connection
a look inside
FromthePresident’sPen
PastPresident’sCorner
R&RResouceArticle
TeamSWACDA
TimeCapsule
Children’sandCommunityYouth -NathanWubbena
JuniorHigh/MiddleSchool -CristiMiller
SeniorHighSchool -SpencerWiley
4-YearCollegeandUniversity -RayvonTJMoore
2-YearCollegeandUniversity-TatianaTaylor
StudentActivity-JenniferSengin
CommunityChoirs-AndyWaggoner
MusicinWorship-BryanTaylor
VocalJazz-BethEnloeFritz
ShowChoir-MichaelShimp
WorldMusic&Cultures-EduardoGarcia-Novelli
Tenor/BassChoirs-ReginalWright
Soprano/AltoChoirs-TannerOglesby
SWACDABoard(2024-2026)
JonathanOwen,President/Editor
JoshuaOppenheim,President-elect
JeffreyMurdock,PastPresident
JeffWall,Treasurer
MargieCamp,ConferenceChair
FromthePresident’sPen
Everythingisnew!Itisanewschoolyearandanewseasonofsinging
Inthisissue,youwillfindthefirstinstallmentofthe“PastPresident’sCorner”,inwhicheachmonthapast SWACDA president will share an article on any subject having to do with choral music It might be conducting,bestteachingpracitices,orasJeffSandquistwritesaboutinthisissue,COMMUNITY.
WearesofortunatetohavegreatR&RChairs,andinthisissueyouwillhearfromthreeofthem.Eachof them are amazing leaders in their respective areas, and I know that you will be able to glean much knowledgeandnuggetsoftruthfromthem.
I hope you are enjoying receiving and reading this magazine/newsletter twice and month and are finding manythingsthatcanbehelpfulanduseful
WeareinfullswingwithpreparationsforAlbuquerque.HonorChoirinformationwillbecomingoutsoon. We’re getting the sessions all put into place and making sure the room assignments are correct It’s been hugeundertakingandhastakenalmosttwoyearswithpreparation.WeareexcitedtobeinAlbuquerquein Marchandcan’twaittoshareitwithyou.
PleasewatchformoreinformationandhereinTheSouthwesternConnection,onsocialmediaandonour website.
Best,
PastPresident’s Conrner
JeffSandquist 2008-LittleRock community
build create search find provide enrich celebrate a reminder prompt invitation an opportunity to slow down pause contemplate reflect on community
Intimeswhereourperceptionisthatthereisnotenoughtime,wemusttakethetime,forourselves,forour families,andforthemanycommunitiesweserve.
Whatbettertimethannow? Andifnotnow when?
Summerisdrawingtoaclose.Therealizationthatrelaxingwasgood,rechargingwasbeneficial,andeven though you took some time to plan for the upcoming school year or season, there are a myriad of things thatstillneedtobedone ThatisallOK Itisallabouttheprocess,andeveryoneneedsaprocess Backto theprocessatthetopofthearticle.
Thenouniscommunity Thelistofverbsisbynomeanscomplete Pleasefeelfreetoaddactionwordsof yourchoice. (Youcouldalsochoosetochangethenoun,butthatwouldbeforanotherarticle). Focuson the community of your choice. Select the verb of your choice, and take the opportunity to slow down, pause, contemplate, and reflect on that aspect of your chosen community and your role within that community Hopefully this will allow you to focus on what I would consider to be the most important aspectofourwork…therelationshipswebuildwiththesingersthatweserve.
As choral directors we are a part of many different communities, each ensemble we lead is it’s own community, a subset of larger communities, overlapping with other communities in the complex Ven diagramoflife.Peopleareattractedtocommunitiesthatfulfillandmeettheirneedforcommunity.Choral musicisthebondwesharewithourmusicalcommunity,theproverbial“tiethatbinds.” Theindividual
JeffSandquist Continued
relationships created in the process of making music, the shared experience of creating something that is biggerinsumthananyofitsindividualparts,isattheverycoreofwhoweare,andwhatweareabout.
