ALLIED ORGANIZATIONS

OHIO CHORAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION Doug O’Neal - President

Highlighting The Upcoming Ocda Summer Conference

The 2023 Ohio Choral Directors Association (OCDA) Conference, “Tune your Toolbox”, is just around the corner, and it promises to be a must-attend event for choral conductors and music educators alike! This year, the conference is featuring an exceptional lineup of renowned choral directors and educators, including Joe Miller, Jessica Nápoles, and Stacey Gibbs. Additionally, we are thrilled that Richard Schnipke and Robyn Lana will be leading the High School Honors Choir and Treble Honors Choir respectively.

If you are a choral director, music educator, or simply an enthusiast, this is an event you simply cannot miss. The Ohio Choral Directors Association Summer Conference is designed to provide you with a unique opportunity to expand your knowledge and skills while networking with some of the most experienced choral directors in the country.

Joe Miller, the Director of Choral Studies at the University of Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, will be leading sessions on TLC, conducting technique, and lead a director’s chorus providing tools and insights to preparing music and scores for outstanding performances. . He has conducted renowned ensembles such as the Westminster Choir, and the Spoleto Festival Choir. With a wealth of experience, he is sure to offer valuable insights and techniques to attendees.

Jessica Nápoles is an Associate Professor of Choral Music Education and Director of Choral Activities at the University of North Texas. Her sessions will cover topics building independence, critical thinking, and fostering student engagement. With a focus in music education, Nápoles has been praised for her own work and teacher education in choral music and is sure to provide attendees with an enlightening and inspiring experience.

Stacey Gibbs is a celebrated arranger and composer, and his arrangements have been performed by choirs all over the world. He will be sharing his music in a reading session format as well as a session on authenticity in gospel, spiritual and hymn singing for schools and churches.

In addition to these amazing choral musicians, Richard Schnipke and Robyn Lana will lead the High School Honors Choir and Treble Honors Choir respectively. These choirs are comprised of some of the best school vocalists in the state and offer a unique opportunity for students to work with outstanding conductors and learn new skills.

The Ohio Choral Directors Association Summer Conference will take place on June 26-28, 2023 at Capital University in Bexley (Columbus), Ohio. We invite you to join us for three days of learning, networking, and inspiration. Don’t miss your chance to learn from some of the most accomplished choral directors in the country and be a part of an amazing musical experience. Register now to secure your spot at ohiocda.org. Pre-registration discount ends May 26, 2023.

Doug O’Neal serves as Director of Choirs at Olentangy Liberty High School where he conducts four concert and two ACAPOP choirs. A former music minister and conductor of Illuminati from the Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus, Doug also enjoys performing musical theater. He has degrees from Bowling Green State University and University of Dayton and has served as Co-Chair of the OMEA All-State Choir.

State and federal dollars through the Ohio Arts Council support artistic resources throughout the state.