KARI FRANCIS Brooklyn, NY | (805) 218-6955 | [email protected] | www.karifrancis.com

EDUCATION Teachers College Columbia University Master of Education, Music and Music Education 2017 – 2018 Research Assistant, Bronx Arts Ensemble Arts Standards Consultation

Eastman School of Music Master of Arts, Music Education (Vocal/General) 2013 – 2015 Initial K-12 New York State Teaching Certification Training Arts Leadership Program (ALP) Certificate Music Education Audition Testing Assistant Music Education Sophomore Qualifications Review Teaching Assistant University Women’s Chorus Teaching Assistant

University of California San Diego Bachelor of Arts, Music (Theory & Composition) cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa 2007 – 2011 Study abroad at Sophia University (Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan) Minor: Japanese Studies

AREAS OF SCHOLARLY INTEREST Choral & General Music Education Popular Music & Commercial Music Teaching Artistry Collaborative & Project-Based Learning

COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY TEACHING EXPERIENCE The College of Saint Rose, Albany NY Visiting Instructor of Choral Music – Full Time Fall 2019 – Teaching responsibilities include formulating curricula, lectures, and formative/summative assessments for courses in aural skills, music theory, choral arranging. Directing includes selecting repertoire, rehearsing, and directing the Masterworks Chorale ensemble (70-90 undergraduate singers from various academic concentrations). Utilized Canvas, Zoom, Noteflight, Logic Pro X, Youtube, and other technologies to continue instruction and administer assessments across classes and ensembles during COVID-19 shutdown.

CUNY Hunter College, New York NY Adjunct Lecturer, Faculty Adviser – Part-Time 2016 – 2018 Music director and instructor of “The Art of A Cappella” (MUSPF 362.04). Responsible for arranging, rehearsing, and coordinating performances of unaccompanied music in the contemporary a cappella style. Lectured on topics such as performance, vocal percussion, and arranging; responsible for creating assignments and performance opportunities to assess student aptitude and achievement. Faculty advisor, arranger, and performance coach for Hawkappella student a cappella group.

TEACHING ARTIST EXPERIENCE The Center for Arts Education, New York NY Vocal/Choral Teaching Artist – Part-Time 2018 – 2019 Work with cooperating teachers to develop interdisciplinary daytime and afterschool music programs. Residencies include authoring curricula, aligning lessons to state and national arts standards, and producing performances.

KARI FRANCIS 2

Midori & Friends, New York NY Vocal/Choral Teaching Artist – Part-Time 2016 – 2019 Music director and instructor of choral programs in various K-12 New York City public school settings. Responsible for creating and implementing theory/musicianship curricula, acquiring and/or creating repertoire, assessing student progress, and collaborating with school officials and Midori & Friends staff to coordinate performances.

Teachers College Community School, New York NY 1st Grade General Music Teacher – Part-Time 2017 – 2018 Responsible for creating and implementing developmentally appropriate, student-centered lessons in sound, music, movement, and singing in weekly, 45-minute classes for twenty-five 1st grade students.

Eastman Community Music School, Rochester NY Instructor – Part-Time 2014 – 2015 Led “Theory in Motion” classes for students age 8-10. Focused on building aural skills, music literacy, and musicianship through synthesis of Kodàly, Orff, Dalcroze, and Gordon Music Learning Theory philosophies.

DIRECTORSHIPS New School Chorus, Mannes School of Music (The New School), New York NY Director – Part-Time Winter 2019 Large ensemble comprising undergraduate and graduate students in the Mannes School of Music at The New School as well as non-major and community members. Responsible for selecting and teaching repertoire representing a variety of styles, time periods, and languages, while also instructing singers of varying musical backgrounds in appropriate vocal and choral technique.

Sirens of Gotham, New York NY Associate Artistic Director – Part-Time 2018 – 2019 Semi-professional women’s chorus specializing in barbershop, contemporary a cappella, and classical genres. Responsible teaching repertoire with the aim of enhancing vocal production, core ensemble sound, and musicianship skills. Winner, 2018 Harmony Classic at Sweet Adelines International 71st Annual Convention.

Camp A Cappella, Columbus OH & Remix Vocal Academy, Provo UT Ensemble Director, Workshop Instructor – Part-Time 2013 – 2018 Contemporary a cappella vocal performance summer camp. Direct ensembles of students ages 12-18 in learning vocal arrangements and building basic musicianship and performance skills. Lead workshops on introductory musicianship/theory and vocal percussion. June/July 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017.

USDAN Summer Camp for the Arts, Wheatley Heights NY Junior Chorus Director – Part-Time Summer 2017 Directed multiple youth choruses of students in grades 3-7. Implemented performance-based musicianship activities combining elements from Dalcroze, Music Learning Theory, and Kodaly methodologies. Selected age-appropriate repertoire for culminating concerts. Coordinated with three members of International Contemporary Ensemble to premiere a work developed in collaboration with chorus members (“Flower Machine”).