Consider your role in the choral community you create Consider the role your choral community plays in thelargercommunity.Considertheimpactofourcombinedchoralcommunitiesineachstate.Considerthe potential of our combined choral communities on the country, and the world. Our collective impact is exponential.Weareneedednow,morethanever.
Come to Albuquerque and be part of our SWACDA community as we join together to celebrate choral communitiesfromallacrosstheSouthwesternDivisionofACDA,andjoinustocreateNEWcommunities throughtheHonorChoirs.Ilookforwardtoseeingyouthere!
JeffSandquist SWACDAPresident,(2206-08)
R&R RESOURCE
NathanWubenna
Children&CommunityYouth
FirstImpressionsinChoir:BuildingSkill,Culture,andCom
We all understand the importance of first impressions whethe audition, or a job interview. The same principle applies at the star decisionswemakeinthosefirstrehearsalsarecrucialtosettingup termsuccess.
Ratherthanrushingstraightintoconcertrepertoire,I’vefoundvalueinplanningashortbeginning-of-year “mini-unit”thataddresseskeyaspectsofmusicalandsocialdevelopment.Thetimeinvestedupfrontpays offsignificantlyinensembletone,community,andexpectations
HerearefiveelementsIaimtoaddressrightaway:
Communitybuilding
Musicalexpectations
Socialexpectations
Rehearsalandlearningprocesses
Foundationalskillsinmusicianshipandvocalproduction
Below,IsharetwoexamplesofhowI’veappliedthisphilosophy oneinaschoolchoirsettingwithdaily rehearsals,andanotherinacommunityorafter-schoolchoirthatmeetsweekly.
SCHOOLCHOIR:8-DAYMINI-UNIT
Thismodelassumesdailyrehearsals.Forblockschedules,considercombiningtwodays'content.Iuseasimilar plan with all of my ensembles including advanced choirs because it resets vocal habits, builds cohesion, and setshighexpectationsfromdayone
Day1:StartSinging,StartPlaying
Welcomeyoursingersenthusiastically,reinforcetheideathateveryvoiceisvaluable,andgetthemsinging rightaway Introduceorreviewfoundationalvocalproductionskillsappropriatetoyourgroup(eg,breath support,vowelshaping).
Then,breaktheicewithafavoritenamegameortwo.Iloveusingthismomenttoreinforcegrowthmindset:
Haveeachstudentproudlydeclare,“Hi!I’m[name]andIfailed!”
Therestoftheclassrespondswithahearty,“Hi,[name]!HOORAY,youfailed!” Thiscelebratesrisk-takingandhelpscreateasafe,playfulspace.
Day2:ReinforceFoundations&BuildMusicalConcepts
Reviewvocalfundamentalsandapplythemtoasimpleround Beginintroducingmusicianshipconcepts (rhythm,melody,etc.)atanappropriatelevel.
Include a teambuilding activity playful interaction fosters trust. Begin modeling and practicing any classroomprocessesyouexpectstudentstouseregularlyIfyouarelookingforanewonetotry,takealook HERE.
Day3:GrowToneandCommunity
ContinuedevelopingensembletoneandskillsYoumaystickwiththesameroundorintroduceanewone
Playanotherinteractivegame don’tworryifit’snotexplicitlylabeleda"teambuilder.”Funandlaughterare bondingtools.Encouragestudentstolearneachother’snames.Iliketorewardthosewhocannameeveryone successfullywithatreatorprivilege,andgiveopportunitiestodosothroughthenextseveraldays.
Day4:IntroduceaUnisonPiece
Chooseapiecethat’squicktolearnyetmusicallyrich somethingyoumightassignasolostudentinvoice lessons.Thegoal:fullylearn,finesse,andmemorizethisbyDay8.Useittoreinforcethefoundationalskills you 'vebeenbuilding
Also,beginpreparingtoco-createsocialnormsorexpectationswithyourstudents.
