Choir Ninja, With Ryan Guth

Your music program probably didn’t come with an instruction manual, which is a shame. Fret not, because Justin Caithaml has a list of tools to supercharge your program. These aren’t just teaching tips. This is an explanation of national programs that can impact your choir, and some ways to get school-wide recognition and appreciation for your choir. Listen: Highlight to Tweet: “It’s the music that makes me come to school each day.” - Justin Caithaml’s student Show Notes: Consider starting a chapter of the Tri M Music Honors Society. “Music In Our Schools Month” is March. At the beginning of the year publish a Music Department flyer with all concert dates for the year. A school-wide assembly for the choir to give a concert to the entire student body. Start your first choir rehearsal with the writing prompt: “It’s the music that….” Bio: Justin Caithaml graduated Magna Cum Laude from Baldwin Wallace University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Music Education degree. He currently serves as Choir Director for grades 7

The best thing we can do for our music education programs is to be actively involved in the discussions that shape our standards. Don’t just respond to decisions that other people make without the benefit of an arts advocate guiding them. In this episode Justin deconstructs the Every Student Succeeds Act, No Child Left Behind, Common Core, and the mysteries of speaking your administration’s language. Listen: Highlight to Tweet: “It’s easy to feel unappreciated….It’s easy to turn negative. The challenge becomes not letting those thing flips the switch in your brain, and maintaining the momentum you’ve already established.” - Justin Caithaml Show Notes: In the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) music is listed as its own subject for a well rounded education (for the first time). Federal law now backs you up when you advocate for music education. Be aware of your state’s response to the legislation. Be informed, so that you can be an effective advocate. Find out how your administration is responding to the ESSA.

Exactly what it says on the tin. In addition to refining your game, you will also discover how the principles of flirtation can be applied to your performances. It’s about caring as much for the context of your performance as the content. It’s also about WikiHow, movie heroes, Stevie’s wedding, pick up lines, Steve Martin, gig boxes, henchmen, and how Ryan picked up his fiancée Amanda. Listen: Highlight to Tweet: “I love the concept of performance as a conversation...most of the time, our performances are monologues.” -Stevie Berryman “Boom! I stole your point, Stevie!” - Ryan Guth Show Notes: How to Flirt, according to WikiHow Make eye contact. Smile. Start a conversation. Keep it playful. Compliment them. Craft a pick-up line. How to Run a Con Smile Get them to say “yes” to something Give them something Ask for what you want (be specific), but make it sound like you are doing them a favor. The qualities of Bond Confidence = preparation Appearance = planning Energy = work Focus = eliminating distract

This is the complete toolkit. So you just need to do two things. 1.) Listen to this episode. 2.) Start your own contemporary a cappella ensemble (vocal band). J. D. Frizzell outlines every why, how, and what you need to know to bring this insanely popular vocal experience to your school. Listen: Highlight to Tweet: “Everybody in the area of a cappella education is very open and helpful, so please reach out to us” - J.D. Frizzell Show Notes: Contemporary a cappella = a vocal band. It performs popular music, singing the instrumental and percussion lines in addition to the lyrics. Contemporary a cappella is a valuable tool for smaller schools to engage students in choir. It is excellent for recruiting students, but also for engaging your audience. This style of singing helps drill essential singing skills: pitch, rhythm, tone, diction, etc. You have several options for music: buy published charts, arrange it yourself, or get others to arrange for you. Vocal percussion: look for a student who can be consistent w

Something happened on the way to the a cappella ensemble. Composer and conductor J.D. Frizzell has some wisdom to share about building relationships with your singers and their parents, and how to maintain a supportive choir program. So before they settle into discussing the mechanics of starting an a cappella ensemble from scratch (catch that episode on Friday), Ryan and J.D. talk about One Voice, Maroon 5, babies, and explosions. Listen: Highlight to Tweet: “Ryan, it was like the school exploded, from the inside out.” - J.D. Frizzell Show Notes: Dr. Frizzell started with what he knew, a jazz ensemble. When that didn’t catch on the way he wanted, he tried a cappella, and it was an instant hit. The students connected strongly with the material, and were eager to practice it on their own. Their desire to get every nuance of their music right has also transformed the rest of the choir program, as those students bring that same drive and work ethic with them to rehearsal with other choirs. A successful a cappel

