Texas Sings! Spring 2014

TEXAS SINGS! Volume 31 Number 1

Official Publication of the Texas Choral Directors Association

Join us for the 59th Annual Convention

Spring 2014

July 27–30, 2014 San Antonio, Texas

Address Service Requested Texas Choral Directors Association 7900 Centre Park Drive, Suite A Austin, Texas 78754

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ATTENTION EXHIBITORS

We welcome your sponsorship of an event or function at ANY level and recognize our sponsors (as applicable) in many ways including: • Personal invitation to sponsored event; • Recognition signage at event; • Acknowledgement in TCDA convention programs and other publications; • Recognition remarks at event; • Other recognitions as agreed upon by sponsor and TCDA. Questions about sponsorship are welcome. Contact Sharon Lutz at sharon@tcda.net or Beverly Schlegel at beverly@tcda.net, or call us at 512-474-2801.

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TEXAS SINGS! News You Can Use • NEW! Preregistrants pick up full packet at Registration. No Long Lines for Paid Preregistrants!

• Time is Money! Preregister by July 1 and Save $20 • NEW! Extended Registration Hours Sunday 2:00–7:00 pm • Share a Room; Hotel Rates Guaranteed Through June 30 • NEW! Daily Prizes, Including Weekend Stay in Hill Country, Hotels and Restaurant Certificates, and Convention Fee Waivers • More Prizes Given at Business Meeting!

• Complimentary Childcare (12 & younger) – no signup required • Encourage a Friend to Join Now! New Member Initiative: First-Year Teachers Joining TCDA Receive 50% Reduction in Convention Fee • New Teacher Academy on Sunday, July 27- Valuable Tips, Tools & Skills • NEW! Extended Soiree Hours Sunday 6:30-9:00 pm • NEW! Mozart Requiem Sing-In Tuesday Night – Don’t Miss It! • Guidebook App Available for All Three Convention Schedules • Bring Your Family: San Antonio Attractions include the River Walk, the Alamo, La Villita, Schlitterbahn, Sea World, Mission Trail, and more!

TEXAS SINGS! Editor Beverly Schlegel Layout and Design Ben White, Lubbock Official Publication of the Texas Choral Directors Association 7900 Centre Park Drive, Suite A Austin, Texas 78754 512-474-2801

Volume 31

Number 1

Spring 2014

contents Candidates for TCDA Board of Directors

4

Convention Clinicians

10

Membership, Convention & Hotel Forms

Center

Convention Conductors

11

Convention Accompanists

12

President’s Page Find Your Passion, and Sing It!

by Billy Talley

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Convention Schedule

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Convention Highlights

16

Offerings by Division

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On the cover: 2014 TCDA Performing Groups: Austin Handbell Ensemble, Ken Davis Chorale, and the San Antonio Chamber Choirs; with Wolfgang Mozart, c. 1770.

Future Convention Dates July 27–30, 2014 July 23–26, 2015 (60th Anniversary) July 21–24, 2016 July 20–23, 2017 July 26–29, 2018

A Special Thanks to Our Exhibitors

www.tcda.net

On behalf of the TCDA Board, the staff, and our members, we want to express our heartfelt appreciation for your support and patronage of TCDA and the choral arts. Your presence plays a starring role at our convention and enables us to pursue the goal of excellence in choral music education. We couldn’t do it without you.

© 2014 Texas Choral Directors Association No part of this publication may be reproduced without the permission of the Executive Director.

NEW FOR 2014: EXHIBITOR EXPRESS LINE FEATURING BOX LUNCH Grab & Go! A Quick Lunch for Only $10

TCDA is an affiliate of ACDA.

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Dr. Pamela Elrod Huffman has served as Director of Choral Activities at the SMU Meadows

School of the Arts since 2007, overseeing the MM Choral Conducting program and directing the choral ensembles. Her career spans all levels—elementary and secondary to university, symphonic, and church choirs. Prior to SMU, Huffman was Assistant Director of Choral Studies at Texas Tech University. An accomplished vocalist, she has been a guest artist with university, professional, community and church choirs. From 1988 to 1999, Huffman sang with the late Robert Shaw, performing and recording with the Robert Shaw Festival Singers, the Robert Shaw Choral Institutes, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus, and the Atlanta Symphony Chamber Chorus. Since 2003, she has been a member of the Grammynominated professional ensemble Conspirare under the direction of Craig Hella Johnson. Her article on Shaw’s warm-ups can be found on the Singer Network website, and an article on Shaw’s rehearsal techniques appears in the February 2013 issue of Southwestern Musician. Huffman is a member of TCDA, TMEA, ACDA, and Pi Kappa Lambda, and serves as a clinician and adjudicator in Texas and throughout the U.S. She was the 2010-12 VP of TCDA’s College/Community Division. Huffman holds BME and MM degrees from The University of Texas at Austin and a DMA in Choral Conducting from The University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana.

If elected

A couple of years ago, I was enjoying a meal with TCDA Board members after a long day of meetings, and chatting with a Board member about the responsibilities that go with serving TCDA. I remember saying, “Why on earth would anyone take on the role of President? I can’t imagine the time commitment and workload!” My colleague replied, “You should consider it.” I burst out laughing and said something like, “No way! I would never consider doing that job!” But the seed was planted.

Serving as TCDA’s Vice President of College/Community stands as one of the most rewarding experiences of my career, and those two years were rich with hard work, new friendships, and valuable insights. I came away with a lasting commitment to – and fierce passion for – this remarkable institution. Service to TCDA is now a non-negotiable in my life – and the opportunity to carry out its mission as President would be a privilege. The accomplishments of Past Presidents Bob Horton, Amy Allibon, Jeff Rice, and their distinguished predecessors form an extraordinary legacy that, if elected, I will work diligently to honor and maintain. A final thought – Kari Gilbertson, Betsy Cook Weber, and Mark Rohwer represent the very best of what music education is about – I am humbled to have my name included on any list with theirs, but even more humbled to be on this very special one.