Day5:SetExpectations,RaisetheBar
Continuelearningthepiece,andstartapplyingexpressiveelements(dynamics,phrasing,etc) Beintentional: onceyouintroduceamusicaldetail,expectthemtodeliveronit.
Workwithyoursingerstocreateaclasscontractorsharedexpectations.Involvingthemensuresgreaterbuyinandunderstanding.
Day6:MemorizeandAssess
Memorizetheunisonpiece.Startbridgingtothenextphaseofyourcurriculum e.g.,atheorypre-testor previewofupcomingrepertoire.Finishanylingeringexpectation-settingactivities.
Day7:RehearseLikeIt’saConcert
Refinetheunisonpieceasifyou’reperformingittomorrow.Revisitrehearsalprocessesandcontinueholding highexpectations.Includeadeeper-levelteamactivitythatencouragesmoremeaningfulconnection.
Day8:PerformandCelebrate
Doafinal“dressrehearsal”ofthepieceandthenrecordtheensemble.Celebratethehardworkandhighlight theirprogress.
Then,takeitastepfurther:sharethevideowithparentsThiswillbeapositive“touch”astheschoolyearstarts andsetsyouupforsuccesswiththoserelationshipsaswell.Youcouldalsousethistogetthemtoopenthe emailwithexpectationsfortheyearandconcertdates.
COMMUNITYORAFTER-SCHOOLCHOIR:1-DAYLAUNCH+FOLLOW-UP
Thisapproachworksforchoirsthatrehearseweekly,ideallyforlongersessions.
FirstRehearsal
Startsingingrightaway engagementmatters.Introducefoundationalelements,suchasbreathandtone, andapplythemusingaround.
Play1–2namegames(seeDay1aboveformyfavorite,aswellasDay2foradditionalsuggestions). Encouragestudentstolearneachother’snames,andofferrewardsfornamingeveryone
Establishexpectationsforattendance,practice,musicmarking,rehearsaletiquette,etc.Besuretoexplain thewhybehindeachpolicy thisboostsinvestmentandcooperation
Iftimepermits,introducesomeofthemusicfortheupcomingconcertandbuildexcitement!
Follow-UpStrategies
Chooseaunisonoreasy-to-learnpieceforthefirstconcertThisallowsquickprogressonmusicality andsetsastrongprecedent.
Keepplayinggamesandencouragingconnection,whichisespeciallyimportantforgroupsthatonly meetweekly
Sharevideoclipsofsuccessesthroughouttheyear,celebratethemwithyoursingersandbragtothe parentsabouthowawesometheirkidsare.
Continuetosetandholdhighexpectations Singersappreciateit(nomatterhowmuchtheymay whine)andwillrisetotheoccasion.
FinalThoughts
Whetheryourehearsedailyorweekly,beginningyourschoolyearorseasonwithintentionmakesa difference Apurposefulfirstimpressionhelpscreatestrongsingers,ahealthyculture,andarehearsal environmentwhereexcellencecanflourish.Don’trushthefoundation builditthoughtfully,andyourchoir willthriveallyearlong.