Ryan looks back on lessons learned this past year as a choir teacher in a new school/state/culture. This is a must listen for anyone...novice or veteran...who is entering a new classroom (or any choir podium). You might want to make sure you listen to the whole thing. Allllll the way to the end. Listen: Highlight to Tweet: “Wait...can we just end it like that...awkward silence...and then just go to your tag? Could we do that?” - Stevie Berryman Show Notes: Keep your ambition in check. (Don’t make changes too soon.) Trust takes time. Talk less, sing more. Concerts are your time to establish yourself in the community. Choose your battles. New school (state) = New culture Create non-classroom bonding experiences. Embrace your predecessor. Don’t compare your new students to your former students. Don’t compare yourself to the previous director. Resources/links Mentioned: Choir Nation group on Facebook Email Patreon - Support the podcast! Sponsored by: Sight Reading Factory (Use promo code “NINJA” at checkout f

Since she’s away at choir camp, it’s “Stevie Week” on the Choir Ninja podcast. Today’s episode is a re-airing of one of our top episodes of the Find Your Forte podcast. Stevie Berryman, of Stevie Be Music, explains how she goes beyond programming to create concert experiences that entertain, sell out, and create raving fans. She gives examples of her own concert experiences and breaks down the essential elements. Listen: Sponsored by: Sight Reading Factory (Use promo code “NINJA” at checkout for 10 free student accounts!) My Music Folders (Use promo code “NINJA” at checkout for “last column” or best pricing - usually reserved for bulk purchases only!)

Since she’s away at choir camp, it’s “Stevie Week” on the Choir Ninja podcast. Today’s episode is a re-airing of one of our top Technique Tuesdays from the Find Your Forte podcast. It’s about how to write a bio that makes audiences root for you before you even step foot on stage. This one is perfect for conductors, teachers, and performers alike. Enjoy! Listen: Show Notes: Ready to write your own? Here’s how to do it: Step 1: Know who you are. That is not the same as knowing what you do. This is about identifying your brand, whatever it is that makes you special. If you cannot articulate in a few clear sentences exactly who you are, then you need to go back and listen to Technique Tuesday episode 16, where Ryan explains how to find your “Why.” Step 2: List your wins. You are good at something that no one will ever give you an award for. Make a list. Maybe you make a great martini. Maybe you are ambidextrous. Maybe you once performed an original kazoo solo in a talent show. Don’t tell us the things you are bes

Beth Richey-Sullivan discusses strategies for surviving the most perilous of choir director jobs: taking over a program from a rockstar. When your predecessor is both beloved and skilled, the incoming director needs “the skin of an elephant and the heart of a butterfly.” This episode is full of jaw-dropping examples that Beth culls from this past year of taking over from an adored former director. Her warmth, encouragement, and wisdom is required listening for anyone stepping into a new job. Listen: Highlight to Tweet: “You need to have the skin of an elephant, and the heart of a butterfly.” -Beth Richey-Sullivan Show Notes: Be transparent with your administration, both in your needs and expectations. You need the skin of an elephant, and the heart of a butterfly (Be tough-skinned, but tenderhearted). Beth and her husband have fostered 13 children over three years, many of whom deal with their pain with outwardly aggressive behavior. “See their behavior as their pain.” “I will treat you with respect, so that

Purpose, mission, vision...it’s all the same idea. Why do you do what you do? Now that the pressures of concert and contest season are behind you, it’s time to spend some time wrestling with the big questions. There are no easy answers, but Ryan and Stevie Berryman walk you through the discussions you need to have with your musicians, your board, or just the director in the mirror. Listen: Highlight to Tweet: “It’s important that as musicians we are consumers as well as producers.” - Stevie Berryman Show Notes: “Who do you serve?” is one of the most important questions for a group to ask themselves, but it is frequently overlooked. Just being good at what you do is not enough to compel an audience to show up for what you do. We are flooded with great performances, both live and in digital formats. “Who do you serve” is not necessarily the same question as “Who is your audience”. You might serve your members, your community, your church congregation, other students. To figure out your answer, try focusing on

