Sept 30 2.6 by margiecamp

Southwestern The connection

SWACDABoard(2024-2026)

JonathanOwen,President

JoshuaOppenheim,President-elect

JeffreyMurdock,PastPresident

JeffWall,Treasurer

Unlock and Open New Ideas

MargieCamp,ConferenceChair

From the President’s Pen

R&R Repertoire

State of the State

Be Our Guest

It Takes a Village

Membership Monthly

Albuquerque Time Capsule

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

FromthePresident’sPen

In the choral world, it’s so easy for directors to get stuck in our own little bubbles, constantly planning rehearsals, juggling concert details, and worrying about a million details. The job takes so much focus and energy that before we know it, all we hear is our own choir and what we think they soundlike.Buthere’sthething:realgrowthdoesn’thappenifweonlystayinourlane.Ifwewantour choirs(andourselves)tothrive,wehavetostepoutsidethecomfortzone.

Oneofthesimplestwaystodothat?Listentootherchoirs. Wespendsomuchtimeshapingourown group ’ s sound that we forget what a shot of inspiration it is to hear someone else. Go to a concert, sit in on another rehearsal, or even check out YouTube and watch a few choirs do their thing. Hearing other groups reminds us that there are endless ways to make music. Maybe you walk away with a newsong,acoolphrasingidea,orjustalittlereminderthatyou’repartofsomethingbiggerthanyour ownprogram.

Another easy way to shake things up? Invite people into your space. Bring in a guest director, ask a composer to visit, or just let a trusted colleague sit in on rehearsal. A fresh set of ears will always catch things you ’ ve stopped noticing, and your singers will see that learning is something we all do , no matter how long we ’ ve been at it. And the students will more than likely hear the very same thingsyou’vebeensayingallalong.

And then there are conferences. ACDA, (including Albuquerque..... ) NAfME, state conventions whatever you can get to, go.They’re more than just professional development boxes to check.They’re whereyou:

Pickuppracticalideasaboutteachingandconducting

Discovergreatnewrepertoire

Connectwithpeoplewhounderstandexactlywhatyou’regoingthrough

Hear performances that light the fire all over again, even if the choirs are at a level you can only hopetoreachsomeday

Of course, none of this works without being a little vulnerable. Opening up your choir room, hearing other groups, or admitting you still have more to learn can feel risky. It may be difficult to have people critique and judge your singers, but that’s where the magic happens. Choirs led by directors whoembracechangeandgrowthalmostalwaysfeelmorealiveandmorecreative.Thiswasoneofthe mostdifficultpartsofteachingforme.

At the end of the day, directing a choir isn’t just about waving your arms around or picking the next concert theme. It’s about modeling curiosity, community, and a willingness to grow. When we listen to other choirs, invite new voices into our spaces, and show up at conferences, we ’ re not only getting betterourselves,wearemakingthewholechoralexperiencericherforoursingersandaudiences. The best choir directors aren’t the ones who have all the answers. They’re the ones who stay curious, keeplearning,andneverlosethatsparkfortheartform.PleasejoinusinAlbuquerque!

Best,

JonathanOwen,SWACDAPresident

Repertoire

RayvonTJMoore 4-yearUniversityR&RChair

“Openers&Closers”

WelcomeIn–DanielBrinsmead(opener)

WaltonMusic

SATB,w/four-handpiano

“Welcome In!”is a vibrant original carol by Brinsmead, featuring a four-hand piano accompaniment that truly captures the Christmas spirit.The piece not only celebrates the joy of the season but also shares a meaningful message of compassion and belonging, with lyrics like: “Welcome in!There is room here for all… Take a seat at the meeting table.” This would make a wonderful addition to any winter concert program.

https://giamusic.com/resource/welcome-in-printed-music-wjms1211

ComeandGo(ToThatLand)–BrandonBoyd(closer) GentryPublications

SATB,w/piano

Awesome arrangement by Boyd setting the spiritual “Come and Go with Me” in a gospel style. I highly recommend adding drums and bass to really make this piece rock. There are opportunities to feature soloistsandifyouhaveonethatcanadlibletthem“gooff”attheend!Thisisalsoagoodpiecetoinvite audience participation not only by clapping, but you might teach them the chorus and have them sing along!

https://www.gentrypublications.com/product/come-and-go-to-that-land-all-products/

