SPecial issue: Choral music in the time of coronavirus IN THIS ISSUE

5 | THE CALM DURING THE STORM from the president’s pen · by jeffrey benson

6 | VIRTUAL UNREALITY letter from the editor · by eliza rubenstein

7 | CCDA SUMMER CONFERENCE AT ECCO

8 | COPING WITH COVID-19 resources and strategies for conductors and teachers · by anabel martínez pauline DISCOVERY. DIVERSITY. DISTINCTION. 9 | VIRTUAL LEARNING FRESNO STATE taking your choir rehearsals online · by tori cook 15 | WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR CHORAL CONCERT IS CANCELLED by tori cook CHORAL PROGRAM 18 | ON LOSS, COMMUNITY, AND TAKING A BREATH Fresno State Department of Music • 2390 E. Keats Ave M/S MB 77 Fresno, CA 93740 • 559.278.2654 • www.fresnostate.edu/music by jennie weyman Fresno State is located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. Our program provides undergraduate and graduate instruction in music for those planning professional careers as performers, composers, educators, and studio teachers, as 22 | CROWDSOURCING: INSPIRATION FOR SURVIVING THE CRISIS well as those preparing for advanced degrees. We focus on broadening students' intellectual horizons, fostering lifelong by ccda board members and friends learning skills, developing the leaders of tomorrow, promoting community involvement, and instilling an appreciation of world cultures. We nurture cultural competence by celebrating the rich diversity of the campus community and welcoming the participation of all. The Fresno State Choral Program maintains an active performing profile. Our ensembles, 27 | DISTRACTION IN ACTION composed of students of all majors, have been received enthusiastically by audiences at home and abroad. the composer’s voice · by dale trumbore Financial packages available for undergraduate and transfer students. Teaching assistantships and scholarships available to graduate students. 28 | CASMEC AND ALL-STATE WRAP-UP by kristina nakagawa and molly peters FACULTY DEGREES OFFERED Dr. Cari Earnhart, Director of Choral Activities Bachelor of Arts Master of Arts 30 | SEEN & HEARD Chamber Singers, Concert Choir, Music Education Music Education Masterworks Chorus, Conducting Music as a Liberal Art Choral Conducting 34 | VISION FOR THE FUTURE Dr. Emily Mason – Choral Music Education, Vocal Performance Vocal Performance scholarship fund donors University Singers Coronavirus is no match for CCDA’S Dr. Tony Mowrer – Choral Music PERFORMANCE 38 | NEWS AND NOTES intrepid members. See inside for resources Education OPPORTUNITIES happenings from around the state and support! Photo by Michael Lopez. PROFESSORS EMERITUS Chamber Singers Concert Choir 42 | TOP FIVE: CHILDREN’S CHOIRS Dr. Anna Hamre Masterworks Chorus by la nell martin Dr. Arthur Huff Opera Theater Dr. Gary Unruh University Singers 43 | TOP FIVE: MUSIC IN WORSHIP by christy rohayem MUSIC MAJOR/MINOR AUDITIONS FOR FALL 2020 44 | TOP FIVE: COMMUNITY CHOIRS Feb 8, 2020 by tammi alderman March 14, 2020 Scan here to receive more information or by appointment about our program 46 | CCDA DIRECTORY http://www.fresnostate.edu/artshum/music/scholarships.html

@FS Choirs Dr. Cari Earnhart: [email protected] www.fresnostate.edu/artshum/music/ensembles/major/concertchoir.htm

2 • Cantate • Vol. 32, No. 2 • Winter 2020 California Choral Directors Association Leading the Way Cantate • Vol. 32, No. 2 • Winter 2020 • 3 From The president’s pen: CANTATE The Calm During the Storm Volume 32, Number 3 WHEREAS, one of us thought we would be here at unbelievably wise and shared several thoughts Official publication of the the human spirit is elevated to a Nthis moment. Sitting at home, away from for all of us to keep in mind: California Choral Directors broader understanding of itself through our choirs, avoiding most human contact turns Association, an Affiliate of study and performance in out to be just as difficult as we might imagine • Art is resilient. the American Choral the aesthetic arts, and it to be. I cannot say, “I’m doing great,” or • Music is not canceled. Directors Association Jeffrey Benson is “I’m doing the best that I can.” I think I’m WHEREAS, simply doing what I can right now for my • We’ve been given the gift of time. We Director of Choral singers and for myself. That’s all I have at the should slow down and learn from this. Eliza Rubenstein, editor serious cutbacks in funding and support have steadily eroded state Activities at San José moment. • Some of the greatest pieces of art were [email protected] institutions and their programs Conductors and teachers are planners made during times of turmoil. Let’s State University. The throughout our country, (or control freaks, depending on your create! Washington Post hails perspective). We don’t deal well with • Connect with people in any ways you can. GUIDELINES FOR SUBMISSIONS uncertainty. This lack of control is creating BE IT RESOLVED his choirs for singing We welcome and encourage CCDA members that all citizens of the United anxiety and stress for our singers and for us. • Keep sharing online tools, apps, funny to contribute articles, announcements, music and States actively voice their affirmative “with an exquisite blend, Broadway legend Stephen Sondheim depicts anecdotes and memes, or anything else book reviews, job vacancy listings, photographs, our current frustrations perfectly: “Art, in that might be helpful to others. and collective support for necessary subtlety of phrasing, and other items of interest to Cantate! funding at the local, state, and national itself, is an attempt to bring order out of • Listen and expose yourself to new things confident musicianship chaos.” Currently we aren’t able to create art with all of this extra time. Please send queries and article ideas to levels of education and government, to ensure the survival of arts programs and fully supported in the ways we are accustomed; thus chaos [email protected]. You are also • Just be. for this and future generations. is the new norm for many of us. We are welcome to submit completed articles, but please tone…that would desperately craving normalcy, hoping to be note that not all articles received will be published. Thank you to our editor, Eliza California Choral Directors Association be the envy of some back in front of our choirs and performing for Rubenstein, for putting together this terrific Deadlines for publication are as follows: empowers choral musicians to our audiences. Alas, it’s now our job to be professional ensembles.” edition of Cantate for all of us in this time August 15 (Fall issue); November 1 create transformative experiences for flexible and figure out how to move ahead. of need. Many of you are already sharing (Winter issue); March 1 (Spring issue). California’s diverse communities. He is also the Artistic I have lots of questions and very few answers. I’m incredibly thankful to all of your amazing ideas online for motivating The editor reserves the right to edit all submissions. Director of Peninsula my friends and colleagues in this profession and inspiring your students from a distance. CCDA is a 501(c)3 non-profit, tax-exempt who are my lifelines right now. We are all We hope this issue provides you with the corporation and an affiliate of the Cantare, a community incredibly vulnerable and this profession courage to try something new in your virtual American Choral Directors Association. chorus based in Palo ADVERTISING IN CANTATE reminds us that it’s okay to share that classroom, or at least provides you the feeling Alto. He received his vulnerability with each other and with our of connection with fellow teachers and Please visit our website (www.acdacal.org) or students. They need to know that they are conductors who are all struggling to bring e-mail us at [email protected] for UPCOMING EVENTS Masters degree and his not alone in their uncertainty and anxiety. It’s order out of this chaos. I’m so proud to be a complete information on advertising in Cantate, Doctorate in Choral okay to say, “I don’t know.” In fact, I’m trying part of this amazing profession!  including rates, deadlines, and graphics specifications. ummer onference at CCDA S C ECCO my best to embrace “I don’t know!” Advertisements are subject to editorial approval. Conducting/Music July 26-29, 2020 (Oakhurst) Education from The rene Brown taught me that “vulnerability

On the cover: Members of the CCDA Coastal Florida State University Bis basically uncertainty, risk, and Honor Choir take a rehearsal break. Photo by emotional exposure.” And of course, my and his Bachelors Robyn Peters, courtesy of Genevieve Tep. students continue to teach me every single day degree in Music of my career. In fact, I decided I needed help from them in order to write this article for all Education from New of you. I asked them what they thought we York University. all needed to hear during this time of chaos and uncertainty. My brilliant students are

4 • Cantate • Vol. 32, No. 2 • Winter 2020 California Choral Directors Association Leading the Way Cantate • Vol. 32, No. 2 • Winter 2020 • 5 letter from the editor: VIRTUAL UNREALITY Registration Begins Mid-April

y name is Eliza, and I don’t want to do more saddened than inspired by the “new CCDA Summer Conference Ma virtual choir. normal” of choral singing—the noisy feedback At ECCO Don’t get me wrong: I’m impressed and and the slow wifi and the hours of digital inspired by all the online choral creations I’ve editing and (when all goes right) the screen seen during and before our current crisis, and full of disembodied singers in their little boxes. Eliza Rubenstein is the heaven knows I’ve seen a lot of them, since This is categorically not a judgment on friends send me links to them roughly every anyone else’s online projects. (If I had more Director of Choral ten minutes now to ask if I’ve ever heard of technological skills and less Weltschmerz and Vocal Activities at virtual choir. I have enormous admiration at this moment, I’d probably be creating a for all those directors—including some of virtual video with my choirs, and maybe I still July Orange Coast College, you, surely—who have made this medium will before our campus shutdown ends.) It’s and the Artistic work for your singers. And I’m grateful that simply an acknowledgment that it’s okay to our technological age has made online choir resist the virtual-choir peer pressure if your Director of the an option, especially now, as we face a new heart, like mine, isn’t in it. Orange County reality that none of us prepared for and none of us wanted. o what am I doing with my choral Women’s Chorus 26-29 But virtual choir captures precisely none of Sensembles for the rest of the year? That’s and the Long Beach the things that made me fall in love with choral still a work in progress, and one that my singing. As a kid in a rigorously musical students will play a role in determining, but Chorale & Chamber household, I learned the basic grammar of I know for sure that we’ll use this time to Orchestra. She harmony by singing four-part Christmas carols practice the skills that sometimes take a back around the piano, rewarded for successfully seat when we’re busy learning repertoire for a holds degrees from 2020 holding my own part by the magical sound performance. Oberlin College and of the whole. A few years later, in children’s We’re going to listen to a lot of great Headliner: choir, I discovered the joys of beautifully music together, some chosen by me and some UC-Irvine, and she matched vowels and unified releases, along chosen by them. We’re going to analyze scores is a former animal with the somewhat less refined (but no less together, and discuss how a future choral formative) pleasures of choir tours and four- conductor might design a rehearsal plan for shelter supervisor and in-a-room pre-teen giddiness at Travelodges them. We’ll talk about stylistic choices and Judy Bowers the co-author of across the Midwest. In college I immersed poetic interpretation. University of Louisiana Monroe myself irretrievably in the counterpoint Maybe we’ll have a contest to see who can a book about dog of Bach, the inner workings of Brahms, create the best “join choir” meme for the fall, Teach Differently: Singers with Diverse Training and Ability adoption. Eliza’s family and the vast sound-spaces of Mahler, all when we all hope we’ll be ready to recruit Repertoire Challenges for Developing Singers accessed through the shared work of listening, new members again. There will definitely includes her partner, anticipating, reacting, sharing, and daring. be some George Michael and Heart videos The Power of Teaching Patterns Julie Fischer; a yellow Choral singing is a corporate endeavor in in the curriculum, because my singers (with Skill Building Through Experiential Learning the true, non-capitalistic sense of the word: a the exception of the “lifelong learners” in the Labrador named Group Voicing:Quick Pitch Matching Success for Adolescent Singers pursuit in which our individual bodies act as group) are lamentably unfamiliar with the hits Dayton; and a cat one body toward a common goal. We became of the 1980s. We’ll watch some virtual choir Thinking Critically in Choral Rehearsals choral musicians because our bodies didn’t videos together, too; we already have. named Wilbur. She’s Rules for Expressive Singing want to sit in the audience; they craved the Most of all, I will listen to my students, passionate about inspiration of the shared breath, the vibrations because what they need from me and from of the tuned chord, the closeness of the singers all of us is love, support, understanding, Visit calcda.org for more info grammar, Thai food, around us. When I began conducting, I was flexibility, and hope. Thank you, dear choral photography, and the awed by the feel of music made palpable, community, for being there for your singers. the way the great works I’d grown up with When this misery loosens its grip, choral St. Louis Cardinals Your CCDA Board is still hopeful that our Summer Conference will happen in July and we are suddenly had a presence and a weight in my music and all its gifts—the ones that don’t closely monitoring the situation. Because of this, we are extending the early-bird and St. Louis Blues. hands that was at once tangible and ineffable. translate to a computer screen—will still be registration through June 30 and will be granting FULL refunds for cancellations prior to So I’ll humbly ask forgiveness for being there for all of us.  July 15. We will share further updates with our members via e-mail and social media as soon as they are available.

