This page is dedicated to driving a conversation for choral musicians with the PHILOSOPHY of Choral Music at the heart of every post and podcast episode. Topics will be wide ranging from the technical aspects of our jobs and careers all the way to the artistic interpretations and values that make us who we are as artists. Join me in this conversation in which I hope we can learn from each other.
The First Days of Choir Part 3: The Feedback Cyle
Aug 01, 2025
Show notes
“Assessment continues learning,” -Harry Wong. When we are making decisions about what gets “graded” it is important first to decide, “what is crucial?” This list might be different for all of us. But if it isn’t crucial, don’t grade it.
Audience members Bruce Rockwell, Chy Billings and Laura Huizinga feature some of their “First Days” go to tips!
Part 3
In part 3 of the “First Days of Choir” series, we are talking about grading. There are different philosophies related to grading. Some even want to not “grade” at all, others want grading to be more traditional. This episode attempts to chart a bit of a “middle path.” We need to incentivize students to work hard using language they (and their parents) understand. And they understand the need to get good grades.
However, there are real and legitimate criticisms of traditional grading in schools. This episode seeks to thread the needle by providing both the incentives AND the feedback students need from our grade books.
Choralosophy presented by Ludus. Visit Ludus.com/choralosophy for the cutting edge in fine arts ticketing and marketing solutions.
Description of various assessment examples and grading procedures
Access to rubrics and syllabi for paid subscribers
Strategies for building a grading system that students understand, Admin can support, and parents can learn (if they decide to read it.)
Tune in now on YouTube or your favorite podcast app!
Tune in, and have your thinking stimulated and challenged. Then, weigh in yourself with your related ideas and experiences on Facebook in the Choralosophers group or over on choralosophy.substack.com Also, don’t forget to grab a reading rope for your classroom wall from the shop! Music Reading Rope
July 2025 Newsletter. The Calm Before the Storm by Chris Munce
Subscribe for free and never miss out on the conversation. The show is on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube or ANY podcast player! Last month might have been the best yet!
For future rehearsal clips, find me on TikTok, Insta and Facebook
Sign up for an annual membership and save over $50 by entering Choralosophy at checkout! Save 15% on monthly or annual subscriptions.
Harry K. Wong authored over 130 publications, including the leading book in education on how to start THE First Days of School, a monthly column in an online site for teachers, a CD set, and books on new teacher induction, classroom management, and instruction. He co-created an eLearning course on classroom management and appeared in the award-winning video series, The Effective Teacher.
His techniques have been adapted by thousands of educators for success in their schools and classrooms. He was called “Mr. Practicality” for his common sense, research-based, no cost approach to managing a classroom for high-level student success.
His many journal articles were featured in such publications as Educational Leadership, KAPPAN, Principal Leadership, NASSP Bulletin, American School Board Journal, Kappa Delta Pi Record, School Business Affairs, Education Week, and Instructor.
He was credited with transforming schools and turning around the lives of tens of thousands of teachers.
Enter Choralosophy at Checkout for a 5% discount when you shop for folders, robes and other gear for your choir program! www.mymusicfolders.com and www.mychoirrobes.comRyanMain.com is now expanding to a family of composers! Visit endeavormusicpublishing.com and of course, enter Choralosophy at checkout for a 10% discount!
Episode 255: Uncovering the Overlooked with Hilary Apfelstadt and Alan Davis
Jul 25, 2025
Show notes
We often say we value diverse voices in the choral world, but programming habits don’t always reflect that. What are the biggest structural or cultural barriers still keeping women composers under-programmed?
We say we want a more inclusive choral canon—but for too long, women composers have been treated like a sidebar or a “special item to seek out for program diversity.” This week on the podcast, I sit down with Hilary Apfelstadt and Alan Davis, editors of Choral Repertoire by Women Composers, to talk about what it really means to reshape the repertoire.
This isn’t an episode about a book. It’s a challenge to the way we define “core literature,” and a call to stop letting convenience or tradition shape our programming.
If you’ve ever thought, “I’d include more women—if I just knew where to start,” this is where you start.
Choralosophy presented by Ludus. Visit Ludus.com/choralosophy for the cutting edge in fine arts ticketing and marketing solutions.
Tune in now on YouTube or your favorite podcast app!
