Dive into the music of Latina composers from across Latin America through singing, movement, and rhythm-centered pedagogy. Attendees will explore works by Elisa Schmelkes (Mexico), Suzzette Ortiz (Puerto Rico), and Charito Acuña (Colombia) while learning practical frameworks for teaching Latin American choral music. Through clapping patterns, vocalized percussion, and guided singing, conductors will discover how concepts such as ritmo, rhythmic layering, and sonidos can unlock articulation, phrasing, and ensemble energy. Leave with new repertoire and rehearsal strategies appropriate for ensembles of many levels.
she/her/ella: Unlocking the Music of Latina Choral Composers
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David Garcia Saldana
David Garcia Saldana is a Los Angeles-based Mexican American Chicano composer whose choral work draws on folk music and traditions. His compositions have been performed by the Los Angeles Master Chorale, SACRA/PROFANA, and The Sunday Night Singers; he has received commissions from the Los Angeles Unified School District and Cortines High School for the Arts. He approaches Latinidad as a dynamic identity, expanding Latin American music narratives to include the U. S. Latino voice. He has taught students in middle school through college and currently teaches music theory and composition at Pasadena City College. He serves Western ACDA as the composer track co-chair.
Corie Brown
Corie Brown serves as associate professor of choral studies and music education at San José State University. Prior to training in conducting at the University of Colorado Boulder and the University of Oregon, Dr. Brown taught in Colombia with the country's music program Fundación Nacional Batuta as well as in the midwest United States. She is active nationally and internationally as a clinician and guest conductor, most recently representing the United States in the Philippines as a fellow with the ACDA International Conductor's Exchange Program. Brown is also a scholar and arranger, and co-edits the Molina Brown Choral Series with La Voz Publishing.
