Choir Ninja, with Ryan Guth

Latest Episodes:

Chorus America: We’re in it Together, with Catherine Dehoney May 23, 2017

Show notes

As if free hoodies weren’t enough, Catherine Dehoney introduces you to the wealth of support available through Chorus America. She and Ryan also discuss the changing choral landscape, and exactly what it takes to thrive as a professional community chorus. And yes, for real...free hoodies. Listen: Highlight to Tweet: “Choral singing creates community like no other activity on the planet.” - Catherine Dehoney Show Notes:

Chorus America primarily assists those choruses serving their communities as 501c3 organizations, but their larger focus is choral arts advocacy.
Many of the choral fields (church, school, community) overlap, and chorus directors tend to wear more than one hat.
Chorus America tries to translate non-profit management principles to choruses, to help them survive and thrive in the world of grants and public monies.
Having a well defined mission is essential.
Choral music educators are essential in the overall health of the choral field. They are the ones who control the supply pipeline.
Professionals: support choral educators! Offer up an in class clinic, free concert tickets...anything to help school choirs and their directors, and to refresh their spirits!
Chorus America provides a tool to survey your audience about their preferences and motivations for attending your concerts.
If you are not constantly trying to expand your audience, you are losing relevance in your community.
Choir Nation...Chorus America is giving you hoodie!!!

3 Key Takeaways:

Chorus America primarily serves the 501c3 choral community, but networks with all organizations in the choral field.
Choral music educators control the future of choral singing.
Register for Chorus America, and then email your receipt to membership@chorusamerica.org to claim your hoodie, a special gift for Choir Nation from Chorus America!

Resources/links Mentioned:

Chorus America
NEA - National Endowment for the Arts
Definition of insanity
Cantus
Intrinsic Impact Audience Survey – audience surveying data from 23 different choruses about the value audiences get from different types of choral programming. https://www.chorusamerica.org/advocacy-research/intrinsic-impact-audience-project-executive-summary
Chorus America 2009 Chorus Impact Study – this research shows the civic impact of choral singers plus provides data on the benefits of choral singing for kids in schools. https://www.chorusamerica.org/publications/research-reports/chorus-impact-study
https://www.chorusamerica.org/advocacy-research/intrinsic-impact-audience-project-full-repo
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Biography: Catherine Dehoney, president and CEO of Chorus America, brings a wealth of experience in arts management and fundraising to her work in the choral field. She took on her current role at Chorus America in 2015, coming from the position of executive director of development at the Castleton Festival. Dehoney previously served as the chief development officer at Chorus America for over ten years. Her other experience includes a nine-year tenure as senior director of development at Gallaudet University, capital campaign management, development consulting for a variety of arts nonprofits, and fundraising positions at the League of American Orchestras, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, and the Friends of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Dehoney received her BA in music from the College of William and Mary and continues to be an avid singer, having sung professionally in church choirs and with a jazz band. 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: Turn Your Setbacks Into Successes, with Gabriel Crouch (Part 2) May 20, 2017

Show notes

Choir Ninja REWIND: Part 2 of Gabriel Crouch’s inspirational first year appearance on the podcast. This part goes deep into why choir experiences are important, whether you end up as a choral professional or an investment banker. It also touches on some startling differences between choral education in America and Great Britain. Listen: Highlight to Tweet: “The best thing that we can do, as educators, is give a generation of students an idea of beauty that will sustain them through their life, wherever it takes them.” - Gabriel Crouch Resources/links Mentioned:

