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News from the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA-PA)

News from the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association
(ACDA-PA)
Spring/Summer
2016
Spring/Summer 2016

President
Presidentss Welcome
Welcome
Matthew P. Fritz
Matthew P. Fritz
ACDA-PA
President
ACDA-PA President

Dear Members,
Dear Members,
For those of us on the academic side of our profession, summer has arrived or
For those of us on the academic side of our profession, summer has arrived or
will in short order. Of course concerts and other end-of-the-year activities make
will in short order. Of course concerts and other end-of-the-year activities make
life seem like a whirlwind! For our colleagues in the music in worship area of our
life seem like a whirlwind! For our colleagues in the music in worship area of our
profession, there is some closure a-foot and a different type of pre-summer
profession, there is some closure a-foot and a different type of pre-summer
rush.
We all look for time to rejuvenate whether it be reconnecting with friends
rush. We all look for time to rejuvenate whether it be reconnecting with friends
oror
spending
is vital
vitalto
toour
ourphysical,
physical,
spendingquality
qualitydown-time
down-timewith
withloved
loved ones,
ones, summer
summer is
emotional,
spiritual,
and
PROFESSIONAL
well-being!
emotional, spiritual, and PROFESSIONAL well-being!
So,So,
amidst
there are
aresome
some
amidstthe
theplanning
planningfor
foryour
yoursummer
summerrejuvenation,
rejuvenation, there
important
dates
to
plan
for:
important dates to plan for:
1. 1. Registration
deadline for
forearly-bird
early-bird
Registrationfor
forSummer
SummerConference
Conference (June
(June 1
1 deadline
registration!!)
registration!!)
2. 2. Summer
SummerConference
Conferenceitself:
itself:August
August 11 &
&2
3. 3. Fall
FallConference
ConferencePerforming
PerformingChoir
Choir Audition
Audition Application
Application
x x June
-Postmark
mailing application
application
June2,2,2016----2016-----Postmark deadline
deadline for mailing
materials
materials
June7,7,2016----2016-----Executive selection
selection committee
committee convenes
x x June
-Executive
convenesfor
for
final
screening.
final screening.
MidJune,
June,2016----2016----Invitations extended
extended to
x x Mid
--Invitations
to choirs.
choirs.All
All
notification
will
be
sent
via
email.
notification will be sent via email.
FallConference:
Conference:November
November44&&55
4. 4. Fall
SUMMER
CONFERENCEAUGUST
AUGUST11&&22at
at Elizabethtown
Elizabethtown College
SUMMER
CONFERENCE
College
The
fabulous
Susan
Medley,
President-Elect,
has been
been hard
The fabulous Susan Medley, President-Elect, has
hard at
at work
workorganizing
organizing
Summer
Conference
2016
for
us.
On
the
agenda
include
something
Summer Conference 2016 for us. On the agenda include somethingfor
for
everyone:
everyone:
o Vance George, headliner
o Vance George, headliner
o Multiple reading sessions
o Multiple reading sessions
o Eleven interest sessions with something for EVERYONE!!!
o Eleven interest sessions with something for EVERYONE!!!
o Plenty of time to reconnect with ACDA friends
o Plenty of time to reconnect with ACDA friends

FALL CONFERENCE NOVEMBER 4 & 5 at


FALL
CONFERENCE
NOVEMBER 4 & 5 at
Susquehanna
University
Susquehanna
University
Held in conjunction with the PA Collegiate Choral
Held
in conjunction
with
the PA can
Collegiate
Choral to
Association,
college
students
come together
Association,
college
students
can
come
together
to
make music with A. Jan Taylor. Visit
make
music
with
A.
Jan
Taylor.
Visit
http://pacollegiatechoral.org for more information on
http://pacollegiatechoral.org
for members.
more information on
bringing your collegiate choir
bringing your collegiate choir members.
In addition to the Collegiate Honor Choir, come see
In addition to the Collegiate Honor Choir, come see
and hear some of the best PA choirs from all age
and hear some of the best PA choirs from all age
levels perform in Stretansky Hall!
levels perform in Stretansky Hall!
Wanttotobring
bring
your
choir?
Complete
audition
Want
your
choir?
Complete
an an
audition
application
online:
application online:
http://www.acdapa.org/conferences/FallConf16/Perf
http://www.acdapa.org/conferences/FallConf16/Perf
ormingChoirs/
ormingChoirs/
Weare
area abusy
busy
bunch.
This
edition
of Polyphony
We
bunch.
This
edition
of Polyphony
containsseveral
several
articles
written
your
colleagues
contains
articles
written
by by
your
colleagues
fromthroughout
throughout
the
state.
Others
participating
from
the
state.
Others
areare
participating
in in
innovative
programs
keep
students
singing
innovative
programs
to to
keep
students
singing
beyondhigh
high
school.
Still
others
work
to bring
beyond
school.
Still
others
work
to bring
youyou
great
Consider
becoming
more
involved
greatconferences.
conferences.
Consider
becoming
more
involved
ininYOUR
organization.
WeWe
have
several
YOURprofessional
professional
organization.
have
several
open
onon
the
Board
forfor
ACDA-PA
andand
would
openpositions
positions
the
Board
ACDA-PA
would
LOVE
your
input!
LetLet
us us
know
how
we we
cancan
LOVEtotohave
have
your
input!
know
how
serve
how
you
can
help
serve
ourour
profession
serveyou
youand
and
how
you
can
help
serve
profession
through
Hope
to to
seesee
you
in August!
AndAnd
bestbest
throughACDA!
ACDA!
Hope
you
in August!
wishes
a rejuvenating
summer.
wishesforfor
a rejuvenating
summer.

