2020 ACDA Western Region Conference Sspecialpecial Eventsevents

2020 ACDA Western Region Conference SSpecialpecial EventsEvents

A Christmas Celebration in March, Brigham Young University with the BYU Choirs and Orchestra! Singers

The Brigham Young University Singers is an exciting choir with impressive voices and a wide range of styles. The group performs pieces from nearly every musical genre and many original works written or arranged for the ensemble. The choir has performed in some of the most prestigious concert halls in the world, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, the Sydney Opera House, the Musikverein in Vienna, the Hanoi Opera House, and Walt Disney Concert Hall. They have traveled throughout the United States and to twenty-seven countries. BYU Singers have appeared in concert with Each December at Brigham Young University in such esteemed ensembles as the King’s Singers, Tene- Provo Utah, around 500 singers and instrumentalists brae, and the Tallis Scholars. present three sold-out performances of their annual “Celebration of Christmas” concert. The concert fea- Andrew Crane (BM, MM: Brigham tures all four BYU auditioned choirs, along with the Young University; DMA: Michigan State BYU Philharmonic Orchestra, in a decades-long tradi- University) is associate professor of cho- tion of excellence that has become a much-anticipated ral conducting and ensembles at Brigham institution in the local community. Young University, where he conducts the For opening night at the 2020 WACDA conference, BYU Singers and administers the gradu- the BYU choirs and orchestra will bring all 500 per- ate program in choral conducting. Choirs under his di- formers to the Salt Lake Tabernacle, in a reprise of their rection have appeared at conferences of ACDA, NCCO, 2019 “Celebration of Christmas” concert. The BYU and NAfME, and have won top prizes in internation- choral program involves over a thousand students each al competitions. He conducted the BYU Singers at the semester, most of whom are non-music majors. The 2019 ACDA National Conference in Kansas City. He four auditioned choirs (BYU Singers, Concert Choir, serves as editor of his own choral series through Walton Men’s Chorus, and Women’s Chorus), previously un- Music, as president of Utah ACDA, and is a member of der the direction of Mack Wilberg, Ronald Staheli, and ACDA’s National Standing Committee for Composition Jean Applonie, are now conducted by Andrew Crane, Initiatives. Rosalind Hall, and Sonja Poulter, who seek to continue the tradition of excellence that has been the hallmark of the program for many years. The BYU Philharmon- ic, conducted by Director of Orchestras Kory Katsean- Brigham Young University es, will perform alongside the choirs at the conference. Concert Choir BYU Philharmonic is one of ﬁ ve orchestras at BYU, with around 450 total students participating. Brigham Young University Concert Choir is one of four select choral ensembles that continue a long tradition of ﬁ ne choral singing at BYU. Comprising eighty singers, about one third of whom are music majors, the ensemble is drawn from virtually every college of the university. One of six choral ensembles at BYU, and

CHORAL JOURNAL January 2020 Volume 60 Number 6 37 2020 ACDA Western Region Conference SSpecialpecial EventsEvents chosen from over 600 singers annually auditioning for Brigham Young University the ensemble, the 180-voice BYU Men’s Chorus is the Philharmonic Orchestra largest collegiate men’s ensemble in the United States. The choir is known for its polished musical performanc- The premier orchestra in the School of Music, the es, its diverse literature, and engaging performance style. BYU Philharmonic Orchestra is composed almost en- tirely of music majors, both undergraduate and grad- Rosalind Hall (LRAM, BM: Royal Acad- uate students. Their mission is to perform the greatest emy of Music, London; MM: Brigham masterpieces of the symphonic literature. This nine- Young University) is associate professor ty-eight-member ensemble performs ten to fourteen of choral music and director of choirs at concerts each year and tours regionally every other year. Brigham Young University, Utah, where The orchestra is featured in regular broadcasts on BYU- she conducts the BYU Concert Choir and TV (BYU’s cable channel), and KBYU-TV and KBYU- BYU Men’s Chorus. A native of Wales, UK, she fre- FM, enabling audiences worldwide to enjoy the orches- quently serves as guest conductor and clinician on both tra’s performances. sides of the Atlantic. Kory Katseanes came to BYU in 1999. As director of orchestras, he oversees the orchestral program that accommo- Brigham Young University dates nearly 400 students enrolled in Women’s Chorus the ﬁ ve University orchestras, and directs the graduate orchestral conduct- The BYU Women’s Chorus is a large group of se- ing program. He conducts the BYU Philharmonic and lect, versatile singers who perform a diverse repertoire the BYU Chamber Orchestra in their campus concerts, extending from medieval and Renaissance works to mas- throughout Utah, and on their regular tours throughout terpieces of our own time. Folk music and other varied the world. Katseanes joined the Utah Symphony in 1975 genres are included in the choir’s study and performanc- as a violinist and served as assistant conductor from 1987 es. The choir is well known for its beautiful, blended to 2002 and played a signiﬁ cant role in the education sound from pristine, quiet unison to the majesty of large programs of the Utah Symphony. In 2008 he received textured sonorities. Women’s Chorus performed by in- the Utah ASTA Award for Music Educator of the Year. vitation at the 2015 ACDA National Conference in Salt Lake City.

Sonja Poulter is a native of Germany. She received undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Mu- sic and Performing Arts and the Goethe University in Frankfurt, Germany. She is a member of the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square and frequently conducts choirs for general events of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including the church’s annual music festival. In 2018 she co-founded the Amavi Chorale, a project-based chamber ensemble with highly trained and experienced choral singers from along the Wasatch Front.

38 CHORAL JOURNAL January 2020 Volume 60 Number 6 March 4-7, 2020 Salt Lake City, Utah Special Events The Sacred Veil Concert California State University—Long Beach Bob Cole Chamber Choir The Sacred Veil is a new twelve-movement work from Eric Whitacre and poet/lyricist Charles Anthony Silves- tri telling a story of love, loss, and grief. Silvestri’s wife, Julie, died of ovarian cancer at age thirty-six in 2005, leaving two young children. His texts (written collabora- tively with Whitacre) and the intimate score tell a story of courtship, love, loss, and the search for solace.