Princeton University
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Biography: Gabriel Crouch is Director of Choral Activities and Senior Lecturer in Music at Princeton University. He began his musical career as an eight-year-old in the choir of Westminster Abbey, where he performed a solo at the wedding of HRH Prince Andrew and Miss Sarah Ferguson. After completing a choral scholarship at Trinity College, Cambridge, he was offered a place in the renowned a cappella group The King’s Singers in 1996. In the next eight years he made a dozen recordings on the BMG label (including a grammy nomination), and gave more than 900 performances in almost every major concert venue in the world. Special collaborative projects saw him working and performing with some of the world’s most respected artists, including percussionist Evelyn Glennie, pianists Emmanuel Ax and George Shearing, singer Barbara Hendricks and ‘Beach Boy’ Bruce Johnston. Since moving to the USA in 2005, first to run the choral program at DePauw University in Indiana, and now at Princeton University, he has built an international profile as a conductor and director, with recent engagements in China and Australia as well as Europe and the United States. In 2008 he was appointed musical director of the British early music ensemble ‘Gallicantus’, with whom he has released four recordings under the Signum label to rapturous reviews, garnering ‘Editor’s Choice’ accolades inGramophone and Early Music Review, and, for the 2012 release ‘The Word Unspoken’, a place on BBC Radio’s CD Review list of the top nine classical releases of the year. When the academic calendar allows, Gabriel maintains parallel careers in singing and record production, crossing the Atlantic frequently to appear with such ensembles as Tenebrae and The Gabrieli Choir, and in the US, performing recitals of lutesong with such acclaimed lutenists as Daniel Swenberg and Nigel North. As a producer his latest credits have included Winchester Cathedral Choir, The Gabrieli Consort and Tenebrae. His achievements in the choral world have led to many invitations to adjudicate choral competitions, notably the mixed choir final of ‘Sainsbury’s Choir of the Year’ (televised by the BBC). His work as a singer, coach and musical director has led to his name appearing in the London Times’ list of ‘Great British Hopes’. 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: Turn Your Setbacks Into Successes, with Gabriel Crouch (Part 1) May 17, 2017

Show notes

Sometimes a perceived set-back is really the best way forward. There is so much gold in this early two-part episode that it’s worthwhile to spotlight it now. In this segment, Gabriel discusses his upbringing in a musical family, and his early ambivalence towards music, even while entering Cambridge on a music scholarship. He goes on to recount a less-than-stellar first year at DePauw University, where he was learning to conduct on the job. It’s ultimately uplifting, as Gabriel and Ryan go on to discuss how our failures make us better. Listen: Highlight to Tweet: “Brahms studied counterpoint every day of his life. If it was good enough for him, it should be good enough for us.” - Gabriel Crouch Resources/links Mentioned:

What To Do When You’re Done, with Ryan Guth May 12, 2017

Show notes

Contests are over, your concert was a smash, but yikes...there are still two weeks of class left! We sourced several skilled Choir Ninjas for this episode to bring you classroom tested ideas to keep kids singing, keep kids learning, and to keep you happy. You might even find yourself coming out ahead on your preparations for the fall! Listen: Download the massive list of activities Resources/links Mentioned:

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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!)

Advocate without Apology, with Justin Caithaml May 09, 2017

Show notes

Fighting to save music and arts in his school system inspired Justin to become an advocate for music in his community. Now he shares his vision for what it means to be an advocate for your music program. This episode will renew your fire for teaching and your faith in your purpose. Listen to the depth of wisdom from this rising star in the music education world. Listen: Highlight to Tweet: “At the end of it all, it’s the music that matters. That’s what will change lives.” - Justin Caithaml Show Notes:

“Proactive advocacy” means starting with the students first.
- Complete the prompt: “It’s the music that…”
Identify and network with your community stakeholders
- Local artists, artists in residence, or visiting artists
- PR and marketing outreach
- School board members
We need not defend music existence. We need not define ourselves by how we relate to other subjects. Two main philosophy "camps"
- Music for music's sake
- Music enhancing academic goals
Our "Why" must align with our "What" (Read Start with Why!)
Avoid the scarcity mindset in advocating your program. You matter. Make no apology for your existence.
A great music program advocates for itself. There is no substitute for this organic, genuine advocacy.
A win for one choir is a win for all of us. Lift each other up.
You are a self-fulfilling prophecy. You must know, every day, why you are there, and that you are making a difference in the lives of your students.

