Choir Ninja, with Ryan Guth

Latest Episodes:

Be Daring: You Are Enough, with Ken Medema Jan 24, 2018

Show notes

Blind from birth, Ken Medema has always lived in a world of sound. Known and admired internationally for his improvisation skills, Ken outlines the steps to teaching your choir students how to improvise, unlocking both their voice and their courage. As a bonus, Ken also writes an impromptu country song about Ryan’s new bride, Amanda!

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Highlight to Tweet: “My program to win friends through rock&roll wasn’t that successful. I started with 1 friend and graduated with 2.” -Ken Medema

“Daring in one area usually leads to daring in another.” -Ken Medema

Show Notes:

Ken Medema has been blind from birth. High school choir was a revelation for him; a class based on sound instead of sight. He pursued his love of music through college and into a music therapy career before turning to composition and performance.
Three goals for choir experiences: build community; explore new things (improvisation); introduce new music
Every time you speak, you are improvising. You simply respond.
- Start with a melody
- Throw in some harmony
- Introduce some simple call and response phrases, building each time.
- Return to main tune.
- Model a phrase too long for a singer to echo; encourage them to respond with something similar.
When encouraging a singer to improvise, kneel in front of them instead of standing over them. This “servant posture” is more welcoming and less intimidating.
Benefits of improvisation:
- Students get to hear their own voice, and the voices of their comrades.
- They realize the ability to MAKE music, not just reproduce someone else’s.
- People gain courage, not just in the musical realm, but elsewhere.

Bio:

Ken Medema has been singing and composing since 1973.His music encompasses solo recordings, improvisation, personal songs for individuals, and tons of choral pieces.Blind from birth, he seeks to offer perspective for the voiceless. the choir room was where he first found his home and freedom to be himself.

Resources/links Mentioned:

Ken’s website
Ken Medema on Facebook
Choirs Are Horrible

Choir Nation group on Facebook - Going to TMEA? Meet up with other Choir Ninjas! Join the Choir Nation Facebook group for time and location.
Email Patreon - Support the podcast!

Sponsored by:

Sight Reading Factory (Use promo code “NINJA” at checkout for 10 free student accounts!)

My Music Folders (Use promo code “NINJA” at checkout for “last column” or best pricing - usually reserved for bulk purchases only!)

Find a Festival that Fits, with Jess McDowell Jan 19, 2018

Show notes

It’s easy to fall into a rut. It can happen with the music we select, our teaching methods, and even the festivals we attend. But there are lots of opportunities for a festival experience that can reward and motivate your singers, while also giving them a valuable performance experience. Jess McDowell, from Winter Park Ski - Music festival, talks about what to look for in a festival, and what you can do to make sure you have a great experience no matter where you go.

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Highlight to Tweet: “Read. Your. Information. Packet. Don’t scan it; read it.” - Jess McDowell

Show Notes:

Three things to look for in a great festival:
- Great performance space
- Fun recreational activity
- Fantastic closing/Awards ceremony
Come early and stay late
- Take the opportunity to watch other groups perform
- Learn good concert watching etiquette (you can be the audience instead of the performers!)
- Arriving early for recreation keeps the festival on schedule
- It also lets you interact with the other festival participants.
No matter where you go, there’s one thing you can do to have a great festival experience: read your information packet! Your festival organizers already know the questions you are likely to ask, and they have probably already provided all the information you need. But if you can’t find it, ask!

Bio:

Jess McDowell can bake! Cookies, cakes, breads: everything that your personal trainer wants you to stay away from. As if that weren’t skill enough, Jess’ has spent the past 15 years working with music ensembles from all over the nation to bring them to an amazing festival in gorgeous Winter Park, Colorado. Jess is the festival coordinator for Winter Park Ski - Music Festival. Being a complete music nerd, and also an avid skier, Jess gets to combine his love of great performances on stage as well as his love of the beautiful state of Colorado. The only thing that gives Jess more pleasure than baking and organizing group travel is being head “cat herder” and “magic maker” for the acclaimed Turtle Creek Chorale.

Resources/links Mentioned:

Jess McDowell on Facebook
Winter Park Ski - Music Festival on Facebook
Winter Park Ski - Music Festival on Instagram
Winter Park Ski - Music Festival
Game of Thrones
Texas Music Educators Association
Choirs Are Horrible (coming again soon!)
Choir Nation group on Facebook - Going to TMEA? Meet up with other Choir Ninjas! Join the Choir Nation Facebook group for time and location.
Email Patreon - Support the podcast!