Tune in, and have your thinking stimulated and challenged. Then, weigh in yourself with your related ideas and experiences on Facebook in the Choralosophers group or over on choralosophy.substack.com Also, don’t forget to grab a reading rope for your classroom wall from the shop! Music Reading Rope
Independent Student Rehearsal By The Second Month Of School School by Chris Munce
Welcome back to Choralosophy Community Contributor, Ian Henning! This fantastic article will useful to vocal music educators of all levels. Ian is a great example of a myth buster.
For future rehearsal clips, find me on TikTok, Insta and FB!
Sign up for an annual membership and save over $50 by entering Choralosophy at checkout! Save 15% on monthly or annual subscriptions.
Dr. Hilary Apfelstadt is Professor Emerita of Choral Studies at the University of Toronto. She remains active as a guest conductor, clinician, masterclass presenter, and author. She has served ACDA as interim Executive Director, National President, Central Region President, NC-ACDA President, and has received leadership awards from both ACDA (NC-ACDA, Ohio-ACDA, Central Region, Midwestern Region) and also Choirs Ontario in Canada. She has taught public school, community, and church choirs and was a faculty member at the University of North Carolina-Greensboro and the Ohio State University. Her ensembles have performed at conferences of ACDA and Choral Canada, and she has guest conducted many festival choirs, including 40 all-state choirs in the U.S., and the National Youth Choir of Canada. She curates a choral series by Canadian composers for Hinshaw Music, and recently edited Choral Repertoire by Women Composers (GIA Publications, 2025), for which she also wrote several chapters.
Alan Troy Davis is a conductor, music educator, tenor, and voice teacher whose career bridges secondary and higher education, sacred and secular choral leadership, and the intersections of performance and scholarship. He is currently completing a Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) in Choral Conducting at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where he has served as Head Graduate Conducting Assistant. His responsibilities have included leading four university ensembles, conducting two full productions of Amahl and the Night Visitors, and teaching advanced undergraduate conducting.
With more than a decade of conducting and teaching experience, Davis has worked extensively with high school choirs in Oregon, Colorado, and California, earning consistent recognition for his ensembles’ vocal flexibility, musical expressiveness, and inclusive ethos. He has also directed church and community choirs and is regularly invited as a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator throughout the United States.
Enter Choralosophy at Checkout for a 5% discount when you shop for folders, robes and other gear for your choir program! www.mymusicfolders.com and www.mychoirrobes.com
Davis is extensively trained in both vocal pedagogy and choral methods, and he integrates technical vocal development with expressive artistry in every rehearsal and performance. His research interests include choral intonation, conducting pedagogy, Renaissance and Baroque performance practices, and the role of vocal technique within the choral ensemble.
A committed advocate for equity in the arts, Davis is the primary architect, associate editor, and contributing author of Choral Repertoire by Women Composers (GIA Publications, 2025), a groundbreaking resource that highlights the work of women—including transgender women—within the choral canon. At the 2025 American Choral Directors Association National Conference, he co-presented the interest session In Her Voice: Spotlighting Female Choral Composers, contributing to the national conversation on inclusive programming and representation.
His mentors include Dr. Donald Brinegar, Dr. William Belan, Dr. Christopher Gravis, and Dr. Peter Eklund—each of whom has shaped his approach to artistry, pedagogy, and leadership.
Davis also holds degrees from California State University–Los Angeles (M.M. in Choral Conducting), Portland State University (M.Ed. in Secondary Education), and Pacific Lutheran University (B.M.A.). Through his work, he strives to create musically rigorous and emotionally resonant spaces where students feel empowered to grow, explore, and connect through the choral arts.
RyanMain.com is now expanding to a family of composers! Visit endeavormusicpublishing.com and of course, enter Choralosophy at checkout for a 10% discount!
The First Days of Choir Part 2: The Power of Infrastructure
Jul 18, 2025
Show notes
“It could be dangerous to teach the way you were taught.”-Harry Wong. Research is not something only scientists do. Businesspeople do research; so do baseball players, chefs, plumbers, lawyers, dentists, artists, and actors. Students, when they write term papers, do research. To search and search and search, over and over again. That is why it is called re-search.
In the second installment of the series, we are hopping around in the book a bit to Unit C related to infrastructure. But first, we will start with where we left off last time. “Why You Should Use Proven, Research-Based Practices.”
This conversation delves into the essential elements of effective classroom management and teaching strategies in the context of music education. It emphasizes the importance of classroom infrastructure, maximizing student learning, and minimizing misbehavior and distractions through effective management techniques. The discussion also covers the significance of setting up the classroom for success on the first day, fostering student engagement, and building a positive environment.