Inside
InsideThis
ThisIssue
Issue

Summer Conference Info


Summer Conference Info
The For-Profit Choir
The For-Profit Choir
More Multi-Cultural Music!
More
Multi-Cultural
Music!
Jazz
Makes
Connections
Jazz Makes
Connections
Spotlight:
Voces
Solis
Spotlight:
Voces
Solis
The Keep Singing Project
The Keep Singing Project

2
4
5
6
7
8

2
4
5
6
7
8

About our Headliner: Vance George

Using Jazz to Make


Interdisciplinary Connections

Vance George is internationally recognized as one of Americas


leading choral conductors. Under his direction the San Francisco
Symphony chorus has been hailed as one of the finest in the world.
On their behalf he has accepted four Grammy awards, for Best
Performance of a Choral Work Orffs Carmina Burana, 1992 and
By Lindsey BrunoBrahms Ein Deutsches Requiem, 1995, Best Classical Album of the
year Stravinskys Persphone, 2000 and Mahlers Symphony No.
Every year, educators are professionally charged with new initiatives
to He
incorporate
into daily
lessons
making itChorus and Orchestra
3, 2004.
also conducted
the
San Francisco
harder to allow time for creativity in the classroom. These initiatives
(common
core,
flipped
classrooms,
in works
ranging
from
Bachs
Mass in B bring
Minor to Carmina burana. TV
your own device and SLOs to name a few) make it increasingly more
important
for
music
educators
toSweeney
justify Todd, 2002 and
and film credits include an Emmy for
the necessity of the music curriculum within their building. One reoccurring initiative that we as music
soundtracks for Amadeus, The Unbearable Lightness of Being,
educators can embrace is Interdisciplinary Learning.
and Godfather III. Vance Georges work embodies the legacy of the
maestros
he our
has art
known
protg
and colleague, especially
Creating an interdisciplinary unit or lesson can easily be appliedgreat
to music
because
is so as
often
derived
Shaw,twentieth
Julius Herford,
Margaret
from culture and history. Jazz, in particular, is a direct reflectionRobert
of Americas
century
history. Hillis, Robert Page, Otto
andabout
Mary the
Oyer.
He has received
Teaching vocal jazz concurrently with American history can aidWerner-Mueller,
students in learning
evolution
of our great acclaim for
his
unique
knowledge
of
musical
styles,
languages, vocal colors,
country in the last one hundred years by observing the reflective effect Jazz has on art and culture and viceand his synthesis of the choral-orchestral tradition. He was awarded
versa
an honorary doctorate by Kent State University, and a Lifetime
The Jazz Age (the period of time from the end of World War One
to the beginning
the Great
Depression)
Achievement
Awardoffrom
Chorus
America.
was the birth of the popularization of jazz and holds a plethora of musical treasures. During the Roaring Twenties, America was on
an up-swing. Politically and economically, our country was improving and expanding. The Great Gatsby (1925) by F. Scott
Fitzgerald brings to life the decadent life of Jay Gatsby. We can help our students connect parallels between Gatsbys life and jazz
music
the 1920s through
several
tunes from
this
Visit of
www.acdapa.org
and
go to popular
the Conferences
link
toera.
see specific details about session topics and presenters.

Schedule

1925 Sweet George Brown arr. Greg Jasperse --- Alfred Music Publishing

Monday, August 1

1926 Someone to Watch Over Me George and Ira Gershwin/arr. Althouse --- Alfred Music Publishing
9:45-10:00
Welcome
10:00-11:00
Interest
Session 1Steve Zegree --- Hal Leonard Corporation
1927
Blue Skies Irving
Berlin/arr.
x Being the Middle Child: Bringing Your Middle School Feeder Program to Life
1928 Basin Street Blues
arr. TomAlexis
Anderson
Presenter:
Farrell--- Hal Leonard Corporation
x Theyre Too Pooped to Phonate, but You Need to Rehearse
1928 Mack the Knife arr.
RussellJudith
Robinson
--- Alfred Publishing Co., Inc.
Presenter:
Nicosia
x Creating and Managing a For-Profit Community Choir
1929 Aint Misbehavin Fats Waller/arr. Mark Hayes --- Shawnee Press
Presenter: Patricia (Pat) Guth
x
Performing
with your
School
Choir Swing became the prominent style of jazz during this
The Great Depression followed
theMasterworks
Roaring Twenties
andHigh
era of
Prohibition.
Presenters:
James
D.
Moyer
and
Lindsey
Bruno
time. Big Bands rose to popularity and helped lift the morale of young Americans throughout World War II. Students may recognize
11:00-11:15
with Musical Source
names
of big bandShop
leaders
like Benny Goodman, Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington and Glen Miller. Students spend a fair amount of time
11:15-12:45
Lunch (on your own)
learning about the Great Depression and the events that led up to World War II. Of Mice and Men (1937) by John Steinbeck,
12:45-2:00
Vance George Session: Miniature Masterpieces
another novel popular among English teachers, paints a portrait of American life during the Great Depression. Tunes from this time
2:00-2:15
Break (Shop with Musical Source/Coffee/Tea/Snacks)
period
are a great way
to team up with your schools jazz band to create a combined project.
2:15-2:55
Reading Session 1 (3 choices)
x a Thing
CollegeDuke
& University
Choirs Roger
/ Self-Published
1932 It Dont Mean
Ellington/arr.
Emerson Composers
--- Hal Leonard Corporation
x Male Choirs / Womens Choirs
x Vocal
Jazz
/ Show
Choirarr. Kirby Shaw --- Hal Leonard Corporation
1933 Its Only a Paper
Moon
Harold
Arlen/
3:00-3:40
Reading Session 2 (3 choices)
1935 Summertime
Gershwin/arr.
Mark in
Hayes
--- Alfred Music Publishing
x George
Community
Choirs / Music
Worship
x Sr. High Choirs / Multicultural & Ethnic Choirs
1939 Over the Rainbow
E.Y. Harburg
and Harold
Arlen/arr.
x Childrens
& Community
Youth
Choirs / Andy Beck --- Alfred Music Publishing
Jr. High & Middle School Choirs
1941 Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy arr. Alan Glasswock --- Lush Life Music (Vocal and Jazz Band parts)
3:40-4:00
Break (Shop with Musical Source/Coffee/Tea/Snacks)
4:00-5:15
Vanceinto
George
Artistthe
Conductor
- You
Invite
a History teacher
yourSession:
class toThe
discuss
Roaring --Twenties
and Great Depression. Invite an English teacher to talk about
5:15-6:00
R&R Area Roundtables
Jay Gatsby and the music that was the soundtrack to his life. Collaborate with your band director on a big band piece. Reaching
6:15-7:30
Dinner --- Bowers Writers House
beyond our American history, invite a Spanish teacher into talk about bossa nova and samba. The possibilities for interdisciplinary
7:45-9:00
Directors Chorus with Vance George:
collaboration through jazz music are endless!
Singing Brahms with piano 4-hands
Lindsey
VocalHours
Jazz Repertoire
& Reading Chair for ACDA-PA. She is on the staff at Pennsbury High School.
9:00 Bruno serves asAfter
at TJ Rockwells
 