6 • Cantate • Vol. 32, No. 2 • Winter 2020 California Choral Directors Association Leading the Way Cantate • Vol. 32, No. 2 • Winter 2020 • 7 These three articles are reprinted with very kind permission from Chorus Connection and the authors. Find original content Coping with and more articles like these at blog.chorusconnection.com! COVID-19 Resources and strategies for conductors and teachers

Virtual learning Taking your choir rehearsals online

horuses are in for a rather long dry spell. C The CDC has recommended that U.S. event organizers cancel all mass gatherings with more than 50 people for at least the next eight weeks. And many other countries, if not already at that point, are undoubtedly headed in that direction. The whole world could soon be on a long choral hiatus. For choruses canceling their spring season, this means they could potentially be on break until the fall or later. Luckily, we live in the age of technology, so the good news is that it’s relatively easy for us to stay connected virtually. How can choruses move from a physical rehearsal model to an online one? We’ll discuss how to do just that in this article.

It’s Okay to Take a Breath The first thing I want to address is that it’s okay to take a break.This is an incredibly stressful and scary situation in which we find ourselves. It’s one that almost no one alive has ever experienced. It’s okay to not have all of the right answers or solutions right away. It’s okay to need some time to think. It’s also okay to give you and your singers a break. People need time to organize their lives into this new structure and they might need you to encourage them to do just that.

By Tori Cook

8 • Cantate • Vol. 32, No. 2 • Winter 2020 California Choral Directors Association Leading the Way Cantate • Vol. 32, No. 2 • Winter 2020 • 9 Ultimately, whether you choose to move to a virtual It’s nearly impossible to run an online choir rehearsal • The chat box also allows people to “raise piano bench for the video. chorus model is up to you. And you should do what in which you are able to hear all singers. This is largely hands” and type out questions to the host. The • While Kathy rehearsed each piece, she would feels right for you and your chorus. due to issues with internet connectivity, lag time, etc. host can then answer these questions during periodically watch the chat box and answer any For those of you interested in what a virtual However, video conferencing tools allow you the the virtual rehearsal without needing to unmute questions while they came in. environment could look like, read on. option to host all of your singers in one place while still participants. being able to see them and chat with them. • At the end of each piece or at a good stopping • There are several view options which will allow moment, Kathy would unmute all participants and Why Might You Host Virtual Choir This gives you the opportunity to hold group participants to see each other and/or the host. You answer any incoming questions before moving on. Rehearsals? discussions, see everyone face-to-face, provide vocal really feel the sense of community with this platform! instruction to your singers, and simply stay connected as She would then mute them all again before working Fact: virtual rehearsals will never be the same as a community. It is important to note that in Zoom’s free version on the next piece. in-person rehearsals. But they can provide a way for you Here’s how it works: there is a 40-minute time limit on meetings. However, • At the end, Kathy unmuted everyone to wrap up to sing together and build your choral community in lieu the company is eliminating their time limits in light of and say goodbye. of physical connection. 1. Identify your host(s) COVID-19 for educational institutions. While this This process worked well for Kathy with minimal Here are a few reasons you may want to do virtual First, you’ll want to decide who is leading your seems to apply primarily to schools, you can reach out to rehearsals with your chorus: them directly to request that the time limit be removed. issues so it’s a good starting place if you’re new to virtual virtual rehearsals. Your host will be the person who is rehearsals! • To keep the sense of community. We’ve talked responsible for instructing the participants in the call, Apart from Zoom, there are other video conferencing a lot about why building your choral community tools you can consider. These tools include, but are collecting and answering any questions via the chat box, 4. Do a trial run is important. In a time where we’re being asked to and muting/unmuting your participants. not limited to, Facebook Live, YouTube Live, Google isolate, the sense of community feels even more vital. You’ll likely want the host to be your primary musical Hangouts or Google Meet, Facebook Messenger, You can use almost any device to host a video Social interactions are good for your soul and can leader—whoever typically runs your choir rehearsals— Webex, GoToMeeting, FreeConference, or Join. conference—laptop, tablet, or mobile. You’ll primarily help your singers feel like they’re not in this alone. or other musical leaders such as section leaders. This is me. Most of these have restrictions on the number want to ensure that your singers can both see and Staying connected virtually is one way you can simply because you want your virtual rehearsal to reflect of participants, so while they could work for smaller hear your host clearly. Choosing a device with a good achieve this feeling. your in-person rehearsals as much as possible. choruses, they may not work for larger ones. You microphone and good camera is key. may also have to pay for these tools if you need more Set up the device so that it is relatively close to your • To keep making music. Music is a language. You’ll also likely want your host to be tech-savvy— participants. host and captures them from the waist up. You’ll also A language that requires constant practice to stay someone who can get the virtual rehearsal up and want the camera primarily pointed towards their face fluent. You can use the time in virtual rehearsals to running without much effort. 3. Establish your process so your singers can hear and see them clearly. You may continue building vocal skills and musicianship with Work within your organization to determine who your need to get a stand for the device in order to position it your singers. host(s) need to be and whether your video conferencing We’ve all been in that awkward conference call—people tool will work for their needs. talking over each other, people coming in late and in this way. • To keep things feeling as normal as possible. introducing themselves, or loud noises in the background Gather a couple of people to do a trial run with you With all of the information in the news and media, 2. Find the right video conferencing tool that make it impossible to hear. Establishing your virtual before your first scheduled virtual rehearsal. it can be difficult to stay calm. But, we have to try. A video conferencing tool is required for operating rehearsal process can help avoid these issues. Keeping a regular routine can help normalize things Kathryn E. Schneider from the New York City Bar 5. Communicate to your singers and take our minds off of worrying and panicking. virtual rehearsals. These tools allow participants to call Once you have everything planned out, you’ll want to in on any device with the option to turn on/off video. Chorus recently held successful virtual sectionals. She • To prepare for a future concert. At this point, shares her process with us: notify your singers. In your communications, include the They also give hosts tools to effectively manage their following: it seems pretty unlikely that any concerts in the participants — such as the essential ability to mute • Each virtual sectional was scheduled for 30 minutes, U.S. will be taking place over the next few months. participants. one after the other. • Information about the date and time of event. While it might seem a little silly to prepare music for Zoom seems to be the platform of choice for most • Recommended login time (plan for approximately something not immediately coming up, remember • Singers received Zoom meeting links (placed in choruses looking to host virtual rehearsals. People choose 5-10 minutes to get the application launched and that there is still a future ahead! Perhaps you’re their section-specific calendar events on their Chorus Zoom for a variety of reasons: working properly). preparing for something in the summer or beyond. Connection account) and clicked on them to log in. Or perhaps you want to try to get a virtual choir • It is free for up to 100 participants, so it’s They were able to use either the Zoom website or • Clear instructions on how to access and launch the going. There’s always music to learn and something affordable and perfect for most chorus sizes. the Zoom mobile app to video conference. Zoom (or other video conferencing) application. to work towards. Plus, having a musical goal in • It’s easy to use and reliable. • Kathy started the rehearsal with all participants Send the specific meeting URL links in a calendar invite to make it easy for participants to click and place can keep your singers motivated and feel like • It does allow two-way conversations, so you unmuted. Everyone was able to say hello and chat they have a clear sense of purpose during this time. for a bit. Then, Kathy laid out the ground rules join. Note: Mobile users should download the communicate together as a group. However, it also Zoom app ahead of time. gives the host the ability to mute all participants so before muting everyone to begin work on the first How to Host Virtual Rehearsals you won’t get overwhelmed from everyone talking at piece. • Whom to contact if your singers are experiencing Okay, so on to the good stuff: the technical components the same time. • Kathy worked through the music by playing piano, technical difficulties or are unable to join. of planning a virtual rehearsal. singing, or both. Her iPad was standing left of the Explain the process as you determined above.

