Mr. James Cumings has been teaching choral music since 1999 at Jackson Northwest Kidder Middle School.  During that time He has taken great pleasure in working with middle school singers--watching them grow both as musicians and young people who care about each other and their art.  During the summer he directs the 6-9 SSA choir at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp.   Recently, James was honored by being selected MSVMA’s “Teacher of the Year” at the 2019 conference.  

In this episode I speak with both James Cumings and his wife Ashley about their unique partnership in the classroom, as well as tried and true methods for middle school teachers that have worked for them.

Artist-in-residence at Texas State University and Artistic Director of the Grammy Award winning ensemble Conspirare Craig Hella Johnson discusses his early education and experiences, his latest work "Considering Matthew Shepherd" and his new seminar entitled Sound Lab.

Beloved by audiences, lauded by critics and composers, and revered by singers, Johnson is known for crafting musical journeys that create deep connections between performers and listeners. The Wall Street Journal praised his ability to “find the emotional essence other performers often miss,” and Fanfare wrote that “Craig Hella Johnson has assembled and molded a first-rate choir to be respected as highly as the best we have had.” Distinguished composer John Corigliano wrote, “I believe that [Johnson] has understood my music in a way that I have never experienced before. He is a great musician who understands everything about the music he conducts.” 

Johnson is also Music Director of the Cincinnati Vocal Arts Ensemble and conductor emeritus of the Victoria Bach Festival. He was Artistic Director of San Francisco-based Chanticleer (1998-1999) and has served as guest conductor with the Austin Symphony, San Antonio Symphony, and many others in Texas, the U.S., and abroad.  Craig Hella Johnson joined the faculty at Texas State as Artist in Residence in fall 2016 and continues to inspire his colleagues and students in innovative teaching and programming as Professor of Practice.

Director of Choirs at Yelm High School, Washington, Tim Hen

Director of Choirs at Yelm High School, Washington, Tim Hen

Director of Choirs at Yelm High School, Washington, Tim Hen

Director of Choirs at Yelm High School, Washington, Tim Hen

Renowned American composer Dr. Gwyneth Walker talks with Jonathan Babcock her career as a composer, plus much more!

Gwyneth Walker is a graduate of Brown University and the Hartt School of Music. A former faculty member of the Oberlin College Conservatory, she resigned from academic employment in 1982 in order to pursue a career as a full-time composer. She is the recipient of the Year 2000 "Lifetime Achievement Award" from the Vermont Arts Council. Walker's catalog includes over 130 commissioned works for orchestra, band, chorus and chamber ensembles. Recent works demonstrate the composer's interest in combining theatrical elements with musical composition. Letters to the World (2001), a piano quartet, incorporates readings from the poetry of Emily Dickinson. Acquaintance With Nature (2002),  for chorus, clarinet, piano and narrator, weaves music around the writings of Henry David Thoreau. This variety of genres is reflective of the composer's enthusiasm for a wide range of creative endeavors. Orchestral, chamber, choral, vocal and staged works are all part of the Walker musical life. The common element is the pursuit of imaginative expression.

Renowned American composer Dr. Gwyneth Walker talks with Jonathan Babcock her career as a composer, plus much more!

Renowned American composer Dr. Gwyneth Walker talks with Jonathan Babcock her career as a composer, plus much more!