1. The Veil Opens 2. In a Dark and Distant Year 3. Home 4. Magnetic Poetry The Bob Cole Chamber Choir from California State 5. Whenever There Is Birth University, Long Beach, won the Pavarotti Trophy and 6. I’m Afraid Choir of the World at the Welsh Isteddfod in 2016 and 7. I Am Here First Prize at the Internationalar Chorwettbewerb at 8. Delicious Times Spittal, Austria, in 2017. Comprising an extraordinary 9. One Last Breath collection of singers, educators, and composers from the 10. Dear Friends Conservatory, the Chamber Choir tours yearly and has 11. You Rise, I Fall concertized throughout Europe, Australia, New Zea- 12. Child of Wonder land, and China. The Chamber Choir performed at the NCCO Conferences at Yale in 2009, at the College of The Sacred Veil was commissioned by the Los An- Charleston in 2013, and at three ACDA Western Re- geles Master Chorale, Grant Gershon, Artistic Director, gion Conferences. They are a recipient of the President’s and co-commissioned by Monash Academy of Perform- Award from California MEA. ing Arts—MLIVE and NTR ZaterdagMatinee for the Netherlands Radio Choir. The World Premiere was Jonathan Talberg serves as director of given at Walt Disney Concert Hall on February 16–17, choral studies at the Bob Cole Conser- 2019, conducted by the composer. vatory. A passionate advocate for choral music education, Talberg is regularly en- Eric Whitacre is a Grammy-winning com- gaged to conduct honor choirs across the poser and conductor who stands among US, including numerous all-state chorus- today’s most popular musicians, in de- es, and NAfME conference choirs. Talberg received his mand worldwide as conductor, musical bachelor’s in choral conducting from Chapman Univer- innovator, broadcaster, and public speak- sity, where he received the Outstanding Alumnus in the er. A graduate of the Juilliard School Arts Award in 2014. He earned advanced degrees from of Music, he is artist in residence with the Los Angeles the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Master Chorale, following a ﬁ ve-year term as compos- Music and completed a post-doctoral fellowship with the er in residence at the University of Cambridge, UK. In Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Pops, and addition to his acclaimed choral output, Whitacre’s in- the May Festival Chorus. strumental works have been performed by some of the world’s ﬁ nest orchestras, ensembles, and concert bands. Whitacre has given keynote addresses for many Fortune 500 companies and global institutions.

CHORAL JOURNAL January 2020 Volume 60 Number 6 39 2020 ACDA Western Region Conference IInvitednvited ChoirsChoirs

Brigham Young University KammerChor Saarbrücken Vocal Point

KammerChor Saarbrücken is one of Germany’s leading chamber choirs and is internationally known for its homogenous and transparent a cappella choral sound. The choir has proven its consistent high quality by winning the German Choir Competition in 1998 and many important international choir competitions within the past twenty years. The choir regularly receives invi- tations to internationally renowned festivals. It collaborates with the Deutsche Radio Philharmonic Orchestra Vocal Point, Brigham Young University’s renowned and produces its CDs exclusively with the Saarländischer nine-man a cappella group, combines harmony, hu- Rundfunk broadcasting station. mor, and remarkable vocal percussion into a thrilling showcase. With a wide range of vocal possibilities—and Georg Grün is a sought-after choirmas- seeming impossibilities—these crowd-pleasers cover it ter and a specialist for choir sound at the all: rock, pop, country, jazz, hymns, and R&B. To date international level. In 1990 he founded they have more than 74 million views on YouTube. For the KammerChor Saarbrücken and has their fi rst international tour, Vocal Point traveled to Chi- been its artistic director ever since. From na in 2019 with six other BYU performing groups. Their 2000 until 2013, he held a chair as a pro- eighth album, Music Video Hits, Vol. 2, released in 2018. fessor for choral conducting at the Conservatory for Mu- In 2015, they performed in California at Disneyland’s sic in Mannheim, where he founded the conservatory’s 60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration. In 2011, Vocal chamber choir. Since 2008 he has been a member of the Point was a top-fi ve fi nalist on NBC’s The Sing-Off . Daarler Vocal Consort singing baritone. Since 2010 he has been a mentor of the forum of conductors within the German Music Council, and since 2015, chairman of the jury of the International Chamber Choir Com- petition in Marktoberdorf.

40 CHORAL JOURNAL January 2020 Volume 60 Number 6 March 4-7, 2020 Salt Lake City, Utah Invited Choirs New York Voices The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square

For more than a century, the Tabernacle Choir has given voice to the hopes, joys, trials, and triumphs of people around the world. This 360-member chorus of men and women, all volunteers, has performed at World’s Fairs and expositions, at inaugurations of U.S. This critically acclaimed vocal group has reﬁ ned presidents, in acclaimed concert halls around the world, their musical story to a high art. They are known for on television broadcasts, and now on YouTube and their close-knit voicings, inspired arrangements, and Facebook. Known from its beginnings as the Mormon unparalleled vocal blend. They have been busy making Tabernacle Choir, the Choir changed its name in Oc- two inspired collaborative recordings: one with the great tober 2018 to more closely align with its sponsoring or- Brazilian composer Ivan Lins partnered with the Danish ganization, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Radio Big Band, and the second a meeting of minds with Saints. The Choir is now called “The Tabernacle Choir the Bob Mintzer Big Band at the Manchester Craftsman at Temple Square.” Guild. NYV has traveled the globe with their elegant music. NYV also works in the ﬁ eld of education, giving Mack Wilberg was appointed music workshops and clinics to high school and college music director of the Mormon Tabernacle students throughout the world. In 2009 they launched Choir on March 28, 2008, having served the New York Voices Vocal Jazz Camp at Bowling Green as associate music director since May State University in Ohio. 1999. Wilberg is responsible for all musical and creative aspects of the Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square. He is active as a composer, arranger, guest conductor, and clinician. His compositions and arrangements are performed and recorded throughout the world. Wilberg received his bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and his master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Southern California.

CHORAL JOURNAL January 2020 Volume 60 Number 6 41 2020 ACDA Western Region Conference AAuditioneduditioned ChoirsChoirs

American Heritage School Biola University A Cappella Choir Biola Chorale

The American Heritage A Cappella Choir is an audi- The Biola University Chorale, a thirty-six-member tioned, forty-fi ve-voice mixed choral ensemble at Amer- ensemble, represents a variety of disciplines on campus, ican Heritage School (est. 1970), a Christian-oriented though nearly eighty percent are voice majors. Under private school in American Fork, Utah. The choir rep- the direction of Shawna Stewart, the Biola Chorale had resents nearly 40% of all enrolled juniors and seniors at the opportunity to perform on The Tonight Show with the school. Whole musicianship, including an emphasis Jay Leno, at the Walt Disney Company’s D23 Conven- on music literacy, is stressed in all ensembles, and AHS tion alongside Alton White (Mufasa in Broadway’s The boasts a unifi ed K-12 Kodály program with OAKE-cer- Lion King), in Carnegie Hall under the baton of Eric tifi ed instructors. Since its inception in 2009, the A Cap- Whitacre, and with the Pacifi c Symphony Orchestra un- pella Choir has been noted for its technical excellence der Carl St. Clair. and expressive capabilities. They have been invited to perform at both Utah MEA and Utah ACDA. Shawna Stewart is director of choral studies at Biola University in La Mirada, Rob Swenson is an award-winning com- CA. She conducts the Biola University poser, educator, and conductor. He holds Chorale and the Vocal Jazz ensemble. As a master’s degree from Brigham Young associate professor, she also teaches the University and Level III OAKE-en- conducting classes, choral methods, and dorsed Kodály certifi cation. In 2008 he choral literature. Stewart is a graduate of the Eastman joined the faculty at American Heritage School of Music with a master’s in choral conducting School, where he currently directs the choirs in grades and the University of Southern California with a doc- 8-12 and serves as the Fine Arts Department Chair. torate in choral music. Stewart serves as an adjudicator Swenson’s original compositions have received multiple and guest clinician for choral festivals, workshops, and awards in past ACDA Utah composition contests. He honor choirs throughout California. She has served six was commissioned by UMEA to write a piece for the years on the board for the California chapter of ACDA. 2019 Utah High School Women’s Honor Choir, which he directed. His music is available from Santa Barbara Music Publishing.

