Sessions

John Stafford II

From 2023 National Conference This Deep Dive section will explore seven details to look for when choosing a vocal jazz chart for your small or larger choral ensemble. Especially for choral directors new to jazz music, this session will provide some ideas about selecting charts appropriate for a school ensemble at any level. The session […]

Erin Plisco
Missouri State University

From 2023 National Conference This session takes a deeper look into literature for SSAA choirs that empowers singers and ensembles in different ways. Participants will explore four diverse pieces of music in depth, gaining insight into composer intent, rehearsal strategy, performance practice, and cultural understanding. No Fairy Tale HereZanaid Steward RoblesMusicSpoke I’m On My WayAnthony […]

Madlen Batchvarova
Hanover College

From 2023 National Conference If you have always wanted to include Slavic or Asian music in your concerts but never felt confident, this hands-on session is for you! We will sing and explore the universal theme of love, expressed with humor and lyricism, through the lens of Bulgarian, Macedonian, Russian, and Korean languages and folk […]

Elizabeth Hearn

Alicia Vorel

In many choral programs, mixed (SATB) choirs are perceived as the pinnacle ensemble, while soprano/alto (SA) choirs are often treated as developmental groups, regardless of the skill level of their singers. National participation data consistently show that approximately 70% of secondary choral participants are female (sex assigned at birth) and 30% male, a pattern that […]

Jennifer Sengin
University of Missouri–Kansas City

As choral directors, we are always exploring ways to recruit and retain singers in school choral ensembles. When growing choral program in all settings, it is helpful to consider the following three opportunities: 1) exploring and/or modifying program structure in order to meet the needs of the community/school; 2) identifying and connecting with prospective singers; […]

Pingyi Song

Yuhua Li

Mengda Jiang

Folk music is the visceral heartbeat of identity, yet stunning parallels exist between East Asian and Western traditions. This session explores universal foundations in nature, love, and community as a gateway to authentic performance. A panel of conductor-scholars traces their “journey of discovery,” detailing the challenges and triumphs of introducing Mongolian, Korean, Japanese, Tibetan, and […]

Matthew Myers
Washington State University

Dean Luethi
Washington State University

Topic: This session explores the process of individual and group voice placement to improve the tone quality of choirs while allowing for singers to perform with their most natural and healthy vocal technique. We will explore the individual voice part assignment process, outline the considerations for voice placement within a choral section, and experiment with […]

Darden Purcell
George Mason University

Shaping the Sound: Attaining Authenticity in your Jazz Vocal Ensemble Why doesn’t my choir sound like other groups? You love the Jazz and contemporary sound, however, find it challenging to articulate swing, improvisation, and the blues, as well as obtain that “authentic” commercial sound in a healthy and productive manner. In Vijay Singh’s article “Advocacy […]