ComeChristiansJointoSing–RandallKempton(opener)

Beckenhorst Press Inc. SATB, w/four-hand piano, 2 violins, drum Infused with the spirit of earlyAmerican folk traditions, this vibrant anthem makes a striking impression with its optional strings and percussion supporting a robust four-hand piano part From its opening measures, the piece gathers momentumasvocallineslayerofferingrichcontrastsintextureandenergy

https://beckenhorstpresscom/come-christians-join-to-sing-kempton

R&R

Repertoire

4-yearUniversity Continued

GraceBeforeSleep–SusanLaBarr(closer)

SantaBarbaraMusicPublishing

SATBdiv /SSAA,acappella

A gorgeous setting of a Sara Teasdale poem and a beautiful concert closer! Each note feels both inevitable and transcendent, as if the voice itself is breathing life into the very soul of the music This musical offering of thanks is reflective in nature and will warm the hearts of your audiences. It isoneofmygo-tos!

https://sbmp.com/SR2.php?CatalogNumber=1005

Sorida(AZimbabweGreeting)–RosephanyePowell(opener)

HalLeonardCorporation

SATBdiv.,TTBB/SSAA,w/percussion

The piece is a great opener as it greets all! Using the Shona language of Zimbabwe coupled with English text this piece features six percussion instruments, and an opportunity to feature soloists or a semi-chorus. For the performance you can add movement and or have the singers process in when theybegintosing Theaudiencewillenjoythispiece!

https://wwwhalleonardcom/product/200529/sorida

Repertoire

MichaelShimp

ShowChoirR&RChair

Openers/High-EnergyStarts RunawayBaby(BrunoMars)-Voicing:SATBDifficulty:Medium-Arranger:GarrettBreezePublisher:BreezetunesProductions-Link: https://breezetunes.com/product/runaway-baby/

BornThisWay(LadyGaga)-Voicing:SSA-Voicing:SSA-Difficulty:Medium-Hard-Arranger:Garrett Breeze-Publisher:BreezetunesProductions-Link: https://breezetunescom/product/born-this-way/

Centerpieces/Crowd-Pleasers

ShutUpandDance(WalktheMoon)-Voicing:SATB,SAB,SSA -Difficulty:Medium-Arranger:GarrettBreeze-Publisher: BreezetunesProductions-Link: https://breezetunes.com/product/shut-up-and-dance/

BornForThis(TheScore)-Voicing:SATB,SAB,SSADifficulty:Medium-Arranger:GarrettBreeze-Publisher: BreezetunesProductions-Link: https://breezetunes.com/product/born-for-this/

LetmeShowYou -Voicing:SSA,SAB,SATBDifficulty:Easy-Arranger:-Publisher:ShowChoirStockLink:https://showchoirstock.com/catalog/arrangement/690

Happy(PharrellWilliams)-Voicing:SATB,SAB,SSADifficulty:Medium-Arranger:GarrettBreeze-Publisher:Breezetunes Productions-Link:https://breezetunescom/product/happy/

Ballads/Emotional ShowChoir

SaySomething(Pentatonix)-Voicing:SATB,SSADifficulty:Medium-Easy-Arranger:GarrettBreezePublisher:BreezetunesProductionsLink:https://breezetunescom/product/say-something/

YouWillBeFound(DearEvanHansen)-Voicing:SATB,SAB -Difficulty:Medium-Hard-Arranger:GarrettBreezePublisher:BreezetunesProductionsLink:https://breezetunescom/product/you-will-be-found/

Broadway/ThemedFeatures

Hamilton:AChoralMedley-Voicing:SATB,SAB,SSADifficulty:Medium-Hard-Arranger:LIsaDeSpainPublisher:AlfredMusic-Link:YouTube–Hamilton:AChoralMedley(Score&Sound)

FriendLikeMe(Aladdin)-Voicing:SATB,SABDifficulty:Medium-Hard-Arranger:GarrettBreezePublisher:BreezetunesProductions-Link:https://breezetunes.com/product/friend-like-me/

Closers/GrandFinales

-Voicing:SATB,SAB,SSADifficulty:Medium-Arranger:GarrettBreezePublisher:BreezetunesProductionsLink:https://breezetunes.com/product/high-hopes/

CarryOn(Runyan)-Voicing:SATB,SABDifficulty:Medium-Easy-Arranger:GarrettBreezePublisher:BreezetunesProductionsLink:https://breezetunes.com/product/carry-on/