Choralosophy presented by Ludus. Visit Ludus.com/choralosophy for the cutting edge in fine arts ticketing and marketing solutions.
Classroom infrastructure is crucial for effective teaching.
Engagement is key to preventing classroom management issues.
Clear expectations help students understand their responsibilities.
Communication with parents is vital for student accountability
Seating arrangements can impact student involvement and learning.
Preparation for the first day sets the tone for the entire year
Tune in now on YouTube or your favorite podcast app!
Tune in, and have your thinking stimulated and challenged. Then, weigh in yourself with your related ideas and experiences on Facebook in the Choralosophers group or over on choralosophy.substack.com Also, don’t forget to grab a reading rope for your classroom wall from the shop! Music Reading Rope
July 2025 Newsletter. The Calm Before the Storm by Chris Munce
Subscribe for free and never miss out on the conversation. The show is on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube or ANY podcast player! Last month might have been the best yet!
For future rehearsal clips, find me on TikTok, Insta and F
Sign up for an annual membership and save over $50 by entering Choralosophy at checkout! Save 15% on monthly or annual subscriptions.
Harry K. Wong authored over 130 publications, including the leading book in education on how to start THE First Days of School, a monthly column in an online site for teachers, a CD set, and books on new teacher induction, classroom management, and instruction. He co-created an eLearning course on classroom management and appeared in the award-winning video series, The Effective Teacher.
His techniques have been adapted by thousands of educators for success in their schools and classrooms. He was called “Mr. Practicality” for his common sense, research-based, no cost approach to managing a classroom for high-level student success.
His many journal articles were featured in such publications as Educational Leadership, KAPPAN, Principal Leadership, NASSP Bulletin, American School Board Journal, Kappa Delta Pi Record, School Business Affairs, Education Week, and Instructor.
He was credited with transforming schools and turning around the lives of tens of thousands of teachers.
Enter Choralosophy at Checkout for a 5% discount when you shop for folders, robes and other gear for your choir program! www.mymusicfolders.com and www.mychoirrobes.comRyanMain.com is now expanding to a family of composers! Visit endeavormusicpublishing.com and of course, enter Choralosophy at checkout for a 10% discount!
The First Days of Choir Part 1: Introduction and Day 1
Jul 11, 2025
Show notes
“You will be able to be successful, because what we do here works.” Day 1 is when the indoctrination begins. You heard it here. We ARE indoctrinating students… into believing that they can sing and be GOOD at it. This begins on the first day of school.
Harry and Rosemary Wong literally “wrote the book” on this. It was formative for me, so I decided to mine this book again for wisdom that is directly applicable to choir teachers.
Part 1 of this Mini-Series focuses on the essential strategies for choir teachers to establish a successful classroom environment from the very first day of school. It emphasizes the importance of creating a nurturing and predictable atmosphere, understanding the stages of teacher development, and engaging students effectively. The discussion also highlights the significance of establishing clear procedures and routines, building confidence through music, and ensuring that students leave the classroom feeling accomplished and excited about their learning experience.
Choralosophy presented by Ludus. Visit Ludus.com/choralosophy for the cutting edge in fine arts ticketing and marketing solutions.
.Day one of a school year is about establishing consistency and calm confidence.
Effective teachers spend two weeks teaching students to be in control of their own actions.
Students want a safe, predictable, and nurturing environment.
Rules demand compliance, while procedures invite collaboration.
Engaging students through music on the first day is vital.
Tune in now on YouTube or your favorite podcast app!
Tune in, and have your thinking stimulated and challenged. Then, weigh in yourself with your related ideas and experiences on Facebook in the Choralosophers group or over on choralosophy.substack.com Also, don’t forget to grab a reading rope for your classroom wall from the shop! Music Reading Rope
“Merit” in Music Education- Does it still have a place? by Chris Munce
Or are we afraid to talk about it? This article was originally published in the SWACDA magazine in September. It appears here in its more developed form.
For future rehearsal clips, find me on TikTok, Insta and FB!
Sign up for an annual membership and save over $50 by entering Choralosophy at checkout! Save 15% on monthly or annual subscriptions.
Harry K. Wong authored over 130 publications, including the leading book in education on how to start THE First Days of School, a monthly column in an online site for teachers, a CD set, and books on new teacher induction, classroom management, and instruction. He co-created an eLearning course on classroom management and appeared in the award-winning video series, The Effective Teacher.