Kari Gilbertson has been teaching choral music for 24 years at the elementary, middle school,

and high school levels. Most recently, she was named Head Choir Director at Lake Highlands HS in Richardson ISD. Prior to that, she spent 15 years at Forest Meadow Junior High. At Lake Highlands, Gilbertson directed many Sweepstakes and Award winning choirs. She received honors as “Secondary Teacher of the Year” at Richardson ISD, “PTA Lifetime Member” and “PTA Teacher of Excellence”, and was nominated for “Disney Teacher of the Year” in 2006. Gilbertson graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, where she was a member of The Concordia Choir. An active speaker, conductor, adjudicator, and clinician, Gilbertson has been a contributing author for the textbook series entitled Spotlight on Music and Experiencing Choral Music. Most recently, she was named a Lead Author on Hal Leonard/ McGraw Hill’s national choral textbook adoption project. She is a member of ACDA, TCDA, TMAA, and TMEA, and recently served as VP of TCDA’s Middle School/Junior High Division. Gilbertson holds a MM degree with an emphasis in Choral Conducting from Southern Methodist University.

If elected

Nearly 20 years ago, when I left Minnesota to return to Texas, my colleagues asked, “Won’t you miss the choirs?”

They obviously didn’t know Texas and they certainly didn’t know TCDA! This association has played a pivotal role in my development as a successful teacher and choir director, and I relish the opportunity to give back to an organization whose sole purpose is to support and inspire the leaders of choral music. You! I was ever mindful of these expectations when I served on the TCDA Board in 2010–2012 as we navigated our organization into exciting changes. I’m proud of our work to ensure that our organization thrives and prospers for the next generation of directors. I am a person who likes to consider the past but looks to the future—I understand the complexity of change, while honoring tradition. I know that my strong organizational and communication skills will be vital as we continue to find ways to expand our influence.

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I would like to see a continued expansion of the ways TCDA can be a multi-generational resource for choral musicians.

As I tell my students, “It takes a village to raise a Choir Director” and I believe there are ways to keep our “virtual village” in touch with each other beyond convention. Finally, my experience with the elementary, middle school, high school as well as church, gives me an understanding of each division. I believe that my experience would be valuable in guiding the important task of inviting new members, selecting music, and planning convention content and activities. I am honored to be a nominee for President, and I look forward to the opportunity to serve and advocate for the entire membership of TCDA.

Dr. Mark Rohwer has served as Director of Choral Activities at Flower Mound High School since

the school’s opening in 1999. Now in his 23rd year, his choirs have received consistent Sweepstakes Awards at UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Contests, and Outstanding Performance or Best in Class Awards. The Jaguar Chorale performed at TMEA and in Kansas City at the ACDA Southwest Division convention. Rohwer is a member of TCDA and TMEA, and was chair of both TMEA Region 24 and Area A, and a section leader for the All-State Men’s Choirs in 2004 and 2010. Rohwer served as the High School Division VP of TCDA in 2011-13. He served on the staff of summer All-State Choir Camps at Baylor University, the University of North Texas, Texas Christian University, and the University of Texas at San Antonio. He is an active clinician and conductor and published in Southwestern Musician, The Journal of Music Teacher Education, The Choral Journal, The International Journal of Community Music, Texas Music Education Research, and the Southwestern ACDA Publication Common Times. Rohwer holds degrees in music education from Northwestern University, the Eastman School of Music, and Ohio State University.

If elected

It is not hyperbole to say that TCDA has molded, focused and enriched my professional life. To a non-native, Texas choral music is bewildering in its complexity and scale, and it was TCDA that helped me come to terms with what it means to love, teach and lead people in the pursuit of the excellence of singing together. My first TCDA convention taught me so much, and I met people who helped me teach better and reach higher. I have had that experience each and every year since. It is an honor to be considered alongside a slate of other candidates who are experts and musical role models. I have a great deal to offer TCDA as President-Elect in energy, organization and a willingness to listen to the membership and address the many areas of choral music they represent. As I move through my third decade of teaching, I am more energetic and optimistic than ever about the importance of choral music in people’s lives, and the role that TCDA can play in maintaining that importance. Times change, technology changes, and our association must stay abreast of these changes. What has not changed, however, is our desire as people to commit to singing songs that connect with each other, learn from and be inspired by each other, and lift each other up in person and in communion with one another. If elected, I pledge to keep us updated and current, but more important, I pledge to continue serving TCDA as we mold, focus, and enrich each other while we give of ourselves to the choral art.

Dr. Betsy Cook Weber is Professor of Music and Director of Choral Studies at the University of Houston Moores School of Music. Prior to The University of Houston, Weber was a music teacher in the public schools at the elementary, middle school, and high school levels, with her choirs winning numerous competitions and awards. Under Weber’s leadership, The Moores School Concert Chorale performed for TMEA in 2005, 2008, and 2013, and was featured at the ACDA convention in 2007. Internationally, the Chorale has received acclaim at three prestigious competitions, winning or placing in every category, and received a first-place finish as one of only ten choirs worldwide in the famous Marktoberdorf Chamber Choir Competition in Germany. Weber served as VP for the HS/College Division of TCDA and seven years as Assistant and Associate Director of the Houston Symphony Chorus. She was the first woman to receive TCDA’s coveted Texas Choirmaster Award. Weber holds a BME from The University of North Texas, a MM from Westminster Choir College, and a DMA from The University of Houston.

If elected

TCDA’s fundamental role is to provide an infrastructure that supports collaborative singing, whether in schools, churches, or communities. Thanks to the work of many, TCDA is already in a strong position, and I believe that now is the time to think more ambitiously and globally. Could we help build the kind of community singing traditions in Texas that one sees in Wales or Germany? Can we help our children’s church, school, and community choirs attain a standard comparable to the famous boys choirs in England? We have wonderful Texas composers. Can we help our communities become as active and groundbreaking as in Estonia or Finland? Are we satisfied with the current standard of music literacy in Texas? Can TCDA help push that agenda? And, finally, can we convince media, or develop our own social media, to report on the excellence and accomplishments of Texas choirs? Why can’t our newspapers have “Music Pages” in addition to “Sports Pages?” Why can’t our public radio stations have “Choir Talk” right after “Car Talk”? These are big ideas. They may be impossible. Let’s give it a shot.

