Choir Ninja, with Ryan Guth

Latest Episodes:

Leggings as pants - A woman's perspective, with Vikki Siddell Jan 17, 2017

Show notes

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

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Leggings as pants – and other ways to make choir all about you, with Ryan Guth Jan 10, 2017

Show notes

In today’s episode you’ll learn ways to deflate your head so it doesn’t block your audience’s view (and enjoyment) of the concert. My new podcast CHOIR NINJA is coming soon! Click below for more info!

Listen

I recommend... My notes...

Remember, in a school situation, your audience is obligated to attend

Their child/family member is in the choir
Based on previous experience, they would never choose to attend on their own

Your ego chooses your repertoire
1. You program recitals, not concerts
2. You think the purpose of choir is solely to educate, not entertain and you don’t believe in a middle ground.
3. The repertoire you choose is too hard for your choir to perform well.
4. Not vocally appropriate.
5. Everything is a ballad.
You’re unlikeable from the stage
1. You don’t acknowledge your audience’s presence
2. You have the kids introduce the pieces so you don’t have to
3. You never smile
4. Your gesture is all about you
5. You think you’re a SJW so you make political statements that divide
Your audience doesn’t feel welcome
1. No attention to detail
You give yourself a solo
That concert program you made in Microsoft Word and you don’t provide translations
1. It’s ugly
2. You headshot is the biggest!
You don’t take pride in your choir’s appearance
1. No uniform
2. Hair in face
3. Distracting accessories
4. Unnatural colored hair
You don’t take pride in your appearance
1. Your leggings are a barrier between you and the choir
Your concert is way too long
1. Keep it under 75 mins

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Let go, with Anthony Maglione Dec 07, 2016

Show notes

Tony Maglione of William Jewell College stops in to share his thoughts on building a culture of trust with your choir. Listen

Bio Conductor/Composer Anthony J. Maglione is a graduate of Westminster Choir College of Rider University, East Carolina University, and the University of California, Los Angeles. He is the Director of Choral Studies at William Jewell College where, under his direction, the Concert Choir was Runner Up (2nd Place) for the 2015 American Prize in Choral Performance, College/University Division. In addition to his responsibilities at William Jewell College, he serves as Director of the Greater Kansas City AGO Schola Cantorum, Conductor Emeritus of the Freelance Ensemble Artists of NJ, a symphony orchestra based in Central NJ and recently was appointed the Michael and Ginger Frost “Artist-in-Residence” at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Kansas City. An active composer, Anthony’s choral works are growing in popularity and are published on GIA’s “Evoking Sound” choral series. In the last several years his music has appeared at state and national-level conventions, on TV, in video games, and has been recorded on Gothic Records and Centaur Records. In 2014 and 2015, Anthony was honored as a Semi- Finalist and Finalist (respectively) for the American Prize in Composition, Professional Choral Division and was recently awarded the 2016-2017 William Jewell College Spencer Family Sabbatical, a year-long fully funded sabbatical in order to compose two new large-scale works for choir, soloists and chamber orchestra. Anthony has also been commissioned by the American Guild of Organists for a new work to premiere at the AGO National Conference to be held in Kansas City in 2018. Anthony has made numerous guest conducting/clinician appearances and has prepared ensembles for such esteemed conductors as James Conlon, James Jordan, David Newman, Donald Neuen, and Alex Treger. Ensembles under his leadership have performed nationally and internationally at renowned concert venues including Disney Hall in Los Angeles and Carnegie Hall in New York City. Links William Jewell Music Tony’s Facebook Tony’s Twitter

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8 must-do's for choral directors in December, with Amanda Simon and Ryan Guth Dec 06, 2016