Amadeus Chorale Children’s Choir, Victor NY Assistant Conductor – Part-Time Fall 2014 Planned and lead rehearsals, conduct public performances. Rehearsal strategy focused on concert preparation and developing music literacy.

OTHER TEACHING EXPERIENCE Young People’s Chorus of New York City, New York NY Conducting Fellow – Full-Time 2015 – 2016 KARI FRANCIS 3

Assistant to core program conductors, primary conductor of elementary and high school choirs at partner public schools in New York City and community chorus at Goddard Riverside Community Center. Developed and implemented performance-based curriculum incorporating Kodàly teaching methodology. Communicated with artistic staff, communicated with school liaisons, and assisted with administrative duties associated with choruses.

True North Rochester Prep, Rochester NY & Webster Thomas High School, Webster NY Student Teacher – Full-Time Spring 2015 Collaborated with cooperating teacher to assist with planning and teaching general music classes in compliance with curriculum and school policy.

Contemporary A Cappella Society of America Education Assistant – Part-Time 2010 – 2013 Assisted educational officer with festivals and events. Helped design and implement curricula for festivals of national and international draw. Coordinated instructor and clinician information. Assisted Director of Education as needed.

Various Music Festivals Workshop Instructor, Clinician, Contest Judge (Event-specific) 2009 – Lead workshops and classes at regional and international festivals with primary focus on vocal arranging, vocal percussion, and creative rehearsal strategies. Direct coaching sessions with attending ensembles. Assign ratings and feedback to competing groups according to provided rubrics.

AWARDS & FELLOWSHIPS Fellow, BeSpoken Spring/Summer 2020 Florence K. Geffen Scholarship, Teachers College Columbia University Fall 2018 Teachers College Scholarship, Teachers College Columbia University Spring 2017 Conducting Fellow, Young People’s Chorus of New York City 2015-2016 Teaching Assistantship, Women’s Chorus, Eastman School of Music 2013-2014 Graduate Award, Sophomore Review, Eastman School of Music 2013-2014 Music Educator Scholarship, Barbershop Harmony Society Summer 2014 Phi Beta Kappa, University of California, San Diego 2008 Provost’s Honors, University of California, San Diego

COMMITTEES American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), Eastern Division Contemporary/Commercial Repertoire and Resources Chair 2019 Oversees, programs, and directs conference reading sessions showcasing CCM repertoire; provides and recommends video, audio, and print information for choral directors and educators interested in pop, jazz, folk, and musical arrangements and teaching techniques for vocal and choral groups.

PUBLICATIONS AND PAPERS Chapters Teaching Music Through Performance in Contemporary A Cappella (GIA Music) July 2020 Approx. 3600 words in the form of three “repertoire guides” for popular a cappella arrangements. Written for music educators and choral directors.

“Vocal percussion for everyone” from So you want to sing a cappella? (Rowman & Littlefield) November 2017 Approx. 6500 words detailing history, basic techniques, and theory concerning beatboxing and vocal percussion in ensemble settings. Collected and synthesized accounts, commentary, and critiques from experts in the field. Written for music educators and emerging practitioners.

Master’s Thesis “A cappella dynamics: High school music teachers’ perceptions of teaching contemporary a cappella in school music settings” (Master’s Thesis) Spring 2015 KARI FRANCIS 4

Survey of contemporary a cappella repertoire and teaching methods in schools. Accompanied by historical summary, data analysis, and critical commentary of results. Field project report submitted for completion of Master of Arts degree at the Eastman School of Music.

RECENT PRESENTATIONS & APPEARANCES College Music Society National Conference (Online) Workshop Presenter October 2020 Will present 50-minute interactive workshop, “Creativity Through Contemporary A Cappella: Informal, Collaborative, Generative Practice in Choral Settings.”

International Society for Music Education World Conference *canceled due to COVID-19 Workshop Presenter August 2020 Was scheduled to present 55-minute participatory workshop, “Creativity Through Contemporary A Cappella: Informal, Collaborative, Generative Practice in Choral Settings.” Sibelius Academy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, . August 2-7, 2020.

Association for Popular Music Education International Conference *canceled due to COVID-19 Workshop Presenter July 2020 Was scheduled to present 55-minute participatory workshop, “Creativity Through Contemporary A Cappella: Informal, Collaborative, Generative Practice in Choral Settings.” Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, Scotland. July 26-29, 2020.