R&R RESOURCE
BryanTaylor Music&Worship
WorshippingThroughtheArts
In1999,Ifeltanoverwhelmingurgetopursuechurchmusicfull-time,acallingIheardinmyyouth.Iwas inthemidstofarewarding15-yearhighschoolchoralmusicpositionand alreadyworkingatachurch musicpositionparttimewhenthisdreamcameintobeing.I counseledwithmyseniorpastorandplaced thiscallingtothechurchleadershipandcongregation…theysaidyes,andthirtyyearslaterIcansayclearly thatthishasbeenanincrediblyrewarding,spirituallystimulating,anddeeplyfulfillingcareer
Assomanyofuswhohavebeencalledtoleadchurchmusicandsacredarts,Iwas determinedtocreate anddelivermybestworkthroughthemusicweofferedinworshipeachweek.Toaddressthis,Ifocusedon preparingthebestmusicalofferingsIcouldandstartedexpandingaconcertseriesandaddingsacredartto themix,aswell.Thisvisionwasfurthersolidifiedbyaphrasethatmymusicteamhelpedmecreate,titled “Worship Through the Arts.” We soon created a concert series in 2001 and titled it this very phrase“WorshipThroughtheArts”Thisministryisbasedonthebeliefthattheartswere createdbyGod and nurtured for centuries within the church. Our goal was to sponsor events that fostered this understandingandartisticdevelopment,showcasingpassionateandemotionallychargedperformancesof musicandartthatresonatewithourfaithcommunityatLUMCandthesurroundingarea
Sinceitsinception,“WorshipThroughtheArts”haswelcomednumerouschoirsfrom outsideofour country, including local and surrounding state college and university choirs, high school choirs, professionalchoirs,brassbands,contemporaryChristianartists,actors recitingentirebooksoftheBible, visualartistspresentingartexhibitionsoftheirsacred works,includingmonth-longexhibitsinourart gallery.Theserieshasalsofeatureda diverserangeofperformers,includingsacredprofessionaldancers, gospelsingers, bluegrassbandsthatperformwithmyadultChancelChoir,andsingers,pianists,and organists.Theseperformanceshaveundoubtedlystirredtheheartsoftheaudienceandbroughttogethera diversegroupofpeoplefromwithinourchurch,community,and beyond.Iwanttoshareafewofthese ideaswithyou,hopingtoigniteaninterestwithin youthatmayhopefullyinspireyoutodeveloporshare withussimilarmomentsinyour ownchurchmusicsituation.Whileeveryideamaynotbesuitablefor you,Iencourage youtoadaptittofityourneedsIfyouhaveanyquestionsorsuggestions,pleasedon’t hesitatetoreachout.Wevaluelearningfromotherswhohavegreatideas.Your passionateandemotional performanceshavealreadyhelpedyourownworshippers deepentheirfaiththroughtheexceptional musicalandartisticgiftsyouprovideeach weekWhetheryouarepart-timeorfull-time,Godhasgiven youtheabilitytotouch heartsandsoulsthroughyourcallinginchurchmusicandworshiparts.Keep sharingthisamazinggiftwithyourchurchfamilyasyouWorshipThroughtheArts.
ArtShowofYourLocalArtists
We have sponsored a few local artists in the Liberty/Kansas City, Missouri area. One of my favorites is David Johnson, a retired art professor who is blessed with exceptional calligraphy and woodcut skills I have commissioned numerous works from him and even performed a sacred choral concert alongside his art,whichfeaturedseveral lyricssettocalligraphy.Iamfortunatetohaveseveralof hisworksdisplayedat ourchurchthroughouttheyear
WithartistDavidJohnson
David also led a 3-week December adult Sunday School class with me, featuring Christmas art and music from throughout the ages and included his own artwork too. These classes took place on Sunday mornings in the sanctuaryandincludedfourcombinedadultSundaySchool classes It was a lot of fun to combine these artworks with choral andvocalmusic.
By chance, I discovered a retired Hallmark illustrator and artist named Eric Disney After retiring, he developed a passion for creating an angel exhibit. We were able to share these angels in our church art galleryandevenofferedameet-and-greetwiththeartist.Weevenmadegreetingcardsofhisworkandsold them at the gallery These artists have truly blessed us The angels were everyday people he encountered alonghispathashelearnedtoembracehis retirement.
Often, churches have their own artists within their community. It’s important to develop and showcase their art whenever possible. I have several watercolor and oil painters and cross stitch artists who have giftedusbeautifulsacredpieces It’satrueblessingtohavesuchtalented artistsinourchurch
AGratitudeTree
Lastfall(2024),Isoughtsomethinguniquetopresentonthe SundayprecedingThanksgiving Istumbled uponanarticle abouta“GratitudeTree”thatseemedidealforthisoccasion. Whilesmallertabletoptrees could be used at home, I envisioned a hands-on, physical activity for our congregation during worship. Afterobtainingthepastor’sapprovalformy idea,itblossomedintoadelightfulandenjoyableadditionto ourworshipservices.