6 2

Tuesday, August 2
8:30-9:30

Interest Session 2
x That First Year
Presenter: Jordan M. Shomper
x Your Altos will Thank You!
Presenter: Grace Muzzo
x Teaching High School Male Singers When You Are a Woman: Overcoming Vocal Differences
Presenter: Jaclyn Johnson
By Maura Underwood
x How Do I Gesture That? Developing a Conducting Vocabulary to Capture Your Ideal Sound
Presenter: Caron Daley
Voces Solis is committed
to educating,
A: Our first and biggest strength lies in the
show YouTube clips of your favorite choir
9:30-9:45
Break (Shop
with Musical Source/Coffee/Tea/Snacks)
inspiring, and challenging
its members
and songs you wish you could sing again, and
excellent singers in the organization. A
9:45-10:45
Interest Session
3
audience through
exceptional
performances
group of strong musicians, with great voices,
start
a
choir.
Yes,
thats
how
it
happened.
We
x Robert Shaw: His Atlanta Days
of the highest quality
choral
chamber
music.
who are stylistically flexible, makes for a
were
sitting
around
my
kitchen
table,
Presenter: Julia Brasher Thorn
Based out of thex South
Hills
of
Pittsburgh,
really exciting choir. Furthermore, they
reminiscing
about
our
favorite
choral
Building independent musicianship through Audiation, Visualization, and Anticipation
Voces Solis brings music
teachers,
happen to be really good people who are
experiences,
and
then
it
struck
us
that
we
Presenter: Christopher G. McGinley
professional musicians,
choristers
and
knew
enough
professional
singers
and
x From the outback to the islands: Australian choral music for all choir levelsincredibly fun to be around which really
community performers
together
toScott
learn
helps!
educators in our circles to jumpstart what
Presenter:
Kym
and
perform
a
vast
array
of
high-level
choral
would
be
then
be
known
as
the
Summer
10:45-11:00
Break (Shop with Musical Source)
The second biggest strength is our engaged
repertoire.
Singers.
11:00-12:15
Vance George Session: Sing It Like
You Say It --- Choral Colors
and active board of directors. Having a
12:15-1:30
Lunch
your
own)
And perform, they
do!(on
In this
past
year alone, We rehearsed and performed in the
group of leaders backing your group who
1:30-2:15
R&R
Area
Roundtables
Voces Solis hosted four of their own
summers of 2011 and 2012, and by 2013,
are willing to shoulder a lot of the
2:15-2:30
Break (Shop
withChamber
Musical Source/Coffee/Tea/Snacks)
concerts, collaborated
with the
there were enough members yearning to
organizational responsibility is incredibly
2:30-3:30
Q&A withand
Vance
Georgewith sing year-round that the group would
Orchestra of Pittsburgh
performed
important, and really a prerequisite to
3:30-4:00
Closing
sing ---Symphony
Vance George evolve; from then on, we were known as
the Chieftans and
Pittsburgh
sustained growth.
4:00
Conference concludes (Board meeting
to follow)
Orchestra.
Voces Solis.
Q: What are the challenges of being the
As one of the founding members of the
Ryan Keeling joined the group in 2014, first
Artistic Director of a fairly new choir?
organization, it has been my pleasure to see as a singer, then conductor, and now as
A: The challenges of being the Artistic
this group evolve over the last five years. In
conductor and Artistic Director. Ryans
fact, I had no idea that the group would
contributions have been numerous, through Director of a fairly new choir are in a lot of
ways the same as any organization.
become so successful, but with the talented repertoire
and connection to community
On-Campus
Registration
Options
Retaining top talent, programming inspiring,
musicians of Pittsburgh, it doesnt surprise
performance
groups,
most on
recently,
the of Elizabethtown
Housing
is available
the campus
Collegeexperiences,
in Hackman and
challenging concert
Member
Registration
$150.00
me.
Chamber
Orchestra of
Pittsburgh.
I chatted and
Apartments.
There
are 23 apartments,
each
has
two
bedrooms
bringing in enough fundingwith
to grow the
with him
about
his
thoughts
onbathroom
the group.
Retired Member
$125.00
two
beds
in
each
room,
with
shower,
kitchen
with maybe
refrigerator
How do you start a choir? you might ask.
organization.
I think
the biggest
Member's
Spouse
$100.00
and microwave
living
room
area with
sofa, chairs
andadining
table.
All is that
Director ofand
Voces
Solis,
what
Well, according to my experience, you invite Q: As Artistic
challenge
facing
new choir
though,
beds
have
a
pillow
and
a
blanket.
Sheets,
pillowcase,
towels
and
Student
Member
$60.00
would you say are the strengths of the
your best friends over for a movie night,
of funding and audience building. Perhaps
washcloths are not included. The rates for
the apartments
the night
of reliance
Non-Member
$160.00
organization?
wake up the next morning to French
toast,
unfortunately,
this for
means
a heavy
Monday, August 4 are:
on your members to bring an audience to
On-Campus Housing
$117.00
4 people in an apartment at $29.25
= Total
ofwill
$117
youreach
concerts,
which
hopefully inspire
Single-Day
$95.00
3 people in an apartment at $39.00
each
=
Total
of
$117 and support
them to return, bring others,
Extra Reading Packet
$8.00
2 people in an apartment at $58.50
each = Total
of $117donations as well.
the organization
through
1 person in an apartment at $117
= Total of $117
Apartments must be reserved by July 25,Q:and
the entire
offuture
$117 isofdue
Please Note:
Whats
new infee
the
Voces Solis?
with the reservation request. It is the responsibility of the registrant to
x One-Day Rate
Whatany
I'mothers
most excited
in the future of
make arrangements with and collect feesA:from
who willfor
share
$95 for either day, includes picnic for Monday.
Voces Solis is in our programming. Going
the room.
x Reading packets (choose 2)
forward we are hoping to center each
are guaranteed if requested before July 1.
concert around a semi-extended or major
x Non-Member rate
Holiday Inn Express
work which allows us to explore some really
includes $10 fee which can be applied to your
Located just a few miles from campus, thrilling repertoire that isn't typically heard
membership in ACDA for one year if you
the Holiday Inn Express has rooms
in the standard chamber choir concert.
choose to join.
available at a special rate for

Registration

To Register
Click the Register button at www.acdapa.org under
the Summer Conference link. Early bird registration
rates expire on June 15, so register today!

 

Housing

conference participants. Just mention


ACDA-PA Summer Conference.
147 Merts Drive
Elizabethtown, PA 17022
(717) 367-4000

3 7

Voces Solis has quite a line-up prepared for


2016, including concerts in April, July,
August and October. You can find detailed
information, as well as live recordings on

www.vocessolis.org.