Sponsored by:

Sight Reading Factory (Use promo code “NINJA” at checkout for 10 free student accounts!)

My Music Folders (Use promo code “NINJA” at checkout for “last column” or best pricing - usually reserved for bulk purchases only!)

Agnes Isn’t the Boss of You, with Lynn Lyons Jan 09, 2018

Show notes

Performance anxiety is just the tip of the iceberg. Lynn Lyons breaks down the process of dealing with anxiety, and explains the difference between regular worry and something more disruptive. Her tips can easily be adapted to help the students in your class approach events like performances, solos, or auditions with more courage and confidence.

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Highlight to Tweet: “When you are comparing yourself to someone else, you are comparing your inside to their outside.” -Lynn Lyons

“Anxiety is a quest for certainty, and there is no way to appease it.” - Lynn Lyons

“It’s a very courageous thing, to be a performer.” -Lynn Lyons

Show Notes:

What's going on with anxiety? Is it as bad as it seems?
- Worry and anxiety are both normal parts of our lives.
- When worry takes over, and starts to cause us to avoid certain things, it becomes a problem.
- Anxiety says, “No thanks, I’m out.” It leads to avoiding normal daily activities.
Anxiety and worry are particular problems for creative people. Imagination can amplify worry’s effect.
What happens when we try to eliminate worry and anxiety? (Hint: it gets worse!)
- The more you try to eliminate worry, the stronger it gets.
- Externalize the worry. When it shows up (because of course it will), recognize it, acknowledge it, and allow it to be there. Then pivot and do whatever you came to do.
What's the connection between anxiety and depression?
- Untreated anxiety is the “speed lane” into depression.
- Anxiety is one of the top predictors of depression in adolescents.
We need to normalize anxiety.
Anxiety’s agenda is comfort and certainty. We must learn to tolerate uncertainty.
Live performance is a great arena for learning the skills to cope with uncertainty (anxiety).
What should everyone know about anxiety, but most people don't?
- Breathing alone won’t control your anxiety. It’s a great first step, but there needs to be a follow up.
- Worry convinces you that “you can’t handle it.” Everyone hears that voice. But we can change our relationship to that voice. The “what” isn’t as important as “how” you deal with it.

Bio:

Lynn Lyons, LICSW is an internationally recognized psychotherapist, author, and speaker with a special interest in interrupting the generational patterns of anxiety in families. Her skill-based approach to anxiety focuses on the need to teach families about HOW anxiety works and what families can do to pull members out of the powerful “anxiety cult” that demands obedience to its need for certainty and comfort. Lynn’s approach uses humor, playful connection, and a constant focus on DOING, an umbrella strategy she has taught to thousands of professionals and families.Lynn is the author of several books, including Anxious Kids, Anxious Parents with Reid Wilson.She maintains a private practice in Concord, New Hampshire where she sees families whenever she’s not on the road teaching.

Resources/links Mentioned:

Lynnlyonsnh.com
Are Smartphones Harming Kids?
Choir Nation group on Facebook
Email Patreon - Support the podcast!

Sponsored by:

Sight Reading Factory (Use promo code “NINJA” at checkout for 10 free student accounts!)

My Music Folders (Use promo code “NINJA” at checkout for “last column” or best pricing - usually reserved for bulk purchases only!)

What the Medal Really Means, with Melissa Rene Lozano Jan 04, 2018

Show notes

Success has a formula. Since this fall we have been talking to guests about achieving mastery, and now Melissa Lozano echoes those same lessons from a completely different discipline: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. This world champion competitor brings her lessons from the ring so that you can apply them to your choir.

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Highlight to Tweet: “Martial arts...defines who I am, the journey I’ve made through life, where I’m going, and the impact I want to have on people along the way.” -Melissa Lozano

“Most of us define ourselves by the few losses we’ve had throughout the day. But few of us define ourselves by the 100’s of little wins we’ve had.” -Melissa Lozano

“Don’t let yourself be a cheerleader at the expense of your honesty.” -Melissa Lozano

“Medals are fleeting, but experience isn’t.” -Melissa Lozano

Show Notes:

