Supportive Environment for the Next Generation of Choral Educators

Session Abstract: Teaching K-12 choral music is a rewarding experience. However, it can also be filled with challenges. This session will examine how we can cultivate a supportive environment for the next generation of choral teachers. Panelists will discuss issues related to mentoring K-12 singers who might be interested in choral teaching. Additional discussion will focus on providing insights to those who teach vocal music education majors and observe student teaching interns. Participants will discuss ideas as to specific tools and techniques that can help early career choral educators cross the divide between stress and success in the K-12 choral classroom.

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Jamila L. McWhirter

MTSU - Middle Tennessee State University

Dr. Jamila L. McWhirter, Professor of Choral Music Education at Middle Tennessee State University, is National Chair of the ACDA Education and Communication Standing Committee. She serves the National Association for Music Education as a member of the Editorial Advisory Committee for the Music Educators Journal. She recently authored A Creative Duet: Mentoring Success for Emerging Music Educators, published by Oxford University Press. Dr. McWhirter presents for national, regional, and state conferences of ACDA, NAfME, SMTE, and MTNA. She also serves as guest conductor and choral clinician for numerous honor choirs and festivals throughout the United States.

Mark Lawley

Willard High School

Mr. Mark Lawley has enjoyed serving ACDA as President of Missouri Choral Directors Association and President of the ACDA Southwestern Division. He has also served as President of South- Central Missouri Music Educators Association. He has enjoyed 35 years as a teacher and conductor, teaching all levels Kindergarten through University. Choirs under his direction have given invitational performances at National ACDA, National NAfME, Southwestern ACDA, and 8 times for the Missouri Music Educators Association. He is grateful for his wife of over 30 years Lori and their children. Nothing has turned life upside down so deliriously as having five Granddappers.

John T. McDonald

McKendree University

Dr. John McDonald is Assistant Professor of Music Education and Director of Choirs at McKendree University in Lebanon, Illinois. He also serves as director of the St. Louis Children’s Choir Young Men’s Chorus. John earned degrees from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, East Carolina University, and Middle Tennessee State University. He maintains a professional ensemble singing career, performing with the Missouri Choral Artists and Church of St. Michael and St. George in Clayton, Missouri. Dr. McDonald lives in Swansea, Illinois with his wife, Alyssa, and their two sons, Tyler and Charlie.

Gene Peterson

California Baptist University

Dr. Gene Peterson is the Director of Choral & Vocal Studies at Collinsworth School of Music at California Baptist University. His prior appointments include Bethel University and the University of Tennessee. He has also served as music director and conductor for college, secondary school, church, and community choirs in California and Washington. Ensembles under his leadership have performed throughout the United States, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. He serves as a choral clinician, guest conductor, and adjudicator for choral festivals, honor choirs and all-state choirs. He also serves as the Artistic Director of Choirs for Perform International and Perform America.

Robert Sinclair

VanderCook College of Music

Dr. Robert L. Sinclair serves VanderCook College of Music as Director of Choral Activities and Dean of Graduate Studies. His educational background includes three years at Luther College where he sang in the Nordic Choir under the direction of Weston Noble. He completed his Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance and Master of Music in Choral Conducting degrees at Sam Houston State University. He completed a Ph. D. in Curriculum and Instruction (Music Education) at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Dr. Sinclair brings thirty years of experience working with MS and HS choirs at the state, regional, national, and international levels.