10 • Cantate • Vol. 32, No. 2 • Winter 2020 California Choral Directors Association Leading the Way Cantate • Vol. 32, No. 2 • Winter 2020 • 11 Remind people they will likely be muted most of the record these and share the recordings at a later date. time and to email any initial questions ahead of time. • People got to show their personalities a bit. Kathy says it was fun to see everyone working on 6. Run your virtual rehearsal their own vocal parts. Some people’s pets even made Now, it’s time to run your virtual rehearsal! an appearance! And who doesn’t need an adorable Plan to have your host start getting ready at least 15 dog to look at right now?! minutes prior to the start time so there is ample time to Kathy’s singers also had positive feedback about the get everything set up. You may wish to send a reminder experience: to your singers approximately 15 minutes before the virtual rehearsal starts as well. • “It’s a great temporary solution.” After your rehearsal, write up any challenges you had • “I love the opportunity to connect. It’s great to see and work to address them before the next one! people and chat.” • “It’s like having a personal voice lesson.” Unexpected Benefits of Virtual Rehearsals • “It’s so good to be back with the family.” While you might look at virtual rehearsals as second-best to physical rehearsals, there are, perhaps surprisingly, • “I felt so connected just seeing everyone’s faces.” some benefits that come from them. Kathy Schneider You may feel like virtual rehearsals are a “backup” shares with us some of the unexpected benefits that she plan only, but they may be worth experimenting with to experienced: see if you experience different positive outcomes. • Singers can focus on individual progress and self-evaluation. While the host can’t hear Another Alternative to Virtual Rehearsals everyone singing and offer feedback, each singer If virtual rehearsals aren’t in your wheelhouse, you might can do that on their own. Singers found that they want to try something a bit easier. Martha Leonhardt, were able to focus individually on their own sound Executive Director of the Tacoma Youth Chorus, and and self-reflect on how they can improve. Kathy her staff are keeping everything relatively simple to start. says, “They had to trust themselves. It really Tacoma Youth Chorus has several ensembles, each challenged singers to take responsibility for their own with their own music director. Every week, the music performance.” director will create a weekly lesson plan accompanied • Everyone can see the musical leader. Because by musical tracks or an audio recording for their singers. the camera is close to the host’s face, singers were The assignments are uploaded to Chorus Connection. able to see things more closely than they likely would An email is then sent to the parents requesting that they have in rehearsals. For example, things like vowel login to access these assignments. shapes can be modeled clearly up close. COVID-19 is continuing to spread and things are changing at a rapid pace. Martha says, “We don’t know • Musical leaders can focus on vocal how it’s going to progress. So we don’t know if this will modeling. Usually musical leaders conduct a be a 3-week solution, a 6-week solution, or a long-term chorus, but they don’t often sing with them. The one. I think this process will continue to evolve.” virtual rehearsals allowed for the host to sing the In the meantime, Tacoma Youth Chorus is planning part with the choristers, helping to demonstrate vocal ahead. They’ve already added four Saturday rehearsals quality and technique throughout the rehearsal. to their existing rehearsal schedule for their late-spring • The rehearsals felt highly efficient. Without performances. They’re also monitoring the situation as the constant chitchat that we often get in rehearsals, it changes and will adjust course as needed. the rehearsal can run more efficiently. Participants So if you don’t plan to have virtual rehearsals, you are muted so the host can really take the rehearsal at can still do weekly assignments and communications their own pace. with your singers if you wish. There are plenty of tools • It provided everyone the opportunity to to share resources and stay connected with your singers participate. Even if someone was sick and couldn’t as you navigate this tricky situation.  come to rehearsal, they could participate by listening and watching. There is also the opportunity to

12 • Cantate • Vol. 32, No. 2 • Winter 2020 California Choral Directors Association Leading the Way Cantate • Vol. 32, No. 2 • Winter 2020 • 13 What to do when your choral concert is cancelled

ou’ve worked for months on Check Your Contracts Ya concert. Your singers have Before you notify anyone about the cancellation, check been practicing their music day and night. You’ve your vendor contracts. Consider the following: spent money marketing the performance and countless • What is listed in the cancellation policy or force hours trying to plan every last operational detail. Then majeure clause? something like COVID-19 forces you or your venue to • Which parties are responsible for eating any cancel the performance. deposits or pre-paid expenses? It’s easy in situations like this to rage and throw every object in sight. But take a moment. You have • Will the chorus be responsible for paying any an opportunity here: to build trust with your audience additional fees? and to show them that your organization is capable of • Are there any clauses that discuss event handling crises. Once you’ve had a moment to gather postponement? And does the contract stipulate yourself, what are some things you can do? whether funds can be applied towards a future date? Disclaimer: The information provided here does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, • Using this information, put a plan in place before all information, content, and materials are for general contacting your vendors. informational purposes only. • Be clear about the reason you are cancelling and have a specific ‘ask’ in mind. Are you asking the Set Your Primary Goals vendor to refund any money? Are you asking them Let’s start with a few primary goals you might have to push funds to a future performance date? throughout this process. As you work through exactly These preparations will help give you the upper-hand what to do, stay focused on: in your negotiations. • Building trust with your singers and ticket buyers. Notify the Board • Doing everything you can, within reason, to save the event and to also keep your singers, staff, volunteers, The moment you are facing cancellation, as a result and ticket buyers safe. of your own decision or not, the first notification you should make is likely to your board. Let them know the • Minimizing financial loss—saving as much money scope of the situation and what you plan to do about it. as you can or redirecting funds towards a future Because you’ll need to move quickly, you’ll likely want performance. to give them a heads-up that you will be working with WE OFFER FULL REFUNDS FOR ANY REASON! • Keeping spirits high. vendors to either reschedule the concert or cancel the bookings. Provide an opportunity for board members Add any other goals you have to this list. CONTACT INFO IN PROUD AFFILIATION WITH to give feedback but let them know that time is of the (646) 859-4999 - [email protected] essence and you have to move forward with your plans www.nationalconcerts.com as soon as possible. By Tori Cook

14 • Cantate • Vol. 32, No. 2 • Winter 2020 California Choral Directors Association Leading the Way Cantate • Vol. 32, No. 2 • Winter 2020 • 15 Work With Vendors to Weigh Your Options announcement to the public on their end. which will help make sure every ticket buyer has been canceled performance. Make a plea to them to Next, work with your vendors, guest musicians/ notified and keep you organized. provide discounted or free advertising for your next presenters, and co-hosts to weigh your options for the Draft Your Messaging If you do decide to refund ticket purchases, either performance(s). Some of them may just be willing to cut concert. Once word is out that a concert is being canceled or as a result of cancellation or postponement, include you a break! It’s worth a shot, anyway. rescheduled, the news will travel fast. You’ll want to information about that process for your ticket buyers. In the event many arts organizations in your Option 1: Postpone the Concert have all of your ducks in a row before notifying any Include your standard refund policy, any changes community have had to cancel their events due to an you’ve made to it, how refunds should be requested (if emergency (as such is the case with COVID-19), Rescheduling or postponing the concert is another parties. A few things to determine before you notify anyone: applicable), how the funds will be returned, and when maybe you can even spearhead an initiative to alert the feasible option to consider. This allows your singers a they can expect to see the refund. Include your contact media and ask them to help your entire arts community chance to perform the music they’ve worked on, gives • Are you changing vendors, rescheduling the concert information for additional questions. get back on their feet. You could be a hero here. your audience members a chance to hear the repertoire, or canceling altogether? Are there any additional When possible, try to include ways that your ticket and enables you to get some return on your marketing. details that have changed, such as the venue or buyers can stay engaged with you and support your Thank Everyone and Stay Connected When possible, it’s a good idea to have a backup date time? organization during this time. In the event of a concert in place if you think your concert will likely be canceled Throughout this entire process, it’s important to • If canceling or rescheduling, what is your ticket cancellation due to emergencies (such as COVID-19), keep spirits high and maintain the great relationships (even if it has not been canceled yet!). This way, when refund policy and how will you manage processing perhaps ask your ticket buyers to consider converting the concert gets canceled, you’ll be ready to go with a you’ve built along the way. You can do this by staying refunds? their ticket sale into a donation to the organization to connected regularly and showing your appreciation. new date. help cover your operational losses. You may also want to • If rescheduling, do you have enough details about Remember to thank everyone for their time and great If you don’t have one already, check with your venue, request that they follow you on social media or subscribe the postponement to allow ticket buyers to hold onto contributions towards the concert. Performances take a vendors, and guest musicians to see if there is another to emails for updates on future performances. future date that could work for the performance. You their tickets? Will you automatically transfer ticket lot of work to plan, and many people have put blood, sales to the other date or will you give your patrons sweat, and (by now) probably a lot of tears to make your may even need to consider different venues or vendors. Notify the Public If you can find a suitable date for all parties, lock it the option to transfer? Will you give them the option concert happen. Pat yourself on the back and thank all in (getting board approval as needed). See if the parties to request a refund? Will you be forced to refund The most invested parties have now been informed Now, those who contributed during the planning process. can move any deposits or monies pre-paid for the concert all money and then have to ask your ticket buyers to it’s time to notify the general public. Maintain regular communications with your patrons and apply those funds to the new concert. re-purchase a ticket for the next performance? Use your marketing channels to get the word out. about what is happening regarding future performances Remember to keep the messaging consistent across all Check to see if your box office will allow you to • For those requesting refunds, do you plan to offer or programs. Always include ways that people can stay transfer ticket sales to the new date. If this is possible, channels to avoid confusion. Here are some marketing engaged with and support the organization. alternative options to support the organization - such channels to update with the new information: when you inform your ticket buyers about the as requesting a donation in lieu of the ticket refund? Find other opportunities to come together as a cancellation, you can offer to automatically transfer • Website and landing pages community. As a result of COVID-19, people are Work with your marketing team or publicist to draft their ticket to the new date or to process a refund if they staying at home. Consider whether you can host virtual up appropriate messaging or a press release for all • Social media (organic and ads) cannot make the date. rehearsals or virtual community sings. Can you host an relevant parties. If you can’t quickly find a suitable date for all parties, • Email marketing appreciation pizza party after all is said and done? Can you’ll need to make the call to either notify your ticket • Digital ads you plan a large-scale mass singing event to bring the Notify Your Singers community together when all is well? Get creative and buyers of an event cancellation or a postponement with • Event calendars a TBD date. It’s up to you when you want to make Let your singers know as soon as your messaging is stay connected with your singers, patrons, and other this call, but I would recommend notifying ticket buyers ready. If you are rescheduling the performance, find • Ticket sales or venue box office pages local arts organizations. relatively soon after the decision to cancel or reschedule out which singers can perform on the new concert date. • Other more specific channels that you used to Let’s all come together as a community to help each has been made. You may need to move even more Ensure that you have a balanced roster before notifying promote the performance other solve problems, stay connected, and support each quickly if your concert is that week. Once word is out, it the public of the change. other in whatever ways we can. • Look ahead to any pre-planned and upcoming will travel fast! If you are canceling the performance, let your singers You are strong. You are resilient. You can get through know about the cancellation and when you will notify marketing, promotions, or advertisements for the this.  concert. Ensure that the messaging on those are Option 2: Cancel Entirely ticket buyers and the general public. Ask them to keep the information private until a formal announcement has updated accordingly. If no other alternative date or venues are viable, you been made. Once the announcement has been made, Tori Cook is the Director of may, unfortunately, need to fully cancel the performance. they can then share that information publicly. Negotiate Paid Marketing for Future Sales & Marketing at Chorus In this case, notify all vendors to cancel their bookings Performances Connection. She is the and remind them of the cancellation policies laid out Notify Your Ticket Buyers When you cancel a performance, one type of funding former Music Director of the in your contracts. Work to obtain refunds on deposits, that you won’t get back is any money you’ve already Harborlight Show Chorus, when appropriate. Unfortunately, it is possible that some Send an email to your ticket buyers about the changes spent marketing the performance. outgoing President of Chorus parties, including your organization, may lose funding. being made to the performance. If your concert has been canceled due to anything pro Musica, and sings with Ask all vendors to refrain from contacting the public If you are rescheduling the performance, include listed in the force majeure clause, ‘acts of God’ or Tanglewood Festival Chorus until you have finalized the cancellation messaging to information about the new concert date and how ticket otherwise, you can use this to your advantage in in Boston. When not making the public. In some cases, you may even be working with transfers and/or refunds will work. If you’re giving your marketing negotiations. music, she daydreams about adopting a them to draft the messaging. Once you’ve finalized the ticket buyers the option to request a refund or transfer Check in with any companies in which you golden retriever puppy and scuba diving to messaging, send this to them so they can make a formal their ticket, you may wish to include a link to a survey have purchased advertising space for the now exotic locations around the world.

