April is almost upon us and winter is over!! It is difficult to believe that it won’t be long until summer vacations School will be out, church choirs on summer break and community choirs will have finished theirseason.Directorswillhaveashorttimetorelaxandrefreshbeforeitbeginsagain.
I had a wonderful time in Dallas and am so grateful for the leadership team for their work in creating an incredible experience. Awesome choral performances, incredible sessions to attend and opportunites to reconnect with old friends and make new connections At our SWACDA reception in Dallas, there was a drawingforOneComplimentaryRegistrationforourconferenceAlbuquerque Thewinnerofthisdrawing was ChrisMunce!! Congratulations,Chris!!
Jeff Murdock is our featured past president in this issue. I am so grateful to Jeff for his leadersip and his invitationtometoshadowhimduringhistenureasSWACDAPresident.ItwassohelpfultomeasIbegan my own term and the planning and work that goes in to a conference Margie Camp will be our final featuredpastpresident HerSWACDAknowledgeisunmatchedandIamgratefulthatsheagreedtobemy conference chair. Her feature is coming next month. Beginning in July, the past presidents have been invited to share an article on any choral-related topic. We are where we are today because of their great leadership.Iamlookingforwardtoreadingwhattheyhavetosharewithourmembershipandamgrateful fortheirwillingnesstosharewithus.
Inlessthanayear,we’llbeinAlbuquerqueforanexcitingconference I CAN NOT WAIT WewantYOU to be there with us. Please consider applying to present an InterestSession. That deadline is APRIL15. Many of you have awesome things to share and your colleagues are waiting to hear from YOU. Your friends and colleagues are also wanting to hear your choir. Step out of your comfort zone and send in an audition.TheapplicationdeadlineforPerformanceChoirsisMAY15.
Intalkingwithfriendsandcolleagues,Ihaveheardmanytimes,“IhaveneverbeentoAlbuquerque” This willbeyourchance.ThiswillbethefirsttimeSWACDAhasbeeninNewMexicoandweareexcitedtobe inanewstate,anewcityandlooktowardNewHorizons.
Dr. Jeffrey Allen Murdock is internationally known as a conductor and clinician. He is in his 10th year at the University of Arkansas, where he serves as Director of Choral Activities, Professor of Music, and founding director of the Arkansas Center for Black Music He is currently a visiting faculty fellow at the University of Cambridge (Wolfson College), in Cambridge, UK He is the 2016 Connor Endowed Faculty Fellow in the J William Fulbright College of Arts and Science, and 2019 Most Outstanding Faculty at the UniversityofArkansas Heisthe2021GRAMMYMusicEducatoroftheYear
Dr.Murdockhasconductedregionalandstatehonorchoirs,andheadlinedconferencesin26statesand12 countries. With research interests including of Culturally Responsive Pedagogy in the Choral Classroom, Music in Urban Schools, and Social Justice in Music Education, he has presented at state, regional and national conferences of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), the International Society for Music Education (ISME), and the American Choral Directors Association, where he serves as pastpresident of the Southwestern Division. He has also served ACDA as president of Arkansas ACDA, and member of the national diversity subcommittee. Choirs under Dr. Murdock’s direction have performed at the Arkansas All-State Conference and the Southwestern Division Conference of the American Choral Directors Association. In addition to being an accomplished conductor of western choral music, Dr. Murdock is also a skilled gospel musician and conductor. He has served on the conducting staff of the NationalBaptistConvention,USA,Inc.,hascollaboratedwithnumerousworld-renownedGospelrecording artists.
Dr Murdock holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and a Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting,bothfromtheUniversityofSouthernMississippi,andaDoctorofPhilosophy(PhD)inMusic EducationfromtheUniversityofMemphis
ACDAholdsaspecialplaceinmyheart,markingaturningpointinmyjourneyasamusicianandeducator. My first real experience with ACDA was as a singer with the Southern Chorale at the University of Southern Mississippi, who was invited to perform at the 2005 national conference in Los Angeles. It was there in the Disney Concert Hall, amidst the passion and talent of countless singers and educators, that I trulyrecognizedthegrandeurandlimitlesspotentialofthisprofession
Prior to that moment, my exposure to choral music had been rooted in my limited experiences in Mississippi,butACDAopenedupaworldofinspirationandcollaborationunlikeanythingIhadwitnessed before ThevibrantcommunityofmusiceducatorsIencounteredfueledmyambitiontoexcelintheartof choralmusic.
As a high school teacher for 10 years, I was deeply influenced by the incredible music educators I connectedwiththroughACDA,whoweretirelesslydedicatedtoraisingthestandardofchoralmusicinour districtandstate.Theircommitmentinspiredmetostriveforexcellence,andIbecamedeterminedtoboth honorandbuildupontheirlegacy.
