THE CSULB ACDA CHORAL SERVICE INITIATIVE

College students serving California’s teachers

By Emily LaSalle

Photo by Max Kleinen via Unsplash.com

Ending the 2020 school year virtually was With my fingers crossed underneath my desk, I devastating for my CSULB classmates and me, presented the idea to my mentors at CSULB, Dr. as it was for music teachers, musicians, and audiences Jonathan Talberg and Dr. Joshua Palkki. They were around the world. Within a week after the Bob Cole just as excited as I was—maybe more so. I am grateful Chamber Choir’s performance with Eric Whitacre to them both for believing in my vision and giving me at the Western Division ACDA Conference, all the both the green light and the guidance to turn my idea Conservatory’s music-making came to a screeching into reality. halt. As summer progressed, we were notified that our In the span of about a week, we developed detailed fall semester would be almost completely online, with sign-up forms for interested teachers and students. no in-person vocal music. Entering my senior year, I The survey for our teachers inquired about the grade felt lost. level(s) they teach and the location(s) in which they

I saw school districts debate how and whether to teach, and their specific needs, such as music theory, reopen, and I thought of the thousands of educators grading help, assistance with recording software, or affected—especially music vocal coaching. We educators—and wondered asked volunteers about how they must be feeling. their interests, their I talked with friends about experience, and their how their final year in their unique skill sets, as well Music Education degrees as their comfort level might have no face-to-face with recording, piano, instruction. I asked myself voice lessons, music for months: What can I do? learning programs, etc. How can I help? We also asked them if

Luckily, in my summer they preferred to work internship working on a with a certain grade congressional campaign, I was introduced to a concept that helped me answer those Four of the CSULB choral music education students involved in the Choral Service Initiative (Left to right): Anna Crumley ’21, Cassandra Duschane ’21, Hillary Ngo ’21, and Vickie Nguyen ’21 level. We wanted to make these surveys as thorough as possible questions: using the strengths so that we could make of our community to combat its challenges. Our the most informed decisions when matching volunteers statewide and national choral community has so many with mentor teachers. strengths, and as a singer, a music major, and a choral After only a few days of recruiting, we had a office assistant for my University, I was well aware of lengthy list of teachers and students excited to work what my colleagues had to offer. together. I finalized and distributed paperwork

So I spearheaded the CSULB ACDA Choral outlining the responsibilities and expectations of the Service Initiative. participants. After multiple meetings, emails, and

The idea was simple: connect skilled and passionate hours spent pairing Volunteers and Mentor Teachers choral/vocal students from CSULB’s Bob Cole based on skills and needs, I introduced each volunteer Conservatory with choir teachers who needed help, to their Mentor Teacher via tailored, personal e-mails and have them volunteer virtually. I believed that this and launched the CSULB ACDA Choral Service program would give students an outlet for hands-on Initiative. We now have 27 Volunteers working with 27 learning, and an opportunity to give back to the Mentor Teachers across the entire state of California. larger network of choral educators who have given so much, in a time when they needed it most. I wanted to provide our incredible educators, our Mentor To our delight, the program seems to be greatly beneficial for California music educators and Teachers, another set of hands to help them navigate future teachers alike. CSULB students are involved a year unlike any other, and an opportunity to lift the in myriad activities, including creating part tracks, next generation of musicians and music educators. teaching voice lessons and composition, and grading.

Within the first few weeks of the program, our students were collectively serving over 70 hours a week in California schools, and during the Fall semester, CSULB volunteers served over 700 hours with their Mentor Teachers across California. Here are some quotes given from our participants about their experience with the program thus far:

From our Mentor Teachers:

“My volunteer has helped me turn what could have been a mess of a semester with online learning into an educational and joyful experience. My volunteer is a composition major, so we decided very early on that every class she is able to join will work on a semester-long composition project. This is my first time having my students compose, and she has been so knowledgeable and mentoring to my students. I was so surprised at how well all of my students have been doing!” “As an established teacher, this new venture of Virtual Teaching felt as though I was entering my first year of teaching all over again. However, I was blessed to be a part of the [program]. Being paired with one of their fantastic singers allowed for me to have another set of hands to help develop the many resources needed to be successful! The materials that have been created will be used for years to come and have truly added to my repertoire of resources to train up the next generation of singers.” “What is so wonderful about this program is that the student who was assigned to work with me is actually an alum of our school district and one of the elementary schools I teach at! I love that time and effort was taken to place the perfect mentee with me. She has been a great help during this difficult time and has not only helped with the lessons, tech and planning, but she is able to serve her own community while doing so.”

From our Student Volunteers:

“As an aspiring music educator, this has been a great opportunity to get insight into what it is like to teach in a classroom, even if it is virtual. This program has also given me something to look forward to each day and I am happy we are able to help teachers in need of some extra assistance.” “My experience has been amazing so far! It’s been really grounding to take on a leadership role with students younger than myself who are struggling with balancing online classes, work, and home life during the pandemic, just like I am. I have huge respect for their grit and enthusiasm. This opportunity has helped give me a sense of purpose for getting through this challenging time and focusing on my future professional goals, because it’s really reaffirmed my passion for teaching music and providing a safe place for young people to learn and communicate.” “It is so wonderful... Studying choral music with these kids never fails to put a smile on my face and remind me how powerful music education is. This program inspires me to keep going at the end of the week.”

If the CSULB ACDA Choral Service Initiative has taught me anything, it is that the love of choral music and music education is still very alive—even from our living rooms. When students see the need around them, and are given an outlet to give back, they jump at the opportunity. I am proud to have helped make a difference this semester, and I cannot wait to see what else our choral community can accomplish together. 

Emily LaSalle is a Senior at CSU Long Beach’s Bob Cole Conservatory of Music, where she is studying Music and Political Science as a President’s Scholar. At CSULB, Emily performs with the Bob Cole Chamber Choir and Pacific Standard Time. She is a dedicated volunteer with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, and combines her love of music and commitment to cancer advocacy by hosting benefit concerts, supported by local musicians, businesses, and elected officials. Upon graduation in May 2021, Emily will begin a Master of Public Administration degree at the University of Southern California, where she hopes to gain tools to develop meaningful community partnerships.

LMU Music Welcomes

DR. T.J. HARPER

Director of Choral Activities

Loyola Marymount University Choral Music Program

Located in Los Angeles, the second largest artistic and entertainment market in the country, the LMU Choral Music Program offers undergraduate degrees in music with concentrations in Choral Conducting, Composition, and Vocal Performance. Scholarships are available.

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