ShowChoir

“EyeOnIt”(TobyMac)--Voicing:SSA,SAB,SATB -Difficulty:Easy-Arranger:ShowChoirStockPublisher:ShowChoirStock -Link: showchoirstock.com+9showchoirstock.com+9showchoirstock.com+

UptownFunk(MarkRonsonft.BrunoMars)-Voicing:SATB,SAB,SSA,TTB -Difficulty:Medium-Arranger:GarrettBreezePublisher:BreezetunesProductions-Link: https://breezetunes.com/product/uptown-funk/

R&R

Repertoire

ReginalWright

TTBBChoirR&RChair

Tenor-BassRepertoirebyFemaleComposers

While the tenor-bass choral tradition is rich with repertoire, works by female-identifying composers are often underrepresented in programming.This curated list highlights pieces written specifically for tenor-bassensemblesbywomenwhosevoicesareshapinganddiversifyingthechoralcanon.

From fresh settings of timeless texts to vibrant original works, these selections showcase the artistry, perspective,andcreativitythatfemalecomposersbringtotheworldoftenor-bassmusic.

OMagnumMysterium–B.E.Boykin

Boykin’ssettingofthistimelessChristmastextbalancesreverencewithwarmth,offeringlush harmoniesthatinvitesingersandaudiencesintoasenseofaweandmystery.

WhenWeSing–RosephanyePowell

Powell’smusicradiatesjoyandenergy,andthisanthemcelebratestheunifyingpowerofsong itself perfectforchoirseagertolifttheirvoicesincommunity

OCome,Emmanuel–ElaineHagenberg

HagenbergweavesexpressivelinesandrichharmoniccolorsintothisbelovedAdventhymn, creatingasenseoflongingandhopethatresonatesdeeplywithsingersandlisteners.

TeachMe,OldWorld–AndreaRamsey

Withtextreflectingwisdompassedthroughgenerations,Ramsey’spieceblendsfolk-likemelodies withrhythmicdrive,honoringheritageandsharedhumanexperience.

BellaCiao–ChristyJones

JonesreimaginesthisfamousItalianprotestsongfortenor-bassvoices,maintainingitsfolkroots whilehighlightingthemesofresilienceandresistance.

InFlandersFields–ChristineDonkin

Donkin’ssensitivesettingoftheiconicWorldWarIpoemispoignantandstirring,givingchoirsa chancetoexplorebothmusicalbeautyandhistoricalremembrance

SpeaktheTruth–JocelynHagen

Thispiecechallengeschoirstosingwithconviction,settingpowerfulwordstoequallyboldand rhythmicallycompellingmusicthatencouragescourageandauthenticity

EarthMother–MariEsabelValverde

Valverde’scompositionhonorsourconnectiontonature,drawingonvividimageryandexpansive sonoritiestoportrayreverence,nurture,andstrength.

TTBBRepertoire

Continued

HowCanIKeepfromSinging–SarahQuartel

Quartel’sarrangementofthisclassichymnisflowingandlyrical,offeringafresh,contemporarytake thatcelebratesresilienceandthejoyofsong.

Fire–KaterinaGimon

Anenergeticandelectrifyingwork,“Fire”exploresprimalvocalsounds,rhythmiclayering,and intensity invitingsingerstotapintorawpassionandelementalforce.

Hark,IHeartheHarpsEternal–AliceParker

Parker’siconicarrangementoftheAmericanfolkhymnisexuberantandspirited,capturingthe essenceofearlyAmericansingingtraditionswithrhythmicvitality

By programming works by female-identifying composers, conductors not only enrich the musical experiences of their ensembles but also amplify voices that have historically been overlooked in the tenor-bass repertoire. Each of these pieces offers singers a chance to connect with meaningful texts and diverse musical languages, ensuring that our choral programs reflect the full breadth of artistry presentintoday’schorallandscape.