42 CHORAL JOURNAL January 2020 Volume 60 Number 6 March 4-7, 2020 Salt Lake City, Utah Auditioned Choirs Brevitas California State University—Long Beach Bob Cole Chamber Choir

The Bob Cole Chamber Choir from California State University, Long Beach, conducted by Jonathan Tal- berg, will be an auditioned choir at the conference. Their photo and bio are on page 39.

Western Region Brevitas is a professional vocal ensemble based along Registration Information the Wasatch Front in Utah and is dedicated to performing the greatest choral music from all eras. Founded in 2013, Brevitas has quickly gained a reputation for Register at acda.org engaging performances and polished recordings. The word “Brevitas” means brevity, referring to the soul of wit and a desire to strip away extraneous material Early Registration leaving only the most impactful rhetoric. Brevitas was prior to midnight January 29, 2020 invited to perform at the 2016 Utah State ACDA Con- ference and has sung in venues such as Libby Gardner • Attendee $270 • Retired $175 • Student $100 Hall and the Cathedral of the Madeleine, Salt Lake City. Registration after midnight January 29, 2020* Matthew D. Nielsen is an active conductor, composer, baritone, producer, and sound engineer. He is the founder • Attendee $295 • Retired $200 • Student $125 and director of Brevitas. As a composer, he has received commissions from the Barlow Endowment for Music Com- On-site registration begins March 4, 2020 position, The Combined Choirs and Philharmonic Orchestra at Brigham Young University, Cantorum • Attendee $320 • Retired $225 • Student $150 Chamber Choir, and St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Plano, Texas. His music has been published with Edition Peters, Walton Music, Santa Barbara Mu- *NO READING PACKET SELECTION sic Press, and featured internationally on BYU Radio AFTER MIDNIGHT JANUARY 29, 2020 and American Public Media’s Performance Today with Fred Child. As a professional singer, Nielsen has performed around the world. You must be a current ACDA member to register You will need your membership number to register

CHORAL JOURNAL January 2020 Volume 60 Number 6 43 2020 ACDA Western Region Conference AAuditioneduditioned ChoirsChoirs

Chandler Children’s Choir Clovis East High Cantus Choir Choraliers

The Chandler Children’s Choir (CCC), founded by The Clovis East High School Choraliers is a treble Aimee Stewart, is a premier youth community choir ensemble comprising singers who rehearse twice a week from the Phoenix metro area of Arizona, having off ered after school in addition to their daytime choruses. They performance-based choral education to hundreds of are part of a diverse choral program with seven vocal young people since 2008. Now in their twelfth season, ensembles, one of which is student directed. The choirs the choir continues to inspire singers ages 7-18 and per- frequently collaborate with the Clovis East drama, forms a mixture of classical, folk, and art song styles for dance, orchestra, marching band, and jazz band pro- audiences throughout the Phoenix Valley and on recent grams to give meaningful performance opportunities to tours to Chicago, Vancouver, and New York.The Can- students and the community. The choirs participate in tus Choir is the top ensemble of the CCC. Recently the community outreach such as exchanges with other cho- Cantus Choir was the featured youth choir of the Sym- ruses throughout California, performances at zoos, and phony of the Southwest’s performance of Carl Orff ’s appearances at homeless shelters monumental work, Carmina Burana. Carlin Truong is the director of vocal mu- Aimee Stewart is the founder and artis- sic at Clovis East High School in Clovis, tic director of the Chandler Children’s California. Currently in his fourth year at Choir (CCC), now in its twelfth season. Clovis East, Truong teaches six vocal en- As a youth, she sang with the Salt Lake sembles and AP Music Theory. Truong is Children’s Choir, studied voice and vi- also the artistic director of Central Valley olin, and performed in a string quartet. Vocal Project, with whom he coordinated the fi rst festi- Stewart earned her bachelor’s degree from Brigham val for Tenor Bass Choirs in the Central Valley. Previous- Young University. She is the choir director at Tempe ly he served as the assistant choir director at Carlmont Preparatory Academy High School and a frequent ad- High School in Belmont, CA, and as a teacher with judicator/clinician for local festivals. She has served in Crystal Children’s Choir. Truong received his master’s a variety of leadership roles with the Arizona ACDA, in choral conducting from San José State University. currently serving as the president. Previously she served as the Children’s and Youth Choir Chair, Secretary, and Cantaremos Festival Chair.

44 CHORAL JOURNAL January 2020 Volume 60 Number 6 March 4-7, 2020 Salt Lake City, Utah Auditioned Choirs Fountain Valley High School Nā Wai Chamber Choir Troubadours

The Fountain Valley High School Troubadours (Fountain Valley, CA) are under the direction of Kevin Established in 2009, Nā Wai Chamber Choir is a tre- Tison. As the premier ensemble of the Vocal Music Pro- ble ensemble dedicated to the preservation, propagation, gram, these forty auditioned singers maintain a rigorous and innovation of Hawaiian choral music. They perform curriculum of music theory, aural development, musi- a diverse array of repertoire from across the world, root- cianship, and repertoire study. Their unique sound and ing our process and perspectives through a Hawaiian creative programming have received great acclaim at lens. Since their inception, Nā Wai has commissioned two ACDA National Conferences (2011 and 2017). Ad- and mentored emerging Native Hawaiian composers ditionally, they travel and perform extensively as part of and choral musicians, toured throughout rural Hawai- the eighty-ﬁ ve-voice Concert Choir and on international ian communities, and led workshops on the performance tours. They will make their third performance appear- of Hawaiian choral music throughout the country. ance in Carnegie Hall in New York City in 2020 before embarking on a seven-country tour of the Baltic Region. Jace Kaholokula Saplan serves as the director of choral activities and assistant Kevin Tison is currently in his eighteenth professor of music at the University of year of teaching high school choral Hawai’i, where he oversees the graduate music—the past ﬁ fteen years being at program in choral conducting, teaches Fountain Valley High School in Orange courses in choral conducting and peda- County, California. A native of central gogy, and conducts the UH Chamber Choir and Concert Louisiana, Tison earned degrees in pi- Choir. Known for his work in celebrating the intersec- ano performance from Northwestern State University tion between Hawaiian music and choral performance, of Louisiana and Texas Christian University. He has he is the artistic director of Nā Wai Chamber Choir. He worked professionally as a conductor, singer, classical pi- received degrees from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mā- anist, and arranger in both choral and orchestral music. noa, Concordia University-Portland, the University of Tison serves as a part of the Perform International team Oregon, and a doctorate from the University of Miami as an artistic advisor and production assistant. Frost School of Music.