Murdockcontinued
Ultimately, my journey led me to pursue a Ph.D. in Music Education, enabling me to bring my diverse experiencesandpassionforchoralmusic includingMusicEducation,"traditional"ChoralMusic,andBlack Sacred Music into my current position Every connection made and lesson learned at ACDA has shaped who I am as a choral musician, propelling me forward in my mission to inspire and uplift others through the power of music ACDA is more than just an organization; it is a catalyst for transformation, both personallyandcollectively
IfyouwanttoexposeyourdevelopingmixedchoirtothemusicofEricWhitacre,SingGentlyistheperfect piece to program for your next concert or festival performance. The piece begins with a simple melody coupledwithasparsepianolinethatevolvesintotheharmonictexturethatischaracteristicofWhitacre’s compositionalstyle.ThispieceisalsoavailableforSSAandTBBensembles. https://beta.jwpepper.com/sing-gently-11219607-15725/p
HelaRotan
arr.KenSteven
HalLeonardCorporation
SATB,acappella
This Indonesian folk song arranged by Ken Steven combines a traditional melody from the island of Maluku with contemporary harmonic and rhythmic elements that are both fun and challenging to sing The syncopated ostinato pattern in each vocal line creates an almost conversational effect that your singerswillenjoybothinrehearsalandinperformance. https://beta.jwpepper.com/hela-rotan-11397274-11178/p
Gaudete!
arr.MichaelEngelhardt
WaltonMusicCorporation
SATBdivisi,percussion
With thematic material derived from the Pies Cantiones, “Gaudete!” presents the traditional main melody inawaythatisinnovativeyetauthentictotheoriginalsacredchant.Theaccompanyingpercussion
HighSchoolMixed-Continued
ensemble adds a rhythmic drive to a fantastic piece that can function as a great opener or closer for your nextholidayorfestivalperformanceforyourvarsitymixedchoir ThispieceisalsoavailableforSSAand TTBBensembles
Thischoralgemiscenteredaroundtheuniversalthemeofcherishingthememoryofalostlovedone.With severalmomentsofantiphonalsingingsupportedbyabeautifullywrittenpianoaccompaniment,thissong will be a favorite of both your singers and the audience. Set in Korean, the composer creates a beautiful tapestry of lush harmonies and poignant text that will resonate with everyone who hears it. Composer Hye-YoungChostates,“Whilesinginginaforeignlanguagemayposeachallenge,Ihopethatthissongin Koreanwillstilltouchtheheartsofthosewhosingit,eveniftheydon’tspeakKoreanfluently”
AsIstartedtocreatearepertoirelisttosharewithourmembersinMarch,Irealizedthiswouldbeagreat opportunitytocelebratewomeninhonorofWomen’sHistoryMonth Femalecomposershavesignificantly shaped the landscape of choral music, bringing diverse perspectives and innovative approaches to the art form. Historically underrepresented, their contributions challenge traditional norms and expand the repertoire available for choirs. Composers such as Florence Price, Amy Beach, and more contemporary figures like Rosephanye Powell and Andrea Ramsey have created works that not only resonate with emotional depth but also explore themes of identity, culture, and social issues. By incorporating unique musical styles and narratives, female composers enrich the choral tradition, inspire new generations of musicians,andadvocateforinclusivityinahistoricallymale-dominatedfield.Theirgrowingvisibilityand recognition continue to influence the evolution of choral music, ensuring a richer, more varied musical landscape.
The piece has several voicings, including SSA divisi. “Evocation” boasts a beautiful piano accompaniment withabriefacappellasectiontowardtheend.Thepoemaddressesthegriefoflosingalovedoneandhow memories can evoke a flood of emotions. Written with elements of neo-Romanticism, the music mirrors thethemeofthepoeminavisceralway.Musicservesasapowerfulvehicleforhealingandempathy,and there is no greater example than Cho’s “Evocation (Mon-Nee-Joh)” I would recommend this piece for an intermediatetoadvancedhighschoolgrouporacollegiate-levelensemble
Although this piece features several voicings, the SSAA voicing is my favorite. Described as a “ women ’ s anthem” for persevering through life’s difficulties, “Still I Rise” is the perfect piece to showcase during Women’s History Month. It is written in a gospel style for SSAA chorus, soloist, and piano. I would recommendthispieceforahighschoolorcollegiate-leveltreblegroup.