As if free hoodies weren’t enough, Catherine Dehoney introduces you to the wealth of support available through Chorus America. She and Ryan also discuss the changing choral landscape, and exactly what it takes to thrive as a professional community chorus. And yes, for real...free hoodies. Listen:   Highlight to Tweet: “Choral singing creates community like no other activity on the planet.” - Catherine Dehoney Show Notes: Chorus America primarily assists those choruses serving their communities as 501c3 organizations, but their larger focus is choral arts advocacy. Many of the choral fields (church, school, community) overlap, and chorus directors tend to wear more than one hat. Chorus America tries to translate non-profit management principles to choruses, to help them survive and thrive in the world of grants and public monies. Having a well defined mission is essential. Choral music educators are essential in the overall health of the choral field. They are the ones who control the supply pipeline. Profess

Choir Ninja REWIND: Part 2 of Gabriel Crouch’s inspirational first year appearance on the podcast. This part goes deep into why choir experiences are important, whether you end up as a choral professional or an investment banker. It also touches on some startling differences between choral education in America and Great Britain. Listen: Highlight to Tweet: “The best thing that we can do, as educators, is give a generation of students an idea of beauty that will sustain them through their life, wherever it takes them.” - Gabriel Crouch Resources/links Mentioned: Princeton University Patreon - Support the podcast! Biography: Gabriel Crouch is Director of Choral Activities and Senior Lecturer in Music at Princeton University. He began his musical career as an eight-year-old in the choir of Westminster Abbey, where he performed a solo at the wedding of HRH Prince Andrew and Miss Sarah Ferguson. After completing a choral scholarship at Trinity College, Cambridge, he was offered a place in the renowned a cappella

Sometimes a perceived set-back is really the best way forward. There is so much gold in this early two-part episode that it’s worthwhile to spotlight it now. In this segment, Gabriel discusses his upbringing in a musical family, and his early ambivalence towards music, even while entering Cambridge on a music scholarship. He goes on to recount a less-than-stellar first year at DePauw University, where he was learning to conduct on the job. It’s ultimately uplifting, as Gabriel and Ryan go on to discuss how our failures make us better. Listen: Highlight to Tweet: “Brahms studied counterpoint every day of his life. If it was good enough for him, it should be good enough for us.” - Gabriel Crouch Resources/links Mentioned: Narcissus and Goldmund: A Novel The Greatest Glory of Our Muses Jeeves & Wooster The Liar, by Stephen Fry Patreon - Support the podcast! Biography: Gabriel Crouch is Director of Choral Activities and Senior Lecturer in Music at Princeton University. He began his musical career as an eigh

Contests are over, your concert was a smash, but yikes...there are still two weeks of class left! We sourced several skilled Choir Ninjas for this episode to bring you classroom tested ideas to keep kids singing, keep kids learning, and to keep you happy. You might even find yourself coming out ahead on your preparations for the fall! Listen: Download the massive list of activities   Resources/links Mentioned: Patreon - Support the podcast! Sponsored by: Sight Reading Factory (Use promo code “NINJA” at checkout for 10 free student accounts!) My Music Folders (Use promo code “NINJA” at checkout for “last column” or best pricing - usually reserved for bulk purchases only!)

Fighting to save music and arts in his school system inspired Justin to become an advocate for music in his community. Now he shares his vision for what it means to be an advocate for your music program. This episode will renew your fire for teaching and your faith in your purpose. Listen to the depth of wisdom from this rising star in the music education world. Listen: Highlight to Tweet: “At the end of it all, it’s the music that matters. That’s what will change lives.” - Justin Caithaml Show Notes: “Proactive advocacy” means starting with the students first. Complete the prompt: “It’s the music that…” Identify and network with your community stakeholders Local artists, artists in residence, or visiting artists PR and marketing outreach School board members We need not defend music existence. We need not define ourselves by how we relate to other subjects. Two main philosophy "camps" Music for music's sake Music enhancing academic goals Our "Why" must align with our "What&