CHORAL JOURNAL January 2020 Volume 60 Number 6 45 2020 ACDA Western Region Conference AAuditioneduditioned ChoirsChoirs

Orange County Women’s Chorus Orpheus Male Chorus of Phoenix

The Orpheus Male Chorus of Phoenix made its de- The Orange County Women’s Chorus, now in its but on Christmas morning 1929 on KTAR-AM and has twenty-ﬁ rst season and directed since 2000 by Eliza delighted audiences in venues large and small through- Rubenstein, has become one of Southern California’s out Arizona and beyond with a diverse mix of classical leading amateur choruses. The OCWC has performed and popular music. Orpheus is Arizona’s longest-stand- at venues including the Orange County Performing Arts ing, continuously performing choral arts organization. Center, the Irvine Barclay Theatre, Walt Disney Concert Throughout its rich ninety-year history, the chorus has Hall’s REDCAT Theater, and the 2004 and 2012 West- also toured in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, been fea- ern ACDA Region conferences. The chorus was named tured in radio and TV broadcasts, and has sung the a 2014 Outstanding Arts Organization by Arts Orange National Anthem at professional sporting events and County, won a prize at the 2015 International Musical for dignitaries, including John F. Kennedy. In 2019, Eisteddfod in Llangollen, Wales, and participated in the Orpheus concluded its 90th season by touring the East Carnegie Hall premiere of Kirke Mechem’s Songs of the Coast, performing in Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Slave in New York City in 2017. and Emmitsburg, Maryland.

Eliza Rubenstein is the director of choral Brook Carter Larson is a proud native of and vocal activities at Orange Coast Col- North Dakota. He is in his eleventh sea- lege and the artistic director of the Or- son as the artistic director of the Orpheus ange County Women’s Chorus and the Male Chorus of Phoenix, which has Long Beach Chorale and Chamber Or- nearly quadrupled in size since he took chestra. Rubenstein studied at Oberlin the podium. Larson received a doctorate College in Ohio before earning her master’s at UC-Ir- in choral conducting from Arizona State University. He vine. Ensembles under her direction have performed at also holds degrees from Bowling Green State University Carnegie Hall, Disney Hall’s REDCAT Theater, the (Ohio) and Moorhead State University (Minnesota). In Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall at the Or- 2016, Larson was awarded Arizona Choral Director of ange County Performing Arts Center, Western ACDA the Year by Arizona ACDA. He was the R&R Chair for Region, and the International Musical Eisteddfod, where Male Choirs for Arizona ACDA for eight years. Larson’s the OCWC was a 2015 prizewinner. She serves Califor- edition of A New Commandment by Thomas Tallis was nia ACDA as editor-in-chief of Cantate magazine. published by Walton Music in 2010.

46 CHORAL JOURNAL January 2020 Volume 60 Number 6 March 4-7, 2020 Salt Lake City, Utah Auditioned Choirs Riverside City College Salem Hills High School Chamber Singers Singers

The Riverside City College Chamber Singers have performed at the ACDA Western Region Conference SHHS Singers is the premiere vocal ensemble at Sa- (2010, 2014); the ACDA National Conference (2011, lem Hills High School, which opened in 2008. Salem 2017); at the NCCO National Conference (2011, 2015); Hills serves the students living in the Salem, Elk Ridge, and at the CASMEC conference (2016). The Chamber Payson, and Woodland Hills areas of Utah. The choirs Singers have competed nationally and internationally, of Salem Hills, under the direction of Justin Bills, have taking ﬁ rst place at the California International Choral earned a reputation for hard work and high-quality mu- Competition 2011, the Eisteddfod Choral Competition sic making, consistently earning superior ratings at re- in Wales 2009, the Yeosu International Choral Competi- gion, state, and national festivals. In 2018 they were a tion in Korea 2013, and the Choral Competition in Spit- featured choir at the Utah ACDA Fall Conference. The tal, Austria 2015. They have performed with artists such SHHS Choirs have toured southern and northern Cal- as Don Shelton (member of the Hi-Lo’s), Jon Secada, ifornia, Chicago, Seattle, and Washington DC. They the TED Talks and NAMM Show with Eric Whitacre, have performed in many prestigous concert halls and and as chorus for the Star Wars in Concert. will make their Carnegie Hall debut in March 2020.

John Byun received his bachelor’s from Justin Bills was appointed the director the University of California, Irvine, and of choirs at Salem Hills High School in his master’s from California State Uni- 2008. He will be making his Carnegie versity, Long Beach. He is the director Hall conducting debut in 2020. Orig- of choral and vocal activities at Riverside inally from Los Angeles, Bills received City College, where he directs the Cham- both degrees from BYU. He conducted ber Singers and the Vocal Jazz Ensemble. He has been choirs for the Saturday evening Sessions of the Octo- the guest conductor for the SCVA Men’s Honor Choir, ber 2011 and April 2013 General Conferences of The the Central California Women’s Honor Choir, Texas Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He is the Honor Choir Region 9, the Clark County, NV Honor music director at Hale Center Theater in Orem, Utah. Choir, the North Carolina All-State Honor Choir, the As a director, his favorite credits include Anything Goes, Southern Invitational Choral Conference in Mississip- Daddy Long Legs, Hello, Dolly, Peter and the Starcatcher, Into pi, Tennessee All-State Honor Choir, and the All-State the Woods, The Drowsy Chaperone, Fiddler on the Roof, In the Honor Choir for the ACDA Northwestern Conference. Heights, and Big River.

CHORAL JOURNAL January 2020 Volume 60 Number 6 47 2020 ACDA Western Region Conference AAuditioneduditioned ChoirsChoirs

Salem Junior High School Sound of Ages Choir Chamber Singers

Salem Jr. High Chamber Singers is the school’s auditioned mixed chorus. Enrollment is available to all grades of singers, and it is common to have a mix of seventh through ninth graders amongst their numbers. The ensemble is known for their beautiful tone and chal- lenging repertoire, and the students are committed to Sound of Ages is an emerging chamber choir in Utah pushing themselves to fi nd excellence. SaJHS Chamber specializing in the performance of early music. The Singers has had the privilege of performing for UMEA group’s mission is to bring early music to life by illus- Honor Choir (2016), ACDA-UT (2017), UMEA (2018) trating musical and non-musical connections throughout and is honored to have to opportunity to perform for the ages. These connections make early music relevant ACDA Western this year. for the audience. The choir consists of Utah’s fi nest professional and semi-professional singers. The group was Dalan Guthrie is in his fi fth year as the selected to perform for ACDA Utah in 2018. As the res- choral director at Salem Jr. High School. ident choir of St. Mark’s Cathedral in Salt Lake City, With a program of 300+ students, Guth- the choir performs service music regularly and creates rie has led his choirs at various invitation- outreach activities to enhance early music in educational al events across the state. Outside of his and community music programs. work at SaJHS, Guthrie has conducted the Utah Collegiate Singers, Apollo Chamber Singers, Kameron Kavanaugh is the founding ar- been the BYU Opera Chorus Master for two years, and tistic director and conductor of Sound of worked as a choral adjudicator. He also is an active pro- Ages and the director of choirs at Span- fessional choral singer and frequently makes appearanc- ish Fork High School in Spanish Fork, es with Brevitas, Sound of Ages, Lux Singers, and vari- UT. He also serves as the founding artistic ous recording studios in the Salt Lake Valley. Guthrie is director and conductor of the Nebo Hol- currently pursuing a master’s in choral conducting from iday Chorus and Orchestra. As a composer, Kavanaugh Brigham Young University. has received runner-up in the National Brock Student Composition Competition for the 2017 National ACDA Conference in Minneapolis and fi rst prize in the ACDA Utah Composition Competition in 2018. He received his bachelor’s from Brigham Young University-Idaho and his master’s from Brigham Young University.