Ifoundasuitabletreeonourchurchpropertythatwould perfectlyfitthisevent.Afterharvestingthetree andallowingit todryforaweekorso,Ipainteditwhite.Ithenplaceditina largepot,supportedbyriver rockinside,andpositioneditatthe baseofthealtar Idiscoveredbeautifulfall-coloredpaperleaves which couldeasilybehungonthetree.
ArtGalleryfeaturingDavid’sArtwork
TheGratitudeTree
NailingofPetitions
We distributed these leaves with our bulletins and encouraged the congregation to write something they were grateful for on the back (blank) side. At the conclusion of the morning message, each congregation member was invited to come and place their gratitude leaf on the tree. We explained that we would collect theseleavestogetheraftertheservicesandprayfortheir blessings during our staff meeting that week. On Tuesday, I had each staff member read four or five of these gratitude notes during our staff meeting, and we prayed together for their blessings. It was a profoundly moving experience, and the congregation thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to express their gratitude during worship time. I sincerely hope that this special gratituderecognitionwillcontinueinto thefuture.Ialso created an art gallery exhibit with framed pictures of severalchurchmembers asourgrateful“worksofart.”
Iattendeda‘largechurchinitiative’conferenceoneyearandwitnesseda“nailingofpetition”timeduringa worship service. They had set up a cross on a table at the back of the sanctuary and distributed black squaresofpapertoeachattendee.Wewereinvitedtowritedownourpetitions/strugglesonthispaper.At any point during the service, anyone could take their paper and nail it onto the cross.While it was a bit distractingfromtheotheractivitieshappening,itwasstilldeeplyeffective.
NailingofPetitions
This was another way for us to participate and witness an emotionally charged activity for the worshippers. Inspired by this experience, I’ve been incorporating it into our Good Friday Choir Cantata serviceeveryyearsince.Wecreatethreewoodencrossesandplacetheminthefrontofthechancelareafor thecongregationtonailonto.Iusethisactionaboutthree-quartersofthewaythroughthecantata.Ittakes aboutfiveminutesormoretocomplete,buttheemotionsoftheworshippersareevident,andtheylovethis special time to express their pain, hurt, or prayers of need to the cross. The sound of pounding hammers againstthenailsdrawsourattentionfullyandintensifiesthepassionoftheservice.
OfferVisitingConductors/SpeakerstoCome
Weallknowthejoyofworkingwithamasterclinicianorartisttoenhancethechoirandtheaudienceforaspecial choirretreatthatextendsintotheworshiptime.Asahighschoolstudent,myexperienceintheMissouriAll-State Choir was a significant influence on me, leading me to pursue a career in choral music. I was fortunate to have WestonNobleasmyclinician,anexperiencethathasleftanindeliblemarkonme.Howcanyou betterblessyour choirthantogiftthemtimewithWithWestonNobleyourmentorandfriend?IbroughtWestonhere twicetowork withthechoir,conductingafullconcertandsharingtheGoodFridayservice.Hisexpertiseandpassionweretruly exceptional!
We have also had the privilege of welcoming several talented individuals to our church. Ken Medema, a gifted songwriter, singer,andpianist,hasbeenaregularvisitortoourchurch,often collaboratingwiththeadultChancel Choir in retreat settings. His ability to create songs on the spot inspired by stories from choirs, audiences, or even pastors’sermonsisdeeplymovingand spirituallyuplifting.
