Choir Ninja, with Ryan Guth

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A much-needed composer's perspective, with Jake Runestad Oct 05, 2016

Show notes

Jake Runestad stops by to tell some stories of his youth, including "Old Kmart", the origins of "Nyon Nyon" (and "Ner Ner"), and his viewpoint as a composer when it comes to sharing his art with the world. An entertaining listen, sponsored by KI Concerts. Oliver Scofield of KI drops in to announce a World Premiere commission by Jake as well! Support our sponsor for this episode: KI Concerts Listen Jake's Bio Jake Runestad is an award-winning and frequently-performed composer of “highly imaginative” (Baltimore Sun) and “stirring and uplifting” (Miami Herald) musical works. He has received commissions and performances from leading ensembles and organizations such as Washington National Opera, the Netherlands Radio Choir, the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, the Virginia Arts Festival, the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, the Santa Fe Desert Chorale, Seraphic Fire, Craig Hella Johnson and Conspirare, and many more. Jake’s visceral music and charismatic personality have fostered a busy schedule of commissions, residencies, workshops, and speaking engagements, enabling him to be one of the youngest full-time composers in the world. Jake Runestad holds a Master’s degree in composition from the Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University where he studied with Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Kevin Puts. Has has also studied extensively with acclaimed composer Libby Larsen. A native of Rockford, IL, Mr. Runestad is currently based in Minneapolis, MN and his music is published by JR Music. Find out more at: JakeRunestad.com Links Jake's Soundcloud #ikeptliving on Twitter

The roles within our ensembles, with Malcolm Gilbert Oct 04, 2016

Show notes

Former interviewee, Malcolm Gilbert joins Choir Nation to define the roles of the choir members within our ensembles and the effect they have on performance. Performance = Skill x Effort/Anxiety Conductor: a material or device that conducts or transmits heat, electricity, or sound, especially when regarded in terms of its capacity to do this. Within our ensembles:

Leaders
Followers
Drifters
Intentional Disruptors
Unintentional Disruptors
Team Players
Frustrated Elite

Leaders and Team Players drive anxiety level down and effort up. Disruptors and Frustrated Elite drive anxiety up and effort down. We need to take advantage of the high skill level of our Frustrated Elite and the bravery of our Intentional Disruptors, and make them Leaders. As conductors, we need to act as Team Players and Leaders, not as Frustrated Elite. What do we seek to teach?

Empathy
Cooperation
Discipline

Find your entry point, with Craig Hella Johnson Sep 28, 2016

Show notes

GRAMMY-award-winning conductor and professional listener Craig Hella Johnson joins me for an interview on presence, honesty, and realizing the music with your choir.

Click here for a special offer from KI Concerts and to learn about singing in Sydney Australia with Craig Hella Johnson in July 2018!

Taking over a choral program, with Kyle Karum and Ryan Guth Sep 27, 2016

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Kyle Karum shares tips on taking over a choral program from its last director.

Real tips from pro choirs: Santa Fe Desert Chorale, with Laura Pancoast Sep 21, 2016

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Laura Pancoast of the Santa Fe Desert Chorale helps Choir Nation manage their choral program like the pros!

7 ways to love your choir, with Ryan Guth Sep 20, 2016

Show notes

In my humble opinion, choir is the least parts technical and the most parts vulnerable. Sure, how we form our vowels is important to me, but it takes a buy-in from your choir before they care about vowels as much as you do. Here’s how you can love your choir so buy-in comes naturally, without canned compliments and insincerity.

Fight for what you believe in, with Nicholas Prior Sep 14, 2016

Show notes

New Mexico middle school choral director Nicholas Prior stops by for a conversation about honesty, and above all else, doing what's right for your students.

Schtick happens, with Ryan Guth and Stevie Berryman Sep 13, 2016

Show notes

What is "schtick", and when is it appropriate for use with your choir? Stevie and I discuss the essential components of good schtick and how it can enhance a choral performance without making it awkward for your audience.

Between the notes: Build rapport with your choir, with Jon Duncan Sep 07, 2016

Show notes

The classical pianist Artur Schnabel said, "I don't think I handle the notes much differently from other pianists. But the pauses between the notes - ah, there is where the artistry lies!!"

In this episode, Jon Duncan shares his passion for rapport-building with his choirs, by taking time "between the music" to make his rehearsal room a safe place for personal expression.

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Student Teachers: If you eventually want a job, listen to this first! Sep 06, 2016

Show notes

5 things to keep in mind when student teaching with a choral director or any music educator. I want you to make the most of your student teaching opportunity, and I want your cooperating teacher to want to take on more student teachers in the future, so don’t screw this up. -Love, Ryan

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