48 CHORAL JOURNAL January 2020 Volume 60 Number 6 March 4-7, 2020 Salt Lake City, Utah Auditioned Choirs University of Utah Utah Valley University Chamber Choir Chamber Choir

The Utah Valley University Chamber Choir is composed of thirty-two undergraduates who share a passion for collective vocal artistry. Singers annually engage with cultures beyond their own while on performance tours to The University of Utah Chamber Choir was estab- locations such as Spain, China, the east and west coasts lished in 2010 under its present director, Barlow Brad- of the United States, and southern England (May 2020). ford. The choir has become renowned for its beauty of Under the direction of Reed Criddle, the UVU Cham- sound and reﬁ ned musicianship, producing memorable ber Choir has twice performed at the NCCO National and meaningful performances year after year. Based in Conference, the Western ACDA Region Conference, Salt Lake City, Utah, the Chamber Choir presents an and numerous Utah state conferences of ACDA and annual season of four concerts each school year and per- UMEA. forms for university and community events. In addition, the choir collaborates with the Utah Symphony Orches- Reed Criddle is director of choral ac- tra for two to three concerts per season on the USO’s tivities at Utah Valley University, where classical subscription series. They commission and pres- he coordinates four university choirs, ent world premieres of choral works by composers such conducts the UVU Chamber Choir and as Eric Barnum, Stephan Paulus, Christopher Bradford, Men’s Choir, and teaches conducting and Ēriks Ešenvalds. and voice. Criddle has served as president of the Utah chapter of ACDA. His compositions Barlow Bradford is a conductor, com- and arrangements are available through earthsongs, poser, arranger, pianist, and teacher. He Hal Leonard, and Santa Barbara Music Publishing. As founded the Utah Chamber Artists in a conductor-musicologist and Fulbright Senior Scholar, 1991 and has since led the organization he has researched Buddhist chant, conducted ensembles, to international acclaim. His focused, and led workshops around the globe. His book, Chanting energetic conducting style led to his ap- the Medicine Buddha Sutra, is forthcoming with A-R Edi- pointment as music director of the Orchestra at Temple tions in 2020. Square in Salt Lake City and associate director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir from 1999 to 2003. In 2012, Bradford was named the Ellen Nielsen Barnes Presiden- tial Chair of Choral Studies at the University of Utah, where he conducts the University’s Chamber Choir, A Cappella Choir, and directs the graduate choral conducting program.

CHORAL JOURNAL January 2020 Volume 60 Number 6 49 2020 ACDA Western Region Conference AAuditioneduditioned ChoirsChoirs

Utah Valley University Valencia High School Women’s Choir Two N’ Four Vocal Jazz Ensemble

The UVU Women’s Choir is one of three auditioned The Valencia High School Choir program consists ensembles on the campus of Utah Valley University in of 175 students in six separate touring choirs. Christine Orem, UT. The choir is made up of approximately sixty Tavares-Mocha has been the choral director at Valencia singers and represents a diverse population of the student High School for seventeen years. Under her direction, body. Singers range from traditional to non-traditional the VHS Choirs have traveled to Greece (2019), Carn- students, freshman through senior year to post baccalau- egie Hall (2017) and Lincoln Center, New York (2013), reate students and includes both music and non-music Austria (2014), Vienna, Prague, Italy (where they per- majors. The ensemble meets three times each week for formed mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in 2009 and returned ﬁ fty-minute rehearsals and collaborates frequently with again in 2019), St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Ireland, Notre the UVU Men’s Choir to study and perform mixed cho- Dame Cathedral (France 2016), Westminster Abbey in ral repertoire. London (2012), and the London Olympics.

Cherilyn Worthen is an assistant profes- Christine Tavares-Mocha is a sought af- sor of choral music education at Utah ter clinician, adjudicator, and director, Valley University, where she directs the most recently directing the 2019 Missou- Women’s Choir and coordinates the mu- ri All-State Vocal Jazz Honor Choir. In sic education area. She holds degrees 2018 she co-taught with Jennifer Barnes from Brigham Young University and a at UNT in the summer vocal jazz teacher PhD in music education from the University of Utah. intensive on the importance of team building in a high Worthen is also the director of the Choir School for The school vocal jazz program. She holds a bachelor’s de- Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, where she designs gree from California Polytechnic State University, San and supervises training programs for newly admitted Luis Obispo. Educationally, she serves as the Vocal Jazz singers and current choir members. Worthen has direct- Representative for the Southern Calif. Vocal Associa- ed secondary choral programs in public and private high tion, where she founded the SCVA Vocal Jazz/Contem- schools in Utah. porary A Cappella Honor Choir in 2018 and runs the annual SCVA Vocal Jazz/A Cappella Festival.

50 CHORAL JOURNAL January 2020 Volume 60 Number 6 2020 ACDA Western Region Conference IInterestnterest SSessionsessions

Australian Choral Repertoire The Brain That University. Her dissertation work Came to Rehearsal was a joint eff ort of the Palo Alto VA The composition of new Austra- and Stanford School of Medicine, lian choral music has fl ourished over Those who do the work, do the and she has presented research at the last fi fty years. However, outside learning! This session will utilize regional and national conferences. of Australia, this music is relatively brain-behavior research to optimize Natta serves on the Board of Di- unknown. Through the vast and di- the rehearsal process for all learning rectors of the Northern California verse Australian landscape, the tra- styles and interaction methods. Sing- Neuropsychological Forum and ditions and sounds of the indigenous ers fully engaged in the process will sings alto in choir. Aborigines, and the music of neigh- work harder and learn more because boring countries such as Indonesia, they become more active partici- and the Pacifi c Islands, Australian pants in singer-focused rehearsals. Choir Athletes: choral composers have found a rich By focusing on how singers of all and unique voice that is distinctive- ages and abilities learn, rehearsals Tips and Tricks from the ly Australian. This interest session become more eff ective and effi cient. World of Professional Sports focuses on presenting Australian choral literature that is accessible to Jeff rey Benson is Choir is a group activity that re- choirs of diff erent ages and capabil- currently director quires physical skill and exertion, ities, including children’s choruses, of choral activities teamwork, and subjugation of the high school and university choirs, at San José State self to achieve a common goal. Good and semi-professional ensembles. University in San news: choir is a sport, and by treat- José, California. The ing it as such we can help our sing- Kym Scott is the Washington Post hails his choirs for ers (and our programs!) grow. This director of choral singing “with an exquisite blend, interactive session will provide tools, activities at West subtlety of phrasing, confi dent musi- quotes, and ideas from the world of Virginia University, cianship and fully supported tone… professional sports that will benefi t where she conducts that would be the envy of some your choir, including team-building the WVU Chamber professional ensembles.” Benson re- exercises, pedagogies, and training Singers, Men’s Choir, and the West ceived his master’s degree and his techniques you can use in your cho- Virginia Community Choir as well doctorate in choral conducting/mu- ral rehearsals as teaching conducting, choral tech- sic education from the Florida State niques, and choral literature. She has University and his bachelor’s degree Alec Schumacker is directed choirs in Australia, Asia, in music education from NYU. director of choral ac- Europe, the UK, and the United tivities and assistant States and regularly presents at state, Laura Natta has been professor at Hawai‘i regional, national, and internation- working in the fi eld Pacifi c University, al conferences. She has conducted of Neuropsychology where he conducts several All-State and Festival Choirs for over fi fteen years. the International Vocal Ensemble and is the immediate past state pres- She obtained a Ph.D. and the International Chorale. He ident for West Virginia ACDA. She in clinical psychology presently serves as the president of currently conducts a choir at the Ha- with a specialization in clinical neu- Hawai‘i ACDA. He completed his zelton Federal Prison. ropsychology from Pacifi c Graduate doctorate at the University of Miami. School of Psychology at Palo Alto An active educator and sought-after