His techniques have been adapted by thousands of educators for success in their schools and classrooms. He was called “Mr. Practicality” for his common sense, research-based, no cost approach to managing a classroom for high-level student success.
His many journal articles were featured in such publications as Educational Leadership, KAPPAN, Principal Leadership, NASSP Bulletin, American School Board Journal, Kappa Delta Pi Record, School Business Affairs, Education Week, and Instructor.
He was credited with transforming schools and turning around the lives of tens of thousands of teachers.
Enter Choralosophy at Checkout for a 5% discount when you shop for folders, robes and other gear for your choir program! www.mymusicfolders.com and www.mychoirrobes.comRyanMain.com is now expanding to a family of composers! Visit endeavormusicpublishing.com and of course, enter Choralosophy at checkout for a 10% discount!
Episode 254: Finding Passion in EVERY Note with Elena Sharkova
Jul 04, 2025
Show notes
Elena Sharkova is a an artistic leader and pioneer in American Choral Music. But, her roots are Russian. This shared identity has its complexities now of course. You won’t want to miss her thoughts on this.
This week I had the pleasure of speaking with a true leader in the choral art, Elena Sharkova. who shares her extensive journey in choral music, from her early education in Russia to her current role as the artistic director of Cantabile Youth Singers. She discusses the importance of youth choral education, the challenges of working with different types of choirs, and her innovative approach to incorporating movement into choral rehearsals. (Example posted below in show notes.) Elena also addresses the complexities of programming music in a politically sensitive climate, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and understanding in the arts. Her passion for music and education shines through as she offers valuable insights for choir directors.
Choralosophy presented by Ludus. Visit Ludus.com/choralosophy for the cutting edge in fine arts ticketing and marketing solutions.
Elena Sharkova has lived half her life in Russia and half in the U.S.
Elena faced gender discrimination in her early career as a conductor.
She moved to the U.S. for better career opportunities in music education.
Elena incorporates yoga and Qigong into her teaching to help students connect with their bodies.
She discusses the challenges of programming music from Russian composers in light of current events.
Elena believes in the importance of including diverse voices in choral music.
Building a Transformative Program: Storytelling Through Repertoire by Chris Munce
“I’ve found that the strongest programs are those that elevate artistry, challenge the singers, and leave both performers and listeners changed in some way.”
Tune in now on YouTube or your favorite podcast app!
Tune in, and have your thinking stimulated and challenged. Then, weigh in yourself with your related ideas and experiences on Facebook in the Choralosophers group or over on choralosophy.substack.com Also, don’t forget to grab a reading rope for your classroom wall from the shop! Music Reading Rope
For future rehearsal clips, find me on TikTok, Insta and FB!
Sign up for an annual membership and save over $50 by entering Choralosophy at checkout! Save 15% on monthly or annual subscriptions.
Russian-American conductor Elena Sharkova has been the Artistic Director of Cantabile since 2004 and assumed the role of Managing Director in 2018. Under her leadership, the organization has grown from 80 to over 250 singers, has toured Denmark, Sweden, Spain, England, Ireland, France, Russia, Estonia, Finland and Italy, performed at the American Choral Directors National (2019), Western Division (2016) and State (2018) Conferences, made two solo appearances on stage of Carnegie Hall, won gold medals at the 5th European Choir Games and the 2016 Golden State International Choral Trophy Competition, and released its first studio CD, Music Down in My Soul.
Native of St. Petersburg, Elena had culturally and artistically rich upbringing and received a rigorous professional training as a pianist since the age of six. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in music education and piano, and a graduate degree in conducting from the famed Rimsky-Korsakov State Conservatory, alma materto Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, Schostakovich, Prokofiev, and Balanchin.
Enter Choralosophy at Checkout for a 5% discount when you shop for folders, robes and other gear for your choir program! www.mymusicfolders.com and www.mychoirrobes.com
Ms. Sharkova began her career as a professional choral singer in one of Russia’s premier choirs, Lege Artis, with whom she recorded for SonyClassical and toured extensively in Russia and Europe before moving to the U.S. in 1993 to pursue a career in conducting and academic teaching. She subsequently received her second conducting degree and served as music professor at Western Michigan University and later at San Jose State University until 2006.