New Model
Model for
for Success?
Success?
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I
even
chose
the
uniform.
simple as the question was one I had
general reaction was Youre Crazy! No
concert venues. I even chose the uniform.
pondered
many
times.
Thats
easy,
I
one
is
going
to
join
a
community
choir
All
by
myself.
But
when
I
need
help
with
pondered many times. Thats easy, I
one is going to join a community choir
All by myself. But when I need help with
said.
Id
like
to
form
and
conduct
a
thats
not
a
non-profit
organization!
We
an
event
or
activity,
my
happy
choristers
said. Id like to form and conduct a
thats not a non-profit organization! We
an event or activity, my happy choristers
communitychorus.
chorus.But
Butthere
therewere
were
thoughtperhaps
perhapsthey
theywere
wereright,
right,but
but
standready
readytotopitch
pitchin.in.Several
Severalpairs
pairsofof
community
thought
stand
alreadya ahuge
hugenumber
numberofofsuch
suchchoruses
choruses anxious
anxioustotoget
getthe
thegroup
groupstarted
startedbyby
helpinghands
handsare
arealways
alwaysavailable.
available.
already
helping
theGreater
GreaterPhiladelphia
Philadelphiaarea
areaand
andI I
September(it(itwas
wasJune)
June)and
andwilling
willingtototry
try
ininthe
September
didnt
view
much
hope
for
success.
and
fail,
we
put
together
a
business
plan
Askany
anychoir
choirmember
memberwhy
whytheyd
theydwant
want
didnt view much hope for success.
and fail, we put together a business plan
Ask
andforged
forgedahead.
ahead.
paya amonthly
monthlyfee
feetotobelong
belongtotoa achoir
choir
and
totopay
Neverthe
thetype
typetotogive
giveup
upeasily,
easily,I kept
I kept
andtheyll
theylltell
tellyou
youthey
theyspend
spendmore
moreonona a
Never
and
thisgoal
goalininthe
theback
backofofmy
mymind
mindand,
and,asas
Noone
onewas
wasmore
moresurprised
surprisedthan
thanususthat
thatit it venti
ventilatte
latteand
anda acookie
cookieatata acertain
certain
this
No
these
things
tend
to
happen,
in
the
worked!
A
press
release
sent
to
the
local
popular
coffeehouse
than
they
doeach
each
these things tend to happen, in the
worked! A press release sent to the local
popular coffeehouse than they do
middle
of
the
night
the
idea
of
forming
a
newspaper
was,
happily,
nabbed
by
a
week
for
choirand
they
get
a
whole
lot
middle of the night the idea of forming a
newspaper was, happily, nabbed by a
week for choirand they get a whole lot
womenschorus
choruscame
cametotome.
me.After
Aftera alittle
little reporter
reporterwho
whowanted
wantedtotodo
doa afeature
feature
morefrom
fromtheir
theirevening
eveningofofsinging.
singing.Ask
Ask
womens
more
research,I discovered
I discoveredthere
therewere
werejust
justone
one article
articleononthe
thefounding
foundingofofthe
thegroup,
group,soso
themif ifthey
theymind
mindthat
thatI make
I makemoney
moneyasas
research,
them
twooptions
optionsininour
ourarea
areafor
forwomen
women
thedirector
directorand
andtheyll
theylltell
tellyou
youOf
Ofcourse
course
wemet
metwith
withhim
himand
andoutlined
outlinedallallthe
the
orortwo
the
we
who
wish
to
sing
together
-a
Sweet
not.
She
works
hard
for
it.
Those
who
specifics
of
membership,
INCLUDING
the
who wish to sing together --- a Sweet
not. She works hard for it. Those who
specifics of membership, INCLUDING the
Adelinesgroup
groupabout
about3030miles
milesaway
awayand
and fact
dontwant
wanttotopay
paydont
dontjoin,
join,but
butweve
weve
factthat
thatmembers
memberswould
wouldpay
paya acertain
certain
Adelines
dont
feministchorus
chorusininCenter
CenterCity
City
enoughwho
whorecognize
recognize
feeeach
eachmonth
monthininexchange
exchangefor
fornever
never
certainlyfound
foundenough
a afeminist
fee
certainly
Philadelphia.I wasnt
I wasntleaning
leaningtowards
towards
havingtotofundraise.
fundraise.We
Wetold
toldthem
themtheyd
theyd that
thatits
itswell
wellworth
worththe
thecost.
cost.
Philadelphia.
having
either
of
those
styles;
I
was
hoping
to
be
paying
for
their
uniform
and
music
either of those styles; I was hoping to
be paying for their uniform and music
simplyform
forma awomens
womenscommunity
community
buttheyd
theydnever
neverhave
havetotosell
sella aminimum
minimum For
Forme,
me,its
itsbeen
beena awin-win
win-winsituation.
situation.Ive
Ive
simply
but
groupopen
opentotoall,
all,performing
performinga avariety
varietyofof number
numberofoftickets
ticketsfor
fora aconcert.or
concert.orany
any
beenable
abletotosupplement
supplementmy
myincome,
income,ofof
group
been
mostly-secularrepertoire.
repertoire.
all,if ifthey
theypreferred.
preferred.That
Thatmade
madethem
them
course,but
butIve
Ivealso
alsorealized
realizedmy
mydream
dreamofof
mostly-secular
atatall,
course,
happy!
creating
and
directing
a
community
happy!
creating and directing a community
Onething
thingbothered
botheredme,
me,however.
however.I had
I had
choruswithout
withouthaving
havingtotodeal
dealwith
withthe
the
One
chorus
donethe
thecommunity
communitychorus
chorusthing
thing
short,the
thephone
phonerang
rangand
andrang.
rang.ByBythe
the trappings
trappingsofofthe
thenon-profit
non-profitmodel.
model.And
AndI I
done
InInshort,
before,but
butwith
withchildren.
children.I loved
I lovedthe
thekids
kids end
endofofthe
thefirst
firstweek,
week,I had
I hadspoken
spokentoto115
115 have
have9292new
newfriends.
friends.