R&R Repertoire
Changes-SSAHalLeonardCorporation
AudreySnyder
SSAA Continued
https://wwwjwpeppercom/Changes/10605483item
While preparing this repertoire list, I knew I wanted to pay homage to the work of Audrey Snyder, who recently passed away in January. Her prolific career in choral arranging and composition will continue to resonatethroughthesongswearefortunatetoteach!“Changes”isoneofthosepieces;itisaccessibleand appealstostudentsofallages.TheacappellaSSAarrangementismyfavorite,butitalsocomesinSATB and includes optional piano accompaniment for emerging groups that may struggle to perform it a cappella.Additionally,thepiecefeaturesbodypercussion,whichaddsafunlayertotherehearsalprocess.
Thisisanincrediblyuniquepiece,andIhaveyettocomeacrossstudentswhodon’tlovesingingit!“Music ofLife”isanaccessibleselectionformiddle-levelsingers,featuringbeginning-levelrhythmsincompound meter This makes it great for introducing your middle-level treble ensembles to compound meter However,myfavoriteaspectofthispieceistheopeningunisonline Evenwithmyadvancedensembles,I liketohavethemsingunisonlinesonoccasiontorefocustheirsound Itchallengesstudentstobemindful ofblendandintonation Overall,thisisafantasticteachingpiece!
Sigue-SSAAWaltonMusic
IvetteHerrymanRodriguez
https://www.jwpepper.com/Sigue/10513282.item
“Sigue” is a lively piece for your intermediate to advanced treble ensemble. Written for SSAA, it also features an engaging piano accompaniment. Although most of the song is homorhythmic, there are challenging rhythms with syncopated entrances throughout. The text is in Spanish and is derived from a poem by Cuban poet Nicolás Guillén. The poem tells the story of a traveler who is advised to “keep walking” to avoid the bad influence of a local woman known for her seductive ways. This narrative is representedinthepianothroughawalkingbasslinethatisconstantlyinterruptedbytriplets(symbolizing the woman). These elements are also present in the vocal parts. Overall, this piece would be ideal for a groupthatlovesstorytelling!
Turning-SSAAMarkFoster
JoniJensen
https://wwwjwpeppercom/Turning/11398747item
This piece exemplifies contrast through tempo and style changes, dynamic variations, consonance and dissonance, dense textures, and more! Few pieces come to mind when I think of a pure demonstration of technicalprowess,and“Turning”isoneofthem.WrittenforadvancedSSAAdivisi,thisIrishfolksongalso calls for fiddle, flute, and bodhrán. Although the added instrumentalists are optional, they significantly enhancetheoverallsound.Ihighlyrecommendincludingthemifyouareable.
R&R Repertoire
LaViolette-SSAACollaVoceMusicLLC
SusanBrumfield
SSAA
https://www.jwpepper.com/La-Violette/3166725.item
AnAcadianfolksong,“LaViolette”iswrittenforSSAAchorusandpercussion.However,itisaccessiblefor anadvancedmiddle-levelgroupanddoesnotfullyutilize4-partharmonyuntiltheveryendofthepiece. For my emerging groups, I always strive to find a cappella pieces that are not only accessible in terms of range and rhythmic/pitch difficulty but also feature a faster tempo and percussion. This piece checks all theboxes!
Idon’tthinkI’veencounteredanElaineHagenbergpiecethatIdisliked,andthisoneisnoexception.“You Do Not Walk Alone” carries a message that speaks for itself and can be applied in many contexts. This interpretationofthetraditionalIrishblessingisbothstunningandtechnicallychallenging,yetrelatable.It wouldserveasagreatconcertcloserorevenagraduationpiece.WhenItaughtthispieceacoupleofyears ago, the students couldn’t get enough of it Even if it poses a challenge for your group, it may be worth introducingtoseehowfartheycantakeit It’sastudent-certifiedfavorite!
Iamproudtoshareexamplesoftheincredibleworkbeingaccomplishedbychoralconductorsthroughout thestateofOklahoma.WearefortunatetohavetheNationalACDAOfficeinourcapitalcityofOklahoma CityandtosupportourownOklahomaTeacheroftheYearandOklahomaCityUniversityalumna,Robyn Hilger, whose transformative leadership as the Executive Director of ACDA continues to inspire and elevatethefield.
Oklahoma is home to approximately 63 public and private institutions of higher learning, nearly all of whichofferamusicdegree.SomeofthefinestvocalartistsandperformershaveemergedfromOklahoma, including Kristin Chenoweth, Kelli O'Hara, Carrie Underwood, Woody Guthrie, Toby Keith, and Garth Brooks, all of whom began their musical journeys in our state’s choirs. Kristin and Kelli are also both graduatesofOklahomaCityUniversity.