OtherdirectorsandcomposerswehavebroughttoourchurchincludeJosephMartin,CraigJessop,WillTodd,Mark Hayes,CharlesBruffy,JanKraybill,EphEhly,andPhilipStopford.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have also embraced the opportunity to connect with wonderful leaders in our field online.We have welcomed several individuals to our choir through online sessions, including Dan Gawthrop and his wife Jane Griner, David and Susan Cherwien, Elaine Hagenberg, Mark Lawley, David Keith, and organist JanKraybill.WithKenMedema
WithMarkHayes
CommissioningofMusicforyourChoirandChurch
I’vebeenfortunateenoughtohavecommissionedafewpiecesforthechoirforworship.Acoupleofyears ago, our church celebrated its 200th-anniversary anniversary, and we commissioned Elaine Hagenberg to writeapieceforthechoirandchurchinhonorofthisoccasion.Inspiredbythis,IdecidedtoorganizeanallHagenberg concert, where stories of our church’s history were woven throughout the concert through narrations from several church members. We chose a Charles Wesley text, “Love Divine,” for our commissionandcelebratedGodandourchurchforthiswonderfulcelebrationofourchurchhistory.Elaine evendrovedownfortheconcertandspentsometimewiththechoirandme,helpingtofine-tunethenew anthem Itwasthrillingtohaveherwithus,andshemusthavebeendelightedtoconstantlybereminded, “Hey, that’s my anthem again!” Other commission composers we ’ ve been blessed with include Joseph MartinandJeffreyAmes
Over the Christmas season, someone asked me, “What does music mean to you and your faith? And how do you plan and continue to find passionate music for church in today’s world?” I loved these questions because they allowed me to describe my calling into church music and explain my process for searching formusicthattrulymovesmysoul.Thisprocessnotonlyhelpedthem understandtheanswerstheywere seeking but also gave me an opportunity to testify to the profound connection between my faith and music-Ican’t thinkofonewithouttheother.
WithElaineHagenberg
Whenselectingchurchanthems,hymns,liturgy,andotherworshipactivities,Iaskmyself,“Isthisstirring? Doesitsupporttherestoftheservice?IsitpassionateandgroundedinGod?”Ibelievethattheseelements andquestionshelpmetooffermybestwhenplanningforworship
Adearcoupleinthechurchgiftedmeabookafewmonths agotitled“TheLanguageoftheSoul”byJeff Crosby.The book’s premise revolves around the idea of “Meeting God in the Longings of Our Hearts.” It also introduces the word “saudade,” pronounced sow-dodge-ee, which describes the profound and deeply movingfeelingsweexperiencewhenlisteningtopassionatemusic.
“Saudade”isaPortuguesewordthatischallengingto translateintoEnglish.Crosbyprovidesadescription of its meaning, stating that the music it is associated with evokes a sense of wonder, reflection, mystery, and allure. It often describes as a vague and constant desire for something, somewhere, or someone that may not exist or perhaps cannot. It’s a yearning for something beyond the present moment, a turning towardthepastorfuture.
Crosby further explores the characteristics of saudade, including the longing for home, an undivided self, forgiveness received and given, friendship, spiritual transformation, peace, community, freedom from unhealthy fear and anxiety, meaningful work, and the longing for heaven, our hearts’ true home These feelings have been a constant presence in my life, and I find comfort in knowing that there is a word and bookdedicatedtounderstandingandexpressingthesepassionateemotions
I highly recommend reading the book and delving deeper into the desire to comprehend these profound feelingsthatweexperiencethroughgreatworshipthroughthearts.Igenuinelyhopeandpraythatyouwill awaken and succeed in your own fulfilling church music and arts program. Please share your exciting programmingwithmeandourSWACDAMusic&Worshipparticipantsaboutyourchurchmusicandarts offerings.Ourchurchmusicprogramsareofutmostimportanceinthisunpredictableworldwelivein.Let uskeepourmusicalandartisticcallingaffirmedandflowingthroughcreativeworshipofferings.
R&R RESOURCE
TannerOglesby SSAAChoirs
StartingontheRightNote: Back-to-SchoolTipsforChoralDirectors
ThoughItypicallymournthecloseofsummervacation,Imustsaythatthebeginningoftheyearisthe mostexcitingforme.Exploringnewideas,buildingprogramculture,establishingensembleidentity,and cultivatingrelationshipsallmakethestarttoaschoolyearfun.However,gettingtheshipoutofportcanbe themostchallenginganddauntingtaskoftheschoolyear.So,I’vedecidedtooutlinesometipsforyouto considerasyougetyourschoolyearstarted.
