Appropriation
Eduardo Garcia-Novelli, World Music & Cultures R&R Chair If we think about the British Museum displaying a vase from ancient Babylon, the concept of “cultural appropriation” is clear: They likely picked up the vase during the glory days of the Empire. In that case, one group takes something from another group. Stealing is wrong. So, […]
The 7 Habits of the Highly Effective Choral Program
Reginal Wright, TTBB Choirs R&R Chair The 7 Habits of the Highly Effective Choral Program I’ve always been drawn to Stephen Covey’s writings on success, particularly his Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. As someone who thrives on process and structure, this book has been a constant guide throughout my teaching career. When I recently […]
Building Confidence in Your Middle School Singers
Cristy Miller – Middle School/Junior High R&R Chair Building Confidence in Your Middle School Singers One of the biggest challenges I face with my middle school singers is helping them overcome their anxiety about singing in front of others. While solo singing isn’t required in my class, I want students to feel confident if they […]
Choosing Literature for Treble Ensembles
Tanner Oglesby – SSAA R&R Chair Choosing Literature for Treble Ensembles January has always been a complicated month for me. As an individual, I find January to be an exciting time, imagining new goals, starting fresh, and cleaning the slate. As a choral director, I find January to be the “lull” in the middle. Still […]
15 Truths I Learned from Living and Conducting
By Mark Lawley, Past SWACDA President 15 Truths I Learned from Living and Conducting By Mark Lawley, Past SWACDA President After 4th grader Nemo left his voice lesson, I noticed there was a penny laying on my piano. A week later, I told him he left the penny and reached to give it back to […]
Incorporating Social-Emotional Learning in Choral Rehearsals: Is There Enough Time?
By Spencer Wiley, High School Mixed Choir R&R Chair Incorporating Social-Emotional Learning in Choral Rehearsals: Is There Enough Time? By Spencer Wiley, High School Mixed Choir R&R Chair If you’re anything like me, you know that even though you may have the perfect rehearsal plan, there will be some things that will need to be […]
Magic Is Possible – by Stephen Rew
MAGIC IS POSSIBLE By Stephen Rew “Never Settle for Beautiful when MAGIC is possible.” – Charles Bruffy As a young director at a SWACDA Conference in Kansas City, I found myself sitting in the balcony of the Folly Theatre watching a performance by a Women’s Choir from Seoul, Korea. As a recent college graduate, I […]
Exploring the Jonathan Palant Series: A Conversation with Dr. Jonathan Palant
Reginal Wright TTBB Choirs R&R Chair Exploring the Jonathan Palant Series: A Conversation with Dr. Jonathan Palant Interview by Reginal Wright In this interview, Reginal Wright speaks with Dr. Jonathan Palant, Director of Choral Activities at the University of Texas Dallas and leader of the Dallas Street Choir and Credo. We discuss the evolution […]
What Would Be in a Great Audition for an Honors Vocal Jazz Ensemble?
SWACDA Jazz Choir R&R Chair Beth Enloe-Fritz What would be in a great audition for an Honors Vocal Jazz Ensemble? Beth Enloe Fritz – Jazz R&R – With contributions from Ben Silvermintz (MO ASVJE coordinator) and John Stafford (National ACDA Jazz R&R and VJE coordinator) As you approach honor jazz ensemble auditions with your students, […]
Engaging Singers Through Repertoire: A Director’s Perspective by Rayvon Moore
Rayvon Moore, 4-year College/University Engaging Singers Through Repertoire: A Director’s Perspective As the Director of Choral Studies at Friends University, one of my core responsibilities is to ensure that our choral program not only meets high musical standards but also fosters an environment of deep engagement and enthusiasm among our singers. The repertoire we select […]
