Sessions

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; […]

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 […]

Erika Tazawa
Kennesaw State University

B.E. Boykin
Georgia Institute of Technology

Have you ever wondered why there is a lack of representation of women conductors of color in leadership roles within the choral community? Have you ever observed any patterns or trends that contribute to invisibility of women conductors of color in different choral organizations or institutions? Join us for an empowering session dedicated to amplifying […]

Jonathan Palant
Dallas Street Choir, Credo Community Choir, UT Dallas

Dallas Street Choir, Credo Community Choir, UT Dallas Choirs

This session features singers from the Dallas Street Choir, UT Dallas, and the Credo Community Choir, led by conductor Jonathan Palant with composer Jacob Ryan Smith. Together, we will explore how the transformative power of communal singing fosters connection for our unhoused neighbors. (Re)discover how music cultivates empathy, understanding, and drives social change. Hear selections from […]

Elizabeth Bemis-Gatter
Christ Church Cathedral

This interest session explores frameworks for fostering intentional creativity in music ministry that both speaks to and expands the congregation’s sense of their collective musical identity. These ideas encourage church musicians to embrace their congregation’s traditions while prompting them to consider in what ways those traditions can be celebrated and supplemented. While many music professionals […]

Judy Bowers
Florida State University, Professor Emerita

American choral singing experienced a century of tremendous growth in participation and excellence all across the country. School and community programs grew dramatically between 1900-2000, and college/university programs created multiple music degrees. A benefit from having choral singers who learned performance excellence was that K-12 through university programs continuously increased in enrollment and participation. As […]

Cheryl Frazes Hill
Milwaukee Symphony Chorus, Chicago Symphony Chorus, Roosevelt University Chicago College of Performing Arts

This session will explore the choral methods of Margaret Hillis, the founder and first director of the award-winning Chicago Symphony Chorus. Margaret Hillis’s aspiration, from a young age, was to become an orchestral conductor. Her early years were steeped in studying, playing, and listening to orchestral music. Upon graduating Indiana University, she planned to pursue […]

Amy Kotsonis
University of New Hampshire

In the choral worlds, focus is frequently on mixed choruses, and the treble chorus is often overlooked when it comes to special opportunities, programming exciting repertoire, and status within a choral program. As conductors, it’s our responsibility to cultivate distinct identities and nurturing environments for each ensemble within our program, ensuring they feel valued and […]

Marques L. A. Garrett
University of North Texas

Susan Kelly
Stewarts Creek High School

Brian Russell
Stewarts Creek High School

In 1997, the Girls Choir of Harlem premiered “Voices from the Light,” composed by African-American composer Dorothy Rudd Moore. As was common with many pieces by persons of color, it remained largely unknown for many years. Following the piece’s premiere at Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center on November 23 of that year, the piece […]