EventPlanning…Dates,Times,andtheInevitable:Conflicts!
It’snotamatterof‘if’therewillbeaconflictbut‘when’.However,therearestepswecantaketoavoidas manymajorconflictsaspossible.
Reviewyourschool,district,andcommunitycalendarsandtryyourbesttoplanaroundbigdates Getwithyourdepartmentcolleaguesandcollaboratewiththemondatesthatworkforeverybodysoasto avoidschedulingachoirconcertontopofabandconcert.Thisisalsoagreattimetoagreeonaproactive planforwhenstudentswillhaveconflicts.Askessentialquestionslike:“Ifastudentisonthebasketball teamandtheyhavepracticeduringachoirperformance,whichactivityshouldthestudentprioritize?” Thesearequestionsthatarebestaddressedasadepartmentorschoolsoyouaren’tonyourowntakinga reactiveapproach
Once you ’ ve got your dates set, share them with administrators, colleagues, and others for a quick perusal/approval Sometimesafreshperspectivewillcatchaconflictyoumightnothavenoticed Choir concertduringtestingweek?Yourschoolmaynotallowthat,andacounselorortestingcoordinatorwill usuallyhelpyoucatchthosethings.
Communicateeventdates,aswellasattendanceexpectations,withyourstudentsandfamiliesasquickly aspossible Iaddthemtoourchoirhandbook,whichparentsmustsign It’sagreatwaytoensureevery expectationhasbeencommunicated.
Aftercommunicatingeventdates,considerwhathelpyou’llneedfromparentsoryourparentorganization inordertomakesuretheeventsaresuccessful.Iprepareaspreadsheetwithalloftheeventsaswellas dutiesforeacheventformyself,myco-director,andparentchaperones/volunteerswewillneed.
UpdateAdministrativeMaterials
This work is tedious and one of my least favorite parts of getting started, but it’s so important! In my district,weutilizeachoirhandbookwherewecommunicateexpectationsforstudents,eventdates,andso on. This is the first thing I update from year to year. You might also want to prepare medical forms, permissionslips,andotherformsyouwillneedmid-year.Newteachers,makesuretocommunicatewitha school-basedordistrict-basedmentorwhocanwalkyouthroughallofyourdistrict’sprocesses.Eachschool is unique in how they handle procedures It’s incredibly important to know what your administrator’s expectationsarebeforesendingoutmaterialstostudents/families
PreparetheRehearsalSpace
Have you checked your rosters? Is your rehearsal space big enough for the number of students you will have? Is your space safely laid out? Have you considered foot traffic flow from when students enter to whentheyleave?Whereintheroomdoyouwantstudentstoavoidgathering?Isyourspaceaccessibleto allstudents?
ThesearejustafewofthemanyquestionsIaskmyselfwhenmakingsuremyrehearsalspaceissetup.I believe that spaces have energy and how we arrange space may be conducive to a productive learning environmentorourbiggestheadache.Thinkofyourroomfromthestudentperspective.Forourchoirroom, we have an “SOS” or “Student Opportunity Station” where students may find basic essentials like hand sanitizer and Kleenex, as well as pencils and so on I’ve made sure to place it in an area of the room that won’tbecometoocrowdedatthebeginningandendofclass.