16 • Cantate • Vol. 32, No. 2 • Winter 2020 California Choral Directors Association Leading the Way Cantate • Vol. 32, No. 2 • Winter 2020 • 17 temporary loss of our art forms and our personal solace. Remind them that they can always reach out for help, Even if you are not as keenly aware of that grief just yet, musical or not. it is certain that many of your singers are feeling it—or Remind them that even as we are asked to isolate will be feeling it in the near future. And just like any ourselves for the good of the many, no one is alone. grief and any loss, it is important to acknowledge it and Remind them that the music will be here waiting for to recognize it for what it is. us when we get back.  I am desperately going to miss making music with my friends and colleagues. I am mourning the temporary loss of my community, and afraid of what the future Jennie Weyman is the holds for us all. I don’t quite know how to cope with Managing Director of the such uncertainty without music, because I’ve never had Friday Morning Music Club in On loss, to do it before. Washington, D.C. She is also In the days to come, be transparent with your singers an active member of both and your audience. Don’t give them excuses or false the Capitol Hill Chorale, community, and taking a breath promises, but don’t give them silence either. With social serving on the Board of distancing comes loneliness, which is unavoidable when Directors since 2015, and all we want to do is gather together and create music, the Washington Revels. hat a month it’s been. I know I can feel it, and I know that as the days turn to weeks and can’t. She has previously worked Wmany of you must be feeling as emotionally (heaven forbid, months), it’s going to become all the Use technology to your advantage. Using Zoom for with both The Washington Chorus and and mentally drained as I am. more potent. sectional rehearsals is certainly not as ideal as in-person Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American I have personally been involved in the cancellations rehearsals, but it reminds your singers that they’re not Theater. Jennie taught elementary music for of 17 concerts in just three days: two with the choirs I hose of us in choral administration (or any arts ad- alone and that there is an end to the chaos. It gives them two years, and continues to teach musical perform with, and the remaining 15 with the non-profit I Tministration, for that matter) face a unique situation a way to make music, albeit a non-traditional one. theater workshops in her spare time. When manage. At least six more face further cancellation as the in that we are not just administrators but artists, and Remind them that your musical group is a community not working, Jennie freelances as a graphic situation develops, likely more. have to cope with this situation from the perspective of first and foremost, even if it isn’t a “community chorus” designer, reads terrible mystery novels, and My organization, the Friday Morning Music Club our work but also from the perspective of our music. Yes, under the standard definition. makes Airbnb wishlists. Go Hufflepuff! (FMMC), is “lucky,” perhaps, in the fact that we do not ultimately our stress and frustration surrounding these charge for tickets for the 80+ concerts we present each cancellations is connected to our bottom line and the year. Many days I wish that we did, particularly when financial sacrifices we’re making for the sake of public combing through our budget, contemplating how much health. But the very heart of what we do is making we might take in if we did charge for admission. But music together. I know for certain that I am not the only ultimately it is a huge part of our mission that our music arts administrator who also actively sings with a choir Find your choir family at Orange Coast College. and performances be accessible to all, performers and or plays in an orchestra or band. I do what I do with audience alike. my career because choral music brings me joy; I spend “Choir has always been my home away from home and the That said, I had never anticipated a scenario such my days advocating for it and other genres of classical place where I’m unafraid to let my voice be heard.” as this, where not charging for tickets would ultimately music while spending my evenings singing with multiple –OCC Chamber Singers alto allow FMMC the flexibility to truly do what’s best for ensembles and working on a wide variety of projects. our membership and patrons without any thought to As we are told on all fronts that we need to halt “Life-changing music with life-changing people.” –OCC Chamber Singers bass budget or financials. our work and to distance ourselves from one another, The reality of the developing circumstances we are faced with an uncomfortable reality: the exact “Get yourself a family who tells you when you’re out surrounding COVID-19 is that large gatherings will thing that we are asked to discontinue is also the exact of tune.” –OCC Chamber Singers tenor cause this virus to spread faster. It’s not a matter of if, thing that we so desperately need for ourselves in these but a matter of how much. I am not here to evaluate uncertain times. While I am always drawn to group The OCC Chamber Singers tour regularly and perform the science behind social distancing and “flattening the creation, the desire to come together and make music choral-orchestral masterworks annually. Scholarships curve,” or to tell you what will happen with your choir if is only heightened when times are troubled and worries are available! Visit occmusic.com or contact Eliza you proceed with your concert. are high. What makes these circumstances particularly Rubenstein, Director of Choral and Vocal Activities, at What I am here to discuss is the grief that many of us difficult is that we cannot come together and provide a [email protected] for more information. haven’t quite had the chance to name just yet. Perhaps it musical balm for our wounds. The very balm that could OCC is a leader in combined transfers hasn’t even registered in some of you, or your choristers, heal and comfort many of us is the same balm that could buried beneath the mild chaos and growing anxiety that hurt—or even kill—other people. to CSUs and UCs. these cancellations and changes have brought about. But Whatever your musical dreams, o yes, we’re grieving the loss of our concerts, the we’ll help you get there! Swork that has been put in, and the financial stability 2701 Fairview Road we absolutely need, but we are also grieving the By Jennie Weyman Costa Mesa, CA 92626

18 • Cantate • Vol. 32, No. 2 • Winter 2020 California Choral Directors Association Leading the Way Cantate • Vol. 32, No. 2 • Winter 2020 • 19 LMU Music Welcomes

DR. T.J. HARPER Director of Choral Activities

Loyola Marymount University Choral Music Program

Located in Los Angeles, the second largest artistic and entertainment market in the country, the LMU Choral Music Program offers undergraduate degrees in music with concentrations in Choral Conducting, Composition, and Vocal Performance. Scholarships are available.

CHORAL ENSEMBLES Consort Singers Concert Choir Treble Voices Sinatra Opera Workshop

cfa.lmu.edu/music

20 • Cantate • Vol. 32, No. 2 • Winter 2020 California Choral Directors Association Leading the Way Cantate • Vol. 32, No. 2 • Winter 2020 • 21 suite of music software available in MusicFirst, you why. This might be a bit challenging without using the Crowdsourcing: can request free use of all that MusicFirst has to offer internet, but it can be a fun challenge to see how many during the COVID-19 school closures. The entire songs you can come up with off the top of your head. CCDA board members and friends share suite includes Soundtrap, Noteflight, Sight Reading  Create a handmade flyer: Using the theme you made Factory, Auralia, O-Generator and more. for your concert, create a handmade flyer for your With Soundtrap, students can begin creating music “performance.” You can also do this for past concerts inspiration for surviving the crisis instantly through the many included loops and beats. that you’ve participated in. Use markers, crayons, colored There is also a piano keyboard that can be played with pencils, paint, or anything that you have readily available a touch screen or through the computer keyboard. As to you. You don’t have to be the best artist in the world to my district has 1-to-1 Chromebooks, this is useful, create something fun and beautiful! Polly Vasché: to technology, so I have been following the lead of our since so many of my piano students do not have an CCDA Members: A Ready-Made Support Executive Director at the Oakland Youth Chorus. instrument at home. There are many video tutorials  Revisit music you’ve already performed: Take a look Family Currently, we are leading our rehearsals through the available on the Soundtrap.com website that will help at music from past performances and see how much you use of Zoom. It has helped me to stay connected to my can remember. Use this as an opportunity to refine the s a retired choral director, I greatly miss the few singers and give them some normalcy in a not-so-normal any novice or experienced music engineer quickly start making music. work you’ve already done. Maybe there was a particular but welcome opportunities I have to experience situation. I have used it for sectionals, and the singers and measure in a piece that always gave you a hard time. See A Being a Pro Tools user at home, I still needed some the joys of music-making: singing in our Modesto I are learning together what the dos and don’ts are. For if you can improve it using the knowledge you now have Symphony Chorus, rehearsing devoted handbell example, headphones help with the two-second delay, and of the quick videos to see where all of the various tools about singing and rehearsing. ringers, adjudicating exciting and inspiring choral everyone uses “mute” except for the instructor when I am are located. As a choir director, I may load up my festivals, and even subbing for pianists and conductors playing parts. accompaniment tracks and assign my students to record  Write a song: Write your own lyrics and/or melody. in local churches. Thus it is hard to imagine the reset I have found that staying connected is the one thing their vocal parts. (You can import audio or MIDI files.) If available, add instrumentation using a piano, guitar, of mental and physical energy required of full-time that my singers need. Having these virtual rehearsals And if you are an experienced recording engineer, you ukulele, a wooden spoon and a bucket, or anything else teachers when the often frenetic pace of daily schedules is a break from the anxiety and boredom that they are can even export your work to your personal DAW and you have access to. Think outside the box! Another is brought to a sudden halt. experiencing. I have even had a chance to meet more fine-tune your recordings even more!  option: Take a preexisting song and create new lyrics to it. As our National ACDA President Lynn Gackle parents online, as well as the singers’ pets. Those Be sure to perform your magnificent creation for someone said in a recent post, this abrupt change of routine check-ins are imperative glimpses into their lives. to hear. I’m sure they could use the pick-me-up.  logically results in “sadness, frustration, pessimism, I will use other online resources that I have always Christy Rohayem: loneliness and even a bit of anger for many.... wanted to try, and now is the time. For example, Five musical activities that don’t However, we must try to replace those feelings with Sight-Reading Factory for sightreading and assessments require internet access Josh Palkki: ones of intentional positivity....looking for ways to seek is one I will be using, as well as Flipgrid, which is an Process and progress beauty and reminding ourselves that we are all in this interactive site for students. ven though schools are closed for the foreseeable together.” The one drawback that I am finding, with technology, Efuture, the learning must continue. It is important am always looking for ways to encourage my students to Our CCDA community as well as the National is accessibility and equity. Some of my students’ families during this time to keep some semblance of normalcy I reflect on process and progress. This is an ideal time to ACDA membership are sharing creative ideas and do not have computers, so there is a loss of connection. and routine. Over the last few weeks I’ve seen have your singers reflect on the year/season that they’ve Also, one more drawback is that we are on computers too methodologies to apply in our unique situations. Please educators go above and beyond to ensure that students had together. For my university students, I’ve created the avail yourselves of the collective wisdom presented in much; there is an overload. However, with this pandemic, have access to websites and apps to support digital following prompt using a YouTube video of a piece from these pages and in many other communications. And I hope we come out of this with more love and respect learning. In support of those who have limited access beyond practical considerations, commiserating directly for just the simple things in life. We are building a deep our first concert in October. Feel free to use/modify as to the internet (or just need a break from staring at a necessary! with a colleague can broaden your perspective and connection with families, and hopefully, this will make screen), I’ve compiled a short list of activities that don’t contribute to all-important intentional positivity. To respectful and caring communities.  rely on the world wide web. Here are five quarantine Watch this video from our fall concert, then write a paraphrase Dr. Gackle, “We need each other and a activities that don’t require technology. reflective journal entry about the progress of University sense of community. Music and song will continue to Choir this academic year. More importantly, talk about bind us together and uplift our spirits even during this Jill DeWeese:  Daily journal entries: Take this time to reflect on your your own progress as a musician and as a member of challenging time.”  Have you met Soundtrap? new routine. You can write about what you see going on in your neighborhood or household, or describe the this ensemble. Your response should be 200- 300 words (200 words minimum). Please be as specific as possible. his is a quick description of Soundtrap, which is a activities you’ve been engaging in at home. Discuss how You should use these guiding questions as a jumping off La Nell Martin: DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). Think Garage these changes have affected your life and how you are T point for your writing. How has your vocal technique Technology check-in Band or Pro Tools, but much simpler. Soundtrap is feeling about it. Describe the positives and the negatives progressed? Your music literacy capabilities? In what integrated with Google Classroom, Schoology, and of this new experience. areas have you progressed and in what areas do you n light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, I MusicFirst, and they offer a free 30-day trial. have found that staying connected is the key to  Build your own concert: Choose a concert theme still want to grow? What was the process of creating the I The regular subscription price is $249 for a one-year withstanding this difficult time. Well, almost everyone and create a repertoire list based on that theme. Talk social contract like? Do you feel that you were able to license for up to 50 users. But since it is part of the thinks that, right? I am not the best when it comes about which choirs would perform which pieces and “live these principles” as a member of this ensemble?