Jr.HighAll-StateandHighSchoolAll-StateJazzChoir
InJanuary,theOklahomaChoralDirectorsAssociation(OkCDA)presentedtheJuniorHighAll-StateMixed Choir, featuring 235 7th-9th graders, the Jr High All-State SSAA Choir, with 150 singers, and the High School All-State Jazz Choir, comprising 24 singers with four alternates Over 180 students auditioned for the All-State High School Jazz Choir, and each must pass three rounds of auditions, including a jazz audition with scatting. OkCDA's honor choirs are known for producing excellently prepared students, thankstoarigorousauditionprocessthatmirrorsthethreeroundsofourJr.HighAll-Statefestival.
VocalContests
It’s contest season in Oklahoma! Thirteen regions host vocal contests supported by our educators and the OklahomaSecondarySchoolsActivitiesAssociation.Thisyear,322-A/3-Aschoolswillperformatthestate level anincredibleaccomplishmentforoursmaller,ruralschools
IndependentFestivals&All-StateChoirCamps
Therearenumerousindependentfestivalsacrossthestateforstudentsatalllevels,manyofwhicharerun by OkCDAmembers. Our show choirs also benefit from these festivals, competing nationally as well. Our own Michael Shimp from Jenks High School is the SWACDA R&R Chair for show choirs! Many high schools and colleges offer All-State choir and musical theater camps, helping students prepare for their futureendeavors.
The Oklahoma Arts Institute (OAI) at Quartz Mountain offers a unique two-week summer camp for singers, providing the opportunity to work with internationally renowned choral directors. Last year, Michael Barrett led the camp, and this year ’ s director will be Dr Jeffery Redding Camp tuition, which totalsapproximately$2,600perstudent,isentirelyscholarship-fundedforselectedparticipants
SummerOkCDAConference
Our summer conference is a highlight each year, offering a rejuvenating, intimate atmosphere where colleaguescansharpentheirskillsandshareexperiences.Thisyear,theheadlinerwillbetheamazingDr. BetsyCookWeber.Theconferencekicksoffwiththemuch-anticipatedDirector’sChorus,whereDr.Weber willintroduceustosomeofherfavoriteliterature,allowingustolearnfromhermodeling.Wealsohavea special session by our State Fine Arts Director with updates regarding professional development, current stateoftheartsinOklahoma,andsharefundingideas.Wetaketimetoappreciateoneofourownwitha Director of Distinction Award and award college student OkCDA scholarship awards At the end of the conference,teacherswillbeintroducedtotheall-stateauditionmusicfortheyear
Our collaboration with the Oklahoma Music Educators Association (OkMEA) continues to strengthen our programs, including the biannual Intercollegiate Choir. This past January, Dr. Karen Kenaston-French from UT Arlington led an SATB chorus of 90 college singers from 10 colleges across Oklahoma. Additionally, we aregratefulforDr TatianaTaylorfromNortheasternOklahomaStateA&Mforservingasthe2-YearCollege R&RChairforSWACDA!
CommunityChoirs&Tenor-BassChoralConsortium
CommunitychoirsinOklahomahavereboundedremarkablywellaftertheCOVID-19pandemic,withmore than a dozen concerts popping up across the state. This March, Dr. David Howard from the University of Oklahomahelpedorganizeandhostthefirst-everTenor-BassChoralConsortiumNationalSeminar,bringing togetherhighschool,collegiate,andprofessionaltenorsandbassesfromaroundthecountry.
Choral-OrchestralPremieresinOklahoma
Oklahoma is home to a rich diversity of Native American tribes, each with its own unique culture and history This is reflected in the groundbreaking choral and orchestral compositions being presented in the state CanterburyVoices,Oklahoma’spremieresymphonychorus,recentlypresentedtheworldpremiereof JerodTate’sLoksi’Shaali’(ShellShaker)",acompositionthatnarratesthejourneyoftheChickasaw-Choctaw migration.Thistwo-actworktellsthestoryofaChickasawgirl,Loksi’(Turtle),transformingfromatroubled girl into a confident young woman, embracing her identity and honoring sacred traditions. The Oklahoma City Philharmonic will also present the world premiere of an American Indian Symphony with Canterbury VoicesinApril.
Tactus Chamber Orchestra and Vocal Ensemble will premiere a new multi-movement work, Songs of the Prairie,byDirectorWarrenPufferJones,blendingvoicesandinstrumentstoevokethemoodsoftheprairie TheperformancewilltakeplaceatthehistoricCivicMusicHallindowntownOklahomaCity
Oklahoma’sChoralCommunityisThriving!
Oklahoma’schoralcommunitystandsasashiningexampleofeducationalexcellence,inspiringbothcurrent students and future generations of choral artists. The passion, dedication, and leadership of our choir teachersareattheheartofmakingOklahomaatrueleaderinchoralmusiceducation.
