Choir Ninja, With Ryan Guth

In this episode, I sit down with MO choral educator, Vikki Siddell to discuss why she almost stopped supporting my podcast and what the real issue was with my last Technique Tuesday. To become a patron of the podcast, click here!

In today’s episode you’ll learn ways to deflate your head so it doesn’t block your audience’s view (and enjoyment) of the concert. My new podcast CHOIR NINJA is coming soon! Click below for more info! Listen   I recommend...   My notes... Remember, in a school situation, your audience is obligated to attend Their child/family member is in the choir Based on previous experience, they would never choose to attend on their own Your ego chooses your repertoire You program recitals, not concerts You think the purpose of choir is solely to educate, not entertain and you don’t believe in a middle ground. The repertoire you choose is too hard for your choir to perform well. Not vocally appropriate. Everything is a ballad. You’re unlikeable from the stage You don’t acknowledge your audience’s presence You have the kids introduce the pieces so you don’t have to You never smile Your gesture is all about you You think you’re a SJW so you make political statements that divide Your audience doesn’t feel welcome

Tony Maglione of William Jewell College stops in to share his thoughts on building a culture of trust with your choir. Listen   Bio Conductor/Composer Anthony J. Maglione is a graduate of Westminster Choir College of Rider University, East Carolina University, and the University of California, Los Angeles. He is the Director of Choral Studies at William Jewell College where, under his direction, the Concert Choir was Runner Up (2nd Place) for the 2015 American Prize in Choral Performance, College/University Division. In addition to his responsibilities at William Jewell College, he serves as Director of the Greater Kansas City AGO Schola Cantorum, Conductor Emeritus of the Freelance Ensemble Artists of NJ, a symphony orchestra based in Central NJ and recently was appointed the Michael and Ginger Frost “Artist-in-Residence” at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Kansas City. An active composer, Anthony’s choral works are growing in popularity and are published on GIA’s “Evoking Sound” choral series. In the last s

In December especially, choral directors spend their days focused on serving others so much that they often neglect their own needs. Here are some ways to stay charged in the coming weeks until Christmas! Listen   Notes This is a long, but incredibly rewarding season. Remember to keep these items in mind to maximize the rewards of your work and stay present with those who need you! Keep in mind: You’re a servant and a leader year-round and especially in December! Stay mission-oriented and I PROMISE you’ll be glad you did! You have to take care of yourself before you can take care of others. You have so many in your choirs who depend on your gifts to get them through this often very difficult season. You have the potential to help heal the pain of loss or loneliness that some people feel at this time. It make take extra energy, compassion, and patience in order to serve the members of your choir in a time when energy, compassion, and patience are in short supply. Wake up with a sense of duty and be grateful

In this interview, I sit down with Jonathan Palant of the Dallas Street Choir to speak about the true purpose and mission of choral music and how it touches the lives of the disadvantaged just as much as those fortunate enough to be listening here today. Support our sponsor for this episode: KI Concerts Listen   Bio Jonathan Palant teaches vocal music at both the University of Texas at Dallas and Richland College. He is also Minister of Music at Kessler Park United Methodist Church, adult choir director at Temple Shalom, and founder and conductor of Credo, a 115-member community choir, and the Dallas Street Choir, a musical outlet for those experiencing homelessness and disadvantage. From 2007-2011, he served as Artistic Director of Dallas’ Turtle Creek Chorale. Prior to that, Palant held collegiate teaching positions at Western Kentucky University and Madonna University, Livonia, Michigan. He taught secondary choral music at University School, an all-boys independent school in Cleveland, Ohio, and San Pasq

Responding to an inquiry in a choir Facebook group (that shall not be named) about why it may not be best idea to sing Vittoria’s “O Magnum Mysterium” at a tree-lighting. This is a quick lesson on playing the long game. Listen   Notes The original post on Facebook: Every year our choir is invited to sing at the city Tree Lighting ceremony. Last year the set we sang included the Victoria O Magnum Mysterium, Betelehemu, and Carol of the Bells - a mix of songs people may know, but also a few they probably didn't (I don't remember the entire set). My principal got an email from them today (the concert is on Wednesday) asking him to ensure the choir performed more "festive" music this year, because we sang "some Bach or something" last year. I work really hard to select repertoire that is both educational and challenging. The choir loved the Victoria last year, and sang it really well. I admit that if it was the only song we sang that might have been problematic, but we did a lot of upbeat and