CurriculumMapping&LiteratureSelection
First,whatdoyouwantyourdailyrehearsaloutlinetolooklike?Thisisdifferentforeveryone,andIbelieve there are multiple “correct” answers here The important thing is that you have a daily rehearsal plan of some sort When I started teaching, I viewed “fundamentals” as its own portion of rehearsal, where we focused on specific rhythmic and pitch patterns for sight-reading and so on. However, I’ve since learned thatthebestlearninghappenswhenweareintentionalaboutchoosingqualityliteratureasthevehiclefor teaching fundamentals. After all, the reason we teach fundamental concepts is so that our students may continue to grow as independent musicians and apply learning to literature and music-making. I find literatureselectiontobeachoraldirector'smostimportantduty,andittakesmeweekstocombthroughall of the literature that exists to find the right fit for my ensembles I wrote an article for the January 2025 edition of Southwestern Connection that specifically outlines strategies for literature selection, including ensemble identity, difficulty level, voicing, programming, and diverse perspectives. I encourage you to checkitout!
Withthatbeingsaid,bepreparedtotryacoupleofthingswithyourstudentsrightawaysoyoumayassess the ensemble’s current ability level and build from there As you choose literature, consider what vocal concepts you want your students to learn as well. It’s easy to get too focused on sight-reading and forget thatyouareateacherofvoice,too.Iliketoreframevocal“warm-ups”as“vocaltechnique”.Wewarmupour voiceasaconsequenceofdailytechniquetrainingatthebeginningofrehearsal.
EstablishCommunityEarly
Communities are complex People from different backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences make up a communityWhenaproblemarisesinacommunity,it’suptocommunitymembersandleaderstosolveit together.Communitiessetgoalsandworktowardthem.Communitiessucceedtogetherandfailtogether. Communitiesexperiencelossandtragedytogether.
Tome,achoralclassroomhastheopportunitytobethebestmodelforcommunity.That’stheculturemy colleaguesandIworktocultivate Thebeginningoftheyearcaneasilyfeeloverwhelmingwithrules, policing,gatekeeping,andanoverallsenseofrigidity Or thebeginningoftheyearcanbeinspiring, hopeful,exciting,andpositive.Yourstudents’abilitytofeelsafeenoughtobevulnerablewillbeparamount toqualitymusic-making,anditallbeginswithhowyousetthetoneatthebeginningoftheyear.With helpful guidance, consider including your students in establishing goals and expectations, but also accountability measures. I like to start these conversations with guiding scenarios to ponder. These scenariosarereal-life,likely-to-happenscenarios
Here’sanexample:
“Scenario:Wehavesoloauditionsinfrontoftheclass,andthepersonauditioningmessesuportheirvoice cracks.First,discusswithyourteamhowyouwouldfeelasthesoloistinthesituation.Next,discussways thatyou,asalistener,canhelpalleviatesomeofthesoloists’negativefeelings.Whatshouldweneverdo, asateamoflisteners,ifthisweretohappen?Asateam,whatdoyouthinkisafairaccountabilitymeasure ifalistenermakesthismistake?”
ThisisanactivitythatIwoulddoinabout5-10minutesofclass,andIdoabout3oftheseaweekforthe firstcoupleofweeksofschool Itisagamechanger!Youwillnolongerfindyourselfasthe“enforcer”of rules,butacommunityleaderwhofollowsthroughwithcommunityexpectations Forthefirstseveral weeks,wedoanactivityliketheoneabove,lotsofvocaltechnique,andfundamentalsofsight-reading throughliterature.Mostimportantly,wehavefun!
FinalReflections
Remember,youdon’thavetoaccomplisheverythingyousetouttodoinoneyear,especiallyifyouare newer to teaching. Building an excellent choral program is a marathon, not a sprint! Focus on small successesforyourselfandyourensemblesinthebeginningandeventhroughouttheyear.Ifyouare strugglingwithimpostersyndromelikesomanyofushave,pleaseknowthatwealljustteachblackinkon whitepaperDon’tfeeldiscouragedifyourprogramisn’twhereyouwantittobeyetYourbestresourceand frameofreferencearethestudentsinfrontofyou;letthemworkwithyoutodefinesuccessforyour program.Ihopethisarticlewashelpfultoyou,andIlookforwardtoworkingonmoreresourcesforyouand yourstudentsthroughouttheyear.
Bestwishesforafunandexcitingnewschoolyear!