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Dr. James Franklin is Director of Choral Studies at Sam Houston State University. He also serves

as the Artistic Director and Conductor for the Brazos Valley Chorale and has performed with many professional choirs including Orpheus Chamber Singers, Dallas Bach Society, Houston Bach Society, and Texas Choral Artists. Recent projects include recording with South Dakota Chorale and the Houston Bach Society. Franklin held a teaching fellowship at The University of North Texas and was the Associate Conductor of Schola Cantorum of Texas. Prior to the collegiate level, he taught public high school and middle school choir. He is active as a church musician and holds multiple jobs as Director of Music at various churches. An active member of ACDA, IFCM, TMEA and TCDA, he is a frequent clinician and adjudicator. Franklin earned a BME in vocal emphasis from Baylor University, a MM in choral conducting from Westminster Choir College, and is completing a DMA at The University of North Texas.

If elected

As a young teacher and church musician, I found TCDA conventions incredibly helpful. Since its focus was the reading sessions and I had little repertoire for a middle school or church choir, I found new pieces as well as tried and true pieces to pad my library. Fast forward 4-5 years, and I discovered multiple avenues for exploring new and unknown repertoire such as conversing with colleagues, internet resources, CD and sheet music samplers, UIL and other performances. The TCDA convention continued to be a source for new music but it was no longer the only resource. I believe it is important for TCDA to meet the needs of the teacher/conductor/church musician who has been active for more than five years.

What will the choral landscape in our state and nation look like in 20–30 years? I believe we should address the issues facing the longevity of our medium with students and community members. One board function is to bring workshops, forums, performances and round table discussions to the convention that highlight and celebrate innovations in choral music. This does not mean we should not honor the past or celebrate the present but we must be vigilant in asking tough questions about how our art might best survive. And the future is now. As the College/Community VP, I will work to include leadership education and training not only during the convention but during the entire school year.

Dr. Lynne Gackle is Professor of Ensembles and Associate Director of Choral Activities at Baylor University where she conducts the Baylor Bella Voce (Women’s Ensemble) and the Baylor Concert Choir.

She is an active clinician, conductor and adjudicator for choral clinics, honor choirs, workshops and festivals throughout the U.S. and abroad. Gackle served as president of ACDA-Florida and the ACDA Southern Division. The Florida ACDA chapter awarded her the Wayne Hugoboom Distinguished Service Award for dedicated service, leadership and excellence. She served in various R&S roles within ACDA, including National R&S Chair for Children’s Choirs and the Southern Division Chair for Women’s Choirs.

Gackle serves on the editorial board of the Choral Journal. She is editor of Choral Artistry for the Singer with Walton Music and the Lynne Gackle Choral Series for Colla Voce Music, Inc. She has written for the Choral Journal and contributed to the MENC publication Music at the Middle Level: Building Strong Programs. She is author of Finding Ophelia’s Voice, Opening Ophelia’s Heart: Nurturing the Adolescent Female Voice, published by Heritage Music Press, and served as a contributing author to the GIA publication Conducting Women’s Choirs: Strategies for Success. Gackle was awarded Baylor’s Outstanding Faculty Award in Research in 2012. She is a member of ACDA, MENC, TMEA, TCDA, ISME and NATS. Gackle received a BME from Louisiana State University and MM and PhD degrees from the University of Miami.

If elected

Before I ever became a Texan, I knew about TCDA and its value in the state and throughout the nation. I came to conventions whenever possible because of its reputation for excellent in-service workshops and fabulous opportunities to preview choral music for all ages. “If you want to get repertoire ideas, go to TCDA!” Once in Waco, I found myself thrilled with the chance to meet colleagues each summer to discuss teaching, music, techniques and forge special relationships with friends throughout the state.

It would be an honor to serve TCDA as VP for College and Community choirs. I have a keen interest in both areas and believe they serve a unique niche within the fabric of choral music in our state and throughout the country. As a collegiate teacher/conductor, I teach both the music “major” and the “non-major” chorus singer. To continue to provide students with choral experiences that create and foster the desire for lifelong singing is extremely important to me. To mentor future choral educators and encourage students who ultimately might sing in community choruses to serve on Boards of choral arts organizations, and hopefully, encourage their own children in choral music, is an exciting opportunity! I know the inherent value found in the partnership of choral education within the schools and communities, and if elected, I will strive to reach out to these groups by strengthening opportunities for choral music with students, future choral educators and singers of all ages.

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Dennis S. Richardson, Director of Choral Activities at Del Mar College, has taught choral music in Texas for over 37 years in a variety of settings ranging from rural to urban and elementary to university.

He studied choral conducting at West Texas A&M University with Houston Bright, Hugh Sanders, and George Umberson; at Texas State University with Kenneth Fulton; and at Texas Tech University with Donald Bailey and Kenneth Davis. Richardson is in his ninth year as the Artistic Director of the Del Mar Master Chorus, a community choir serving the coastal bend of south Texas and sponsored by Del Mar College. He is active in TMEA, TMAA, TCDA, and ACDA. He served as a Texas All-State Choir Organizer, a High School Honor Choir Coordinator for divisional and national conventions, as the Southwestern ACDA Repertoire and Standards Chairman for Multi-Cultural and Ethnic Perspectives as well as a TMEA region officer and area audition chair. Richardson earned a BME from West Texas A&M University and an MM from Texas State University.

If elected

I would be excited to bring my organizational perspective and management skills to the board of TCDA. This association is one of the most reputable groups in the world and to serve at this level would be an honor. During my educational career, TCDA has been a valuable resource. I have gained numerous insights and developed the skills and techniques necessary to advance my teaching methods. My record of service to organizations over the last 30 years has given me a unique and thorough understanding of all the elements required for the operation of a successful conference. My military experiences have also given me an effective approach to achieving goals by understanding and leading people.

I pledge to follow the proven practices that have been fruitful over the years and to listen to and act upon new ideas and suggestions to strengthen and enhance TCDA’s objectives.

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Michele Hobizal is in her 27th year of teaching and is an elementary music specialist at Wolman Elementary. For 15 years, she taught in Katy ISD at Pattison, WoodCreek, and now Wolman Elementary Schools. Previously at Pasadena, Bellville, Columbus and Alief school districts, Hobizal was named 2000 Teacher of the Year at Pattison Elementary and was a finalist candidate for the 2013 Teacher of the Year at Wolman. She is one of the founding directors of the Katy ISD District Elementary Honor Choir with invited performances at the 2007 and 2011 TMEA Conventions. She has been the TMEA Elementary VP for two terms, and during that time, she had the opportunity to invite many wonderful choirs and clinicians to the conventions and create a share space for Texas elementary music teachers using Edmodo.