Speaking with conductor and composer, Mike Engelhardt about his unique project, Beer Choir! This is something that is expanding the choral world one microbrew at a time! Listen for information on how to start your own chapter for free. Support our sponsor for this episode: KI Concerts Listen   Bio Michael Engelhardt is a freelance choral music composer, conductor, and innovator. He frequently combines historical choral material with pop, contemporary, and electronic elements, creating a new sound that is compelling to academic and general audiences alike. His works have been featured at All-State Conferences in Texas, Minnesota, Kansas, Colorado, Virginia, and at multiple ACDA National and Regional Conferences. His compositions have been featured twice on the Carnegie Hall stage. Many of his pieces are published by Walton Music and Hinshaw Music, and he has several self-published works available at www.mikeemusic.com. As a clinician and guest conductor, Michael has conducted the West Virginia ACDA All-State

After receiving an irate parent email, here’s how to begin to turn around the situation and make that parent a new friend.  Listen   Notes Write a draft response. Don’t hit reply. Open a NEW DRAFT. Don't send. Go to bed. Review in the morning when you’re less emotional. Send an NEW email to the parent requesting a phone number and a good time to call. When you’re calm, make the phone call and get the parent on the line. While on the call... Open the call by asking them to clarify their email Try to understand their perspective. Rephrase their perspective in your words You may be wrong. If so, apologize. You also have the right to disagree, but NEVER have a pissing contest. Be firm on policy being for the benefit of the kids. Remember: They just want to be heard. Apologize only for the things that you mean to apologize for. Don't just apologize to shut them up. This doesn't help you. If you disagree, explain to them how your side benefits THEM/THEIR CHILD. Never talk about the benefits to you or your pr

Jeb Mueller, of the University of Houston, stops in to talk about the value of dreaming big, telling others your goals, overcoming imposter syndrome, and strategies to clear your mind and be your best self for rehearsal. This episode is sponsored by KI Concerts. Listen   Bio Jeb Mueller serves as Associate Director of Choral Studies at the University of Houston Moores School of Music where he conducts three choirs, prepares opera choruses, teaches choral music education courses, and maintains a graduate conducting studio. In addition to his academic duties, Mueller is an active clinician, adjudicator, and conference presenter with engagements throughout the United States. Mueller’s choirs have been described as “stellar,” “inspired,” and singing with “mature line and a beautiful, vibrant tone.” Under his direction, UH’s Concert Women’s Chorus performed at the 2016 American Choral Directors Association Southwest Division Conference in Kansas City, Missouri. Mueller taught high school choral music in the Houst

Should you really get that Master’s degree? In this episode, I speak about the reasons people choose to leave their teaching job to go back to school, give you a simple cost/benefit analysis one can use to determine whether school makes sense, and what they could do besides returning to school! Listen Show Notes Reasons people choose to go back to school for their master’s degrees Bored in current school job Job is too stressful Current position is the wrong fit Required by state/district Looking for a significant other Satiate a need to feed one’s brain Feed their ego Delay reality Cost/benefit analysis (ROI - Return on Investment) Do you have a choral ed job now? If so… What’s your current salary? What would be your new salary? Can you get a sabbatical in your current position? Would you get rehired by the same school/district? What’s the cost to the program of you leaving and coming back? If not.. Are you delaying reality? Just out of undergrad Haven’t been hired yet after applying/interviewing

Informative interview on teachers as professional choral singers with Chris Munce, high school director, leader of Kantorei KC and Central UMC of Kansas City, MO. This episode is sponsored by KI Concerts. Listen   Bio Chris Munce is an accomplished choral performer, conductor, educator, clinician and arts administrator. As a performer, he is a member of Kantorei of Kansas City, as well as its Founder and Artistic Director. He has also performed with the Simon Carrington Chamber Singers, and the Grammy Winning Kansas City Chorale. Chris was fortunate to be a part of the Chorale's Grammy Nominated album, "Rheinberger: Sacred Choral Works," as well as Simon Carrington's "Juxtapositions." With Kantorei, Chris has lead the group in making three complete commercial album recordings. "Sweet Was the Song" was self produced and released in 2011. Kantorei then completed its second album "Music and Sweet Poetry" which was released in 2014 can be found on the Resonus Classics Labe

In today’s episode, Kathryn Cole of Springfield MO and I dive into stories of selling two major undertakings to her administrators, and how she did it all in her THIRD YEAR at her middle school! Listen Kathryn Cole Kathryn Cole earned her bachelor’s degree in vocal music education from Evangel University in May of 2008. She continued on to receive a master’s of music in choral conducting from Missouri State University. Upon graduating in 2010, Cole began serving on the faculty of Evangel University, Ozarks Technical Community College, and Grace Classical Academy where she spent the first four years of her teaching career. She also served as an accompanist and conductor for Children's Choirs of Southwest Missouri for two seasons. Cole is in her third year as the Director of Vocal Music and Piano Lab Specialist at Bolivar Middle School in Bolivar, Missouri. She is also the color guard coach at Bolivar High School. She soon plans to pursue a doctoral degree with a focus in choral conducting. Cole is