StateoftheState KarstenLonghurst,President

In2006,Iwasafirst-yearteacherinOgden,Utah,atahighlysocio-economicallyandethnicallydiverse school. I was overwhelmed and filled with self-doubt. I had taken a job that no one else really wanted, andIwasnavigatingunfamiliarchallenges.IwasalsoafirstyearactivememberofACDA,steppinginto the profession with both excitement and uncertainty. Despite the struggles, one thing made a huge difference: I had a group of teachers who cheered me on. These teachers many of them fellow ACDA members were positive, focused on process and development, joyful in collaboration, and most of all, generouswithlove.Oneyear,whenmybudgetwascutentirely,Iturnedtoamentor.Sheinvitedmeto her music library, and I returned with six titles, including festival pieces.That act of generosity became another pivotal point in my early career.These amazing teachers cultivated a safe place for me to grow andsawthegoodnessofwhatIhadtoofferthechoralprofession.

Six years later, I moved to California to pursue graduate work in choral music. I found another group of wonderfulcolleagueswhowerestrivingforexcellence,butwhoalsocelebratedeverystepofprogression along the way. They taught me more about celebrating the process and again, welcomed me with open arms.

In2015,myfamilymovedtoruralOklahomaforajobatasmallregionalUniversity.Thiswasadifficult transition,butagain,Ihadteacherswhowelcomedandcontinuallysupportedme.Andfinally,lastyear, ImovedtoOklahomaCityforanewopportunity.AgainIhavefelttheamazingsupportandkindnessof mycolleaguesandmembersofACDA.Oklahomanowtrulyfeelslikehome.

The teachers/colleagues I mentioned have all one thing in common. They are members of ACDA. They understandmentoring.Iamgratefulforanorganizationthatbelievesinchangingtheworldonedirector and one singer at a time.The network of friends I stepped into in each move has been life-changing for thebetter.

Aswebeginthisnewyeartogether,Iwanttosaythankyou forbeingmentorsinyourclassrooms,your rehearsal spaces, and your communities. May you continue to bless and unify our world through your support,yourkindness,andthepowerfulbeautyofchoralmusic Withgratitude,

KarstenLonghurst

PresidentofOkCDA

ProfessionalDevelopmentisPersonalDevelopment

KenTucker

DirectorofVocalMusic

SullivanHighSchool,Sullivan,Missouri

Thisschoolyearmarksmy32ndintheclassroom AndalthoughIhavehadaverylengthycareerIseem toalwaysfeeloverwhelmedwiththeamountofthingsonmybeginningoftheyear“TODO”checklist It is inevitable that there are a million things to do and rarely enough time to get them all done This “to-do” list consists of tasks like creating my classroom gradebooks, watching our mandatory safety videos,andmakingupmyemergencysubplans ButoneoftheitemsonmylistIamalwayscertainto put at the top is to submit my paperwork for any Professional Development In the sections where it askswhatIwilllearnwhenIattendthisconferenceIlistthefollowing:

I will attend intriguing workshops where I will learn the newest and best practices for my music classroom. Topics to be covered include choral pedagogy, classroom procedures and innovative ways to engage my students. It is important to continue to learn new ways to communicate with our students. Being able to learn from others and analyze our own methods allowsustoimproveasteachersandconductors.

I will attend outstanding choral performances where I will be inspired with new choral literature and creative programming. Isn’t this our favorite part of a choral conference? Experiencing high level performances of the choral art inspires us and moves us to continue to craftourownmusicalpictures.

Iwillhaveaccesstonewteachingmaterialsandclassroomresourcessuchasmethodbooks, choral octavo and demonstrations in new classroom technology. Exploring the literature and resourcesthatweuseinourclassroomsandchoralrehearsalsallowustobringanotherleveltoour studentsandsingers.

[Andmostimportantly]

I will have the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues who are the best in our field allowingmetolearnfromtheirexpertise.Discussingtopicswithothers; askingtheiropinions. This helps us to understand we are not alone in this process. Even after 32 years I’m looking for bettermethodsandpracticesinwhichtorunmyclassroom.

I am especially excited about SWACDA this coming March due to the amazing conference President Jonathan Owen and his team have put together in Albuquerque! I am personal friends with Jonathan and I speak to him regularly about the upcoming conference. What I see from him when he speaks of the conference that so many of you don’t get to, is his personal excitement and passion. He and his teamhaveworkeddiligentlytocreateaconferencethatwillbewellworthyourtime. Inadditiontothe outstandingchoirs,interestsessions,honorchoiropportunitiesandguestchoirsandconductors,heand his team have gone above and beyond to prepare for us the opportunity to witness a cultural presence fromthecityofAlbuquerquethatwillcreatememoriesthatwewillnotsoonforget.