22 • Cantate • Vol. 32, No. 2 • Winter 2020 California Choral Directors Association Leading the Way Cantate • Vol. 32, No. 2 • Winter 2020 • 23 Do you have any regrets? If so, what are they and • Do 60 notes and send me a SCREENSHOT of out the year with nine incredible seniors I have come to during his wife’s absence. As difficult as it must have how will you avoid this in the future? What have your percentage. know and love for the past nine years. It’s the same grief been, Mr. Hamilton felt it necessary to share his emotions you taken with you this semester that may serve you that I have seen in all the online choir director forums. to the public as a public servant demonstrating courage, I don’t grade them based on their percentage, but a in your future musical/choral experiences? What will Our community is longing for each other. We are longing bravery, and candor. test after a few days will be a good assessment. I do write for musical connection. We thought technology could you miss about this ensemble in the coming weeks and I wanted to come back to my classroom on Thursday, down their percentage each day, and it is wonderful to see solve that. It just doesn’t. months? March 12, and provide a unique opportunity for my their faces when they can see themselves improving in the I learned a lesson. Not everyone wants things to be students. First, I had to tell them that because of the If you’re looking for fun music literacy instruction, numbers. fixed. Not everyone wants my way of fixing things. Not COVID-19 outbreak, all festivals and trips were You can do this for key signatures, scales, intervals, consider using The Blobs, a fun ear training game. For everyone wants a substitute. Listen to the silence. It’s cancelled. Second, I wanted to assure them that this chords, ear training, etc. The possibilities are endless example, in one module the students will hear King louder than you think.  was not their fault. Third, I shared with my students and best of all, it is free!  Blob sing a pitch. Then they will hear three other Blob the courage, bravery, and candor it took for Alexander people sing pitches. The student needs to figure out Hamilton to write the Reynolds Pamphlet as a public Anthony Arnold: servant to have his business put out there in public. which of the Blob people sang the same pitch as King JENNY TISI: Expressing your feelings Lastly, I wanted to encourage my students to use that Blob (if you’re trying out the preview, purposely get LISTEN TO THE SILENCE same courage, bravery, and candor to write their own an answer wrong; you’ll thank me later). Visit echalk. n Wednesday, March 11, my wife and I ventured Reynolds Pamphlet—to be able to share their emotions co.uk/music/training/blobChorus/blobChorus.html. ur virtual choir video is on hold, and probably Ointo San Francisco to see Hamilton, the hit with me, and only me. To write about how they felt about There is a subscription fee to use this service Oindefinitely. Broadway musical, at the Orpheum Theater. It was having all their events cancelled because of something (subscription.echalk.co.uk/subscription/registration/ I made an assumption...an assumption based on what my first time. I have been blessed to see many amazing that was not their doing. I wanted to give my students a registration.aspx), but the Blob chorus tool is just I saw others doing. An assumption based on my own musicals in my life, but this musical had to be the best chance to write their own lyrics that reflected their heart, one of many fun, engaging music literacy tools on the pain and sadness of not getting to work with my amazing I have ever witnessed simply because every single cast their soul, and their mind. website.  choristers. member was a superstar in their own right. No one As the ending of Hamilton says, Who lives? Who I made an assumption as an adult who is confident performer stood out as all complemented one another. dies? Who tells your story? I hope as their educator I can in herself as a choral musician, a member of the whole. One of the numbers in the musical, “The Reynolds tell their stories of courage, bravery, and candor to future David V. Montoya: I made an assumption after watching other youth choirs Pamphlet,” highlighted Alexander Hamilton’s affair generations.  Letter perfect and their teachers create something and share it all over the news, the world. ow often do we find that our singers don’t have the I assumed my choir wanted that, too. But I wasn’t Hkind of knowledge of the staff that we assume they listening. have? We all know that even if singers can read well by The problem was asking them to sing alone through a using solfege, they don’t necessarily have to know the recording device, to send it off where one of their peers or letter names of the notes, nor where to find them on the I would listen, to expose their voices that fit so beautifully piano. Even my piano students often rely on fingering into the whole. They are a non-auditioned choir of teens. instead of knowing which letter named note they are And they like that about the group. To sing alone was playing. scary. I didn’t even think of that until I got a text last If you find yourself in that situation and you’re night from one of my 9th graders. looking for online activities, try having your students I have to remember that they are overwhelmed, too, spend some time on MusicTheory.net. You can easily with teachers still piling work on them from Zoom create simple assignments for them to strengthen their classrooms. More time in front of screens, when perhaps note-naming skills. It takes maybe 10 minutes a day, they would just like to breathe. and I have found that it is well worth the time. Here’s My idea to do this came from a good place. It came one example that I have used over a series of days: from a desperate need for us to stick together during a time of so much uncertainty. It came from my “fix it” • Go to the EXERCISES menu. mode—a mode that I jump to when everything seems to be crumbling around me. I didn’t listen to the silence and • Choose NOTE IDENTIFICATION. lack of response. I just wanted to hold us together. • In SETTINGS, choose GRAND STAFF, There is no substitute for being in community. Technology can only go so far. Maybe that is the lesson • RANGE from low C to high C, to be learned about constantly having our phones in our hands. No phone or computer is a substitute for the warm • no KEY SIGNATURES (for now), bodies, the natural human voice, and spirit that flows through the air. Nothing. • use ACCIDENTALS, I have some heavy musical grieving to do, over the loss • and use HELPERS if you need them. of Holy Week, a spring concert, and the chance to finish

24 • Cantate • Vol. 32, No. 2 • Winter 2020 California Choral Directors Association Leading the Way Cantate • Vol. 32, No. 2 • Winter 2020 • 25 the COmposer’s voice: DISTRACTION IN ACTION

often catch myself feeling distracted in the break? This is so hard! Wouldn’t you rather I process of composing. Maybe I’ve only be watching a show? There’s ice cream in the written for twenty minutes, but I feel the urgent freezer....It chatters on at me until I respond by need to check my e-mail. After all, what if I giving in to it or by consciously acknowledging got a message from a potential collaborator and releasing it. Let us assist Dale Trumbore is a Los about an artistically fulfilling and well-paying So within my creative work, I practice commission? Shouldn’t I go see if that e-mail recognizing and dismissing this voice as many Angeles-based composer has appeared in the last five minutes? times as I need to. Yes, I want a break, I tell CELEBRATING 21 YEARS and writer whose music That urge to procrastinate is not a larger sign it, but I’m going to keep composing for now. with your 2021 that something is amiss with my piece or my And then, ten minutes later: Yep, this part is has been performed by composing process; it’s a sign that I’m human. challenging. You’re right. I’ll take that break organizations including Checking e-mail is usually more entertaining soon, but not right this minute. planning! than playing variations of the same chord at Just as I’d direct my attention back to the Los Angeles the piano twenty times in a row or spending my breathing if I were meditating, I turn my Children’s Chorus, two hours writing two minutes of music, only to attention back to my work during my creative delete all of it later. My mind is suggesting that practice. I try to do so without judgment. Each Los Angeles Master I leave my creative work and do something else. time I acknowledge distraction and successfully Chorale, Modesto When I catch this happening, though, I find shift my attention back to my work, it becomes a it helpful to employ the same strategy that I use little easier to repeat that step later that day. Symphony, Pacific with meditating. Any primer on meditation will Some days are more successful than others, Chorale, Pasadena gently remind you that we all get distracted, and when I start over again on a new day, my or at least those of us who aren’t full-time mind is just as easily distracted as it was at the Symphony, The Singers, practicing Buddhist monks do. beginning of the day before. But it’s the process and VocalEssence. The practice of meditation draws your of recognizing that distraction that gets easier awareness to the fact that your mind is with practice, like training a small and forgetful How to Go On, wandering. Instead of letting distracting dog. Each day, I practice telling myself that if Choral Arts Initiative’s thoughts derail you, you acknowledge that I just wait, I will be rewarded with a treat—a New York City you’re distracted. Then you return to a mantra, break from my work—eventually. album of Trumbore’s or you refocus your attention on your breath.

