Welcome to this episode of The Choir Guys Podcast! In this episode, we close out Season 3 with one of the most influential voices in modern choral music—GRAMMY Award-winning composer and conductor Eric Whitacre.

Eric takes us on a journey through his remarkable career, from discovering his love of choral music as a young adult to becoming one of the most recognized composers in the world and the visionary behind the Virtual Choir. We discuss his signature compositional style, the role of silence in music, what conductors often over- and under-rehearse in his works, and how he hopes live choral performances inspire the next generation of singers.

We also dive into his friendship with Tony Silvestri, the story behind the return of Stopping by Woods, and wrap things up with a fun rapid-fire round covering everything from composition software and hidden musical "Easter eggs" to tango dancing, favorite composers, and, yes... his famous hair.

Whether you've admired Eric's music for years or are just discovering his work, this season finale is filled with insight, laughter, and unforgettable stories from one of choral music's true innovators.

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

Gateway Sheet Music: https://gatewaysheetmusic.com/

Haymes Insurance: https://haymesinsurance.com/

Pavane Publishing: https://www.pavanepublishing.com/

GIA/Walton Music: https://giamusic.com/walton-music

Welcome to this episode of The Choir Guys Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with award-winning composer, lyricist, and educator Sherry Blevins for a conversation full of creativity, insight, and inspiration. As the Founder and Director of the International Choral Composers Institute, Sherry shares her journey into composition, her passion for collaborative music-making, and how her works—performed around the world—aim to bring hope, life, and light to singers and audiences alike.

We talk about her experience supervising student teachers, the impact of mentorship in music education, and what led her to create the International Choral Composers Institute. Sherry also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at her compositional process and reflects on some of her favorite (and least favorite!) pieces.

Whether you’re a composer, conductor, or educator, this episode offers valuable perspective on creating meaningful music, supporting the next generation of musicians, and building a life centered around artistry and purpose.

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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlvZAjCwg9c

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

Gateway Sheet Music: https://gatewaysheetmusic.com/

Welcome to this episode of The Choir Guys Podcast! In this episode, we are honored to welcome Tony Silvestri—poet, author, composer, and widely regarded as one of the most influential choral lyricists of our time. With over seventy published works in collaboration with more than one hundred composers, Tony’s texts have shaped some of the most beloved choral pieces in the repertoire, including collaborations with Eric Whitacre, Dan Forrest, Ola Gjeilo, and more.

We explore Tony’s remarkable journey from a decades-long career in education to becoming a full-time writer and artist, as well as his creative process when crafting texts for choral music. He shares insights into what makes a powerful collaboration between composer and poet and the stories behind some of his most well-known works.

From performances in Carnegie Hall and the Vatican to recordings heard around the world—and even beyond—Tony’s words continue to inspire singers and audiences alike. This episode is a deep dive into the artistry behind the music and the power of words to elevate the choral experience.

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

Haymes Insurance: https://haymesinsurance.com/

Pavane Publishing: https://www.pavanepublishing.com/

Welcome to this episode of The Choir Guys Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with award-winning composer, lyricist, and educator Kyle Pederson for a conversation centered on creativity, purpose, and the power of choral music to inspire change. Based in Minneapolis, Kyle shares his journey from teaching middle school geography to becoming a widely performed composer whose works are sung by ensembles around the world.

We talk about how his time in the classroom continues to shape the way he writes text for choirs, his recent recording project All is Miracle with the ensemble Transept, and his philosophy of co-creation—empowering singers and directors to take ownership of the music they perform. Kyle also offers insight into writing at the intersection of the sacred and secular, and how his music seeks to invite hope, grace, and compassion into rehearsal rooms and concert halls alike.

Whether you’re a teacher, conductor, or composer, this episode is filled with thoughtful ideas and inspiration you can bring directly into your own work.

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

Haymes Insurance: https://haymesinsurance.com/

GIA/Walton Music: https://giamusic.com/walton-music

Gateway Sheet Music: https://gatewaysheetmusic.com/

Welcome to this episode of The Choir Guys Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with legendary middle school choir director Dale Duncan, creator of the S-Cubed Sight Singing Program and passionate advocate for young singers and the teachers who lead them. After a 30-year career teaching middle school in North Carolina, New Jersey, and Georgia, Dale shares the lessons he’s learned about building strong choir tone, developing musicianship, and why middle school may just be the most important level in music education.

We dive into how S-Cubed was created, what makes an effective sight-singing curriculum, and practical strategies for shaping sound and concept with developing voices. Dale also reflects on his journey as a music education entrepreneur, the challenges and successes along the way, and his ongoing mission to support choir teachers everywhere.

Whether you’re a veteran choir director or just starting out, this episode is packed with insight, humor, and actionable ideas you can take straight into your rehearsal room.

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

Pavane Publishing: https://www.pavanepublishing.com/

Welcome to this episode of The Choir Guys Podcast! In this episode, we welcome multi award-winning singer, arranger, composer, and vocal percussionist Rob Dietz to The Choir Guys Podcast. With over twenty years in contemporary a cappella, Rob has worked with some of the biggest names in vocal music, including Pentatonix, The Swingles, VoicePlay, and Kings Return. His work has appeared on NBC’s The Sing-Off, Glee, America’s Got Talent, and more.

We talk about Rob’s journey into a cappella, his time coaching/arranging on The Sing-Off, and the “pinch me” moments he’s experienced along the way. He shares practical advice for directors starting contemporary a cappella groups, essential technical adjustments when transitioning from classical to contemporary styles, and key things groups should focus on during competition season. We also dive into the creation of A Cappella Academy and how it continues to impact young singers around the world.

Whether you’re a seasoned a cappella director or just getting started, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and actionable takeaways.

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

Haymes Insurance: haymesinsurance.com/

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/

Welcome to this episode of The Choir Guys Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Kyle Pickett, Music Director and Conductor of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra and the Topeka Symphony Orchestra, for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, musicianship, and building meaningful musical experiences.

Kyle shares his musical journey from choral conducting to leading orchestras around the world, including recent work with the Hangzhou Philharmonic in China. We explore how his choral background shapes his approach to orchestral rehearsals—especially when working with choirs—and what ensemble leaders can learn from crossing musical disciplines.

We also talk about audience engagement and creative outreach, strategies for building unity and expressiveness in performance, and why local communities should be excited about the Springfield Symphony’s upcoming concert, The Painter, on February 14.

Whether you’re a choir director, orchestra conductor, or arts leader looking to grow your impact, this episode is packed with insight you can take straight into your own program.

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/

Visit the Springfield Symphony Orchestra’s website here:

https://www.springfieldmosymphony.org/

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

Haymes Insurance: haymesinsurance.com/

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/

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