CHORAL JOURNAL January 2020 Volume 60 Number 6 51 2020 ACDA Western Region Conference IInterestnterest SSessionsessions presenter, Schumacker delivered lec- Bay Children’s Choir (Torrance, Four Masses from the tures at the 2017 National ACDA CA). He received his Ph.D. from California Missions: Conference in Minneapolis, the Michigan State University in 2016. 2019 International Kodály Sym- Palkki was a fi nalist in the graduate Comparing and Contrasting posium in Malaysia, and the 2018 division of the 2011 ACDA nation- and 2016 Asia Kodály Symposia in al conducting competition while This session explores four mass- Taiwan. His written work on incor- earning a master’s degree at North- es from the California Missions: the porating popular music in the choral ern Arizona University and earned Misa de Cataluña, Misa Sexto Tuono, curriculum was published by GIA in an undergraduate degree from Ball Misa Quarto Tuono, and Misa Viscaina. the textbook Becoming Musical. State University. A strong advocate The works share commonalities for LGBTQ inclusion in music edu- while having interesting contrasts cation, Palkki has presented at state that make performing each a distinct and national research and practi- experience. Flexible voicing makes Culturally Responsive Pedagogy tioner conferences. each performable by inexperienced in Choral Music Education and experienced choirs alike. Har- mony Murphy recently edited these Students’ cultural backgrounds Finally! works for modern performers and can enliven and enrich the environ- performed them at the Santa Bar- ment and curriculum of the choral A Takadimi Demonstration bara Mission following her article classroom but may create challenges with a Live Choir for the Santa Barbara Mission Ar- for teachers who do not understand chive-Library titled “Music in the these cultural diff erences. Culturally Takadimi is a system that helps California Missions.” This session responsive teaching is an education- students develop rhythmic literacy. will explore the masses, musical al process that honors the experi- This session will be an introduction characteristics, and provide excerpts ences of students and their families. to Takadimi and how it can promote from the editions. Grounded in research and drawing music literacy in classrooms ranging on the experiences of the presenter from elementary to collegiate. A live Harmony Murphy is while teaching in a diverse urban choir will be used to demonstrate its currently vocal mu- school, this interactive session in- potential with students given one to sic faculty at Reed- cludes demonstrations of, and sug- four years of practice. The choir will ley College, where gestions about, culturally respon- also show how Takadimi can be used she directs choirs, sive teaching in diverse twenty-fi rst in conjunction with solfège to learn teaches voice lessons century choral classrooms. Attend- choral repertoire. and general music courses. Murphy ees will participate in active music holds a doctorate in choral conduct- making and receive repertoire and Carlin Truong will be the clinician ing and voice performance from Ball resource suggestions. for this session. His photo and bio State University, and a master’s from are on page 44. Notre Dame de Namur Universi- Joshua Palkki serves ty and California State University, as assistant professor Clovis East High School Choraliers Los Angeles. Murphy is dedicated of vocal/choral mu- will be the demonstration choir for to transcribing and reviving anony- sic education at Cal- this session. Their photo and bio are mous California mission masses. She ifornia State Univer- on page 44. premiered her edition of the Misa de sity, Long Beach, and Cataluña in March of 2013. artist-in-residence with the South

52 CHORAL JOURNAL January 2020 Volume 60 Number 6 March 4-7, 2020 Salt Lake City, Utah Interest Sessions

“The Future is Female” tistic faculty at the New York State singers, this session is relevant and Summer School of the Arts. Rubin- not your typical vocal health and Programming and Empowering stein holds a doctorate from Louisi- technique discussion. By addressing Women’s/Treble Choirs ana State University, a master’s from the production beneath the sound, Michigan State University, and a presenters will highlight common In many respects, choral music bachelor’s from the State University misconceptions and miscommuni- has a history of being male-domi- of New York at Fredonia. cations, proving that, contrary to nated, but has anyone considered popular assumption, we can greatly the female perspective? Why is the increase the quality of our product “top choir” a mixed choir when without compromising the aesthet- most programs are overwhelmingly “The Game Changer”: ics we pursue. Presenters will oﬀ er female? Why are male-composed Are We Missing the Obvious? practical advice and techniques for works deemed “traditional” while A Frank and Radical Look at our diagnosis, correction, and rehearsal. female-composed works are considered “specialized?” What message Singers’ Vocal Technique Andrew Crane will be a clinician for are we sending to our female sing- this session. His photo and bio are ers when we spend so much time re- What happens when voice teach- on page 37. cruiting males or only addressing the er and choral conductor bring dif- “male changing voice?” This session fering perspectives and expertise Jami Rhodes, DMA, will discuss philosophy, curriculum, together under the umbrella of our is currently associate and materials, and oﬀ er an updated most obvious common denomina- professor of voice perspective on the function of wom- tor: the actual singing? Whether at East Carolina en’s/treble ensembles within a cho- you conduct a middle school treble University, where ral program. We will conclude with ensemble or a group of professional she teaches applied a brief reading/listening session of new music written by women specif- ically for women’s/treble choirs.