before,



44

TheDire
DireNeed
NeedforforMore
MoreMulti-Cultural
Multi-Cultural
The
Musicininthe
theChoral
ChoralClassroom
Classroom
Music
MatthewErpelding
Erpelding
ByByMatthew

theslim
slimchance
chanceyou
youwere
wereunaware
unawareofofit,it,this
thisisisa apresidential
presidential
InInthe
electionyear
yearininthe
theUnited
UnitedStates.
States.AsAsisistypical,
typical,cultural
culturalissues,
issues,
election
likethose
thosecentered
centeredononrace,
race,religion,
religion,and
andgender,
gender,are
areatatthe
thevery
very
like
forefront
of
this
years
political
conversation.
What
isnt
typical
forefront of this years political conversation. What isnt typical
thoughisisthe
thetimbre
timbreofofthis
thisconversation.
conversation.The
Therhetoric
rhetoricofofthis
this
though
yearspresidential
presidentialcandidates
candidatesisisatattimes
timesalarmingly
alarminglyuninformed
uninformed
years
andignorant,
ignorant,even
evendestructive
destructiveand
anddangerous.
dangerous.Such
Suchvitriolic
vitriolic
and
dialoguebegs
begsthis
thisquestion:
question:when
whenand
andwhere
whereisisthe
themost
most
dialogue
effectiveplace
placetotolearn
learnhow
howtotointeract
interactrespectfully
respectfullywith
withpeople
people
effective
different
from
ourselves?
different from ourselves?
begin,we
weallallmust
mustacknowledge
acknowledgethat
thatwe
weare
areonly
onlyable
abletoto
ToTobegin,
view
the
struggles
of
others
through
the
lens
of
our
own
view the struggles of others through the lens of our own
experiences.We,
We,with
withour
ourown
ownuniquely
uniquelypersonal
personalcultural
cultural
experiences.
perspectives,
may
struggle
to
find
true
common
ground
with
perspectives, may struggle to find true common ground with
peoplefrom
fromdifferent
differentbackgrounds.
backgrounds.This
Thisholds
holdstrue
truenonomatter
matter
people
howstrong
strongour
ourdesire
desiretotounderstand
understandothers
othersmay
maybe.
be.However,
However,
how
thereare
areplaces
placeswhere
whereother
othercultures
culturescan
cannot
notonly
onlybebestudied,
studied,
there
they
can
also
be
experienced
and
valued;
places
where
respect
they can also be experienced and valued; places where respect
andempathy
empathyfor
forpeople
peopledifferent
differentfrom
fromususisisnot
notonly
onlylearned,
learned,
and
butisisalso
alsorequisite
requisitefor
forsuccess.
success.These
Theseplaces
placesare
areclassrooms
classrooms
but
wherestudents
studentsstudy
studyand
andsing
singmulticultural
multiculturalchoral
choralmusic----music-----and
where
-and
it
seems
that
this
kind
of
learning
may
be
needed
more
than
it seems that this kind of learning may be needed more than
ever.
ever.

2009study
studyconducted
conductedbybyChorus
ChorusAmerica.
America.Members
Membersofofchoirs
choirsatat
2009
ageswithin
withinthe
thestudy
studywere
weremore
morelikely
likelytotovolunteer
volunteerand
and
allallages
participateinincivic
civicactivities
activitiessuch
suchasaselections
elections(9).
(9).Additionally,
Additionally,
participate
both
choral
music
educators
and
parents
noted
perceived
both choral music educators and parents noted perceived
improvementsinintheir
theirstudents
studentslevels
levelsofofself-confidence,
self-confidence,
improvements
creativity,and
andproblem
problemsolving
solvingabilities
abilities(14).
(14).Even
Evenmore
morestriking
striking
creativity,
werethe
theways
waysparents
parentsofofchildren
childrenininchoirs
choirsdescribed
describedhow
howtheir
their
were
young
choristers
work
as
part
of
a
community.
For
example,
young choristers work as part of a community. For example,
87%ofofparents
parentswith
withchildren
childrenininchoirs
choirsbelieved
believedthat
thattheir
their
87%
singingchildren
childrenwere
werehelpful
helpfularound
aroundthe
thehouse,
house,compared
comparedtoto
singing
64%ofofthose
thoseparents
parentswhose
whosechildren
childrendid
didnot
notsing
singininchoirs
choirs(16).
(16).
64%
Of
parents
with
kids
in
choir,
84%
stated
that
their
children
Of parents with kids in choir, 84% stated that their children
contributedsignificantly
significantlytotogroup
groupactivities,
activities,compared
comparedwith
with52%
52%
contributed
of
parents
with
non-singing
kids
(16).
A
full
77%
of
parents
of parents with non-singing kids (16). A full 77% of parents
surveyedasserted
assertedthat
thatchoir
choirhelped
helpedtheir
theirchild
childbecome
becomemore
more
surveyed
social;and
and60%
60%claimed
claimedthat
thatjoining
joininga achoir
choirhelped
helpedtheir
their
social;
childrenbetter
bettertotounderstand
understandthe
theemotions
emotionsofofothers
othersand
and
children
simultaneously
better
manage
their
own,
with
only
8%
simultaneously better manage their own, with only 8% inin
disagreement(17).
(17).
disagreement
Andso,
so,the
thechoral
choralclassroom
classroomappears
appearstotobebeananideal
idealplace
placefor
for
And
students
to
not
only
learn
about
multicultural
music,
but
to
fully
students to not only learn about multicultural music, but to fully
embrace
social
skills
and
intercultural
competencies
that
are
embrace social skills and intercultural competencies that are soso
desperatelyneeded
neededinintodays
todayssociety.
society.Imagine
Imagineananenvironment
environment
desperately
thatexposes
exposesour
ourstudents
studentstotothe
themusic
musicand
andlives
livesofofother
other
that
peoples,
while
simultaneously
fostering
their
minds
andhearts
hearts
peoples, while simultaneously fostering their minds and
to
be
better
citizens.
Consider
a
community
enriched
with
to be better citizens. Consider a community enriched with
experienceswhich
whichsensitizes
sensitizesitsitsmembers
memberstotothe
thejoys
joysand
and
experiences
hardshipsofofpeople
peopledifferent
differentfrom
fromthemselves,
themselves,inina asetting
setting
hardships
whereimproved
improvedself-confidence
self-confidenceand
andempathy
empathyare
aremeasurable
measurable
where
outcomes.
Picture
a
place
where
people
are
taught
value
outcomes. Picture a place where people are taught totovalue
and
respect
the
artistic
creations
of
others,
and
at
the
same
time
and respect the artistic creations of others, and at the same time
aretaught
taughttotohelp
helpothers
othersand
andcreate
createtheir
theirown
owncollective
collectiveart.
art.
are