Today, Elena Sharkova is recognized at the international choral scene as one of the profession’s leading experts on youth choral music education and a much sought-after guest conductor with a unique and inspiring voice. She has led professional, university, amateur, and youth choirs and orchestras and has taught masterclasses and summer courses in over twenty countries on four continents.
Elena’s recent conducting engagements have been with Britain’s foremost professional choir the BBC Singers in Glasgow and London, Miami-based GRAMMY-nominated Seraphic Fire,GRAMMY Award-winning men’s choir Chanticleer, Cincinnati Vocal Arts Ensemble, and the GRAMMY-nominated Houston Chamber Choir. She is in demand as a jury member at international choral competitions (10thInterkultur World Choir Games, 15thInternational Chamber Choir Competition Marktoberdorf, 26thMontreux Choral Competition, among others), and has been a guest conductor and clinician at over thirty national, all-state, regional and festival choirs around the world from the US to Japan, Qatar, and Australia. Ms. Sharkova has conducted on stages of Carnegie Hall, Davies Symphony Hall (San Francisco), Chicago Orchestra Hall, the Kennedy Center (Washington, DC), the Mormon Tabernacle, and in world cultural landmarks such as the Vatican, Notre Dame de Paris, Dublin’s Christ Church Cathedral and Sherborne Abbey, among others.
RyanMain.com is now expanding to a family of composers! Visit endeavormusicpublishing.com and of course, enter Choralosophy at checkout for a 10% discount!
Since 2015 Elena has been a member of the World Choir Council, an international advisory board of Interkultur, where she represents the U.S.
As the Music Director of Symphony Silicon Valley Chorale since 1998, she has prepared over fifty major choral-orchestral works for distinguished conductors such as John Nelson, George Cleve, Carlos View, Jane Glover, Gregory Vajda, William Boughton, and many others. She often leads the orchestra, chorus, and soloists in programs of choral masterworks and conducts the annual Carols at the California family concert.
Ms. Sharkova served on music faculty of San Jose State University from 1998 to 2006 where she held the position of Director of Choral Activities, directed three choirs and taught classes in conducting, methods, and music theory. As soprano, Elena Sharkova can be heard on five SonyClassical studio CDs by Lege Artis Chamber Choir (St. Petersburg, Russia).
Episode 253: Car Thoughts with Chris Maunu
Jun 27, 2025
Show notes
A Choralosophy first. A podcast, with a guest, recorded in my car. Chris Maunu and I riding to the airport, discussing how our roles change, or don’t… when leading classroom ensembles verses community based ensembles of young people. To what degree does our role as an “educator” shift?
In this engaging conversation, Chrises Munce and Maunu explore the nuances of choir education, reflecting on their recent experiences at a choir camp in Kansas City, and discussing the differences between school and community choirs. They delve into the challenges posed by the pandemic on music education, the importance of student engagement, and the ways community programs like Kantorei Summer Choral Institute and Pacific Youth Choir in Portland can enrich school programs, and be enriched by them. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of music education and the strategies educators can employ to inspire and connect with their students.
Also, don’t miss Chris’ recent Choralosophy Community blog contribution on Storytelling via Repertoire choices over on Choralosophy.Substack.com
Choralosophy presented by Ludus. Visit Ludus.com/choralosophy for the cutting edge in fine arts ticketing and marketing solutions.
Building a Transformative Program: Storytelling Through Repertoire by Chris Munce
“I’ve found that the strongest programs are those that elevate artistry, challenge the singers, and leave both performers and listeners changed in some way.”
Tune in now on YouTube or your favorite podcast app!
Tune in, and have your thinking stimulated and challenged. Then, weigh in yourself with your related ideas and experiences on Facebook in the Choralosophers group or over on choralosophy.substack.com Also, don’t forget to grab a reading rope for your classroom wall from the shop! Music Reading Rope
For future rehearsal clips, find me on TikTok, Insta and FB!
Sign up for an annual membership and save over $50 by entering Choralosophy at checkout! Save 15% on monthly or annual subscriptions.
Chris Maunu is a conductor, educator, and composer dedicated to inspiring young singers and shaping the future of choral music. Based in Portland, Oregon, he serves as Artistic Director of the acclaimed Pacific Youth Choir, Affiliate Faculty at Portland State University, and Artistic Director of the professional ensemble Choro in Schola. Previously, he spent 17 years as Director of Choirs at Arvada West High School in Colorado, where he expanded the boundaries of what young singers can achieve.