The young teenage girl is a largely ignored demographic. They are considered “flaky” and unreachable. But they are a demographic that needs to be reached.
- Overcommitted
- Access to a lot of media
- Huge amount of social pressure
- They are unprepared for what we expect them to be responsible for
That skill can outmatch strength is an empowering realization.
Training instills confidence
How to avoid conflict
- Tuck your chin
- Square your posture
- Make eye contact
- Fake it ‘til you make it
It’s hard to shake anyone who truly believes in their own abilities.
Focus on the “inches.” Don’t worry about the impossible goal, break it into inches, and celebrate every little win. Talk yourself through each step.
Your “inch” may not be a win that anyone else recognizes. You have to celebrate yourself.
Take an honest look at your day: you have many more wins than losses.
Competition is vital to keep you honest about your skills.
Don’t let yourself be a cheerleader at the expense of your honesty.
A medal means you had a great day. It’s wonderful, but fleeting. The real win is the experience you gain.

Bio:

Melissa Lozano is a World Champion in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Mother of 4, cancer survivor and studio owner. Her dedication to the martial arts has been a consistent motivating force in her life and has provided her with the passion and desire to assist others in their own journeys. As a studio owner, she's in a position to help others on their journey to healthier and more confident life styles. Due to the overwhelming need within our communities, Melissa has most recently designed a curriculum for Aggression Defense classes for young teen girls and is currently teaching them at her studio and as an elective to coursework at local private high schools.

Resources/links Mentioned:

M-Pow-R by Melissa Rene Lozano
M-Pow-R on Facebook
Choir Nation group on Facebook
Email Patreon - Support the podcast!

Sponsored by:

Sight Reading Factory (Use promo code “NINJA” at checkout for 10 free student accounts!)

My Music Folders (Use promo code “NINJA” at checkout for “last column” or best pricing - usually reserved for bulk purchases only!)

Smack Some Trash with a Stick, with Brian Hehn Dec 22, 2017

Show notes

You have permission to be weird. You have permission to be creative, take risks, and make mistakes. Still unsure? Brian Hehn tells you exactly how easy, cheap, and fun it can be to introduce percussion to your choir, and the reasons why you should. Listen for some creative ways to incorporate percussion into the elements of your worship service in ways that are engaging and organic.

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Highlight to Tweet: “Hit a trash can with a stick. Does it sound kind of bassy? You’ve got your bass.” -Brian Hehn

Show Notes:

When learning a new percussion instrument, the 8 year old and the 80 year old are on equal ground. Any age can have fun with percussion.
No money for instruments? Take some inspiration from “Stomp.” Check out your recyclables and trash cans for different percussive sounds! Go to Goodwill and start smacking things with a stick.
Percussion can be:
- Body percussion
- Speech percussion
- Percussion instruments
- Anything that makes a fun sound when you strike it
Think of ways to weave percussion creatively into your service. Add speech percussion to the scripture reading, or as a Call to a Prayer or Assurance of Pardon.
Use rhythm to engage singers and get their attention at the beginning of rehearsal, and let that body percussion lead into you vocal warm ups.
Percussion in the body as we sing
- Internalized Rhythm
- Body movement

Bio:

Brian is an inspiring song-leader equally comfortable leading an acapella singing of “It Is Well” as he is drumming and dancing to “Sizohamba Naye.” Experienced using a variety of genres and instrumentations, he has lead worship for Baptists, Roman Catholics, United Methodists, Presbyterians, and many more across the U.S. and Canada. He received his Bachelor of Music Education from Wingate University, his Master of Sacred Music from Perkins School of Theology of Southern Methodist University, and is certified in children's church music (K-12) by Choristers Guild. He has articles published on sacred music and congregational song in multiple journals and co-authored the book All Hands In: Drumming the Biblical Narrative, published by Choristers Guild. While working for The Hymn Society as the Director of The Center for Congregational Song, he is also adjunct professor of church music at both Wingate University in Wingate, North Carolina and Perkins School of Theology in Dallas, TX.

Resources/links Mentioned:

All Hands In: Drumming the Biblical Narrative, by Brian Hehn and Mark Burrows
STOMP
Choir Nation group on Facebook
Email Patreon - Support the podcast!

Sponsored by:

Sight Reading Factory (Use promo code “NINJA” at checkout for 10 free student accounts!)

My Music Folders (Use promo code “NINJA” at checkout for “last column” or best pricing - usually reserved for bulk purchases only!)

Starting a Middle School Feeder Program, with Adam Serpa Dec 19, 2017

Show notes

The best way to grow your current high school choral program is to fertilize the soil. Start a great middle school feeder program, so that in high school you can spend less time on basic choir fundamentals and more time in depth with the music. Don’t worry if that seems like an impossible task; Adam Serpa breaks down all the steps for you. So whether you are faced with revitalizing a withered existing program, or planting something brand new, we’ve got the information you need to get started now.