choral works, was a Similarly, when I feel myself becoming e can recognize an impulse to do Chicago distracted while composing, I start by labeling Wsomething without following that impulse. #4-bestselling Classical the urge. I think, “I recognize the urge to check This is such an obvious truth, but in the actual Kansas City my e-mail,” or “Right now, I want to go make practice of creating something, this realization album on iTunes the tea because I’m feeling frustrated with these can feel almost revolutionary. You’re allowed to Los Angeles week of its release. twelve measures.” I tell myself that I can make be distracted. You will be distracted. But each tea or check my e-mail in a few minutes, and distraction means you have yet another chance Hear Dale’s music at then I consciously turn my attention back to to practice gently turning your attention back to Denver daletrumbore.com. composing. About half an hour or so later, I your work. If you miss this opportunity and give take a brief and purposeful break. in to distraction, no worries; you’ll have another I have three choices when I’m distracted: chance to practice soon. The more you practice recognizing which Masterwork • Octavo 1) You can give in to that distracted thought, impulses you shouldn’t follow, the better letting it convince you to abandon your work. you’ll get at recognizing which ones are Youth Choir • Broadway 2) You can acknowledge that distracted worth your attention. You’ll learn to tell the Your ensemble. impulse and release it, reminding yourself difference between ordinary distractions that that you’ll take care of any other tasks later. are best ignored and those moments when your Our unique team of professionals. Symphonic • Signature genuinely hungry self should get up and eat a 3) You can push that thought aside snack. You’ll know when it’s time to forge ahead altogether without acknowledging it. One unforgettable experience. [email protected] • www.mcp.us • (212) 279-1147 and when to set your work aside for the day, When I try to ignore that shrill little voice, give your brain a rest, and trust that you’ll have it keeps returning: Don’t you deserve a little equally brilliant ideas tomorrow. 

26 • Cantate • Vol. 32, No. 2 • Winter 2020 California Choral Directors Association Leading the Way Cantate • Vol. 32, No. 2 • Winter 2020 • 27 CASMEC AND ALL-STATE WRAP-UP UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA by Kristina Nakagawa and Molly Peters THORNTON SCHOOL OF MUSIC

e are pleased to report that our return to ideas, we would love to hear them. This year was an Wthe California All-State Music Educators experiment for us in a new space with a new format, and Conference (CASMEC) was an overall success! we are always looking for ways to improve our offerings The conference was held in Fresno from February and activities to better serve you in the future. 20-23, and we were blessed with great weather for the weekend. CCDA sponsored 12 interest sessions, onor Choir 2020 is in the books, and while it including 3 reading sessions with varied repertoire. Hwas a brand new experience for all involved, we Our sessions were so well attended that we had to add did it! The first big change was our venue—we moved extra chairs to all of our meeting to Fresno State University and were rooms! Many sessions were hosted by Cari Earnhart and her standing room only. amazing ACDA student chapter. Susie With our return to Martone took on uncharted waters CASMEC, CCDA was able to as our first ever Student/Chaperone have a booth in the exhibit hall Coordinator. Our lead chaperones where we hosted a bagel breakfast Susanna Peeples, Marcelo one morning. The booth gave Martinez, Jennifer Perier, and us the opportunity to talk to our Jenni Gaderlund helped give our constituents and connect with singers an amazing experience while teachers in our state who are keeping our kiddos safe. They were total doing amazing things, even under bosses in a team of amazing chaperones. stressful circumstances, often Our guest conductors, Dr. Pearl with limited resources. Many Shangkuan, Dr. Andrea Ramsey, people from all areas of the music Dr. Jeffery Ames, and Dr. Janet world, including our friends in Galván, came from all over the United instrumental and general music, States to give our singers transforma- stopped by the booth and told tive experiences. They, along with our us how happy they were that accompanists extraordinaire—Rod CCDA was back at CASMEC. Henczel, Tonya Florer, Heather Big Thanks and sweet dreams to The feeling of inclusion and everyone who made CASMEC and Bishop, and Amanda Ku—pulled one-ness was a real highlight. ALL-STATE a success! incredible performances out of our In addition to the interest singers during rehearsals as well as in sessions and exhibit hall booth, we hosted 6 choirs, all the Saturday concerts. And Christy Rohayem, Matt DEGREES OFFERED Take a glance at the world Choral Music BM, MM, DMA of whom performed wonderfully varied repertoire and Netto, Amanda Isaac, and Lauren Diez managed Sacred Music MM, DMA showed off what our California choirs are capable of. our guest conductors and accompanists like pros. of choral music today. Having attended the Western Division ACDA just a As teachers, we are problem solvers; as music APPLICATION DEADLINE few weeks ago, and reflecting on the two conferences, teachers, we are problem destroyers. For me, all of the See the influence of the University of Southern California’s DECEMBER 1, 2020 I am proud to say that the singers in California insanity of honor choir weekend is worth it when I hear superlative education in choral and sacred music. are leading the way (yet again!) in movement and the beautiful music that is being made at the concerts visit music.usc.edu/choral expression, creating transformative performances for the on Saturday. None of it would be possible without our diverse audiences that they come into contact with. CBDA/CODA/CAJ counterparts on the CASMEC I want to offer a special “thank you” to all of the board, and of course our amazing CCDA leadership: members of the CCDA board who facilitated sessions, Kristina Nakagawa, conference chair; Jeffrey moved chairs, wheeled risers around in downtown Benson, President; Robert Istad, Past President; and Fresno, helped with piano catastrophes, went on bagel Christopher Peterson, President Elect. 2020 was a MUSIC.USC.EDU @USCTHORNTON and coffee runs, and offered many helping hands. If year with a huge learning curve, but our team took notes you attended CASMEC and you have feedback or and is ready for 2021! See you in Fresno! 

28 • Cantate • Vol. 32, No. 2 • Winter 2020 California Choral Directors Association Leading the Way Cantate • Vol. 32, No. 2 • Winter 2020 • 29 SEEN & HEARD Clockwise from top right: The Christopher High School Chamber Choir attends the SJSU Choral Festival (photo by Kira Dixon); Susie Martone and Molly Peters mean business at CASMEC; friends and colleagues celebrate Western Region ACDA conference honoree Donald Brinegar (photo by Scot Hanna-Weir); and members of the Orange County Women’s Chorus share a Mexican feast the night before performing at WRACDA (photo courtesy of Maryloie Espinoza). Turn the page for more! And send your best photos of your choir’s activites—musical or extra-musical—to cantate. [email protected] if you’d like them to be considered for publication in a future issue!

30 • Cantate • Vol. 32, No. 2 • Winter 2020 California Choral Directors Association Leading the Way Cantate • Vol. 32, No. 2 • Winter 2020 • 31 Top: Jeffery Ames directs the All-State TTBB choir at CASMEC in Fresno (photo by Kristina Nakagawa); bottom: the Irvington High School tour choir visits the Massachusetts State House (photo by Jennifer Olson); opposite: the Clovis East High School choirs (Carlin Truong, director) explore the Salt Lake City scenery.

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32 • Cantate • Vol. 32, No. 2 • Winter 2020 California Choral Directors Association Leading the Way Cantate • Vol. 32, No. 2 • Winter 2020 • 33 Vision for the Future Scholarship Fund Donors

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President’s Circle Jack Bertrand Dr. Jennifer Garrett Diamond ($1000 and higher) in honor of Kimberly Dunn Adams Mark Hulse Jeffrey and Jose Lédon and Jennifer Garrett Albert Mabeza Glenn Carlos Jeff Morton President’s Circle Mike and Julie Dana * Brianna Mowry Platinum ($500 and higher) Rodney Eichenberger Susanna Peeples * Daniel Afonso * Roger Emerson * Carolyn Teraoka-Brady * Tammi Alderman * Scott Farthing David Vanderbout in honor of the past and present Angelina Fitzhugh Dr. Angel M. Vázquez-Ramos and Mary Hamilton Jody R. Vázquez * CCDA board F O R E D U C A T O R S & S T U D E N T S Lori Marie Rios Brandon Harris and Bryan D. Walker * Anthony Lien * Supporter (up to $50) O F A L L E X P E R I E N C E L E V E L S ! John Sorber in honor of Buddy James, Michael Anonymous in memory of Clark Skogsberg Najar, and Matthew Potterton Karen Garrett Michael Mares Debra Golata President’s Circle MaryClare Martin Caitlin Guista Gold ($300 and higher) in honor of Lena and Art Babin Othello Jefferson VOCAL JAZZ and Signe Boyer Heather Mitchell Kenneth J. Abrams Mary Monaghan Lou De La Rosa * Joshua Palkki Kristina and Ryan Nakagawa * Jason Pano in memory of Jim Heiner in honor of Lois Caran, Joe Huszti, ACADEMY Duane and Linda Lovaas * in honor of Lou De La Rosa, and Charlene Archibeque Robert Istad, and Hosted & operated by: Nick Strimple * National Concerts Dr. Jonathan Talberg * Christopher Peterson Alison Nikitopolous Joyce Pricco Matt Falker Burt and Polly Vasché * Dr. Christopher and Tina Peterson Cal State Long Beach Jared Pugh Christine Guter Olga Spriggs Peter Reinman Saturday, August 1, 2020 President’s Circle Genevieve Tep * Silver ($100-$299) Zanaida Robles Ian Brekke Andrea and Mike Townsend Gavin Spencer Charlene Archibeque Dwight Stone Las Positas College Kyle Ball Sponsor ($50-$99) Jeffrey Benson Dana Alexander Saturday, August 8, 2020 Jenny Bent Clement Cano * Founder’s Circle

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34 • Cantate • Vol. 32, No. 2 • Winter 2020 California Choral Directors Association Leading the Way Cantate • Vol. 32, No. 2 • Winter 2020 • 35

Experience a unique professional development opportunity for k-12 choral music educators. Reinvigorate your love of teaching in a fun and positive learning environment. Highlights 2020 for current and aspiring choral music educators teaching grades K-12 and above include: • Experiencing new repertoire from an extensive reading Choral packet • Group conducting lessons Vocal Music • Class breakout sessions on teaching techniques and EduCation pedagogy • The opportunity to opt-in to singing Haydn’s Creation

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R registration now open! $475 Registe now at The Workshop is open to all levels of conductor and requires no audition. chorusamerica.org/ cew2020 in partnership with Chorus america’s Choral-orchestral Conducting academy The Workshop runs concurrently with Chorus America’s Choral-Orchestral Conducting Academy. Participants will have the opportunity to participate in instructional forums with Academy faculty. If desired, participants will also have the opportunity to observe Fellows and Scholars on the podium and sing the choral masterwork Haydn’s Creation. See yourself in music … This is a five day workshop (Mon.–Fri.) with an optional two days (Sat.–Sun.) for those who elect to sing Haydn’s Creation.