Thisisiswhy
whymulticultural
multiculturalmusic
musicisissosoimportant
importantininour
our
This
classrooms.
There
may
be
no
better
way
to
teach
studenthow
how
classrooms. There may be no better way to teach a astudent
herbook
bookMusic
MusicEducation
Educationand
andMulticulturalism,
Multiculturalism,Terese
TereseM.M.
InInher
valueother
otherpeople
peopleand
andcultures
culturesthan
thantotorehearse
rehearsea a
Volkstates
statesthat
thatthe
thediversification
diversificationofofthe
theU.S.
U.S.population,
population,a anewnew- totovalue
Volk
multicultural
work
to
perfection,
the
same
as
wewould
wouldany
anyofof
multicultural
work
to
perfection,
the
same
as
we
found
sensitivity
to
global
intercultural
relationships,
and
an
found sensitivity to global intercultural relationships, and an
our
music.
That
demonstration
of
cultural
respect,
sensitivity,
our
music.
That
demonstration
of
cultural
respect,
sensitivity,
understandingofofthe
thesynergy
synergybetween
betweenpeople
peopleand
andthe
theworld
world
understanding
andempathy
empathyisisquite
quitepossibly
possiblyone
oneofofthe
thegreatest
greatestgifts
giftswe
wecan
can
theyoccupy
occupyare
arereasons
reasonsenough
enoughtotoincorporate
incorporatemulticulturalism
multiculturalism and
they
impart
on
our
students
for
the
future
of
our
world.
impart on our students for the future of our world.
intothe
themodern
modernclassroom
classroom(5).
(5).Music
Musiceducation
educationisisananideal
ideal
into
means
by
which
to
instill
these
kinds
of
multicultural
means by which to instill these kinds of multicultural
Now,if ifonly
onlysome
someofofthis
thisyears
yearspresidential
presidentialcandidates
candidateswould
would
Now,
connectionsand
andintercultural
interculturalcompetencies.
competencies.First,
First,music
musicisis
connections
join
a
choir
nearlyubiquitous,
ubiquitous,yet
yetvastly
vastlydifferent
differentfrom
fromculture
culturetotoculture----culture----nearly
- - join a choir
essence,we
weallallhave
havesome
somekind
kindofofmusic
musicthat
thatisisour
ourmusic.
music.
ininessence,
WORKS CITED
Second,multicultural
multiculturalmusic
musiceducation
educationisisabout
aboutthe
therelationship
relationship WORKS CITED
Second,
Volk,Terese
TereseM.M.Music,
Music,Education,
Education,and
andMulticulturalism.
Multiculturalism.New
NewYork:
York:
Volk,
betweendifferent
differentpeople
peopleand
andtheir
theirown
ownmusic.
music.Understanding
Understanding
between
Oxford
University
Press,
1998.
Oxford University Press, 1998.
therole
roleand
andfunction
functionofofmusic
musicininthe
thelives
livesofofpeople
peoplevastly
vastly
the
differentfrom
fromourselves
ourselveshelps
helpsusustotobetter
betterunderstand
understandand
and
different
Chorus America. The Chorus Impact Study: How Children, Adults,
empathizewith
withothers.
others.InInmany
manyways,
ways,the
thestudy
studyofofmulticultural
multicultural Chorus America. The Chorus Impact Study: How Children, Adults,
empathize
andCommunities
CommunitiesBenefit
Benefitfrom
fromChoruses.
Choruses.Washington,
Washington,D.C.:
D.C.:
and
musicopens
opensour
ourears,
ears,eyes,
eyes,minds,
minds,and
andhearts
heartstotonot
notjust
justthe
the
music
Chorus
America,
2009.
Chorus America, 2009.
musicofofother
otherpeople,
people,but
buttotothe
thepeople
peoplethemselves.
themselves.
music
Regardingmulticultural
multiculturalmusic
musiceducation,
education,we
wechoral
choraldirectors
directors
Regarding
may
be
in
positions
of
greater
power
and
responsibility
than
may be in positions of greater power and responsibility than
other
music
teachers.
Consider
some
of
the
potential
social
other music teachers. Consider some of the potential social
outcomesofofsinging
singinginina achoral
choralensemble,
ensemble,asasdocumented
documentedinina a
outcomes



Matthew
Erpelding
serves
ACDA-PA
Multi-Cultural
and
Ethnic
Music
Matthew
Erpelding
serves
ACDA-PA
asas
Multi-Cultural
and
Ethnic
Music
Repertoire
and
Resources
Chair.HeHe
Director
Choral
Activities
and
Repertoire
and
Resources
Chair.
is is
Director
ofof
Choral
Activities
and
Assistant
Professor
of
Music
at
Lebanon
Valley
College.
Assistant Professor of Music at Lebanon Valley College.

55

About our Headliner: Vance George

Using Jazz to Make


Interdisciplinary Connections

Vance George is internationally recognized as one of Americas


leading choral conductors. Under his direction the San Francisco
Symphony chorus has been hailed as one of the finest in the world.
On their behalf he has accepted four Grammy awards, for Best
Performance of a Choral Work Orffs Carmina Burana, 1992 and
Brahms Ein Deutsches Requiem, 1995, Best Classical Album of the
By Lindsey Bruno
year Stravinskys Persphone, 2000 and Mahlers Symphony No.
Every year, educators are professionally charged with new initiatives
to incorporate
into the
dailySan
lessons
making
it
3, 2004. He
also conducted
Francisco
Chorus
and Orchestra
harder to allow time for creativity in the classroom. These initiatives
(common
core,
flipped
classrooms,
bring
in works ranging from Bachs Mass in B Minor to Carmina burana. TV
your own device and SLOs to name a few) make it increasingly
important
for music
educators
to justifyTodd, 2002 and
andmore
film credits
include
an Emmy
for Sweeney
the necessity of the music curriculum within their building. One reoccurring initiative that we as music
soundtracks for Amadeus, The Unbearable Lightness of Being,
educators can embrace is Interdisciplinary Learning.
and Godfather III. Vance Georges work embodies the legacy of the
greattomaestros
he hasour
known
and colleague, especially
Creating an interdisciplinary unit or lesson can easily be applied
music because
art isas
soprotg
often derived
Robert
Shaw, Julius
Herford,
Margaret
Hillis, Robert Page, Otto
from culture and history. Jazz, in particular, is a direct reflection
of Americas
twentieth
century
history.
and Mary
Oyer.
has received
Teaching vocal jazz concurrently with American history can Werner-Mueller,
aid students in learning
about
theHe
evolution
of our great acclaim for
his
unique
knowledge
of
musical
styles,
languages,
vocal colors,
country in the last one hundred years by observing the reflective effect Jazz has on art and culture and viceand his synthesis of the choral-orchestral tradition. He was awarded
versa
an honorary doctorate by Kent State University, and a Lifetime
The Jazz Age (the period of time from the end of World War
One to the beginning
of the
GreatAmerica.
Depression)
Achievement
Award from
Chorus
was the birth of the popularization of jazz and holds a plethora of musical treasures. During the Roaring Twenties, America was on
an up-swing. Politically and economically, our country was improving and expanding. The Great Gatsby (1925) by F. Scott
Fitzgerald brings to life the decadent life of Jay Gatsby. We can help our students connect parallels between Gatsbys life and jazz
music
of the 1920s through
tunes from
this
Visit
www.acdapa.org
and goseveral
to thepopular
Conferences
link to
seeera.
specific details about session topics and presenters.