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Highlight to Tweet: “Keep loving the kids. Be real...build those relationships, and build good music.” -Adam Serpa

Show Notes:

The need for Middle School Choir Feeder Programs
- Maybe your current feeder program for your high school is weak
- Maybe it doesn’t exist
- Either way, your next steps are the same.
Making the case to Administrators in the Community
- Could you imagine a district that didn’t start math until high school? Choir is like any other subject. Start early is important for mastery.
- Middle school is when many kids are finding their “niche.”
- Get stakeholders on board early
Doing Reconnaissance
- Find out what has been done in your district before.
- Get familiar with your district’s history
- What worked, what didn’t, what has been tried before?
- Find out what resources are available.
Getting the Green Light/Deciding on a program Format
- Traditional middle school: chorus as an elective during the school day.
- Several K-8’s feeding into one high school: one school hosts a zero hour chorus, then students are bussed to their respective schools.
- You (or another teacher) may have to travel to the different schools to work with the middle school aged students.
- Even if you can only get to one other school, that’s a start, and will help your high school program.
Marketing/Recruitment
- Use the district’s monthly admin meeting to present your case. Present the options, and ask, “Which way would work best?”.
- Word of mouth: talk to students, parents...everyone you can.
- Flyers
- Hit EVERY back-to-school night
- REMIND app
- Visit 5th and 6th grade classrooms in the spring
Curriculum-What do you want choir students to know when they get to their freshman year in high school?
The benefits after one or two years
- Performing in the community
- The students who have had training in middle school are instant leaders in your high school programs

Bio:

Adam Serpa is the Choir Director at Dublin High School in Dublin, CA in the San Francisco Bay Area. This is his first year at Dublin High School, he taught previously at Ripon High School in the CA Central Valley. He received his Bachelors of Music in Choral Education and Vocal Performance from CSU Stanislaus and is pursuing a Master's of Music Education at San Jose State. Adam lives in Modesto with his wife Krista and two awesome cats named Berlioz and Bernstein.

Resources/links Mentioned:

Adam Serpa is on Facebook and Twitter
Choir Nation group on Facebook
Email Patreon - Support the podcast!

Sponsored by:

Sight Reading Factory (Use promo code “NINJA” at checkout for 10 free student accounts!)

My Music Folders (Use promo code “NINJA” at checkout for “last column” or best pricing - usually reserved for bulk purchases only!)

CN Rewind: 8 must-do’s for choral directors in December, with Amanda Simon and Ryan Guth Dec 15, 2017

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! 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.

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Highlight to Tweet: “Pee clear, pee often.” - Amanda Simon

Show 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!
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. 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
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

Bio:

Having spent most of his middle and high school career in detention, Ryan Guth loves to speak to audiences about ways for choral directors to engage the seemingly un-engageable. Ryan learned fearlessness and indomitable spirit from a young age through many years studying the martial arts while also pursuing music – especially the time in middle school when he tried to break a board with his head in front his entire ninth grade class and failed spectacularly.He believes the best choir directors face challenges head-on (no pun intended), are solutions-oriented, and take full responsibility forall aspects of their program. Ryan’s most popular and surprisingly positive article “Your Choir Sucks Because You Suck” was shared over 2,200 times in 48 hours, and has since become his manifesto, mantra, and the platform that his work was built upon. Through his first podcast, Find Your Forte, Ryan connected thousands of weekly listeners with some of the most brilliant minds in choral music such as Helmuth Rilling, Patrick Quigley, Joseph Flummerfelt, James Bass, and 80-plus others. He recognizes the fact we become the best when we learn from the best.Ryan Guth recently created the Choir Ninja podcast to share solutions with middle and high school choral directors so they learn to work smarter – not harder. That’s why he focuses on sharing what works in choral programs across Choir Nation in a way that makes running a great choral program approachable, fun, and rewarding. When not dressing up in his ninja jammies or buffing his diploma from Westminster Choir College, Ryan is a financial advisor in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Before that, he spent a decade building a large middle school program and six-figure-choral-ensemble-based-for-profit-business in central New Jersey. He is also the founder and sole member of the Hyphenation Club of America.Ryan enjoys getting lost outdoors with his beautiful fiancé, Amanda, and pitbull-lab Sasha. He also dislikes socks and only wears them when absolutely necessary. This bio was sponsored by Gold Bond Powder.