I encourage you to fill out your work requests sooner than later and make plans to meet us in AlbuquerqueinMarchsothatyoumaycontinuetoDevelopProfessionally! Themorethemerrier.

JazzRucker HonorChoirCoordinator7-9SSAA

JazzRuckeristheDirectorofChoirsatStaleyHighSchoolinKansasCity,Missouri Heisthrilledto be joining the SWCDA Honor Choir team. Prior to this role, he served as a choir director, music teacher, and district-wide elementary music department chair in the Lee’s Summit R-7 School District.HebeganhisteachingcareerasamiddleschoolvocalmusicspecialistinColumbiaPublic SchoolsandlaterbecamethefoundingDirectorofVocalArtsatMurielWilliamsBattleHighSchool.

Mr.Ruckerisasought-afterclinicianandadjudicatorforhonorchoirsandfestivalsofallagesand voicingsacrossthestate.Hehasbeeninvitedtopresentworkshopsandleadrehearsalsfocusingon vocaltechnique,ensemblebuilding,andculturallyresponsiveteachingpractices Hehasservedthe MissouriChoralDirectorsAssociation(MCDA)asaResourceChair,HonorChoirCoordinator,and ConferencePresenter.Inrecognitionofhiscontributionstothefield,Mr.Ruckerwashonoredwith theMCDA“PreludeAward”forexcellenceinvocalmusiceducation.

Heisdeeplygratefultohiswife,TaraRucker,andtheirtwochildren,BrynlynnandBerkley,fortheir endlesscare,encouragement,andsupportofhisworkandartistry.

BethSt.John

7-9TrebleHonorChoirCo-Coordinator

BethSt.John,a2005graduateofSoutheastMissouriStateUniversity,holdsaMaster’sinMusic Education,aBachelorofArtsinVocalPerformance,andaBachelorofEducationinMusicEducation.

A1997JacksonHighSchoolalumna,Bethbeganteachingin2002andcurrentlyco-directsthechoral programatJacksonSeniorHighalongsidehersister,ChristyShinn.Sheteachestwonon-auditioned mixedchoirs,co-teachesfourauditionedchoirs,anddirectsanafter-schoolHandbellChoir.

From2004–2019,shealsoassistedwiththeJuniorHighSelectChoirandpreviouslytaughtatthe elementary level Under her direction, the high school and junior high choirs were selected to perform at the Missouri Music Educators Association Convention in 2010. Beth served as the Southeast All-District Choir Coordinator from 2003–2024 and currently serves as R&R Chair for HighSchoolChoirsinMCDAandco-coordinatoroftheSWACDA7–9TrebleHonorChoir

Her recognitions include the MCDA Prelude Award (2007), multiple MCDA Outstanding District Directorawards,the2014JacksonAreaChamberEducatoroftheYear,andseverallocalhonorsfor herdedicationtomusiceducationandveterans.

Beyondmusic,BethsponsorsJ-Click,asafety-focusedstudentclub,andservesonstaffforTraction, ayouthleadershipprogrampromotingroadsafety ShelivesinJacksonwithherdaughters,Katyand Maggie,andtheirdog,Willow.Awidowsince2017,sheenjoystraveling,tennis,biking,singingat church,andcheeringonherdaughters'volleyballteams.

NephtaliCantú

HonorChoirCoordinator7-9TTBB

A Northwest Arkansas native, Nephtali Cantú is currently in his eighth year at Lingle Middle School in Rogers, AR, where he directs the 6th–8th grade choral program. He is deeply committed to fostering choral excellence in both his district and the state Under his leadership, the Lingle Lion Choirs have consistently earned superior ratings in both prepared music and sight reading at Choral Performance Assessment

In addition to his work at Lingle, where he serves as Department Chair, Nephtali also holds the position of Lead Teacher for secondary music in the Rogers Public School system. An active member of Arkansas’ music education community, he currently serves as treasurer for ArkCDA Region 6, is on the faculty of Arkansas Choral Connections (ACC) choir camp, co-directs the University of Arkansas Children’s Choir, frequently hosts All-Region tryouts, and has cliniced for local choral events.

Outside the classroom, Neph enjoys yoga, running, kayaking, exploring National Parks, and spending time with his dog, Chance, and cat, Chuchi with an Onyx coffee always in hand.