36 • Cantate • Vol. 32, No. 2 • Winter 2020 California Choral Directors Association Leading the Way Cantate • Vol. 32, No. 2 • Winter 2020 • 37 Send news of hirings, retirements, awards, San José State University and Cal State East Bay performances by Dr. Daniel Afonso (CSU Stanislaus), held their annual Invitational Choral Festivals at the Dr. Jennifer Garrett (Bakersfield College), and Carlin News and notes commissions, premieres, collaborations, or end of February, featuring performances by over 20 Truong (Clovis East High School). Mr. Truong presented projects to your regional representative! local choirs. an interest session and also performed at this year’s ACDA from around the state Western Region Conference. Bravi tutti! The Peninsula Women’s Chorus (Martín Benvenuto, Artistic Director) presented its tenth Congratulations to Ryan Clippinger (Arvin High New Music for Treble Voices Festival on March 14, School) for being selected as the 2020 CCDA Early Career FAR SOUTH REGION Elizabeth Waterbury. The Shasta Cathedral, which attracted over one featuring some of the Bay Area’s most renowned Conductor of the Year Award. We are proud of you and College Jazz Choir and Concert thousand people. treble choirs: Peninsula Women’s Chorus, Piedmont wish you continued success! In February, the San Diego Master Choirs are enjoying the music of East Bay Children’s Chorus Ancora, and Musae. Chorale presented its fourth annual Arcadelt, Josquin, Koppin, Silvey, Sacred Heart’s Schola Cantorum, PWC honored women’s suffrage champion Alice Big thanks to Julie Dana (Fresno City College) for her High School Honor Choir featuring Shaw, and Kerry Marsh. also under Kendrick’s baton, will Paul with a new commission by Jocelyn Hagen and work as Co-Program Chair of the 2020 Western Division more than one-hundred high school undertake a concert tour to Montreal PWC’s own poet and singer Barbara Saxton. Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. singers from the greater San Diego The California Music Educators in June with performances in Notre area. The singers, representing Association, Capitol Section, recently Dame Basilica, Christ’s Church The Bay Area Choral Guild, led by Sanford Congratulations to John Sorber (College of the Sequoias) twenty different high schools, were recognized Tina Harris, Director Cathedral, and The Ascension of Dole, gave three performances of Mendelssohn’s and Ryan Clippinger for their work in organizing this given a day-long workshop rehearsal of Choral Music at St. Francis High Our Lord Church. Elijah at the beginning of March, with the Jubilate year’s Choral Leadership Academy (CLA) at CASMEC. with SDMC music director John School in Sacramento, as their Orchestra playing period instruments and Bradley Russell. The day culminated in Choral Educator of the Year. Gavin Spencer was recently named Ellingboe as Elijah. a collaborative performance with the High School Teacher of the Year SOUTHERN REGION the members of SDMC at the First The Sacramento Choral Society and for Shasta County. Gavin leads the CENTRAL COAST REGION United Methodist Church of San Orchestra (pictured below during Shasta High School Choir Program. We’re so proud of the following CCDA members for Diego. last year’s performance of Brahms’ The final concert for the season for the Canzona their outstanding artistry and scholarship at the Western Region ACDA and CASMEC! The Ayala High School Ein Deutsches Requiem) were due BAY AREA Women’s Ensemble was “Dance Me to the In March, The San Diego Unified to perform the Verdi Requiem on Stars” on March 1. It was inspired by the 50th Vocal Ensemble (Robbie Davis, conductor) performed School District presented its second Saturday, March 21, in Memorial anniversary of the moon landing. The group, under at CASMEC, and the following ensembles performed Resounding Achord of San Jose at Western Region ACDA: The Riverside City College incarnation of the District Honor Auditorium with soloists from the and the West Valley College Concert Artistic Directors Jill Anderson and Cricket Choral Concert, coordinated by MET. Mayor Steinberg was to Handler, performed a sold-out concert with guest Chamber Singers (John Byun), the Orange County Choir joined together for a concert Women’s Chorus (Eliza Rubenstein), the Biola Laura Williams of the VAPA present a Proclamation to the family on Leap Day. Conductors Kristina dancers from Ballet Theatre SLO and beautiful Department. Over 120 students of our famous Chef Biba Caggiano performances by vocal soloist Hanna Slobodnik University Chorale (Shawna Stewart), the CSULB Nakagawa and Lou De La Rosa Bob Cole Chamber Choir (Jonathan Talberg), Valencia in grades 4-12 participated in one who passed away last October. crafted a program that was full of and pianist Susan Azaret Davies. “Dance Me to of three choirs directed by Kristy Donald Kendrick coordinated the the Stars” explored the vast richness of our universe High School’s Two’n’Four vocal jazz ensemble (Christine whimsy and laughter to celebrate the Tavares-Mocha), and the Fountain Valley High School Aragon (Green Elementary), music for Baggiano’s funeral in the extra day of the year. with selections from Moon Goddess by Jocelyn Emilie Amrein (University of Hagen, among other works. Troubadours (Kevin Tison). San Diego), and John K. Russell (Palomar College and San Diego The Covid-19 event abruptly changed the direction Josh Palkki and Jonathan Talberg presented interest Master Chorale). The students for local school choirs, as well as school musicals, sessions at Western Region ACDA, and Donald Brinegar had six weekly rehearsals before the community choirs, local professional groups, and was the 2020 Conference Honoree. culminating event on March 7. college chamber and concert choir concerts. The Central Coast Spring Choral Festival, sponsored by Congratulations to Karen Garrett for winning the 2020 Choral Director of the Year award at CASMEC!  NORTHERN REGION the adult community group, Vocal Arts Ensemble and Director Gary Lamprecht, expected 62 choirs. The choral programs at Shasta Thanks to our Regional Representatives (Alissa Aune, College in Redding unfortunately Northern; Buddy James, Bay Area; Angel Vázquez- had to cancel their planned May Adelfos Ensemble (Temmo Korisheli, artistic director) plans to hold their June concert on Friday, Ramos, Central; Carolyn Teraoka-Brady, Central Coast; performances. The North State Tina Peterson, Southern; and John Russell, Far South) for Symphony was to have performed June 5, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, June 6, at 3:00 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, Santa Barbara. collecting and sharing news from their areas! Send your news Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 with to your regional representative if you’d like to be included in a the Shasta College Chorale and future issue. the Simpson University Trinity CENTRAL REGION Singers joining the symphony for the fourth movement. The Shasta At this year’s CASMEC conference, the Central College Chorale is directed by Dr. Region was well represented with great choral

38 • Cantate • Vol. 32, No. 2 • Winter 2020 California Choral Directors Association Leading the Way Cantate • Vol. 32, No. 2 • Winter 2020 • 39 Dr. Robert Istad Dr. Christopher Peterson Building Bridges Director of Choral Studies Choral Music Education/ Choirs CHORAL/ VOCAL PROGRAM Transforming Lives

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40 • Cantate • Vol. 32, No. 2 • Winter 2020 California Choral Directors Association Leading the Way Cantate • Vol. 32, No. 2 • Winter 2020 • 41 Top Five for your Choir: Top Five for your Choir: CHILDREN’S CHOIRS MUSIC IN WORSHIP

eaching elementary singers is an ideal different. This arrangement is based on the have been on a hunt for worship music that allows the choir to learn the language with Topportunity to nurture a love for choral 1950’s version of Mahalia Jackson’s “I’m on I celebrates different religions and ethnicities. ease and confidence. “Adinu” features a singing. It is a chance to be, in some cases, My Way.” The homophonic lines build tension These are some of my favorite arrangements unison solo line, a two part treble split, and the first and most important musical influence with each verse; therefore, the piece can be a that I have discovered along the way. If you’re a unison tenor/bass line. It also features three in a young singer’s musical journey. The somewhat accessible challenge for the younger looking for pieces with some diversity, you will intermittent solos that showcase the intricacy La Nell Martin is an repertoire we select can spark a love for the singers to enjoy. The piano accompaniment Christy Rohayem is love these non-traditional worship songs! of melismatic Middle Eastern music. I love choral instrument in our singers. I hope has a gospel drive with an added Afro-Cuban this arrangement for its simplicity and for how Oakland, CA native the director of choirs these suggested pieces will not only build a beat. Lastly, please take the opportunity to dig Trad. Iraqi, arr. Lori Tennenhouse impressively it comes across. This is a great and has taught grade music foundation but create respect for our into the history of the piece and the relevance at East Bakersfield Iraqi Peace Song piece to keep in your back pocket. You can SSA with piano and cello find this arrangement in Andre de Quadros’ levels K through 12 communities. it plays in history. High School, and also Santa Barbara Music Publishing SBMP794 series Choral Music of the Muslim World. in the Bay Area for Dorothy Masuka, arr. Michael Scott Arr. Matthew Doyle conducts the choir If you’re looking for a piece with some Cameroon Sesere Eeye Sayyid Darwish arr. Edward Torikian over 25 years in both at St. Paul’s Episcopal instrumentation, this is a great option. This 2-part with piano accompaniment SSA a cappella with percussion three-part treble arrangement features cello and El Helwa Di private and public Alfred Publishing Company SV9533 Mark O’Leary Publishing YVM058 Church. She received a Middle Eastern drum called a darbukah. SATB Earthsongs S-450 schools. She holds This simple repetitive piece has the energy to This popular song and dance from the Torres her bachelor’s degree The text alternates between the Arabic and take your singers and audience away. There are Strait Island of Northern Australia is one that the English interpretation. The duration of I grew up hearing my mom sing this song. a B.A. in Voice from only six Zulu words, and then the text moves to your singers will love. The transcription of in music education and the piece is 5:30, so this is a great selection Since my parents are from Lebanon, we CSU East Bay, M.A. English. The occurrence of “Wo—Cameroon” this piece gives freedom to present the music vocal performance if you’re looking for something a bit more constantly listened to cassettes of Fairouz, assists with creating a legato phrase with young in authentic ways. The melody is simple, but substantial in terms of length. Although it’s arguably the most famous Lebanese singer in Music Education singers. The canon idea creates support and the change in meter adds a richness to the from San Jose State arranged for treble choir, it would work well for of all time. It wasn’t until I discovered this from San Jose State accessibility for singers to perform in duets. music. The choreography and percussion University. Christy a bass choir or even a mixed choir depending arrangement that I learned “El Helwa Di” is on the voices you have. actually a traditional Egyptian melody. For me, University, and a Level You can include percussion instruments, and inject energy and vitality. My singers love the drive of the piano leads to energy. this song and request it often. For reference, serves as the choir the most recognizable component of the song One Certificate in please check out the YouTube video of Mark chairperson for Kern Laila Constantine, arr. Greg Scheer is the repeated “ku ku ku ku” motive, which rancisco unez Abana depicts the sound of waking roosters. After a Kodaly from Holy F J. N O’Leary and the Sidney Children’s Choir. Criome Mi Madre The video will assist with choreography as well County’s Grand Night SATB with piano few read-throughs of Torikian’s arrangement, it Names University. 2-part as pronunciation. For Music festival, and GIA Publications G-8488 all started coming back to me. I began to recall Boosey & Hawkes CME 48019280 the sounds of both my mother and Fairouz La Nell is currently the her experiences includes “Abana” is a beautiful setting of the Lord’s Anytime there is an opportunity to put Arr. Tracy Wong Prayer. The Arabic text fits the melody in singing to me. This is an upbeat and uplifting Artistic Director for authentic pieces of music into singers’ hands, I Wau Bulan pre-k and kindergarten such a way that it enhances it. An option for piece describing the love of God for all people, SA a cappella rich and poor. You can find this arrangement the Oakland Youth am all for it! This piece is one of four Spanish general music, middle English text is also included, which makes it Lullabies written by Nunez. This lullaby has Cypress Press CP 1537 a versatile piece for many different audiences in Andre de Quadros’ series Choral Music of Chorus and pianist rich text that uses words from Trubia, a town in This Malaysian folk song has been a recent school, high school, and settings. The opening solo line is a great the Muslim World. and choir director for the Asturias region of Spain, and the rhythm favorite for my singers. This short piece has and community choirs. way to feature your tenors and basses or even evokes the influences of Portugal and Brazil. a drone and a simple melody. The drone is a fantastic soloist. The bass line does go down Darin Lewis the Bethany Baptist Please perform the piece with a guitar to bring interrupted with a canon, which ultimately She has a passion to low Gs and Fs, but the approach is usually We Break This Bread SATB Church (Oakland, CA). out the true essence of the lullaby. There are sets the remainder of the piece. I have to say, for Middle Eastern descending from the octave above. If more suitable for your choir, you can always have the Lewis INK Press MSDL04-43 She is also an Adjunct a few dissonances that the singers will need to the movement was the driving force for me to work on, but the piece is a joy once mastery select this song for my choir. Please check out music and is currently basses remain in the upper octave. In these crazy times of panic and separation, Professor at Holy has occurred. YouTube videos, for clarity in choreography working on her this piece carries a great message of inclusion as well as variety; for reference; I enjoyed the Sufi melody, arr. Shireen Abu-Khader and celebrates diversity. The opening text “For Names University. masters degree in music Arr. Anthony Trecek-King performance of iSing Silicon Valley’s choir.  and Andre de Quadros all who walk the way of faith, we break this I’m On My Way education from San Adinu bread,” sets the tone for the entire song. The SA with piano Unison/2-part word “all” reappears in the text, reinforcing the Jose State University. Walton Music WW1667 Earthsongs S-351 idea that we all can and do coexist together. Spirituals can be show-stoppers, and This Sufi melody is a simple yet beautiful Darin Lewis sets this text extremely well for Trecek-King’s version of this spiritual is no introduction to the Arabic language. The all voice parts. It’s a great non-denominational transliteration provided in the arrangement piece for any form of worship. 