She is a cadre member of the Center for Educator Development in Fine Arts and was a member of the 2012 TEKS Fine Arts Review Committee. Hobizal holds a BME from Texas State University.

If elected

My goal is to continue providing choral instruction and strategies along with music advocacy to ensure the best for Texas music educators. I graduated from college with an instrumental background, and realized that my lack of choral knowledge and methodology was a huge minus in providing a proper education to my students. TCDA conventions gave me the tools, the friendships and the networking opportunities with fellow choral directors. My experience as a TMEA Elementary VP gave me the organizational skills and the desire to provide the best educational opportunities for Texas elementary choirs and general music classes. I am honored to be a candidate for the TCDA Elementary Division. The role of a vice president is not only to provide a rewarding convention experience, but also to provide an informed, articulate voice for choral music education. I will be your passionate, energetic and enthusiastic advocate, and request that you consider my experience as your next TCDA Elementary VP.

Cyndie Lowry is in her ninth year as General Music teacher and Choir Director at Mitchell Intermediate School in Conroe ISD. Lowry taught elementary music in Klein ISD for five years before taking time off to raise her three sons. Lowry organizes the District Wide Intermediate Honor Choir Audition and Concert for Conroe ISD and offers a summer music camp for incoming 4th, 5th and 6th grade students.

Her choir had the honor of performing at the TMEA Conventions in 2008 and 2013. She has presented workshops at TCDA and TMEA as well as local in-service trainings in various districts. Lowry is an active member of TCDA and TMEA, and earned a BME/All Levels degree and Kodaly Certification from Sam Houston State University.

If elected

I began teaching in the fall of 1978 in Klein ISD. I loved teaching elementary students! Who wouldn’t love singing and playing games all day long? When I had my own children, I decided to stay home and Spring 2014 · Texas Sings!

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be a full-time mom. Of course, that included volunteering at their schools along with teaching music in preschools (because you just can’t keep a good music teacher down!). I’ll never forget the first choir concert I attended when my son was in 8th grade. I wept with joy at the beauty of that concert. That was the beginning of many concerts and sparked my desire to return to teaching. In 2005, I began teaching at Mitchell Intermediate School in Conroe ISD and was encouraged to attend a TCDA Convention by my co-teacher and friend, Connie Horton. I was so impressed with the workshops, clinicians and new music offered at that first convention and I have not missed one since! I am honored to be a nominee for Elementary Vice President and if elected, I will uphold the great legacy that TCDA offers choir directors from our great state! TCDA has blessed, encouraged and inspired me to be a better choir director, and it is my desire to increase the membership of the Elementary Division of TCDA so they too, can be encouraged and inspired. Thank you, TCDA Board, for all you have done for choral music in Texas and for the privilege of running for this office.

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Derrick Bready is the head choral director at Pearland HS and previously taught at J. Frank Dobie

HS in Pasadena ISD. At Dobie, Bready co-produced the Tommy Tune nominated musical, “The Sound of Music” and won a Tommy Tune award for Best Musical Direction and Best Orchestra. Since moving to Pearland in 2006, the choir program has experienced growth and success. In February 2010, the PHS Men’s Choir presented a SWACDA conference performance in Denver, and performed at the 2011 TMEA convention; and the Pearland HS Chamber Choir (Varsity Mixed Choir) performed at the 2013 TMEA convention. The Chamber Choir again performed at the 2014 SWACDA conference. Bready graduated from The University of Texas at San Antonio with a BME and holds a MM from The University of Houston.

If elected

From the time I began attending TCDA conventions as a college student to today as an educator and church musician, TCDA has been an organization known for excellence in music performance, professional and personal relationships, and the value of the choral art. Its ideals resonate in the rehearsal rooms across our state and “trickle down” in the music we share with our audiences. If elected, my goal will be to maintain the tradition of excellence that our leaders have blazed before us and to continue advocating the role of choral singing in our communities, schools, and places of worship. I will support the role of church music for every age group, style, and medium: from worship band to childrens’ music to handbells, toward the creative blend of liturgy, text, and music. Church musicians have an important task of creating an authentic and purposeful worship experience for all people. Through the TCDA model, all church musicians can advocate and support each other.

Dr. Aaron C. Hufty is the Associate Pastor of Worship and Music at First Baptist Church of San Antonio. Prior to FBCSA, Hufty spent 15 years in the classroom, nine at Northside ISD at Coke Stevenson MS and Sandra Day O’Connor HS. While completing his DMA, Hufty directed the UT Women’s Chorus.

Recently, he worked at Baylor University teaching Music Appreciation, Choral Conducting and Women’s Choir. He created the newest Baylor ensemble, VirtuOSO, a contemporary a cappella group. Outside the classroom, Hufty is devoted to the creation of a singing culture. He was a charter member of the San Antonio Chamber Choir, director of the Northside Elementary Honor Choir, San Antonio Opera Chorus, and the San Antonio Choral Society. He served two state ACDA honor groups (2012 Mississippi HS Conductor and 2013 Missouri Church/Community Conductor). Hufty earned a BS in vocal music from Northwest Missouri State University; a MM in conducting from The University of Texas at San Antonio; and a DMA in conducting from The University of Texas at Austin.

If elected

It has been my privilege to serve Texas in the past fifteen years at nearly every level of music education, and I am blessed for the opportunity to serve TCDA as Church Division VP. It is my desire to be not only an effective liaison to my full-time ministerial colleagues, but to also serve as a resource and encourager to all who serve churches in a music leadership role. We are aware how music unifies the Body in worship, and it is my desire to help others with the skills, literature, and resources to create the most meaningful worship experience possible.

Voting will take place during the Convention. Ballots are to be placed in the registration area ballot box.