A four-time GRAMMY® Music Educator of the Year Finalist and two-time CMA® Foundation National Music Teacher of Excellence honoree, Chris is a passionate advocate for music education. Choirs under his direction have received national and international acclaim, performing at over a dozen major conferences, including National and Regional ACDA events. His ensembles have earned prestigious honors such as the American Prize in Choral Performance and the Gold Diploma at the Rimini International Choral Competition.
Enter Choralosophy at Checkout for a 5% discount when you shop for folders, robes and other gear for your choir program! www.mymusicfolders.com and www.mychoirrobes.com
In high demand as a guest conductor and clinician, Chris is in demand as an All-State and Honor Choir clinician across the U.S. and internationally. He recently conducted the 2025 National 11-12 HS Honor Choir at the National ACDA Conference in Dallas, TX to great acclaim. As a composer, his award-winning works have been performed worldwide. He also serves as editor of the Pacific Youth Choir Choral Series with Pavane Publishing. An active member of NAfME and ACDA, Chris is the NWACDA Chair for Community Youth Choirs and frequently presents at both the regional and national levels. His writings appear in the Choral Journal, and he is a contributing author to A Choral Conductor’s Companion.
RyanMain.com is now expanding to a family of composers! Visit endeavormusicpublishing.com and of course, enter Choralosophy at checkout for a 10% discount!
Throughout his career, Chris has received many accolades for his contributions to the field of choral music. He was named Colorado’s “Best of the Best” Teacher, honored with a Commendation from the House of Representatives, and received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Northern State University, where he later delivered the Commencement Address. He also co-founded and directed the professional Anima Chamber Ensemble for seven years, inspiring thousands of public school students through its unique community engagement mission.
Chris holds degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northern State University. Most importantly, he cherishes time with his wife, Aleisha, and their two children, Bodhi and Astraea.
Episode 252: Literacy is Agency with Kareem Weaver
Jun 20, 2025
Show notes
The American Education System(s) are facing a crisis that too few within these systems are wanting to name or face. It is a Literacy crisis. As educators of any subject, this is a call to action.
In this enlightening conversation, Kareem J Weaver discusses the critical importance of literacy in education, emphasizing its role in unlocking students’ potential and providing them with self-determination. He shares his extensive background in education, highlighting the connections between music and literacy, and the necessity for all educators to engage in teaching reading skills. Now, Kareem is NOT a music teacher. He is an activist, NAACP member, and long time literacy specialist. The discussion also delves into the ideological divides surrounding literacy education, the civil rights implications of illiteracy, and the need for a unified approach to ensure all students achieve excellence in reading.
Bonus: don’t miss the part where I ask Kareem about the time when I shared one of his Tweets and got in some trouble with colleagues for it…
Tune in now on YouTube or your favorite podcast app!
Choralosophy presented by Ludus. Visit Ludus.com/choralosophy for the cutting edge in fine arts ticketing and marketing solutions.
Tune in, and have your thinking stimulated and challenged. Then, weigh in yourself with your related ideas and experiences on Facebook in the Choralosophers group or over on choralosophy.substack.com Also, don’t forget to grab a reading rope for your classroom wall from the shop! Music Reading Rope
For future rehearsal clips, find me on TikTok, Insta and FB!
Sign up for an annual membership and save over $50 by entering Choralosophy at checkout! Save 15% on monthly or annual subscriptions.
Kareem is the Co-Founder & Executive Director of FULCRUM. He is an award-winning educator and community advocate with extensive experience leading schools and systems in district, juvenile justice, and managed-care settings. His advocacy is featured in the 2023 documentary The Right to Read.
Enter Choralosophy at Checkout for a 5% discount when you shop for folders, robes and other gear for your choir program! www.mymusicfolders.com and www.mychoirrobes.com
Kareem’s commitment to literacy is deep-rooted. He credits the quality of his education to a program through A Better Chance, a nonprofit that provides high-performing students of color access to the best schools, helping them become the nation’s next leaders. This program was foundational to Kareem’s understanding that education is the greatest equalizer. Kareem became a first-generation college graduate after obtaining a bachelor’s degree from Morehouse College and a master’s in clinical-community psychology from the University of South Carolina. At Morehouse, Kareem co-founded Students for the Children of Incarcerated Parents (SCIP), an endeavor that underlined illiteracy’s crushing impact on these families and their communication.