42 • Cantate • Vol. 32, No. 2 • Winter 2020 California Choral Directors Association Leading the Way Cantate • Vol. 32, No. 2 • Winter 2020 • 43 Top Five for your Choir: COMMUNITY/PROFESSIONAL

he ’20s have always been a special decade performance of the work as we know it was for Tin Western music history. World events the Feast of the Reformation (October 31) at in the early part of each century (World Leipzig’s Thomaskirche. The cantata is based War I, Napoleonic Wars, European Wars of on Martin Luther’s hymn tune and text of the Religion, Colonialism, Reign of Henry VIII) same name from the 1520s. If your ensemble gave composers an abundance of inspiration is not ready for a full cantata, try Bach’s motet on which to draw. Below are my Top Five Jesu, meine Freude (1723). Tammi Alderman is favorites that are representative of the ’20s in their respective centuries. 1820s director of Choral/ Franz Schubert (1797-1828) Vocal Music at San 1520s “Der Tanz,” D. 826 John Taverner (c.1490-1545) SATB and piano Marino High School. Missa Gloria tibi Trinitas Available from IMSLP and CPDL She also teaches at CSU SATTBB a cappella During his incredibly short life, Franz Available on IMSLP and CPDL Fullerton’s School of Schubert wrote some incredibly insightful and This is a beautiful example of the early English touching music. “Der Tanz” is a partsong that Music, where she is a Renaissance at its finest. The full mass is underscores the joys of life to be found even university supervisor for approximately 40-45 minutes long and is when we’re longing for the healthy days of our designed to highlight soloists or small soli youth to return. choral music education groups. The Tallis Scholars have two excellent students. Ms. Alderman recordings of the full work, the most recent 1920s from 2013. Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) is head of the choral “O Clap Your Hands” program at Arrowbear 1620s SATB with organ, brass, and percussion Claudio Monteverdi (c.1567-1643) Galaxy Music Corporation Summer Music Camp Laetaniae della Beata Virgine à 6, This English anthem is a setting of verses from and is on the faculty SV 204 Psalm 47. Though Vaughan Williams was SSATTB and continuo the Choral Advantage himself agnostic, he said, “There is no reason Available on IMSLP and CPDL why an atheist could not write a good Mass.” Camp through the This work was originally published by G.C. This piece opens with a brilliant brass fanfare Pacific Chorale and Bianchi of Venice in 1620 and republished and ends with the choir proclaiming “singing in 1626 and 1651. If your choir is not praises” as a triumphant climax. It would CSU Fullerton. Tammi quite ready for Monteverdi’s Vespers, this serve well as an opening or closing piece in is also the assistant appriximately 10-minute motet will give your performance.  audience and singers a wonderful taste of the conductor of the Long masterful composer’s offerings. Beach Camerata Singers. 1720s Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott, BWV 80 SATB with solo quartet, 3 oboes, 2 oboes d’amore, strings, and continuo Available from Carus-Verlag, Bärenreiter, IMSLP and CPDL Although the beginnings of this work were composed in 1715 in Weimar, the first

44 • Cantate • Vol. 32, No. 2 • Winter 2020 California Choral Directors Association Leading the Way Cantate • Vol. 32, No. 2 • Winter 2020 • 45 CCDA BOARD Directory

EXECUTIVE BOARD REPERTOIRE & RESOURCES

President REGIONAL Children’s & Ethnic & Multicultural Jeffrey Benson REPRESENTATIVES Community Youth Perspectives (408) 924-4645 La Nell Martin Anthony Arnold [email protected] Bay Area Buddy James (510) 350-6639 (408) 799-5867 President-Elect (510) 885-3128 [email protected] [email protected] Chris Peterson buddy.james@ (657) 278-3537 Junior High & Middle LGBTQ Perspectives csueastbay.edu [email protected] School Josh Palkki Central Angelina Fitzhugh (202) 679-3350 Vice President Angel Vázquez-Ramos (650) 387-6730 [email protected] Robert Istad (714) 305-1087 [email protected] (562) 822-5952 SJSUMusic in Worship SJSU [email protected] [email protected] Senior High School Christy Rohayem Development & VFTF Central Coast Stacey Kikkawa (510) 908-3047 Lori Marie Rios Carolyn Teraoka-Brady­ (310) 551-5100 [email protected] welcomes (805) 689-­ 1780­ [email protected] (818) 679-7463 Dr. PopCorie & A Cappella Brown, Dr. Corie Brown, [email protected] [email protected] Two-Year College Bret Peppo Treasurer Far South Arlie Langager Professor(925) 808-9689 of Choral Professor of Choral Jenny Bent John Russell (858) 774-­ 0412­ Musicbpeppo [email protected] Music Education (707) 664-3925 (917) 686-0110­ [email protected] SSAA Choirs [email protected] [email protected] College & University Lauren Diez Membership Northern Corie Brown (714) 904-1035 Polly Vasché Alissa Aune (541) 743-6335 [email protected] Pictured: Dr. Jeffrey Benson and Dr. Corie Brown (209) 526-9692 (530) 277-6691 [email protected] pollyvasche pacbell net @ . [email protected] TTBB Choirs Executive Administrator Student Activities Mel Carrillo Southern Follow your passion! Kathleen Preston Susie Martone (559) 827-3560 Tina Peterson 921 N. Harbor Blvd., #412 (415) 735-0910 [email protected]          (562) 453-9681 La Habra, CA 90631-3103 [email protected]    [email protected] Vocal Jazz Bachelor of Arts Dr. Jeffrey Benson, (657) 217-0767 Choral Composition Michelle Hawkins Concert Choir Bachelor of Music Director of Choral Activities [email protected] David Montoya (650) 738-7134 Choraliers in Performance [email protected] (626) 419-8031 [email protected] Vocal Jazz Ensemble Bachelor of Music [email protected] Treble Choir Education Dr. Corie Brown, EVENT CHAIRS Master of Music in Professor of Choral Community & Spartan Glee Club Choral Conducting Music Education Summer Conference CCDA State Conference Professional Choirs Opera Theatre [email protected] at ECCO at CASMEC Tammi Alderman Summer Masters Jeffe Huls Kristina Nakagawa (626) 299-7020 x3615 Degree in Music Education [email protected] (408) 205-6050 [email protected] artistic@ SJSU Choirs CLA Coordinator resoundingachord.org SUMMER CHORAL WORKSHOP SJSU Choirs John Sorber July 13-17, 2020 @SJSU Choirs (559) 303-9961 sjsu.edu/music/choralworkshop sjsu.edu/music [email protected] COMMUNICATIONS

All-State Honor Choirs Cantate Editor Webmaster & Social Media Coordinator Molly Peters Eliza Rubenstein Graphic Design Jason Pano (213) 880-7597 [email protected] Anthony M. Lien (408) 768-0733 (530) 204-8512 [email protected] cantate.editor@ [email protected] gmail.com [email protected]

46 • Cantate • Vol. 32, No. 2 • Winter 2020 California Choral Directors Association Leading the Way Cantate • Vol. 32, No. 2 • Winter 2020 • 47 California Choral Directors Association 921 N. Harbor Blvd., #412 La Habra, CA 90631-3103

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CSULB’s Bob Cole Conservatory of Music offers the MM in Choral Conducting, BM in Music Education, Performance, Opera and Jazz, and the BA in Music. For more information, please visit our website or contact Dr. Jonathan Talberg, Director of Choral Activities at [email protected]