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.

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Endeavor Music Publishing: endeavormusicpublishing.com

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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.

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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!

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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: 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! 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!

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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

Pavane Publishing: pavanepublishing.com

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/

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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 episode of The Choir Guys Podcast, we welcome Clint Ferrie, head choir director at Trinity Springs Middle School and co-host of The Choir Chronicles Podcast. With nearly two decades of teaching experience, Clint has led his choirs to national recognition, including performances at multiple ACDA and TMEA conventions. We talk about his journey into music education, the story behind The Choir Chronicles, and his strategies for building successful conference submissions. Clint also shares insights on teaching treble voices as a male singer, developing a strong private voice program, and—perhaps most memorably—planning safe and meaningful trips with middle school students. From practical logistics to unforgettable stories, this conversation is packed with wisdom for choir directors at every stage of their career.

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

Welcome to this episode of The Choir Guys Podcast! In this episode, we kick off Season 3 of The Choir Guys Podcast with our annual Back to School Special! While we don’t have a guest in the studio, we’ve gathered first-day-of-school traditions, tips, and go-to activities from 13 amazing choir directors across the country: Nathan Cook, Chris Munce, Spencer Fleury, Nathan Dame, Jennifer Sengin, Kurtis Heinrich, Holly Dahn, Jennifer Stammers, Kate Zrust, Tyler Busick, Heather Orr, Jackson Thomas, and Cindy Ellis. Blake and Danny also share their personal goals for the year, along with a behind-the-scenes look at how they start their own school year in the choir room. From practical icebreakers to inspiring routines, this episode is packed with ideas to help you start strong. Whether you’re a new teacher or a seasoned pro, you’ll walk away with fresh strategies and renewed energy for the year ahead.

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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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

Welcome to this episode of The Choir Guys Podcast, presented by Endeavor Music Publishing!

In this episode, we sit down with internationally acclaimed conductor and arranger Michael Joseph Barrett to talk all things choral—from his years leading the Tuks Camerata to his new life in Australia. He reflects on his recent time spent in the states with the Missouri State Chorale and Camerata’s powerful performance at ACDA in Dallas. We dig into what makes South African choral music so unique, how to perform it authentically, and what not to do in rehearsal. Michael also shares the story behind his favorite arrangement, what’s next in his musical journey, and one absolutely chaotic moment from a Tuks performance. It’s insightful, hilarious, and full of heart!

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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Download the full podcast here:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-choir-guys/id1730260085

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Sponsor:

Endeavor Music Publishing: https://www.endeavormusicpublishing.com/

Welcome to this episode of The Choir Guys Podcast, presented by Endeavor Music Publishing!

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. J.D. Frizzell to talk all things contemporary a cappella—from the thrill of premiering a new work at Carnegie Hall to the vocal techniques that define healthy pop singing. J.D. dives into the vocal colors that are essential for modern a cappella, debunks common misconceptions held by classically trained singers, and offers practical tips for flipping a choir from “choral” to “contemporary.” He also shares his insight on sound design for live shows and how state choral organizations can better support this growing genre.

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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JD's Website:

https://jdfrizzell.net/

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

Sponsor:

Endeavor Music Publishing: https://www.endeavormusicpublishing.com/