Show notes

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

Wake up with a sense of duty and be grateful!
- You get to do what you love, and get paid for it.
- You will make audience members’ days/months/years with your musical offerings.
- You’ll touch people that you’ll never meet and in ways that you’ll never know.
- You’re giving families a reason to get together and celebrate with each other for potentially the only time in a year.
Your duty IS your escape from December.
- If you do it well, you won’t need an escape, because your soul will be fed by what you do.
Thank your family for supporting you/putting up with you by…
- smiling (sometimes you fake it till you make it so your brain believes your happy - See distress tolerance techniques).
- showing more affection to your loved ones/significant other.
- hugging your kids and reading them bedtime stories every night you can.
- reschedule dinner at a new common time with your loved ones so that you don’t miss that very essential part of your life.
Follow these nutrition guidelines to stay on top of your game
- Avoid fast food.
  - If necessary, choose healthy options. May be pricey, but worth it when you’re not napping at 3pm.
- Eat a big breakfast
  - PROTEIN/COMPLEX CARBS
    - Eggs scramble (loaded with avocado and veggies like spinach, peppers, tomatoes)
    - Cook in healthy oils such as coconut oil or avocado oil
    - Oatmeal
    - Berries
    - Smoothie (banana, peanut butter, almond milk, with optional protein powder)
    - BUY A NUTRIBULLET
- Stay prepared
  - Pack your meals (lunch or dinner) if you won’t be home to make them
  - Carry snacks with you, so you don’t end at in the vending machine
    - Protein bar (like Quest or Luna bars) with less than 10g of sugar
    - Mixed nuts (packs like Trader Joe’s)
    - Apples for appetite suppression
  - “Batch prepare” your meals
- Stay hydrated (pee clear and often)
  - It’ll keep you full
  - Heightens energy
  - Keeps the voice working
  - Minimizes the chance of stress headaches
  - Aids in proper digestion
  - Releases toxins
  - You get it...

Remember, it’s okay to say no...
- to requests that may derail your momentum
- to substances that may slow you down
- feeling guilty when you’re not working
Don’t give up on exercise
- If you don’t have a regular routine, you can look up 15 minute exercises on YouTube to do naked in your bedroom before school.
Get sleep
- 7-8 hours/per night - especially before performances
- Your DVR is your best friend
  - You can catch up on your shows during the Christmas break
- Sleep in a dark room
- Lavender on the pillow
- Use meditations like these to fall asleep
In the case of a meltdown
- Go back to gratitude.
- Close your eyes and do this meditation. (Warning: Bad Language)
- Breathe in for 4 counts, hold for 2, breathe out for 6.
- Do a grounding exercise
  - 5 things you see
  - 4 things your hear
  - 3 things you feel
  - 2 things you smell
  - 1 thing you taste

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Homeless not voiceless, with Jonathan Palant Nov 30, 2016

Show notes

In this interview, I sit down with Jonathan Palant of the Dallas Street Choir to speak about the true purpose and mission of choral music and how it touches the lives of the disadvantaged just as much as those fortunate enough to be listening here today. Support our sponsor for this episode: KI Concerts Listen Bio Jonathan Palant teaches vocal music at both the University of Texas at Dallas and Richland College. He is also Minister of Music at Kessler Park United Methodist Church, adult choir director at Temple Shalom, and founder and conductor of Credo, a 115-member community choir, and the Dallas Street Choir, a musical outlet for those experiencing homelessness and disadvantage. From 2007-2011, he served as Artistic Director of Dallas’ Turtle Creek Chorale. Prior to that, Palant held collegiate teaching positions at Western Kentucky University and Madonna University, Livonia, Michigan. He taught secondary choral music at University School, an all-boys independent school in Cleveland, Ohio, and San Pasqual High School in Escondido, California. Dr. Palant sits on the board of directors of the Intercollegiate Men’s Choruses and has served on the state board of the Michigan chapter of the American Choral Directors Association and Youth First Texas where he was founder and conductor of Dallas PUMP!, a choir serving at-risk youth. Both Palant’s book, Brothers, Sing On! Conducting the Tenor-Bass Choir, and his Brothers, Sing On! Choral Series are published by the Hal Leonard Corporation. Dr. Palant holds degrees from Michigan State University, Temple University and the University of Michigan. Links www.JonathanPalant.com www.dallasstreetchoir.org

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Your audience doesn't suck, with Ryan Guth Nov 29, 2016

Show notes

Responding to an inquiry in a choir Facebook group (that shall not be named) about why it may not be best idea to sing Vittoria’s “O Magnum Mysterium” at a tree-lighting. This is a quick lesson on playing the long game. Listen Notes The original post on Facebook: Every year our choir is invited to sing at the city Tree Lighting ceremony. Last year the set we sang included the Victoria O Magnum Mysterium, Betelehemu, and Carol of the Bells - a mix of songs people may know, but also a few they probably didn't (I don't remember the entire set). My principal got an email from them today (the concert is on Wednesday) asking him to ensure the choir performed more "festive" music this year, because we sang "some Bach or something" last year. I work really hard to select repertoire that is both educational and challenging. The choir loved the Victoria last year, and sang it really well. I admit that if it was the only song we sang that might have been problematic, but we did a lot of upbeat and more traditional things too. I'm stumped as to how to respond. My response, and what I will use to elaborate upon in this episode: I LOVE all the pieces you programmed, but for an event like this you must think of your audience of regular old people who know nothing about choral music. Meeting them where they are is the first step to raising them to where you want them to be musically. A tree lighting is the perfect place to "give them what they want". If you do, they'll start showing up at your regular concerts, THEN you can educate them. Do not give away an opportunity to brighten people's Christmas season through your great work with great kids. :) If you want to expand your reach in the community, do the gig, sing some familiar songs that don't make you feel like you're selling your soul, and watch as everyone comes up to show their appreciation for your choir. This is a HUGE opportunity to make people smile. Forgive the "some Bach or something" comment, realize they're clueless, and do it brother! Merry Christmas!