RyanMain.com is now expanding to a family of composers! Visit endeavormusicpublishing.com and of course, enter Choralosophy at checkout for a 10% discount!
Armed with this knowledge, Kareem began his career in the classroom, rooting his approach in evidence-based methods exemplified by Marva Collins and the American Federation of Teachers—today, these strategies are referred to as the Science of Reading. Kareem taught grades spanning elementary to high school before becoming an administrator and eventually accepting the role of Executive Director—Western Region at New Leaders, an organization committed to developing technical, adaptive, and instructional leadership skills in educators serving high-needs schools.
Later, Kareem continued his community-based work as the Commissions Chair for the Oakland East Bay Alliance of Black Educators and provided financial and technical support to diverse schools from districts to reservations as a managing partner at a funding organization. He recently served as the 2nd Vice President of the Oakland NAACP and is the former Education Committee Chair.
Episode 251: Audience Mailbag
Jun 13, 2025
Show notes
A special episode where I read audience questions, comments, raised points for the benefit of all listeners. I have also updated the form on the main page to collect ideas for future shows and your questions or comments.
This episode turns the focus out toward you. The listener. I have been collecting feedback since the beginning in a variety of ways. This week, I have curated some questions, raised points, and even criticisms from audience responses. They all serve the greater goal of expanding the conversation and the Overton window.
Many questions have come in through the form on the main page here, the email choralosophy@gmail.com and of course Substack, Facebook and Instagram.
How can a high school choral director teach his/her students to be successful in sightreading (e.g., music literacy), when they face one or more of the following factors?
Admin that pushes performance goals, low skills coming from feeders, declining enrollment?
I was wondering whether you would ever be interested in doing an episode about ageing voices and choirs made up of elderly people – the challenges this represents and how to handle them?
Short answer: YES I need to find the right expert!
Tune in now on YouTube or your favorite podcast app!
Choralosophy presented by Ludus. Visit Ludus.com/choralosophy for the cutting edge in fine arts ticketing and marketing solutions.
Tune in, and have your thinking stimulated and challenged. Then, weigh in yourself with your related ideas and experiences on Facebook in the Choralosophers group or over on choralosophy.substack.com Also, don’t forget to grab a reading rope for your classroom wall from the shop! Music Reading Rope
For future rehearsal clips, find me on TikTok, Insta and FB!
Sign up for an annual membership and save over $50 by entering Choralosophy at checkout! Save 15% on monthly or annual subscriptions.
“I teach music to everyone in an elementary school with 40 minutes a week with each group. While I applaud all of your success with unaccompanied singing, I wonder if there is a guest who could outline what the essentials are for teachers like me who see their students only a fraction of the time than you do. I am focusing on rhythmic cohesion, singing in tune, beginning rounds, and silencing the students’ inner critics. Audiation is definitely a goal. Please provide some guidelines for teachers in my situation.” Jura Litchfield
Enter Choralosophy at Checkout for a 5% discount when you shop for folders, robes and other gear for your choir program! www.mymusicfolders.com and www.mychoirrobes.com
“During your earliest/initial podcast episodes you claimed that you started the podcast just to have conversations and learn. But, yesterday your wife, in a comment, stated that your initial reason was money (because you lost your church position, likely due to the pandemic, which I can relate). From day one, dozens of my colleagues, and myself, stated that your podcast was created for money, not a positive change for our choral profession. But, then, some of your podcast episodes (count 5, as of today) were positive and a great contribution to our profession.” -Anonymous professor
RyanMain.com is now expanding to a family of composers! Visit endeavormusicpublishing.com and of course, enter Choralosophy at checkout for a 10% discount!
Episode 250: Accessible IS Beautiful with Edryn J. Coleman
Jun 06, 2025
Show notes
For those of us who have been in the classroom since 2019, we KNOW things of changed. Programs are shrinking and kids are coming to us with lost years of experience and the skills that go with it. So, what do we do about it?
Welcome to the return after almost a whole year of the Oxford Choral Series on the Choralosophy podcast. Special thanks and good luck to Maggie Pate for setting up the series with me, and thanks Jeremy Edelstein for helping us get it back up and running.
In this conversation, Dr. Coleman shares his journey as a passionate choral educator, who has “found his calling from God.” We discuss the impact of COVID on music and general education, the importance of accessible repertoire, and my inspiration for wanting to this episode. His recent session at National ACDA where he presented a spiral bound SOLUTION to many of my repertoire problems. And I know it will be the same for you.
