(Trans)itioning Voices: Inclusivity through Line Recombination
Session Abstract: This session presents a new methodology to promote the inclusivity of transgender and gender expansive (TGE) individuals in choral ensembles. Line recombination involves combining portions of the existing alto and tenor lines in a mixed ensemble in order to provide a singable part without changing the musical content of the piece, thus supporting the student’s gender identity and accounting for their vocal health during and after transition. Attendees will sing recombined lines in standard repertoire and learn how to create their own lines to provide an alternative for their TGE singers that meets their vocal needs without compromising musical integrity.
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Stevie Hirner
University of Southern California
Primarily a choral conductor and singer, Stevie J. Hirner (she/her) is also an active vocalist, composer, and arranger of choral music. As a transgender musician, she is currently pursuing her doctorate in choral music at the University of Southern California (USC) where her research focuses on transgender inclusivity in choral ensembles. In addition to her studies, she is also the Artistic Director of the Long Beach Youth Chorus and teaches Choral Conducting I at USC. Hirner earned a Bachelor of Music Education from Auburn University (2012) and a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from the University of Missouri (2014).
