Everyone’s Song: Gender-Inclusivity in the Choir Room
Session Abstract: With men’s choirs, women’s choirs, tuxes, dresses, and standard repertoire that often reinforces masculine and feminine stereotypes, the gender lines in choral classrooms are well established. However, over the past decade the number of students who choose to express their non-binary gender identity has seen an increase. This session will unpack the results of a national study exploring gender-inclusive practices in choral music. We will examine concepts surrounding the intersection of gender diversity and singing and discuss practical steps choral directors can take to begin to transform their choir room into a place of belonging for transgender and non-binary singers.
Dustin Cates
Temple University & National Men's/TTBB R&R Chair
Dr. Dustin S. Cates is a teacher, conductor, singer and researcher who is passionate about building meaningful relationships with people through music. Dr. Cates is assistant professor of choral music education at Temple University where he conducts the University Chorale and teaches courses in music education, choral/vocal pedagogy and choral methods. He currently serves as National ACDA Repertoire and Resources Chair for Tenor/Bass choral ensembles and is Past President of the Kansas Choral Directors Association. Dr. Cates considers his most important roles to be husband to Dr. Raymond Cattaneo, and father to their son Emmaus.
Ben Herstig
Temple University
Ben Herstig is a senior choral music education major at Boyer College of Music and Dance at Temple University. Upon graduation, Ben hopes to teach choral music in a secondary school setting. He is a member of Temple’s collegiate chapters of NAfME and ACDA. Ben sings in the Temple University Concert Choir under the direction of Dr. Paul Rardin and serves as a music director for Pitch, Please, Temple University's Queer Advocacy A Cappella group. He is passionate about advocacy for LGBTQ+ issues and in particular the experiences of trans and non-binary singers in educational music settings.