Eric Rubinstein is assistant professor of choral music education at the Aaron Copland School of INSPIRE | CREATE | PERFORM Music, Queens Col- CHANGING LIVES THROUGH THE POWER OF THE ARTS lege, where he directs the Treble Choir and teaches undergraduate 2019-20 ADMISSION AND SCHOLARSHIP AUDITIONS and graduate courses in music edu- November 1, 2019 / February 1, 2020 / March 14, 2020 cation. His primary area of research April 4, 2020 10501 FGCU Boulevard South focuses on the development of stu- Fort Myers, FL 33965-6565 BACHELOR DEGREES OFFERED (239) 590-7851 dent-learning environments within Performance / B.A. in Music fgcu.edu/cas/music diverse and marginalized communi- Music Education / Music Therapy An All Steinway School ties, speciﬁ cally through the lens of sex, sexual orientation, and gender GENEROUS SCHOLARSHIPS AND OUT OF STATE TUITION WAIVERS AVAILABLE FOR TALENTED UNDERGRADUATES identity. He is currently on the ar-

CHORAL JOURNAL January 2020 Volume 60 Number 6 53 2020 ACDA Western Region Conference IInterestnterest SSessionsessions voice, conducts the ECU Concert Kyle Nielsen is the Workshop, and conducts the Men’s Choir, and serves as coordinator of director of choral Chorus. He is recognized for his voice science and vocal pedagogy. studies at Southern professional appearances as Rodolfo Virginia University, in Puccini’s La bohéme, the title role where he conducts in Britten’s Albert Herring, Tito in the Chamber Sing- Mozart’s Clemenza di Tito, and con- iRehearsal: A Technology-Infused ers, Choral Union, oversees the mu- cert engagements across the United Approach for the Gen Z Student sic education program, and teaches States, Europe, and Latin America. applied voice. In addition, Nielsen Hanson received his bachelor’s from In today’s fast-paced world, con- collaborates with some of the coun- Brigham Young University, a mas- sistent, engaging rehearsal technique try’s leading professional choirs, ter’s from the Florida State Univer- is more important than ever. As if including conducting fellow with sity, and a doctorate in Vocal Arts the expected challenges of teaching Seraphic Fire and artistic adminis- from the University of Southern pitches and rhythms, agreeing on a trator with the Santa Fe Desert Cho- California. cohesive vowel language, and discov- rale. Nielsen received his bachelor’s ering a true ensemble sound weren’t from Southern Virginia University, enough, today’s student has a world master’s from East Carolina Univer- of distractions right in the palm of sity, and doctorate from the Univer- The Lyricist’s Guide to their hand. This interest session will sity of Miami Frost School of Music. Performing Choral Music recommend a twenty-ﬁ rst-century approach to rehearsal management Eric Hanson is the ﬁ ne and per- Come explore a unique perspec- and technique by engaging the stu- forming arts division chair at South- tive on the interpretation and per- dent through the technology already ern Virginia University, where he formance of choral repertoire, as engrained in their lives. teaches applied voice, directs Opera lyric poet and author Charles An- thony Silvestri invites you to join him behind the poet’s pen. He will discuss the collaborative process, the deep connection between words and Performing Renaissance Music music he seeks to create, and the A SYMPOSIUM ON HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE powerful roles of the conductor and choir in the interpretation and trans- Featuring music by composers mission of the poet’s and composer’s Byrd, Dufay, Gibbons, hearts and spirit. di Lasso, Josquin, Morley, Palestrina, Tallis Charles Anthony DENNIS SHROCK Silvestri is a lyricist, Lecturer and conductor author, composer, with professional choir and speaker. He has University of Mississippi worked with artists Oxford, Mississippi from all over the June 15-18, 2020 world to create custom choral texts, For more information: opera libretti, and other writing for choral.olemiss.edu composers including Eric Whitacre, Ola Gjeilo, and Dan Forrest. As a

54 CHORAL JOURNAL January 2020 Volume 60 Number 6 March 4-7, 2020 Salt Lake City, Utah Interest Sessions clinician, Silvestri speaks to choirs, of Music at Pasadena City College, fornia, Director of Choruses for the classes, and concert audiences about Brinegar directed the choral studies Pasadena Symphony and POPS, the marriage of words and music. program at PCC for thirty-six years. and adjunct professor of voice at He is the author of three books, in- Brinegar also conducts the Don- PCC. During the summers he is an cluding A Silver Thread (GIA 2019), ald Brinegar Singers, a community adjunct professor of conducting and a retrospective collection of almost choral ensemble in Pasadena, Cali- voice in the Cal State Los Angeles twenty years of his lyric poetry for choral composers.

Pitch Perfect: A Theory and Practice of Choral Intonation

“Music, no matter how ordered, how technical, how precise, how de- tailed, how exquisite...if it doesn't have human emotion and the hu- manness of our souls connected, on the surface it may sound ﬁ nessed and superior, though it is hardly deep or EARN YOUR MASTER’S DEGREE has potential for depth.” These are the words of Donald Brinegar in IN CHORAL CONDUCTING his highly anticipated book, Pitch Achieved over three consecutive summer terms, this NASM-accredited program allows choral educators an opportunity to complete the master’s degree while Perfect: A Theory and Practice of Choral continuing to teach during the school year. Intonation (Spring 2020). During this • Extensive podium time with a highly trained ensemble of vocal artists in rehearsal presentation, Professor Brinegar and concert settings during the institute and in the Des Moines Choral Festival. will share his love of music that has • Engagement with multiple internationally acclaimed conducting faculty, guest artists, a culminated in the lifelong dream of professional orchestra, and specialists in history, theory, and voice. publishing a book on performance All courses take place on the historic and picturesque Simpson College campus during practices for choral ensembles. Be the summer. Interested students are encouraged to apply early as space is limited. Graduate stipend deadline is February 5, 2020. the ﬁ rst to experience the methods of this acclaimed maestro, conductor, tenor soloist, voice instructor, RESIDENT CONDUCTING FACULTY educator, and master class clinician as he demonstrates the success of his choral pedagogy and harmonic expertise.

Timothy McMillin, D.M.A Philip Moody, D.M.A Matthew Oltman, D.M.A Amy Voorhees, D.M.A Donald Brinegar is a Artistic Director & Conductor Artistic Director & Founder Associate Professor Director of Choral Activities Des Moines Vocal Arts Ensemble CORO Vocal Artists Shenandoah Conservatory Susquehanna University conductor, tenor so- Music Director Emeritus, Chanticleer loist, voice instructor, educator, and master class clinician. SIMPSON.EDU/MMCC Professor Emeritus

