—and what she looks for when evaluating new works for publication.
You’ll hear about her creative process from commission to premiere, her upcoming Carnegie Hall performance, and why she decided to step away from social media entirely. Along the way, Susan reflects on the power of collaboration and the joy of writing music that connects deeply with singers and audiences alike.
Tune in for humor, heart, and plenty of wisdom from one of choral music’s most inspiring voices.
We hope you find our discussions helpful, entertaining, and applicable. If you have any questions or topics you would like us to cover, please email us at [email protected], or simply message us on social media - @thechoirguyspod.
We will be back in a few weeks with a new episode! Make sure to follow us on our social media pages (linked below) so you do not miss an episode.
Visit The Choir Guys’ website here:
https://thechoirguyspod.weebly.com/
Subscribe to our Newsletter!
https://the-choir-guys-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe
Want to become a sponsor of the podcast? Email us at [email protected].
Download the full podcast here:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-choir-guys/id1730260085
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1vQx1T5IYKNs5ztnOkuVns
Follow The Choir Guys on Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556415050610
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thechoirguyspod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechoirguyspod/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechoirguyspod
Sponsors:
Sight Reading Factory: sightreadingfactory.com
Kansas Maid Frozen Pastries: kansasmaid.com
Endeavor Music Publishing: endeavormusicpublishing.com
Encore Tours: encoretours.com
S-Cubed: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/S-Cubed-Sight-Singing-Program-Level-ONE-Original-Power-Point-Version-1208701
Class Intercom: classintercom.com
GIA/Walton Music: giamusic.com/waltonmusic
Pavane Publishing: pavanepublishing.com
...more
1h 7min
September 23, 2025 Beyond the Music with Ryan Main: Composing, Publishing, and Equity in Music | Ep 22
Welcome to this episode of The Choir Guys Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with award-winning composer, conductor, and educator Ryan Main to explore his remarkable journey in the choral world. Listeners will hear about his path from the classroom to Carnegie Hall, the founding of the Youth Chorus of Kansas City, and the vision behind Endeavor Music Publishing, a company built to put composers first. Ryan shares insights into the creative process, what he looks for as an editor, and even reveals his favorite—and least favorite—piece he’s ever written. This episode is filled with laughter, inspiration, and a behind-the-scenes look at one of our favorite voices in choral music.
We hope you find our discussions helpful, entertaining, and applicable. If you have any questions or topics you would like us to cover, please email us at [email protected], or simply message us on social media - @thechoirguyspod.
We will be back in a few weeks with a new episode! Make sure to follow us on our social media pages (linked below) so you do not miss an episode.
Visit The Choir Guys’ website here:
https://thechoirguyspod.weebly.com/
Subscribe to our Newsletter!
https://the-choir-guys-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe
Want to become a sponsor of the podcast? Email us at [email protected].
Download the full podcast here:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-choir-guys/id1730260085
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1vQx1T5IYKNs5ztnOkuVns
Follow The Choir Guys on Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556415050610
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thechoirguyspod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechoirguyspod/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechoirguyspod
Sponsors:
Sight Reading Factory: sightreadingfactory.com
Kansas Maid Frozen Pastries: kansasmaid.com
Endeavor Music Publishing: endeavormusicpublishing.com
Encore Tours: encoretours.com
S-Cubed: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/S-Cubed-Sight-Singing-Program-Level-ONE-Original-Power-Point-Version-1208701
Class Intercom: classintercom.com
GIA/Walton Music: giamusic.com/waltonmusic
Haymes Insurance Agency: haymesinsurance.com
Pavane Publishing: pavanepublishing.com
...more
45min
September 09, 2025 Inside SWACDA 2026 with Jonathan Owen: Leadership, Legacy, and Conference Highlights | Ep 21
Welcome to this episode of The Choir Guys Podcast! In this episode of The Choir Guys Podcast, we sit down with Jonathan Owen, current President of the Southwestern American Choral Directors Association (SWACDA). Jonathan reflects on his extensive leadership journey—including past roles as MCDA President and MMEA Choral Vice President—and shares his philosophy on why service and leadership matter so deeply in the choral world. We also preview the upcoming SWACDA Conference in March, discuss his legacy of strengthening communication and connection through initiatives like The Southwestern Connection, and explore why directors should consider submitting their choirs for future conference performances. Whether you’re passionate about leadership, curious about what’s ahead for SWACDA, or looking for inspiration to take the next step in your career, this conversation will encourage and challenge you.
We hope you find our discussions helpful, entertaining, and applicable. If you have any questions or topics you would like us to cover, please email us at [email protected], or simply message us on social media - @thechoirguyspod.
We will be back in a few weeks with a new episode! Make sure to follow us on our social media pages (linked below) so you do not miss an episode.
Visit The Choir Guys’ website here:
https://thechoirguyspod.weebly.com/
Subscribe to our Newsletter!
https://the-choir-guys-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe
Want to become a sponsor of the podcast? Email us at [email protected].
Download the full podcast here:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-choir-guys/id1730260085
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1vQx1T5IYKNs5ztnOkuVns
Follow The Choir Guys on Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556415050610
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thechoirguyspod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechoirguyspod/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechoirguyspod
Sponsors:
Sight Reading Factory: sightreadingfactory.com
Kansas Maid Frozen Pastries: kansasmaid.com
Endeavor Music Publishing: endeavormusicpublishing.com
Encore Tours: encoretours.com
S-Cubed: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/S-Cubed-Sight-Singing-Program-Level-ONE-Original-Power-Point-Version-1208701
Class Intercom: classintercom.com
GIA/Walton Music: giamusic.com/waltonmusic/
Haymes Insurance Agency: haymesinsurance.com
...more
44min

FAQs about The Choir Guys:

How many episodes does The Choir Guys have?

The podcast currently has 30 episodes available.

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