3 Key Takeaways:

Overt student buy-in into your mission is imperative.
Get the attention of your community stakeholders.
Your program is worthwhile, and it makes a difference. Arts have an impact, and should be valued by everyone, not just your students.

Resources/links Mentioned:

Start With Why by Simon Sinek
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Biography: Justin Caithaml graduated Magna Cum Laude from Baldwin Wallace University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Music Education degree. He currently serves as Choir Director for grades 7-12 at Midview Local Schools, west of Cleveland. In addition, he serves as choir director at Bethel Lutheran Church and is the state advisor for the Tri-M Music Honor Society. He is a board member at the Ohio Alliance for Arts Education and is also a member of the Collaborative for Arts Education in Ohio. An Ohio native, he is a 2010 graduate of Midview High School, where he was a recipient of the National School Choral Award. 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!)

The Creative Roots Run Deep, with James Mulholland May 05, 2017

Show notes

With over 600 choral compositions in publication, Prof. James Mulholland of Butler University chats with Ryan just before a concert exclusively of his works (including a new commission). Dropping the names of legends and movie quotes with equal ease, Prof. Mulholland reminisces on his early creative influences with surprising wit and tenderness, and advocates passionately for the careful regard for text. Listen: Highlight to Tweet: “When did you start loving music? That’s like asking, ‘When did you start loving your mother?’” -James Mulholland Show Notes:

Prof. Mulholland has a strong relationship with poetry, inspired by his father’s love for the art. His upbringing included a memorable time when he was 17, sitting around a table with his father’s friends: Tennessee Williams, William Faulkner, and Truman Capote.
He was drawn to his mother’s piano playing, and he emulated her.
He is starting his 54th year at Butler University. It is a good fit for a man who considers himself more of a creator than a performer.
He counts the English composers Purcell, Britten, and Warlock among his compositional influences, with their flowing melodies.
He speaks of coming from a “magic” environment, surrounded by great singers like Leontyne Price, Beverly Sills, and Eleanor Steber
Working with Robert Shaw was horrible and wonderful.
Music lifts texts and gives them light, magnifying certain words and phrases you wouldn’t otherwise understand.

3 Key Takeaways:

Don’t knock athletics. They bring men to your campus.
Surround yourself with brilliant and creative people, and soak in every second.
Spend more time reading poetry and teaching text. There is no greater purpose in music.

Resources/links Mentioned:

Tennessee Williams, William Faulkner, Truman Capote
Butler University
Robert Shaw
As Good As It Gets
Jerry Maguire
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Biography: James Quitman Mulholland, composer, is Professor of Music at Butler University and was Director of Music at First-Meridian Heights Presbyterian Church. He started the study of composition, voice, piano and various musical instruments at the age of twelve. At Louisiana State University, he completed his BM and MM in Voice and Composition, followed by four years as a Graduate Assistant at Indiana University, working toward the degree of DMA in Performance and Literature. His compositions have been chosen as required repertoire on over forty states' high school choral lists, and, in addition, have been performed at the last four national conventions of the ACDA. Many of his compositions have become standard repertoire for children's choirs throughout the country, as well as most collegiate and professional ensembles. In 1995 he was named as Louisiana State University's School of Music Alumnus of the Year. In 1996 he was selected by the ACDA to compose the Raymond W. Brock Memorial Composition which was performed at all of the Regional Conventions. Outside of his selective writing, he accepts approximately ten commissions a year. He has received commissions and performances in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and throughout Europe. 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!)

No Bad Rehearsals, with Ryan Guth May 02, 2017

Show notes

Sometimes bad rehearsals happen to good directors. Sometimes it’s our fault, sometimes it’s their fault, sometimes it’s the tides or moon phase or astrology or who knows. The good thing is that no matter how many lemons they throw at you, you always get to choose how to react. Choose to make lemonade! Ryan tells you how in today’s episode. Listen: Highlight to Tweet: “Your mindset is a self-fulfilling prophecy” -Ryan Guth Show Notes:

E + R = O (Event + Reaction = Outcome)
Things we can control
- Preparation: When we aren’t prepared, we project our insecurities on the choir.
- Expectations: What are they based on?
Things the choir can control
- Energy level (high or low)
- Have 3 solutions for every problem (Thanks Amanda Quist)
Take back control
- Do something non-musical, like take the choir for a walk
- Bribe!
- Compliment Box (see Facebook group)
Unplanned event
- Fire drill: go ahead and sing outside!
- Community tragedy: Acknowledge it and talk it out with your choir. Some members may have been affected.
- Standardized Testing: Take it easy. They kids have had a long day already.
- Low attendance: gather around the piano and do things you can be successful with like unison passages, rhythm isolation or even sight singing.