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Beer Choir, with Mike Engelhardt Nov 23, 2016

Show notes

Speaking with conductor and composer, Mike Engelhardt about his unique project, Beer Choir! This is something that is expanding the choral world one microbrew at a time! Listen for information on how to start your own chapter for free. Support our sponsor for this episode: KI Concerts Listen Bio Michael Engelhardt is a freelance choral music composer, conductor, and innovator. He frequently combines historical choral material with pop, contemporary, and electronic elements, creating a new sound that is compelling to academic and general audiences alike. His works have been featured at All-State Conferences in Texas, Minnesota, Kansas, Colorado, Virginia, and at multiple ACDA National and Regional Conferences. His compositions have been featured twice on the Carnegie Hall stage. Many of his pieces are published by Walton Music and Hinshaw Music, and he has several self-published works available at www.mikeemusic.com. As a clinician and guest conductor, Michael has conducted the West Virginia ACDA All-State Honors Chamber Choir and the Oklahoma All-State Vocal Jazz Chorus. He has had the great fortune to collaborate with major artists such as Ben Folds (from NBC’s The Sing Off), Abraham Laboriel (bass player for Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and others), Patti Austin (Grammy award-winning vocalist), Kerry Livgren (Kansas), the Kansas City Chorale (Grammy award-winning choral ensemble), Cantus (men’s ensemble), and Chapter 6 (jazz a cappella group). Michael is also the founder of Beer Choir LLC, an organization devoted to drinking great craft beer while singing loudly in public. The organization has chapters in major cities across the USA. In 2017, Beer Choir will host 3 events during the ACDA National Conference in Minneapolis. A native of Woodstock, Illinois, he holds degrees from Millikin University (Decatur, Illinois) and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Michael lives in St. Louis, Missouri with his wife and two children. Links www.mikeemusic.com www.beerchoir.com Beer Choir Facebook Page Mike’s Twitter Beer Choir Twitter Support the show on

Responding to an irate parent email, with Ryan Guth Nov 23, 2016

Show notes

After receiving an irate parent email, here’s how to begin to turn around the situation and make that parent a new friend. Listen Notes

Write a draft response.
- Don’t hit reply. Open a NEW DRAFT.
- Don't send.
- Go to bed.
- Review in the morning when you’re less emotional.
Send an NEW email to the parent requesting a phone number and a good time to call.
When you’re calm, make the phone call and get the parent on the line.
While on the call...
- Open the call by asking them to clarify their email
- Try to understand their perspective.
  - Rephrase their perspective in your words
  - You may be wrong. If so, apologize.
  - You also have the right to disagree, but NEVER have a pissing contest. Be firm on policy being for the benefit of the kids.
  - Remember: They just want to be heard.
  - Apologize only for the things that you mean to apologize for. Don't just apologize to shut them up. This doesn't help you.
  - If you disagree, explain to them how your side benefits THEM/THEIR CHILD. Never talk about the benefits to you or your program. They’re more likely to understand your perspective if they see the benefits for them!
- PRO TIP: "While I have you on the phone...I'd like your opinion on something..." (Ben Franklin Effect)
- GOAL: Leave as friends.

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Dream Big, with Jeb Mueller Nov 16, 2016