With over 600 choral compositions in publication, Prof. James Mulholland of Butler University chats with Ryan just before a concert exclusively of his works (including a new commission). Dropping the names of legends and movie quotes with equal ease, Prof. Mulholland reminisces on his early creative influences with surprising wit and tenderness, and advocates passionately for the careful regard for text. Listen: Highlight to Tweet: “When did you start loving music? That’s like asking, ‘When did you start loving your mother?’” -James Mulholland Show Notes: Prof. Mulholland has a strong relationship with poetry, inspired by his father’s love for the art. His upbringing included a memorable time when he was 17, sitting around a table with his father’s friends: Tennessee Williams, William Faulkner, and Truman Capote. He was drawn to his mother’s piano playing, and he emulated her. He is starting his 54th year at Butler University. It is a good fit for a man who considers himself more of a creator than a performe

Sometimes bad rehearsals happen to good directors. Sometimes it’s our fault, sometimes it’s their fault, sometimes it’s the tides or moon phase or astrology or who knows. The good thing is that no matter how many lemons they throw at you, you always get to choose how to react. Choose to make lemonade! Ryan tells you how in today’s episode. Listen: Highlight to Tweet: “Your mindset is a self-fulfilling prophecy” -Ryan Guth Show Notes: E + R = O (Event + Reaction = Outcome) Things we can control Preparation: When we aren’t prepared, we project our insecurities on the choir. Expectations: What are they based on? Things the choir can control Energy level (high or low) Have 3 solutions for every problem (Thanks Amanda Quist) Take back control Do something non-musical, like take the choir for a walk Bribe! Compliment Box (see Facebook group) Unplanned event Fire drill: go ahead and sing outside! Community tragedy: Acknowledge it and talk it out with your choir. Some members may have been affected. Standa

Dr. Amanda Quist takes us through a typical warm-up for the Westminster Choir College freshman choir. You’ll learn how, in just 5-7 minutes, she addresses the building blocks of great sound. Plus, you’ll take some fun detours into topics like cell phone policy and how to classify voices. Listen: Highlight to Tweet: “You need to have 3 ways to solve any problem” - Amanda Quist Show Notes: Amanda directs the (compulsory) freshman choir at WCC, so she is first director students meet. Her goal is to take a group of unfamiliar singers with widely-varying levels of experience and make a unison sound. Day 1: sing and build community (students see how they are connected); talk about music they love, their major, who they are; start with voice building - 5-7 minute warm up; next do something physical Low energy? Have them move...step-touches, or something fast-paced like a call and response. Buy in is tougher for the students without choir experience. Knowing the reason behind the exercises helps them buy in. No cell

After all your work, it’s time to debrief the troops. Directors, feel free to be critical of yourself in private. But when you are in post-concert analysis with your singers, it’s all about counting your wins. In this unique episode you get a full recording of Ryan talking to his class the day after their spring concert. Singers are in a position to notice things that you don’t, so a wise Choir Ninja will value their perspective.   Listen: Highlight to Tweet: “If you do something well, you should do more of that thing.” - Ryan Guth Show Notes: Before the concert: Timestamp- 5:40 Get the perspective of the ushers and greeters The decorations, program, pre-concert music, and welcome staff should set the tone for the concert During the concert: Timestamp- 12:50 This is where most of your wins are. Call them out, and celebrate them! After the concert: Timestamp- 39:00 Your response to comments after the show is always, “Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it.” 3 Key Takeaways: Count your wins. Call them out by

Benita Eldridge was born and raised in Elmira, NY, and she has been teaching music there for 34 years. What’s the secret to her longevity? A supportive administration, commitment to her job and community, a firm hand guiding her class, and an overarching love for her students. Listen: Highlight to Tweet: "I don’t care if you don’t sing well. I do care if you work." - Benita Eldridge Show Notes: Born, raised, 34 years teaching in the same town: Elmira, NY Teaches 7th grade at Broadway Academy, where 34% of the students are in chorus, and 64% in a performance class (chorus, orchestra, or band) You need tough love in a town with 2 prisons and a psyche center. Procedure is king in her classroom. Hold them to high standards, but support them, and fight for them when needed. Maintain “a safe, loving, caring, but firm environment” Relationships with students matter. They come back years later. What are the keys to being a tough love teacher who has a lasting impact? Be committed in you job, to your commun