3 Key Takeaways:

No matter why you lost control of rehearsal, you can get it back. No bad rehearsals!
Make lemonade out of lemons; you are a creative person!
E + R = O; the power to control is in your hands

Resources/links Mentioned:

The Success Principles, by Jack Canfield
Build a Better Choir, with Dr. Amanda Quist
Choir Nation on Facebook - Compliment Box
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Build a Better Choir, with Dr. Amanda Quist Apr 28, 2017

Show notes

Dr. Amanda Quist takes us through a typical warm-up for the Westminster Choir College freshman choir. You’ll learn how, in just 5-7 minutes, she addresses the building blocks of great sound. Plus, you’ll take some fun detours into topics like cell phone policy and how to classify voices. Listen: Highlight to Tweet: “You need to have 3 ways to solve any problem” - Amanda Quist Show Notes:

Amanda directs the (compulsory) freshman choir at WCC, so she is first director students meet. Her goal is to take a group of unfamiliar singers with widely-varying levels of experience and make a unison sound.
Day 1: sing and build community (students see how they are connected); talk about music they love, their major, who they are; start with voice building - 5-7 minute warm up; next do something physical
Low energy? Have them move...step-touches, or something fast-paced like a call and response.
Buy in is tougher for the students without choir experience. Knowing the reason behind the exercises helps them buy in.
No cell phone use in rehearsal, no tolerance.
Breath - long exhalations on different sounds; must warm up breath, it’s connected to mindfulness
Tone - balance between light and dark (chiaroscuro)
Intonation - clear and resonant, with clear overtones; begin building triads; build their ears with solfege scales, scales in different modes
Sight-reading is the most crucial skill for incoming freshmen to have.

3 Key Takeaways:

Go into rehearsal with a plan, but be willing to change it when you assess the energy level of the students.
The fundamentals are crucial and should be practiced every rehearsal: voice-building, breath, tone, intonation.
The most valuable skill a high school director can give their students is the ability to sight-read.

Resources/links Mentioned:

Episode 7: Your Students are Worth the Investment, with Dr. Amanda Quist

Bio: Dr. Amanda Quist is Associate Professor of Conducting at Westminster Choir College, where she conducts the Chapel Choir, Westminster Kantorei, and teaches graduate and undergraduate conducting. Kantorei was selected to perform at the Eastern Division ACDA Conference in February 2014 for her “Building Sound” workshop, was invited to sing at the American Handel Festival the previous year, and was selected as a National Finalist for the American Prize. During her work with the Westminster Symphonic Choir she collaborated with the New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, Dresden Staatskapelle, and composers Ola Gjeilo and Tarik O’Regan. Dr. Quist recently served as Chorus Master for the North American premiere of Toshio Hosokawa’s Matsukaze for Spoleto Festival USA and the Lincoln Center Festival. The New York Times and Charleston Post and Courier reviews described the chorus’ performance as “beautifully prepared,” “gripping,” with a “gossamer web of voices,” and “bridging the vocal and instrumental textures with perfect intonation.” Dr. Quist is Director of the Westminster Vocal Institute, and she was previously Director of Choral Activities at San José State University. She was selected to be the 2014 recipient of Westminster of Rider University’s Distinguished Teaching Award, and other honors include the prestigious James Mulholland National Choral Fellowship and the Audrey Davidson Early Music Award. Her research focus is voice science and pedagogy in the choral setting, and she recently presented an Interest Session for the National ACDA Conference in Salt Lake City. An active adjudicator and clinician, recent and upcoming appearances include the California All-State, Texas All-State, Delaware All-State, Tennessee All-State, and Vermont All-State honor choirs. She has also conducted honor choirs and served as an adjudicator in Arizona, Michigan, New York, Arkansas, Georgia, and New Jersey. She recently served as the Pennsylvania ACDA Summer Conference headliner, and as summer conducting faculty for Connecticut State University. An active mezzo-soprano, recent solo engagements include performances with the Monmouth Civic Chorus and Orchestra, Symphony Silicon Valley, Fuma Sacra, Princeton Pro Musica, and Princeton University. Dr. Quist serves as the National ACDA R&S Chair for Youth and Student Activities and ACDA Mentorship Co-Chair. 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 best pricing - usually reserved for bulk purchases only!)