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Joshua Taylor is the Director of Worship and Music at First Presbyterian Church in Dallas. Prior to

FPC, Taylor was on the choral staff at Kansas State University and was Director of Music at Trinity Presbyterian Church and Director of Choirs at Navo Middle School in Denton. He led the FPC Chancel Choir and Chamber Choir in the First Concert Series including collaborations with the Dallas Chamber Orchestra. The choir’s CD entitled “Sounds of the Season: Advent and Christmas at First Presbyterian” was released in November 2013. Taylor presented sessions on the “Early Years of a Career in Church Music” for ACDA and a session on “Advent, Lent, and Ordinary Time, Oh My! Strategies for Advanced Planning in the Church” for TCDA. He has presented for SWACDA, the Kansas Music Educators Association and the Presbyterian Association of Musicians. He serves as the Musician Columnist for the journal Call to Worship and was named the Metroplex Children’s Choir Teacher of the Year in 2010. He served a term on the Executive Board of the Presbyterian Association of Musicians and will serve as the 2014 Mo-Ranch/ PAM Worship & Music Conference Director. Taylor holds a BME from The University of North Texas and a MM in choral conducting from Kansas State University.

If elected

It is an honor to be nominated to represent the church division of TCDA. If elected, I will work to provide engaging clinicians, interesting sessions and guest speakers for the many church musicians that make up the membership of TCDA. Whether a bi-vocational church musician, a full-time veteran, or a student wanting to learn more, TCDA has an opportunity to support the full-range of experiences found in Texas churches and synagogues. As worship changes in the 21st century church, TCDA should be “front and center” as the organization providing an ecumenical bridge that honors the past and supports the best of choral music in the church that is still to come! I will strive to foster relationships and dialogue between our diverse members to ensure the continued excellence we have grown to expect from our organization. If elected, I will serve this organization, which has been so much a part of my career as a teacher and church musician, with my full creativity, imagination, and energy.

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Chris Ahrens

Kimberley Ahrens

Amy Allibon

Deborah Barrick

Andy Beck

Tammy Benton

Mica Bull

Jennifer Carter

Jo Lynn Cookus

Doug Council

Sarah Council

Michael Dean

Betty Devine

Paula Edwards

Kelly Flores

Kenneth Fulton

Alisha Gabriel

Gershom Garcia

Monte Garrett

Barbara Gruener

David Guess

Lee Gwozdz

Connie Horton

Erin Huston

Katherine Johns

Phyllis King

Michael Madrid

Kevin McBeth

Dinah Menger

Meredith Mooney

Debra Moses

Amelia Nagoski

Carisa Niemeyer

Gary Packwood

Mary Jane Phillips

Rob Phillips

Texas Sings! 路 Spring 2014

See Featured Clinicians and Conductors on pages 16–17: Bob Avant Ken Davis Dan Forrest David Grogan Loyd Hawthorne

Scott MacPherson Jerry McCoy Doreen Rao Connie Sanchez Jeremy Spicer

Joel Price

Kathy Price

Jannifer Rice

Jeff Rice

Thomas Rinn

Tescille Riser

Adrian Rodriguez

Diana Sanchez-Bushong

Norm Sands

Gary Seighman

Dennis Shrock

Vladimir Silva

Brian Smith

Melissa Smith

Lauren Summa

Theresa Whatley

Cheryl Wilson

Clell Wright

Jessica Zentner

Monica Awbrey

Christina Chapman

Jason Dove

Christopher Fiorini

Greg Gathright

Greg Hobbs

Gene Holkup

Susan Neff

Jerry Perales

Terrie Preskitt-Brown

Michelle Roueché

Michelle Willey

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Kathleen Alvizo

Eric Armer

Stacey Brandenberger

Robert Brewer

Ryan Chatterton

Matthew Crosby

Jeff Crouse

Jennifer Franz-Melady

Katherine Johnson

James Kimmel

Georgia Kornegay

Brent McCartney

David Means

Melanie Moore

Willie Morales

Joe Snyder

Amy Solberg

Lonnie Tanner

Choral Conducting Symposium June 22–26, 2014

Support Future Choral Directors All Year Round

Give to the TCDA Scholarship Funds Join us in Kansas City for a workshop focusing on conducting technique for the choral conductor. Current high school and university faculty as well as graduate students in conducting are welcome to apply.

Faculty: Robert Bode, Director of Choral Studies, UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance Pamela Elrod, Director of Choral Activities, Southern Methodist University

816-235-2741 12

Texas Sings! ¡ Spring 2014

conservatory.umkc.edu/festivals

Our Future Choral Directors Thank You! www.tcda.net for details and online contributions

PRESIDENT B I L L Y

T A L L E Y

Find Your Passion, and Sing It!

A

ttending the TMEA Convention in February was exactly what I needed to charge my battery! There were many wonderful concerts and workshops to help us become better music educators. I was so inspired by Sir Ken Robinson in the Second General Session that I bought his book “Finding Your Element.” Although I haven’t read it all, the opening pages resonated deeply with me.

According to Robinson, when your natural aptitude meets your personal passion, you have found your Element. There are many people in this world with a passion for a vocation, but with little aptitude. Others have a great deal of talent in a particular field, but it just doesn’t light their fire. But I know of many choral directors with amazing abilities to direct a choir AND they have the passion and the creative spark to inspire.

When I first began my teaching career, I was less than inspiring. I could sing and hear parts but I was not passionate about choral music. I had enough personality to get by during my early years, but there wasn’t much depth in my teaching. The longer I taught, the more I realized that music, and specifically choral music, speaks to my soul. And it speaks to the souls of my students as well. With each passing year, I have become more passionate about the importance of choral music in our lives, and now I am at a place where my ability to teach a choir is equal to my zeal to share it with my students and our audiences. With every concert we sing, I want to make the audience feel something. I want them to see the passion in the eyes of my singers. I want my singers to be moved by what we sing and I want to feel something myself. This is how we know we are human. And I feel as human when my choir is singing than at any other time in my life. I want to challenge you to light a fire in your own life. Be more

passionate about your music. Open up the textual meanings within your music so your students can experience singing at a richer level. Don’t be satisfied with just going through the motions of pitch and rhythm and dynamics and phrasing. Every time your choir sings, even in rehearsal, strive to truly make meaningful music with a balance of technical talent and personal passion. Your audiences will appreciate it, your students will quickly feel the difference, and you will feel the peace of knowing you are doing exactly what you were called to do.