Schedule

1925 Sweet George Brown arr. Greg Jasperse --- Alfred Music Publishing

Monday,
August 1
1926 Someone to Watch Over Me George and Ira Gershwin/arr. Althouse --- Alfred Music Publishing

9:45-10:00
Welcome
10:00-11:00
Interest
1 Steve Zegree --- Hal Leonard Corporation
1927 Blue Skies
IrvingSession
Berlin/arr.
x Being the Middle Child: Bringing Your Middle School Feeder Program to Life
1928 Basin Street Blues
arr. Tom
Anderson
Presenter:
Alexis
Farrell --- Hal Leonard Corporation
x Theyre Too Pooped to Phonate, but You Need to Rehearse
1928 Mack the Knife
arr. Russell
Robinson
Presenter:
Judith
Nicosia --- Alfred Publishing Co., Inc.
x Creating and Managing a For-Profit Community Choir
1929 Aint Misbehavin Fats Waller/arr. Mark Hayes --- Shawnee Press
Presenter: Patricia (Pat) Guth
x
Performing
your High
School
Choir
The Great Depression
followedMasterworks
the Roaring with
Twenties
and era
of Prohibition.
Swing became the prominent style of jazz during this
Presenters:
James
D.
Moyer
and
Lindsey
Bruno
time. Big Bands rose to popularity and helped lift the morale of young Americans throughout World War II. Students may recognize
11:00-11:15
Shop with Musical Source
names of big band
leaders like Benny Goodman, Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington and Glen Miller. Students spend a fair amount of time
11:15-12:45
Lunch (on your own)
learning about the Great Depression and the events that led up to World War II. Of Mice and Men (1937) by John Steinbeck,
12:45-2:00
Vance George Session: Miniature Masterpieces
another novel popular among English teachers, paints a portrait of American life during the Great Depression. Tunes from this time
2:00-2:15
Break (Shop with Musical Source/Coffee/Tea/Snacks)
period are a great
way to team up with your schools jazz band to create a combined project.
2:15-2:55
Reading Session 1 (3 choices)
x College
& University
Choirs / Self-Published
Composers
1932 It Dont Mean
a Thing
Duke Ellington/arr.
Roger Emerson
--- Hal Leonard Corporation
x Male Choirs / Womens Choirs
Vocal
Jazz / Harold
Show Choir
1933 Its Only ax Paper
Moon
Arlen/ arr. Kirby Shaw --- Hal Leonard Corporation
3:00-3:40
Reading Session 2 (3 choices)
1935 Summertime
George Gershwin/arr.
Mark
Hayes --- Alfred Music Publishing
x Community
Choirs / Music
in Worship
x Sr. High Choirs / Multicultural & Ethnic Choirs
1939 Over the xRainbow
E.Y.&Harburg
and Youth
HaroldChoirs
Arlen/arr.
Andy Beck --- Alfred Music Publishing
Childrens
Community
/
Jr. High & Middle School Choirs
1941 Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy arr. Alan Glasswock --- Lush Life Music (Vocal and Jazz Band parts)
3:40-4:00
Break (Shop with Musical Source/Coffee/Tea/Snacks)
4:00-5:15
George
Session:
Artist Conductor
--- You
Invite a History Vance
teacher
into your
classThe
to discuss
the Roaring
Twenties and Great Depression. Invite an English teacher to talk about
5:15-6:00
R&R Area Roundtables
Jay Gatsby and the music that was the soundtrack to his life. Collaborate with your band director on a big band piece. Reaching
6:15-7:30
Dinner --- Bowers Writers House
beyond our American history, invite a Spanish teacher into talk about bossa nova and samba. The possibilities for interdisciplinary
7:45-9:00
Directors Chorus with Vance George:
collaboration through jazz music are endless!
Singing Brahms with piano 4-hands
Lindsey Bruno serves
as Vocal
Jazz
& Reading Chair for ACDA-PA. She is on the staff at Pennsbury High School.
9:00
After
Hours
at Repertoire
TJ Rockwells