So Awkward! The Next Day, with Ryan Guth (4 of 4) Apr 25, 2017

Show notes

After all your work, it’s time to debrief the troops. Directors, feel free to be critical of yourself in private. But when you are in post-concert analysis with your singers, it’s all about counting your wins. In this unique episode you get a full recording of Ryan talking to his class the day after their spring concert. Singers are in a position to notice things that you don’t, so a wise Choir Ninja will value their perspective. Listen: Highlight to Tweet: “If you do something well, you should do more of that thing.” - Ryan Guth Show Notes:

Before the concert: Timestamp- 5:40

Get the perspective of the ushers and greeters The decorations, program, pre-concert music, and welcome staff should set the tone for the concert

During the concert: Timestamp- 12:50

This is where most of your wins are. Call them out, and celebrate them!

After the concert: Timestamp- 39:00

Your response to comments after the show is always, “Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it.” 3 Key Takeaways:

Count your wins. Call them out by name, and celebrate them!
Performers have a different perspective of the concert than the director. Mine their perspectives to make your next concert even stronger.
When your audience expresses their appreciation for your performance, allow them to do so. Don’t cut them off or list your mistakes. Accept compliments and criticism with grace.

Resources/links Mentioned:

Uke, I Am Your Father; with Christopher Kurt
Michael Englehart
Full House, for some reason
This is what Utah looks like:

There’s a HUGE CONTEST underway! Follow the link to enter!

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 THE BEST pricing!)

When You Teach for Generations, What You Need Is Love, with Benita Eldridge Apr 21, 2017

Show notes

Benita Eldridge was born and raised in Elmira, NY, and she has been teaching music there for 34 years. What’s the secret to her longevity? A supportive administration, commitment to her job and community, a firm hand guiding her class, and an overarching love for her students. Listen: Highlight to Tweet: "I don’t care if you don’t sing well. I do care if you work." - Benita Eldridge Show Notes:

Born, raised, 34 years teaching in the same town: Elmira, NY
Teaches 7th grade at Broadway Academy, where 34% of the students are in chorus, and 64% in a performance class (chorus, orchestra, or band)
You need tough love in a town with 2 prisons and a psyche center. Procedure is king in her classroom.
Hold them to high standards, but support them, and fight for them when needed. Maintain “a safe, loving, caring, but firm environment”
Relationships with students matter. They come back years later.
What are the keys to being a tough love teacher who has a lasting impact? Be committed in you job, to your community, to your students; overarching theme is love...you don’t have to like your students, but you have to love people. Support from administrators. Know your crap. Take risks. Listen to podcasts. Be willing to learn. Have your kids buy into that.
Use humor. Be willing to be the one who is silly or vulnerable, but then be serious about the work, and get it done.
Benita uses Sight Reading Factory!

3 Key Takeaways:

Be committed in your job, to your community, and to your students
Love your students. You don’t always have to like them, but there must be an overarching theme of love in your classroom.
Take risks and keep learning!

Resources/links Mentioned:

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Bio: 34 Year Veteran Choral & General Music Teacher Music History & Elementary Music Elmira City School District/hometown All County Guest Conductor 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 THE BEST price)

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