Resources/links Mentioned:

Choir Nation group on Facebook
Email Patreon - Support the podcast!

Sponsored by:

Sight Reading Factory (Use promo code “NINJA” at checkout for 10 free student accounts!)

My Music Folders (Use promo code “NINJA” at checkout for “last column” or best pricing - usually reserved for bulk purchases only!)

Quit Boring Them: Engage Your Audience & Inspire Your Choir, with Dan Vukmirovich Dec 12, 2017

Show notes

Dan V brings the energy in this episode! Having been a student of the Choir Ninja podcast since the beginning, Dan V uses the things he’s learned combined with his experience as a high-production-quality church musician to transport his choir’s audiences to other world. Listen as he breaks down his formula piece by piece.

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Highlight to Tweet: “If you get caught up in the minutia of learning the notes, the creative process get postponed until the last minute.” - Dan Vukmirovich

Show Notes:

The Problem: Most Choir Concerts are BORING. When programming the peppy Spiritual or Gospel song at the end is seen as "innovative", we have a problem.

Creative Content Boxes:

Planning thematically for your concerts can help you begin to create "crockpots" of song ideas/elements- as you find ideas, you can categorize.
Helps to reduce the plethora of song possibilities
Builds a structure that helps "regular people" make sense of that they are hearing AND often improves concert behavior from your audiences
ALWAYS keep in mind that the goal is SUCCESS of your singers and you may need to adapt your music if it fits them but doesn't fit your group.
Give your choir INPUT but ultimately YOU must make the final calls. CHOIR BRAINSTORMS are KEY.
OVER-DELIVER - Goal is to have people walking out and saying "I was NOT expecting that!"
Think EXPERIENTIAL - This is a DISNEY SATURATED culture who often think of live entertainment with
EXTREMELY high standards for engagement. It's not enough just to have skills anymore.
This does amazing things for the morale of the choir. They feel PROUD to be part of something significant.
The extra 10% makes the 90% SHINE. Don't let all the hard work you do miss the mark by not ENGAGING your audience and choir members.
Talk about our Fall, H2O: Water Music! concert - explain some simple things we did to dress things up

Areas to consider:

- Welcome area - outside of venue- Usher Team- Programs - paper, virtual- Room Ambience - visuals, lighting, pre-music- Use of Video- Concert Flow - take them on a journey with NO SEAMS- Start with SONG - Grab their attention- Simple Lighting Cues -- Songs - movement, instruments, etc- Audience Participation?- Special Guests - dance, charities, drama, etc.- Outside the box - at least 1 element that is the "NO WAY!" moment- Post-Concert - KEEP THEM IN THE MOOD out the doors - playlist- Reception after - cookies, ice cream, etc.Talk about our Winter, "Let There Be LIGHTS!" Concert and what elements we are including.

ACTION POINTS:

- BRAINSTORM concert ideas for Spring - begin adding to your CROCKPOT.- Share themes in the Choir Nation Group

Bio:

Dan Vukmirovich is currently a choral music educator at LaSalle Intermediate Academy in South Bend, IN. He's just started back into teaching after taking a break for several years doing music ministry in a large, contemporary church setting. He had taught at Coldwater High School and Middle School for 7 years, where his groups would consistently receive superior ratings at choral festival. He is married to Lisa who is also a teacher/musician. Two teenaged daughters complete their family, with one studying music at Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music. In his spare time, he likes to inspire others as an online health/fitness coach.

Resources/links Mentioned:

Choir Nation group on Facebook
Email Patreon - Support the podcast!
Dan’s email

Sponsored by:

Sight Reading Factory (Use promo code “NINJA” at checkout for 10 free student accounts!)

My Music Folders (Use promo code “NINJA” at checkout for “last column” or best pricing - usually reserved for bulk purchases only!)

4 Functions of the Church Choir: Check Your Priorities, with Brian Hehn Dec 08, 2017

Show notes

Four Functions of the Church Choir: Check Your Priorities, with Brian Hehn

Brian Hehn will fundamentally change the way you approach directing a church choir. In this episode we explore the four functions of a church choir and how most of us have gotten it backwards for years. It’s time to get excited about enhancing the congregation’s relationship with your choir through sometimes doing less. This one’s a game-changer!