26

Tuesday, August 2
8:30-9:30

Interest Session 2
x That First Year
Presenter: Jordan M. Shomper
x Your Altos will Thank You!
Presenter: Grace Muzzo
x Teaching High School Male Singers When You Are a Woman: Overcoming Vocal Differences
Presenter: Jaclyn Johnson
By Maura Underwood
x How Do I Gesture That? Developing a Conducting Vocabulary to Capture Your Ideal Sound
Presenter: Caron Daley
Voces
Solis is committed
to educating,
A: Our first and biggest strength lies in the
show YouTube clips of your favorite choir
9:30-9:45
Break (Shop
with Musical Source/Coffee/Tea/Snacks)
inspiring,
and challenging
members
excellent singers in the organization. A
9:45-10:45
Interestits
Session
3 and songs you wish you could sing again, and
audience through exceptional
performances
group of strong musicians, with great voices,
start
a
choir.
Yes,
thats
how
it
happened.
We
x Robert Shaw: His Atlanta Days
of the highest quality choral
chamber
music.
who are stylistically flexible, makes for a
were
sitting
around
my
kitchen
table,
Presenter: Julia Brasher Thorn
Based out of the South
Hills
of
Pittsburgh,
really
exciting choir. Furthermore, they
reminiscing
about
our
favorite
choral
x Building independent musicianship through Audiation, Visualization, and
Anticipation
Voces Solis brings musicPresenter:
teachers,Christopher G.
happen
to be really good people who are
experiences,
and
then
it
struck
us
that
we
McGinley
professional musicians,
choristers
and
incredibly
fun to be around which really
knew
enough
professional
singers
and
x From the outback to the islands: Australian choral music for all choir levels
community performersPresenter:
together to
learn
helps!
educators
in
our
circles
to
jumpstart
what
Kym Scott
and
perform a vastBreak
array of
high-level
choral Source)
would be then be known as the Summer
10:45-11:00
(Shop
with Musical
The second biggest strength is our engaged
repertoire.
11:00-12:15
Vance George Session: Sing Singers.
It Like You Say It --- Choral Colors
and active board of directors. Having a
12:15-1:30
Lunch
(on past
youryear
own)alone, We rehearsed and performed in the
And
perform, they do!
In this
group of leaders backing your group who
1:30-2:15
R&R
Area
Roundtables
Voces Solis hosted four of their own
summers of 2011 and 2012, and by 2013,
are willing to shoulder a lot of the
2:15-2:30collaborated
Break
(Shop
Musical Source/Coffee/Tea/Snacks)
concerts,
with
the with
Chamber
there were enough members yearning to
organizational responsibility is incredibly
2:30-3:30of Pittsburgh
Q&A and
withperformed
Vance George
Orchestra
with sing year-round that the group would
important, and really a prerequisite to
3:30-4:00
Closing sing
--- Vance Georgeevolve; from then on, we were known as
the
Chieftans and Pittsburgh
Symphony
sustained growth.
4:00
Conference concludes (Board
meeting
Orchestra.
Voces
Solis.to follow)
Q: What are the challenges of being the
As one of the founding members of the
Ryan Keeling joined the group in 2014, first
Artistic Director of a fairly new choir?
organization, it has been my pleasure to see as a singer, then conductor, and now as
A: The challenges of being the Artistic
this group evolve over the last five years. In
conductor and Artistic Director. Ryans
fact, I had no idea that the group would
contributions have been numerous, through Director of a fairly new choir are in a lot of
ways the same as any organization.
become so successful, but with the talented repertoire On-Campus
and connection to community
Registration
Options
Retaining top talent, programming inspiring,
musicians of Pittsburgh, it doesnt surprise
performance
groups,
most recently,
Housing
is available
on thethe
campus ofchallenging
Elizabethtown
College
in Hackman
concert
experiences,
and
Member Registration
$150.00 Chamber Orchestra of Pittsburgh. I chatted
me.
Apartments. There are 23 apartments,
and
each
has
two
bedrooms
with
bringing in enough funding to grow the
his thoughts
on the
group. with
Retired Member
$125.00 with him about
two beds
in each room,
bathroom
shower, kitchen
refrigerator
How do you start a choir? you might ask.
organization.
I thinkwith
maybe
the biggest
Member's
Spouse
$100.00
andDirector
microwave
and living
room areachallenge
with sofa, facing
chairs and
dining
Allis that
of Voces
Solis, what
Well, according to my experience, you invite Q: As Artistic
a new
choirtable.
though,
beds
have
a
pillow
and
a
blanket.
Sheets,
pillowcase,
towels
and
Student
Member
$60.00
would you say are the strengths of the
your best friends over for a movie night,
of funding and audience building. Perhaps
washcloths are not included. The rates
for the apartments
for the
nightreliance
of
Non-Member
organization?
wake
up the next morning to French$160.00
toast,
unfortunately,
this means
a heavy
Monday, August 4 are:
on your members to bring an audience to
On-Campus Housing
$117.00
4 people in an apartment at your
$29.25
each which
= Totalwill
of hopefully
$117
concerts,
inspire
Single-Day
$95.00
3 people in an apartment at them
$39.00toeach
=
Total
of
$117
return, bring others,
and support
Extra Reading Packet
$8.00
2 people in an apartment at the
$58.50
each = through
Total of $117
organization
donations as well.
1 person in an apartment at $117
= Total of $117
Apartments must be reserved by JulyQ:25,
and the
entire
fee
of $117
is dueSolis?
Please Note:
Whats
new
in the
future
of Voces
with the reservation request. It is the responsibility of the registrant to
x One-Day Rate
What
I'many
most
excited
the future of
make arrangements with and collectA:
fees
from
others
whofor
willinshare
$95 for either day, includes picnic for Monday.
Voces Solis is in our programming. Going
the room.
x Reading packets (choose 2)
forward we are hoping to center each
are guaranteed if requested before July 1.
concert around a semi-extended or major
x Non-Member rate
Holiday Inn Express
work which allows us to explore some really
includes $10 fee which can be applied to your
Located just a few miles from campus,
thrilling repertoire that isn't typically heard
membership in ACDA for one year if you
the Holiday Inn Express has rooms in the standard chamber choir concert.
choose to join.
available at a special rate for

Registration

To Register
Click the Register button at www.acdapa.org under
the Summer Conference link. Early bird registration
rates expire on June 15, so register today!



Housing

conference participants. Just mentionVoces Solis has quite a line-up prepared for
ACDA-PA Summer Conference.
2016, including concerts in April, July,
147 Merts Drive
August and October. You can find detailed
Elizabethtown, PA 17022
information, as well as live recordings on
(717) 367-4000

www.vocessolis.org.

73

ACDA-PA Polyphony
Shaun Cloonan, Editor
North Hills High School
53 Rochester Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15229

Dear Pennsylvania Choral Director Friends,


I am happy to announce a second year of the Keep
Singing Project! One common goal among chorus
teachers is to inspire their students to be life-long
singers. We all work hard to keep students singing as
they transition from middle school to high school, and
now there is an easy way for you to help bridge the gap
from high school to college so they KEEP SINGING into
adulthood! Last year Pennsylvania had the second
highest response rate in the country! Thank you for
helping make that happen; let's build on last year's momentum!
The Keep Singing Project mission is simple: to help graduating chorus seniors keep singing when they go to college. We accomplish
this in two steps: 1) Invite high school chorus seniors to participate by completing an online form; and 2) provide their shared
information to the choir director(s) at their chosen college, university, or community choir who can then reach out to them about
singing at the next level. Taking part in a choir is so often initiated by a simple invitation to join!
This project began in 2014 as an initiative of the Michigan School Vocal Music Association (MSVMA). Students from all over the state
expressed their desire to Keep Singing in college, and collegiate choral faculty enthusiastically welcomed the chance to reach out to
interested freshmen they might otherwise not have known. As we build on the success of year one, we are inviting other states to
join Michigan in 2015 to help young people continue to sing into adulthood.
You are busy, so we made this easy. This is all you have to do help your students to KEEP SINGING:
Plan A (for HS Choral Directors):
1. Go to this website on the computer in your classroom or office: http://www.keepsinging.info/?page_id=26
2. Have seniors go over one at a time to enter their info.
Plan B (for anyone):
1. Share this link on Facebook/ Twitter: http://www.keepsinging.info
2. Forward this email to the HS Chorus Seniors you know, and ask them to follow the link and enter their info.
3. Be sure to include a note from you about how much you would love for them to continue singing after high school.
Deadline June 1, 2016
What happens next?
The senior's contact info will be sent to the choral director(s) at the college or university they plan to attend. The choral director will
then be able to inform them about the choral programs at their schools and invite them to participate.
Spread the word: Let's Keep EVERYONE Singing!
Thank you for your support of this project and for all you do every day to inspire your students to be life-long singers!
Ryan Beeken
Director of Choral Studies, Indiana University of Pennsylvania

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