Show notes

Jeb Mueller, of the University of Houston, stops in to talk about the value of dreaming big, telling others your goals, overcoming imposter syndrome, and strategies to clear your mind and be your best self for rehearsal. This episode is sponsored by KI Concerts. Listen Bio Jeb Mueller serves as Associate Director of Choral Studies at the University of Houston Moores School of Music where he conducts three choirs, prepares opera choruses, teaches choral music education courses, and maintains a graduate conducting studio. In addition to his academic duties, Mueller is an active clinician, adjudicator, and conference presenter with engagements throughout the United States. Mueller’s choirs have been described as “stellar,” “inspired,” and singing with “mature line and a beautiful, vibrant tone.” Under his direction, UH’s Concert Women’s Chorus performed at the 2016 American Choral Directors Association Southwest Division Conference in Kansas City, Missouri. Mueller taught high school choral music in the Houston area for six years. His choirs consistently earned superior ratings at contests and were twice chosen the Overall Best Choir at state and national choral festivals. He was recognized with Taylor High School’s “You Make a Difference” award on two occasions, received recognition as an HEB Excellence in Education state semifinalist, and was selected as a Katy Independent School District Outstanding Teacher. Dr. Mueller holds degrees from The University of Miami, The University of Texas, and Texas Tech University. He has studied with Joshua Habermann, James Morrow, Kenneth Davis, Karen Kennedy, Donald Oglesby, and Suzanne Pence. His training also includes master classes and/or lessons with such choral luminaries as Joseph Flummerfelt, Craig Hella Johnson, Ragnar Bohlin, Robert Porco, Vance George, Patrick Dupré Quigley, and Weston Noble. Dr. Mueller also concertizes as a baritone, having sung with Santa Fe Desert Chorale II and Miami’s Musica Judaica. Mueller is an active member of the American Choral Directors Association, Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Choral Directors Association, and The National Association for Music Education. Links Uhchoirs.org Jeb’s Facebook Jeb’s Twitter

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Should you really get that master's degree?, with Ryan Guth Nov 15, 2016

Show notes

Should you really get that Master’s degree? In this episode, I speak about the reasons people choose to leave their teaching job to go back to school, give you a simple cost/benefit analysis one can use to determine whether school makes sense, and what they could do besides returning to school! Listen Show Notes Reasons people choose to go back to school for their master’s degrees

Bored in current school job
Job is too stressful
Current position is the wrong fit
Required by state/district
Looking for a significant other
Satiate a need to feed one’s brain
Feed their ego
Delay reality

Cost/benefit analysis (ROI - Return on Investment)

Do you have a choral ed job now?
- If so…
  - What’s your current salary?
  - What would be your new salary?
  - Can you get a sabbatical in your current position?
  - Would you get rehired by the same school/district?
  - What’s the cost to the program of you leaving and coming back?
- If not..
  - Are you delaying reality?
    - Just out of undergrad
    - Haven’t been hired yet after applying/interviewing around
    - Haven’t applied to anything yet
  - Would you be a more attractive candidate after the degree?
    - Really? Why?
What is this going to cost?
- Online ($30,000) - While you teach full-time
- Private ($80,000+ without an assistantship)
- State ($12,000-$20,000)
- Fully-funded (Yale, UCLA, etc)
- Summer (Westminster, Hartt, etc)
How long will it take to make up for the cost of the degree?
- Let’s say you make $50,000/year now, and after your degree you’d make $55,000/year. After taxes the difference would be just under $4,000/year, remembering that tuition is paid AFTER tax.
  - If you go to a state school, it may take 2-4 years to break even.
  - If you go top private school that doesn’t offer scholarships and you take out loans, you’d be paying about $400-$600/month over 30 years to pay for school. That’s $4,800-$7,200 per year for 30 years; possibly over $200,000 for your premium private education!!!
  - If you do an online or summer program while you teach, you’ll break even in about 6-8 years.
  - Fully-funded programs still require you to pay living expenses, so you’d better get a job. BEST OPTION
  - And...If you’re currently unemployed and thinking about going into massive debt, you’re an idiot.

Alternatives to going back to school Problem Solution Bored in current school job Start a new initiative at school, build a part-time business after-school, start investing more in the kids and find out what they want, get to know the community (you may be surprised - it may be YOU) Job is too stressful Recognize/identify an unhealthy workplace Current position is the wrong fit Start applying to other schools. Keep an open mind geographically (take Albuquerque for example - lower pay, but lower living expenses) Required by state Choose the most responsible option for you from an ROI standpoint Looking for a significant other One word: Tinder. Start becoming a person of value. Start volunteering where your target spouse may be, sing in a local choir, go to church, start a blog/podcast, attend conferences (better yet- apply to speak at them), meetup.com, join a kickball league, get fit, join a social club like Ivy.com Feeding your ego You’re in it for the wrong reason. What will KILL your ego is if you have MASSIVE DEBT and NO JOB! Delaying reality Again, you’ll be in more pain because your brain will punish you for being a little b*tch in the long run. You can’t avoid pain, just delay it. You best dive in and start being a person of value. Recommended Reading

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