Your TCDA Board has been working diligently to bring you the best convention possible and it will be worth your time and money to join us for the 59th Annual TCDA Convention this summer. Doreen Rao and Dan Forrest will be this summer’s headliners, and there will be special performances by the Ken Davis Chorale and the San Antonio Chamber Choir.

Check out the schedule and convention highlights for more details about our exciting events and workshops.

And last but not least, I am very excited about our Tuesday evening Mozart Requiem Sing-In. Everyone will bring their own score of the Mozart Requiem as the audience becomes the choir! Jerry McCoy will serve as conductor and members of TODA and TBA will provide a small orchestra to accompany the chorus. The solo lines will be performed by everyone in that voice part. If TCDA has ever had a concert of this kind, I am not aware of it. This will be a night to remember. I hope you will join me in the choir for this amazing concert. I cannot imagine a summer without TCDA. I am a better musician, teacher, and person because of the thirty-five years I have been a member of TCDA. Make it a priority for your summer. I look forward to seeing you in San Antonio on July 27–30, 2014.

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Texas Choral Directors Association

59th Annual Convention • July 27–30, 2014 • San Antonio (schedule subject to change)

Sunday, July 27 9:30 am 10:30 am–12:30 pm 12:00–4:00 pm 12:30–2:30 pm 1:00–5:00 pm 1:00–2:30 pm 1:30–6:30 pm 2:00–7:00 pm 2:30–4:00 pm 3:00–5:00 pm 4:00–5:00 pm 4:00–5:30 pm 4:00–6:30 pm 4:30–6:30 pm 5:00–6:00 pm 5:00–6:30 pm 6:30–9:00 pm

Golf Tournament, The Quarry TMAA Executive Committee TMEA Elem Region Chair Luncheon/Training TMAA Committee on Standards of Adjudication & Performance Practices TPSME Executive Committee Meeting Festival Chorus Sectional Rehearsal TMEA/UIL Choral Sight Reading Committee Registration/Hospitality Open Elementary Honor Choir Registration Festival Chorus Rehearsal TCDA Ways & Means Committee UIL PML Elementary Honor Choir Sectionals TMAA Vocal Workshop TCDA Nominating Committee WK 1: COL/CM - Abracadabra: Students Doing What You Want Them To Do TCDA Soiree

7:00 am–6:00 pm 8:00–9:00 am 8:00–9:00 am 8:00–9:00 am 8:00–9:00 am 8:30–11:30 am 9:15–10:15 am 9:15–10:15 am 9:15–10:15 am 9:15–10:15 am 9:30 am–4:30 pm 10:30–11:30 am 10:30–11:30 am 10:30–11:30 am 11:00 am–12:00 pm 12:30–1:30 pm 12:30–1:30 pm 1:30–4:30 pm 1:45–2:45 pm 1:45–2:45 pm 1:45–2:45 pm 1:45–2:45 pm 2:30–4:30 pm 3:00–4:00 pm 3:00–4:00 pm 3:00–4:00 pm

Registration/Hospitality Open WK 2: ELEM – It’s All About Connections (Classroom Family) WK 3: COL/CM – Programming for a Thematic Choral Concert RS 1: Pop/Jazz RS 2: Sacred U/2pt Elementary Honor Choir Rehearsal WK 4: CH – Leading Church Music in 21st Century WK 5: COL/CM – The Quantum Choir: Exploring Hidden Forces in Ensemble Singing RS 3: HS SATB RS 4: MS/JH Boys High School Student Leadership Day College Conductor Rehearsal WK 6: COL/CM – Creating an Exciting Choral Sound RS 5: Unison/SA WK 7: HS – Team Building Activities for Choirs (part of HS Student Day) RS 6: El/MS/JH Holiday/Seasonal RS 7: Adv HS/Coll Elementary Honor Choir Rehearsal WK 8: ELEM – First Day of Music Class WK 9: CH – Handbell Discovery WK 10: HS – Among Friends: Tried and Proven Literature for Every Choral Challenge WK 11: MS/JH – In the Beginning: Grassroots Teaching for Students With No Prior Musical Experience Festival Chorus Full Rehearsal WK 12: CH – But, It’s Just a Church Choir!

WK 13: HS – The Office: Practical, Creative Assessments Your Choir and Principal Will Love WK 14: MS/JH – Candid Camera (Tenor/Bass Edition): Virtual Tour of Three of the Best MS/JH Tenor/Bass Choirs in the State

Monday, July 28

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3:00–4:00 pm 4:00–5:00 pm 4:00–5:00 pm 5:30–7:00 pm 6:00–7:00 pm 7:00–8:30 pm

Ken Davis Chorale Closed Rehearsal WK 15: Nature vs. Nurture: The Role Music Plays in Brain Development Performance: Ken Davis Chorale College Conductor Rehearsal Pre-Service Concert – Austin Handbell Ensemble Worship Service (Festival Chorus)

7:00 am–4:00 pm 8:00–9:00 am 8:00–9:00 am 8:00–9:00 am 8:00–9:00 am 8:30–10:15 am 9:15–10:15 am 9:15–10:15 am 9:15–10:15 am 10:30–11:30 am 10:30–11:30 am 11:45 am–12:45 pm 11:45 am–12:45 pm 11:45 am–12:45 pm 11:45 am–12:45 pm 1:00–2:00 pm 1:00–2:00 pm 1:00–2:00 pm 1:00–2:00 pm 1:00–4:00 pm 2:15–3:15 pm 2:15–3:15 pm 2:15–3:15 pm 2:15–3:15 pm 4:00–5:30 pm

