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.

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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:

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Subscribe to our Newsletter!

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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

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Sponsors:

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Endeavor Music Publishing: endeavormusicpublishing.com

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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.

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Visit the Springfield Symphony Orchestra’s website here:

https://www.springfieldmosymphony.org/

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Download the full podcast here:

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Sponsors:

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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!

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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

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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:

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Subscribe to our Newsletter!

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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

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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

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!

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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

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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

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!

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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

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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

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!

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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

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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/

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!

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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

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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/

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:

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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