This is a fascinating interview with renowned Russian conductor, Elena Sharkova.  In it, Elena describes her musical journey growing up in the USSR and how she was pigeon-holed to be a musician since the age of 6. We compare and contrast US educational principles with those she was raised with, and find out how she rose from an immigrant living in Detroit to the chorus director of Symphony Silicon Valley and international clinician. This episode is sponsored by KI Concerts. Support our sponsor for this episode: KI Concerts Listen [Player]   Bio Native of St. Petersburg, Russia, Elena Sharkova received her training at the famed Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatoire and holds a graduate degree in conducting. In 1993 Ms. Sharkova moved to the United State where she continues her varied career as a conductor, teacher, singer, editor, and an advocate for Russian choral music. Recognized for her deep and passionate interpretation of her country’s vast choral repertoire, Ms. Sharkova has been frequently called to design

In this special guest Technique Tuesday, Adam Paltrowitz of the Choral Clarity blog, explains his 5 guidelines to follow when programming religious music with your public school ensemble. This is a very insightful episode that I hope will be food-for-thought for Choir Nation. Sponsored by the Choir Nation: Redirect summer conference in OKC, June 27-30. Listen [Player]   Show Notes 5 Guidelines discussed in the episode Always explain WHY we choose any piece of music. We need to facilitate group discussions regarding each composition with our choirs. We must always be sensitive to the backgrounds of the members of our choirs. We should be educating our audiences. We need to approach programming in a balanced manner. Bio Adam Paltrowitz is a master educator, composer, conductor, and clinician. He resides in Manhattan with his wife, Blair, who is a professional Broadway actress, and his beautiful daughter, Lyla. He is currently the Director of Choral Activities at Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High S

In this interview, I get a chance to sit down with another choral blogger and content creator, Adam Paltrowitz, who is breaking new ground in the world of “self-selected” ensembles. This episode with make you think about the emphasis you choose to place on the choral “elite” at your school. Support our sponsor for this episode: KI Concerts Listen   Bio Adam Paltrowitz is a master educator, composer, conductor, and clinician. He resides in Manhattan with his wife, Blair, who is a professional Broadway actress, and his beautiful daughter, Lyla. He is currently the Director of Choral Activities at Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School, on Long Island, New York. During his eighteen year tenure, his groups have toured Europe, Canada, and throughout the United States. What makes his choirs unique is his belief that anyone can sing; as a result, his ensembles are always self-selected, while maintaining the highest standard of musical excellence. He also has pioneered a philosophy that every student is

Set rehearsal time does not define the rehearsal. Clear objectives do. So what do you do with your extra time? Stevie and I will get into the nitty-gritty in today’s episode! Listen   Support the show on

In this interview, I speak with Josh Habermann of the Dallas Symphony Chorus and Santa Fe Desert Chorale about the chances that he was given as a young professional and the twists of fate that brought him to where he is today. 

Choir Nation member, Brady Weldon comes on the show to ask me questions about how to ensure good behavior on concert night. We explore systematizing procedure and the dialogue I have with my own students and choir parents before the concert. Listen

Betsy Cook Weber pops in to talk about being present as a choral director and planning for her upcoming ACDA National Conference performance. Support our sponsor for this episode: KI Concerts Listen   Bio Dr. Betsy Cook Weber is Professor of Music and Director of Choral Studies at the University of Houston’s Moores School of Music and is also active internationally as a conductor, clinician, adjudicator, and lecturer. In the summer of 2013, Weber became the 13th person and 1st woman to receive the Texas Choral Director Association’s coveted Texas Choirmaster Award.  She is editor of the Betsy Cook Weber choral series with Alliance Music Publishing. Weber was appointed Director of the Houston Symphony Chorus in Fall of 2014, a group that she served as Assistant/Associate Director in 1990 – 1997. In that role, she prepares or has helped prepare choral-orchestral masterworks for some of the world’s greatest conductors, including Robert Shaw, Andrés Orozco-Estrada, Christoph Eschenbach, and David Zinman. Choirs

Spend time doing what you do best–directing your choir, and less time on repetitive or menial tasks that your kids would absolutely love to do. Here are some jobs you can outsource to members of your choir! .form{width:580px; height:280px; background-color:#F3F3F3; border:1px dashed #cacaca; border-radius:5px; font-family:open sans;} .main{margin-left:20px; margin-top:10px;} .head{color:#5d5d5d; font-family:open sans;width: 100%;} .name{ width: 35%; float: left;} .email{width: 35%; float: left;} form{width: 100%;} input[type="email"], input[type="password"], input[type="text"], select, textarea{ margin :0px !important; } Register for Choir Nation ReDirect Launch Webinar! Grab your spot! Seats are limited to 100! Full name* Email* Register Powered by   Listen     Have kids do these items... Documenting processes Attendance One child per class Section leaders Librarian Check-in/Check-out Numbering new music Databasing the library labeling Room decor Bulletin board