[Subscribe on iTunes] [Subscribe on Android]

Highlight to Tweet: “If I had heard this 10 years ago, I wouldn’t have been fired from those three churches.” - @RyanMGuth

Show Notes:

Church Choirs serve some very specific functions. In order of priority:.1. The church choir leads and enlivens the congregation’s song2. The church choir sings music that the congregation cannot3. The church choir serves as a small-group within the church for faith formation4. The church choir sings beautiful and challenging music to praise God and edify the congregation
When adopting these functions in that priority order, there are some very real consequences to how we function in the church.1. We cannot understand our role as the "choir director" anymore. We are that, but we're so much more.2. We cannot allow our choir members to understand their primary role as singing TO the congregation. They are singing WITH and FOR before they are singing TO.3. We cannot allow our choir to remain an isolated entity.4. We should not choose literature that the congregation can easily sing and just have the choir do it.5. We must lead, or find leaders from within the group, to spiritually nurture the ensemble.6. We must think liturgically.

Bio:

Brian is an inspiring song-leader equally comfortable leading an acapella singing of “It Is Well” as he is drumming and dancing to “Sizohamba Naye.” Experienced using a variety of genres and instrumentations, he has lead worship for Baptists, Roman Catholics, United Methodists, Presbyterians, and many more across the US and Canada. He received his Bachelor of Music Education from Wingate University, his Master of Sacred Music from Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, and is certified in children’s church music (K-12) by Choristers Guild. He has articles published on sacred music and congregational song in multiple journals and co-authored the book All Hands In: Drumming the Biblical Narrative, published by Choristers Guild. While working for The Hymn Society as the Director of The Center for Congregational Song, he is also adjunct professor of church music at Wingate University in Wingate, North Carolina. Brian lives in Baltimore, Maryland, with his wife, Eve, and son, Jakob.

Resources/links Mentioned:

Choir Nation group on Facebook
Email Patreon - Support the podcast!

Sponsored by: Sight Reading Factory (Use promo code “NINJA” at checkout for 10 free student accounts!)

My Music Folders (Use promo code “NINJA” at checkout for “last column” or best pricing - usually reserved for bulk purchases only!)

Children of Light, with Luke McEndarfer and Sharon Farber Dec 05, 2017

Show notes

Some of our episodes are inspirational in nature, and some are instructive. This one is both. You can’t help but be amazed by what the National Children’s Chorus is doing with their 800 students in 18 ensembles based in 3 major cities. Artistic Director Luke McEndarfer discusses what is ahead for this world-class chorus. But also, you get to hear the logistics behind commissioning an original work. Emmy nominated composer Sharon Farber describes her collaboration with the NCC, and discusses the upcoming premiere of “Children of Light.” And listen all the way to the end, because Luke and Sharon unlock the key elements of a successful chorus!

Listen

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Highlight to Tweet: “Children of peace and grace, their song...unlocks the aching heart of the world.” - Sharon Farber

“Joy and desire are where we start for everything.” - Luke McEndarfer

Show Notes:

Part of the mission of the National Children’s Chorus is to commission new works for children’s chorus.
Most recent commission was completed by noted composer Sharon Farber.
NCC Season - “Winter Dream” performances coming up, featuring concepts of darkness and light. How children can remain a light in the world through music.
Commissioning a work that goes along with this theme: why Sharon was interested in this collaboration. How she approached writing this new piece, “Children of Light”, in Hebrew.
Compositional styles and considerations taken when writing for children.
Plans for world and East Coast premieres at Royce Hall in LA and Lincoln Center in NYC this December.
Why it’s important to create new quality works for children by living composers.
Most important qualities for a chorister are joy in singing and a strong desire to be there.
Most important qualities in a conductor are skill in the art of conducting, experience playing an instrument, engaging personality, love of music.

Bio:

The National Children’s Chorus of the United States, under the leadership of Artistic Director Luke McEndarfer, is quickly establishing itself as one of the world’s leading treble choruses, with nearly 700 students in 18 ensembles, based in Los Angeles, New York City, and Washington, D.C. Collaborating with some of the finest music companies in the nation, the group has performed live with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Los Angeles Opera Company, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, Joffrey Ballet, Kronos String Quartet, New York City Master Chorale and American Youth Symphony, among others. Its groundbreaking Season 2017/18, entitled Building Bridges, features exquisite repertoire including notable commissions and premieres at Walt Disney Concert Hall, Royce Hall, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and the Kennedy Center. In July of 2018, the chorus will make its 4th major international tour to Germany, Austria, Czech Republic and Hungary.

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