CHORAL JOURNAL January 2020 Volume 60 Number 6 55 2020 ACDA Western Region Conference IInterestnterest SSessionsessions master’s program in choral conduct- tic excellence, subtle precision, and Travis Rogers came ing. colorful expression. The choir is to Ragazzi after hav- composed of undergraduate men ing taught at Napa who audition from all majors across High School for thir- campus. Each year the Men’s Choir ty-seven years, in a Practical Buddhist Wisdom commissions a new composition for program annually in- for Choral Conductors men’s voices and collaborates with volving over 350 students, typically the UVU Women’s Choir and UVU over half of them young men. Be- Drawing on chant research he Symphony Orchestra to perform a tween them, Joyce and Travis have undertook in Taiwan monasteries as choral-orchestral masterwork. As over seventy-fi ve years of teaching a 2018 US Fulbright Senior Schol- one of only two men’s collegiate and conducting experience in both ar, Reed Criddle will outline central choirs in Utah, the UVU Men’s private and public school settings, Mahāyāna Buddhist principles and Choir strives to perform music from plus the community chorus setting will draw practical applications for a wide variety of vocal genres and of Ragazzi, and have worked with choral conducting professionals and religious traditions. thousands of school-age boys. amateurs. The objective of this session is to consider non-Western perspectives on how we might perceive Recruiting, Maintaining, Renaissance, Baroque, and and approach our art, our pedagogy, and our singers. Topics to include and Growing a Thriving Classical Music for Middle School visualization, suff ering, mindfulness, Male Chorus Program and High School Choirs compassion, and non-attachment. Utah Valley University Men’s Choir Drawing upon their experience In this interactive session, attend- will be the demonstration choir. in three distinct settings—private ees will read through a packet of school, public school, and commu- public domain music from the Re- Reed Criddle will be the clinician for nity—Joyce Keil and Travis Rogers naissance, Baroque, and Classical this session. His photo and bio are will compare and contrast diff erent periods. The presenter will suggest on page 49. approaches in all three settings in pedagogical approaches for ear- the following areas: starting and re- ly music such as a) implementing Utah Valley University hearsing, maintaining, growing, and solfège as a tool for improving pitch thriving. and intonation, b) determining the Men’s Choir appropriate key, and c) developing Joyce Keil founded musicianship through a student-cen- the Ragazzi Boys tered approach. In addition, suggest- Chorus in Redwood ed performance practice specifi c to City in 1987 with each piece will include a) tone qual- seven boys in the ity, including timbre and vibrato; b) living room of her phasing, including decay and word home. The organization now in- stress; c) meter, such as avoiding bar volves over 250 boys from grades lines as indicators of stress; and d) 2-12 in fi ve diff erent ensembles and conducting gestures appropriate for Founded in the fall of 2013, the has performed all over the world, in- early music. Utah Valley University Men’s Choir cluding performance tours in Russia, has garnered a reputation of artis- Cuba, and Europe.

56 CHORAL JOURNAL January 2020 Volume 60 Number 6 March 4-7, 2020 Salt Lake City, Utah Interest Sessions Emily Mercado is an Joe Svendsen is Words, Words, Words: assistant professor of co-director of cho- Analyzing and Interpreting Poetic choral music educa- ral studies at the tion at the University University of Neva- Texts for Expressive, Emotional of Utah. Mercado da, Las Vegas. He Music Making received a Ph.D. in conducts the UNLV Music Education from Louisiana Singers, University Chorale, and In this session, Jonathan Talberg State University, and a master’s and the UNLV Early Music Ensemble and the Bob Cole Chamber Choir a bachelor’s degree from Oregon and teaches courses in undergradu- will demonstrate how careful atten- State University. She taught choir ate and graduate conducting, cho- tion to a choral work’s text enhances for nine years at Crescent Valley ral literature, and choral methods. a choir’s expressive qualities, phrase High School and Cheldelin Middle Svendsen also serves as the chorus shapes, and personal connections. School in Corvallis, OR. Mercado master for Opera Las Vegas and Using repertoire from the last 300 has presented at state and region- as the artistic director for the bien- years and examples in English, Ital- al music education conferences in nial Las Vegas Baroque Festival. ian, and French, Talberg and the Oregon, Louisiana, and Utah. She He holds a doctorate from Texas choir will explore how careful anal- served on the Oregon MEA and Or- Tech University, a master’s the Uni- ysis, annotation, and poetic interpre- egon ACDA boards for eight years. versity of Illinois at Urbana-Cham- tation foster more relevant and emo- paign, and bachelor’s degrees from tional music making. Luther College. Jonathan Talberg will be the clini- Taking Music A.P.A.R.T. - cian for this session. His photo and Introducing New Music bio are on page 39. to Build Singer Agency California State University— Have you ever had a moun- Long Beach Bob Cole Chamber tain-top performance experience will be the demonstration with your choir, then started the Choir choir for this session. Their photo next set of repertoire and have the energy and momentum of your stu- and bio are on page 39. dents/singers slow to a crawl? How we introduce new repertoire can make a powerful diff erence in the effi ciency, enthusiasm, and empow- Don't hold out any longer! erment of our singers and their re- lationship to the repertoire. We will experience critical theory instruction Register now for advance pricing and save. Remember IFCM Members with an ensemble, learning how to direct diff erent methods of individ- get NZD80 off full Symposium registrations and NZD55 off half ual and social learning creates agen- Symposium registrations. cy and ownership in singers. Learn To receive your IFCM member discount, contact [email protected] to guide students to teach, discuss, problem-solve, and share ideas and Registration is now open at www.wscm2020.com/register challenges in new repertoire!

CHORAL JOURNAL January 2020 Volume 60 Number 6 57 2020 ACDA Western Region Conference HHonoronor CChoirhoir CConductorsonductors

High School elor’s in choral music (with a piano emphasis), Farnell Grades 10-12 SATB taught public school for ten years at the elementary and junior high levels. She was honored by her schools with Teacher of the Year awards in 2000 and 2003, and she Steven M. Zielke is director of choral received an Excellence in Education Award in 2004 as studies at Oregon State University and the Arlington ISD’s outstanding junior high teacher of the Patricia Valian Reser Professor of the year. As a composer, she has more than eighty cho- Music. He directs the OSU Chamber ral compositions, including many commissioned pieces, Choir and teaches choral conducting and as well as a co-authored beginning sightsinging method choral music pedagogy. Zielke earned his book in publication. doctoral and master’s degrees in choral conducting from the Florida State University. In 2016, Zielke was honored by Oregon State University with the Beaver Cham- pion Award. Zielke is a frequent clinician and guest Youth Treble conductor, including guest conducting and teaching in Grades 3-6 SSA Germany and China. He is a past-president of Oregon ACDA and a past-president of the Oregon MEA. Addi- Kellie Walsh is the founder and artistic ditionally, he currently serves as the adjudication chair for rector of the internationally award-win- Oregon ACDA. ning Lady Cove Women’s Choir, the artistic director of the internationally cel- ebrated and award-winning youth cho- Middle School rus Shallaway Youth Choir, co-founder and now artistic director emeritus of Newman Sound Grades 7-9 SATB Men’s Choir, and has most recently co-founded the In- digenous Inuit Youth Choir Ullûgiagatsuk from Nunat- Laura Farnell has a passion for making siavut, Labrador. Walsh obtained her degrees from Me- music with singers, working with educa- morial University. She is a sought-after guest conductor tors, and creating accessible and artistic and an active guest speaker, member, collaborator, and choral compositions. After graduating innovator. She is currently the president of Canada’s na- from Baylor University with her bach- tional choral association, Choral Canada.

Western Region Conference Exhibits and App Advertising

Reserve online at acda.org/ACDA/About/Advertising___Exhibiting

8ft x 8ft booth . . . . $495 Extra Badges ...... $50 each (2 with booth purchase - limit 4 extra)

App Advertising (1 Ad runs at every conference) Rotating Banner for 30 days...... $400

Deadline January 31, 2020

Email [email protected] with questions

58 CHORAL JOURNAL January 2020 Volume 60 Number 6