Registration/Hospitality Open WK 16: ELEM – Just Add Kids – Here Comes Treble! Sponsor: Alfred Music WK 17: COL/CM – Conductors Forum WK 18: MS/JH – Speed Dating: 4 for Price of 1: Classroom Management, Recruitment, Rehearsal Prep & Director Organization WK 19: HS – Modern Family: A New Dynamic for Managing Choir/Home Life Elementary Honor Choir Rehearsal College Conductor Rehearsal WK 20: CH – Meet the Composer (Dan Forrest) RS 8: MS/JH Treble TMEA Region Meetings Elementary Honor Choir Closed Rehearsal WK 21: CH – Empty Chairs, Empty Tables WK 22: MS/JH – iUse Technology: Practical Solutions to Up Your Tech Savvy College Conductor Rehearsal RS 9: HS Treble/Men WK 23: CH – Major Works: From Concept to Completion WK 24: ELEM – Toys In Action With LEE! RS 10: Adv/JH/HS Training: College Student Conductors WK 25: HS – The Amazing Race: Texas All–State Choir 2015: What’s New? Elementary Honor Choir Assembly WK 26: ELEM – Do, Re, Mi, Fa, SO Many Ways to Use Technology RS 11: Sacred/General WK 27: HS – Breaking Bad (Teaching Habits) TMEA MS/JH Coordinators Meeting Honor Choir Performance (Doreen Rao) followed by Business Meeting

6:30–7:30 pm

Mozart’s Requiem Closed Rehearsal

8:00–9:00 pm

Mozart’s Requiem Sing–In (families and guests welcome)

8:00–10:00 am 8:00–9:00 am 8:00–9:00 am 8:00–9:00 am 8:00–9:00 am 8:00–9:00 am 9:15–10:15 am 9:15–10:15 am

Hospitality Open WK 28: ELEM – Conduct Yourself Accordingly!

WK 29: MS/JH –Extreme Pop Show Makeover: Nip, Tuck and Shine Your Old Show Ideas into High Definition RS 12: Holiday/Seasonal San Antonio Chamber Choir Closed Rehearsal WK 30 COL/CM – Choral Music of Brazilian Composer Reginald Carvalho RS 13: Sacred Advanced WK 31: ELEM – Repertoire as Rehearsal Pedagogy: How Text and Meaning of Song Can Transform the Rehearsal and Concert Experience WK 32: MS/JH Tried and True WK 33: COL/CM – Working with the Aging Voice: Preserve, Protect, Improve the Mature Singing Voice Performance: San Antonio Chamber Choir UIL Music Advisory Committee

Tuesday, July 29

Wednesday, July 30

9:15–10:15 am 9:15–10:15 am 10:30–11:30 am 12:00–5:00 pm

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Convention New Teacher Academy July 27, 9:00 am–6:00 pm

New teachers learn from the leaders and gain a wealth of information to prepare for career success. Preregistration preferred.

Pre-Worship Service Concert by the Austin Handbell Ensemble July 28, 6:00 pm

The Ken Davis Chorale July 28, 4:00 pm

This special kinship of singers began at Texas Tech University when Ken Davis was Director of Choral Activities. For twelve years, the University Choir performed at venues such as TMEA and ACDA conventions, and today, they form a choral ensemble dedicated to beauty and moving accomplishments.

Extended Hours for TCDA Soiree Sunday, July 27, 6:30–9:00 pm Marriott Riverwalk two complimentary drink tickets

Time Is Money!

Preregister by July 1st and Save $20

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Daily Door Prizes This Year!

Headliner Prize: A Gift Certificate to the Haven River Inn in Comfort, TX …this side of Heaven!

Directed by Bob Avant, this group founded in 1995 by Austin area directors is an auditioned non-profit community ensemble dedicated to excellence in ringing and promoting musical education at all levels.

TCDA Worship Service featuring 2014 Festival Chorus July 28, 7:00 pm

Premiering the works of composer Dan Forrest (keyboard) and Loyd Hawthorne (conductor), this special performance will include two movements of Requiem for the Living.

Early Bird Registration Deadline: May 1 ($65 per singer); Final Deadline: May 25 ($75 per singer).

Highlights 5th Annual High School Student Leadership Day

Elementary Honor Choir

9:30–10:50 am – Jeremy Spicer, CEO, SASI, Solutions and Specialized Innovations . . . the Leadership People. Through a variety of high-energy techniques and strategies, Mr. Spicer will empower participants to create a positive and life-changing culture, building strategies for communication and for breaking down barriers that impede success.

An Honor Choir experience you won’t forget, with renowned Director and Composer Dr. Doreen Rao, Music Director and Conductor of the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus in Buffalo, NY, and Interim Artistic Director for the Children’s Chorus of San Antonio.

11:00 am–12:00 pm – Connie Sanchez, Veteran Teacher, Youth Director, High on Life Sponsor.

Sanchez brings her magical gifts for teaching students ways to break the ice with interactive games and activities.

First-Ever Mozart’s Requiem Sing-In

July 28, 9:30 am–4:30 pm

12:00–1:00 pm – Lunch/Visit the Exhibits (A Toy Store for Musicians) 1:00–2:00 pm – Dr. Dan Forrest, Composer of The Music of the Living and You Are the Music. Dr. Forrest (see opposite page) engages students in a session of singing and discussion of his compositions, including tips and suggestions for the budding young composer.

2:15–3:15 pm – Dr. David Grogan, Professor of Voice at UT Arlington. Dr. Grogan presents a session on vocal technique that will be part master class, demonstration and group participation, and offers advice on the developing high school singing voice and how to find your best sound for choral and solo repertoire.

3:15–4:30 pm – Visit the Exhibits Registration Deadline: June 13 • www.tcda.net • $15 per student

July 29, 4:00 pm

July 29, 8:00 pm

Conductor Jerry McCoy will lead the sing-in (orchestra provided by TODA and TBA). All members and families of TCDA, TBA and TODA are invited to sing in this first-ever performance! Please bring your own score. We suggest G. Schrimer, Inc. edition distributed by Hal Leonard (50324450), used by TMEA AllState Mixed Choir in 1994 (if you bring a score other than the G. Schirmer edition, it should be an edition completed

by Süssmayr). You may purchase a score at the convention; scores will not be loaned. No registration required.

San Antonio Chamber Choir July 30, 10:30 am

Under the direction of founder Scott MacPherson, the SACC is known as the most outstanding professional choir in the San Antonio area. Their performance will conclude the 2014 convention.