Boston Sings A Cappella Festival 2020 *moved online due to COVID-19 Workshop Presenter April 2020 Led an Advanced Arranging workshop for adult vocal arrangers via Zoom. Topics included pacing, creating “moments,” and reharmonization strategies.

College Music Society Mid-Atlantic Conference *canceled due to COVID-19 Workshop Presenter March 2020 Was scheduled to present 55-minute participatory workshop, “Creativity Through Contemporary A Cappella: Informal, Collaborative, Generative Practice in Choral Settings.” Appalachian State University, Boone, NC. March 13-14, 2020.

International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella: Mid-Atlantic Region Judge February 2020 Provided ratings and feedback for competitors. Recommended top placements and special awards. Univ. of Rochester (NY, USA; Univ. of Waterloo (ON, CAN); Grunin Center for the Arts (NJ, USA)

Highlands A Cappella Festival Featured Clinician May 2019 Led 50-minute workshops on the topic of creative arranging for contemporary a cappella groups. Beatboxed with high school group in evening performance showcase. Northern Highlands Regional High School, Allendale, NJ. May 10-11, 2019

Five Towns College Choral Festival Head Clinician May 2019 Led group clinics with attending high school groups and large group rehearsal. Five Towns College, Dix Hills, NY. May 4, 2019.

College Music Society Northeast Conference Workshop Presenter March 2019 Presented 50-minute participatory workshop, “Creativity Through Contemporary A Cappella: Informal, Collaborative, Generative Practice in Choral Settings.” Millersville University, Millersville, PA. March 16-17, 2019.

N.E. Voices A Cappella Festival Workshop Leader February 2019 KARI FRANCIS 5

Led workshops on arranging techniques and philosophy as well as vocal percussion intensives for high school vocal students. Chelmsford High School, North Chelmsford, MA. February 1-2, 2019.

Kettering National High School A Cappella Festival Featured Clinician November 2018 Coached multiple collegiate and high school vocal ensembles in 30-minute masterclasses with a focus on vocal performance, arrangement interpretation, ensemble unity, and showmanship. Kettering Fairmont High School, Kettering, OH. November 9-10, 2018.

Highlands A Cappella Festival Featured Clinician May 2018 Coached seven high school vocal ensembles in 30-minute masterclasses. Beatboxed with high school group in evening performance showcase. Northern Highlands Regional High School, Allendale, NJ. May 12, 2018

International Championship of High School A Cappella: Finals Judge April 2018 Provided ratings and feedback for competitors. Recommended top placements and special awards. Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center, New York, NY. April 20, 2018.

“A Cappella at the Rock” A Cappella Festival Workshop Leader, Clinician April 2018 Presented sequence of 1-hour workshops on creative rehearsal strategies. Judged high school a cappella contest using AEA rubrics for vocal, musical, and visual elements. Council Rock High School North, Newtown, PA. April 7, 2018

International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella: Mid-Atlantic Semifinal Judge March 2018 Provided ratings and feedback for competitors. Recommended top placements and special awards. Kimmel Center for the Arts, Philadelphia, PA. March 31, 2018.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Choral Chameleon Virtual Institute, Online Participant June 2020 Group mentoring sessions in choral arranging and score reading with Choral Chameleon director Vince Peterson.

SMV Jazz Harmony Retreat, Online Participant May 2020 Three consecutive weekend, small-group sessions about jazz arranging and piano accompanying. Sessions led by Dr. Jeremy Fox, Dr. Justin Binek, and Matthew Falker.

SMV Vocal Jazz Camp. School for Music Vocations, Creston IA Participant July 2019 Week-long seminar centering on vocal performance, theory, and repertoire in the vocal jazz style. Sessions led by Dr. Jeremy Fox, Lucas Mattson, Ryan Howe, and Cynthia Wahl.

Symposium on Vocal Painting, Royal Academy of Music, , Participant June 2019 3-day seminar in which participants learned the basic techniques for VocalPainting (VOPA), a method of extemporaneous choral improvisation/composition derived from Walter Thompson’s “Soundpainting.” Sessions led by Jim Daus Hjernøe, Senjka 'RoxorLoops’ Danhieux, and Merzi Rajala.

Choral Masterworks: Haydn’s The Creation, Eastman School of Music, Rochester NY Participant July 2018 KARI FRANCIS 6

Week-long session centering on all aspects relating to preparing to lead a chorus of professionals and community singers in Haydn’s The Creation. Topics included rehearsal technique, style considerations. Sessions led by Dr. William Weinert and Dr. Ann Howard Jones.

Cross-Choral Training Weekend Intensive, Brooklyn Youth Chorus, New York NY Participant February 2018 Extended weekend workshop led by BYC Artistic Director Dianne Berkun Menaker. Introduction and overview of Cross-Choral Training approach to vocal pedagogy and music literacy.