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Clinics to Energize, Motivate, and Keep Teaching Relevant: Elementary – by Laura Rachita In addition to an incredible Honor Choir with headliner Doreen Rao, this year’s offerings include a 2-part/Unison Music Reading Session as well as a Holiday/Seasonal Music Reading Session. Seven additional sessions include Toys With Lee! with Lee Gwozdz sharing his techniques, concepts and toys using a demonstration choir; Just Add Kids–Here Comes Treble! featuring Andy Beck sharing resources to help your students meet their potential. And don’t miss Conduct Yourself Accordingly with Phyllis King sharing her expertise on repertoire, including ostinato and part work, easily dressed up for a concert! Barbara Gruener will lead It’s All About Connections, sharing innovative ways to connect with your classroom family. Kodály President-Elect Katherine Jones will present First Day of Music Class with relevant lessons for the first and last day of music class. And for those of you wanting to use more technology, Do, Re, Mi, Fa, SO Many Ways to Use Technology, with panel experts Lauren Summa, Meredith Mooney, Jo Lynn Cookus, Norm Sands, and Alisha Gabriel, is for you. Lastly, Doreen Rao will present Repertoire as Rehearsal Pedagogy, sharing how the text and meaning of song can transform the rehearsal and concert experience!

Middle School/Junior High – by Jennifer Gallager In the words of Barney Stinson, the 2014 Convention is going to be LEGEN—wait, have you preregistered yet?—DARY! Legendary! This year, you will see more presenters than ever before, with lots of panels and innovative ways to be a part of the discussion. This year we will offer “Poll Everywhere” for you to text live questions to the presenters! Our Speed Dating session with Theresa Whatley, Erin Huston, Tescille Riser, and Mica Bull, enables participants to listen to four different presenters in one workshop. In Candid Camera, with Tammy Benton, Gershom Garcia, and Jennifer Carter, you will become the fly on the wall as you watch video footage of amazing tenor/bass choirs warm up, sight read, and rehearse. In iUse Technology with Brian and Melissa Smith, you will come away with practical ideas and steps on using technology to transform your programs. Do your beginning singers come in thinking that do and mi are the same note? Have No Fear! In the Beginning, with Debra Moses, Adrian Rodriguez, and Jessica Zentner will give you lessons to implement in your first week of school with you playing the role of the student. And finally, everyone has to deal with the “thing” that is Pop Show, so our panel of Extreme Pop Show Makeover designers Rob Phillips, Carisa Niemeyer, Deborah Barrick, Kelly Flores, and Michael Madrid are here to give yours a facelift! The MS/JH Division hashtag for the 2014 convention is #strugglenomore! Grab a friend and come to San Antonio!

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High School – by Robin Brockway-Nichols Tune in to this summer’s high-def workshops designed to guarantee your success, energize your students, and maintain your sanity. The lineup includes Breaking Bad with Amy Allibon, covering score study, planning rehearsals, teaching strategies, and breaking down challenging music into manageable teaching chunks; The Office: Practical, Creative Assessments Your Choir and Principal Will Love with Thomas Rinn covering materials for simple, easy-to-grade, and effective assessments to use all year long; Modern Family: A New Dynamic For Managing Choir and Home Life, with Chris and Kim Ahrens, Doug and Sarah Council, and Jeff and Jannifer Rice. A clinic entitled Among Friends: Tried and Proven Literature for Every Choral Challenge features Cheryl Wilson, Paula Edwards, and Mike Dean sharing their favorite choral repertoire - don’t miss this opportunity to “steal” some amazing choral gems from Texas’s Finest! And lastly, The Amazing Race: Texas All-State Choir 2015 – What’s New? with Dinah Menger offering a valuable head start on the 2014–15 All-State Auditions with entertaining discussion of the literature and the new “Small School” audition process.

College/Community – by Randy Hooper You won’t want to miss the performance by the Ken Davis Chorale, or the session Dr. Davis is presenting on Creating an Exciting Choral Sound. Dr. Davis is well known in Texas and throughout the nation for the distinctive choral tone he achieved with his choirs while Director of Choral Activities at Texas Tech University. And don’t miss our concluding performance this year by the San Antonio Chamber Choir under the direction of founder Scott MacPherson. Other offerings include clinics Abracadabra: Getting Students To Do What You Want Them To Do with Dr. Gary Packwood of Mississippi State University, known for his excellent choirs, magnetic personality and ability to motivate singers from elementary to college levels. Dr. Kathy Price, voice faculty at Westminster Choir College, will present a session on Working with Aging Singers, providing valuable information for those of us conducting church or community choirs that primarily attract mature singers. Dr. Vladimir Silva from the Federal College of Campina Grande will bring us New Music From the Brazilian Composer Reginaldo Carvalho.

The music of Carvalho makes use of rhythms and melodic patterns indigenous to northeast Brazil. Lastly, don’t miss the opportunity to sing together in a performance of the Mozart Requiem conducted by Dr. Jerry McCoy. This first-ever performance brings together an orchestra composed of TODA and TBA members, and everyone in TCDA, TODA and TBA is invited to sing this masterpiece of choral-orchestral music. Bring Your Own Score, and Join Our Sing-In!

Church – by Gary Mabry This is a Festival Chorus Year, and headliner Dan Forrest is composing a work that will be premiered at our Worship Service at First Baptist Church of San Antonio. More of his inspiring music, including two movements of Requiem for the Living, will be sung by the Chorus, comprised of church choir members from across the state. If you would like to participate, information and a registration form are available at www.tcda.net. With Dan Forrest at the keyboard and Dr. Loyd Hawthorne conducting, this will be a spectacular choral performance. And prior to their performance, the Austin Handbell Ensemble directed by Bob Avant, will present a 6:00 pm concert in the Unity Hall of First Baptist Church. And don’t miss the exciting clinic offerings, featuring Dan Forrest in Meet the Composer and the clinic led by Bob Avant entitled Handbell Discovery. Betty Devine will present Leading Church Music in the 21st Century, and make sure you attend a valuable panel discussion entitled Empty Chairs and Empty Tables-Creating a Music Academy at Your Church led by Diana Sanchez-Bushong. Other offerings include Clell Wright exploring the topic Major Works: from Concept to Completion, while Kevin McBeth will unravel the topic But, It’s Just a Church Choir! Reading Sessions will be under the direction of Terrie PreskittBrown (Sacred Unison/2 part), Greg Gathright (Sacred General), and Greg Hobbs (Sacred Advanced) with skilled keyboard collaborators James Kimmel, Jeff Crouse, and Bob Brewer. See you there!

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