Choral Artistry Workshop, Eastman School of Music, Rochester NY Participant July 2017 Week-long session centering on rehearsal technique, vocal pedagogy, and Dalcroze Eurhythmics. Topics led by Dr. William Weinert, Robert Swensen, and Monica Dale Johnson, respectively.

Choral Pedagogy Workshop, Westminster Choir College, Princeton NJ Participant August 2016 Week-long session: rehearsal techniques and practical application of Embodied Movement, Group Vocal Technique, and Edwin Gordon’s Music Learning Theory in choral settings. Led by Dr. James Jordan.

“Fun and Games in the Kodály Classroom” Workshop, New York NY Participant October 2015 One-day workshop: Rehearsal activities for ear-training and literacy through musical games. Led by Donna Menhart.

“Developing the Independent Musician” Workshop, Raleigh NC Participant August 2014 Three-day seminar: music literacy teaching techniques. Led by Dr. Carol Kreuger.

National Association for Music Education Member, Attendee, Presenter 2013 – 2014 Presenter, “Vocal Play for Everyone” interest session at 2014 NYSSMA Conference Member, Chapter 50 (Eastman School of Music)

Barbershop Harmony Society Participant, Attendee 2011 – 2014 Attended Harmony University education camp, July 27-August 3, 2014 (Nashville, TN) Attended International Convention 2011 (Kansas City, MO), 2013 (Toronto, ON), 2014 (Las Vegas, NV)

PERFORMING EXPERIENCE Choral Chameleon (dir. Vince Peterson) Low Alto Fall 2020 – Member of professional vocal ensemble and section leader in volunteer chorus.

Accelerate Every Voice (Cory Smythe) Vocal Percussion, Vocal Consultant Winter 2018 Vocal performer and director-collaborator on Cory Smythe’s album, Accelerate Every Voice.

Downtown Voices (dir. Stephen Sands) Alto 2018 – 2019 Member of the auditioned, semi-professional chorus at Trinity Church. Concerts repertoire included Leoš Janáček: Otčenáš, Carl Orff: Carmina Burana, a program of music by Estonian composers, and singing as part of the ensemble for Andrea Bocelli’s winter 2019 concert in Madison Square Garden.

Total Vocal Vocal Percussion March 2018 Featured performer in concert at David Geffen Hall (Lincoln Center) hosted by Deke Sharon.

Park & Hark KARI FRANCIS 7

Director, Vocalist 2013 – 2015 Professional holiday caroling ensemble. Lead rehearsals, selected repertoire. Assisted manager in coordinating performances and promotional materials.

Musae Vocalist, Vocal Percussionist, Arranger 2010 – 2013 Founding member of professional female vocal sextet. Numerous festival appearances, performances; live audition episode taping of America’s Got Talent in Chicago, IL.

Kinfolk 9, “The Sing-Off” Season 3 Contestant, Arranger Summer 2011 Competed as vocalist and vocal percussionist for Los Angeles-based singing group Kinfolk 9 on the NBC a cappella reality show “The Sing-Off.” Arranger and assistant director.

Imogen Heap, “Ellipse” Tour Vocalist, Vocal Percussionist Summer 2010 Performed with UK pop artist Imogen Heap for the a cappella song “Earth” during her San Diego concert stop.

RELATED WORK EXPERIENCE Arts Leadership Program, Eastman School of Music, Rochester NY Intern Summer/Fall 2014 Coordinated promotional media for concerts, events, and educational offerings for Vocal Australia (Melbourne, Australia) and Institute for Creative Music (Rochester, NY).

Ensemble Library, Eastman School of Music, Rochester NY Assistant 2013 – 2015 Designed concert programs, prepared and packaged scores for performing ensembles. Assisted Ensemble Operations Manager with special projects.

Los Angeles A Cappella Festival, Los Angeles CA Marketing Director 2010 – 2012 Worked with executive producers and creative director to create and coordinate promotional materials, branding, and interaction with attendees. Coordinated scholastic competition and group outreach.

SKILLS Word processing and editing, proof-reading, graphic design, video editing Accompaniment, improvisation piano skills Basic software proficiencies: Sibelius, Finale, Final Cut Pro, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere, GarageBand, Wordpress, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Powerpoint, Audacity, Google Suite Licensed General Class ham radio operator

MEMBERSHIPS A Cappella Education Association (AEA) College Music Society (CMS) American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) Contemporary A Cappella Society of America (CASA) American Composers Forum (ACF) International Society for Music Education (ISME) Association for Popular Music Education (APME) National Association for Music Education (NAfME) American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers Organization of American Kodály Educators (OAKE) (ASCAP) American Federation of Musicians (Local 802) Chorus America Sweet Adelines International (SAI)