He emphasizes the need for music that empowers students and fosters a sense of community within the choir. Edryn reflects on his teaching philosophy, the challenges faced by students, and the collaborative effort behind the book, “Accessible and Beautiful” which aims to provide resources that enhance the choral experience for all. Central to this need is the marriage of QUALITY repertoire with accessibility. For older students it just be “easy.”
Tune in now on YouTube or your favorite podcast app!
Choralosophy presented by Ludus. Visit Ludus.com/choralosophy for the cutting edge in fine arts ticketing and marketing solutions.
Tune in, and have your thinking stimulated and challenged. Then, weigh in yourself with your related ideas and experiences on Facebook in the Choralosophers group or over on choralosophy.substack.com Also, don’t forget to grab a reading rope for your classroom wall from the shop! Music Reading Rope
For future rehearsal clips, find me on TikTok, Insta and FB!
Sign up for an annual membership and save over $50 by entering Choralosophy at checkout! Save 15% on monthly or annual subscriptions.
Dr. Edryn J. Coleman currently teaches choir and piano at Oakland Mills High School in Columbia, MD. He has taught music at all levels: elementary, middle, collegiate and now high school. Each one of those experiences has shaped his personal commitment to music education for every students at every level.
Dr. Coleman is a very active guest conductor, adjudicator, and lecturer. His choirs have performed for both state and national conferences. The most recent honor, being selected as one of the ensembles to present an Insight Session at the 2023 American Choral DirectorsAssociation National Conference. Outside of the classroom, Dr. Coleman has extensive experience in leadership. He is currently the Membership Chair for the Eastern Region of the American Choral Directors Association; and the Immediate-Past President of the Maryland Choral Educators Association.
Enter Choralosophy at Checkout for a 5% discount when you shop for folders, robes and other gear for your choir program! www.mymusicfolders.com and www.mychoirrobes.com
Dr. Coleman holds a BA in Music from Stillman College an MME from Florida State University, and a DMA from the Shenandoah Conservatory of Music at Shenandoah University. He is always eager to share his musical teaching experiences. His classroom teaching motto is “Teachers need students like pencils need erasers. I may be the final point, but I’m not always right.”
RyanMain.com is now expanding to a family of composers! Visit endeavormusicpublishing.com and of course, enter Choralosophy at checkout for a 10% discount!
Episode 249: The 10,000 Foot View of Choral Repertoire with Dennis Shrock
May 30, 2025
Show notes
How do we decide what is and what isn’t a “Great work of choral repertoire?” Dennis Shrock says, “Time.” Let a few hundred years pass and see if people still perform that music.
This conversation explores the intricate relationship between politics and art, particularly in the context of classical music and education. Dennis and I discuss the historical significance of art in political spheres, the evolving definitions of classical music, and the challenges faced by modern educators in balancing diverse musical expressions with traditional repertoire. We emphasize the importance of understanding audience needs and the value of preserving classical masterpieces while fostering inclusivity in music education.
The conversation also touches on the need for support structures and resources in music education and the intersection of art and politics, advocating for a global perspective in music appreciation.
Tune in now on YouTube or your favorite podcast app!
Choralosophy presented by Ludus. Visit Ludus.com/choralosophy for the cutting edge in fine arts ticketing and marketing solutions.
Tune in, and have your thinking stimulated and challenged. Then, weigh in yourself with your related ideas and experiences on Facebook in the Choralosophers group or over on choralosophy.substack.com Also, don’t forget to grab a reading rope for your classroom wall from the shop! Music Reading Rope
For future rehearsal clips, find me on TikTok, Insta and FB!
Sign up for an annual membership and save over $50 by entering Choralosophy at checkout! Save 15% on monthly or annual subscriptions.
Dennis Shrock is author of three books published by Oxford University Press: Choral Repertoire (2009); Choral Scores (2015); and Choral Monuments (2017). He is also author of five books published by GIA: Performing Renaissance Music (2018); Performance Practices in the Baroque Era (2013); Handel’s Messiah, A Performance Practice Handbook (2013); Performance Practices in the Classical Era (2011); and Music for Beginning Conductors, An Anthology for Choral Conducting Classes (2011). In addition, he is co-author with James Moyer of A Conductor’s Guide to Choral/Orchestral Repertoire, and he is editor of early-music editions for the GIA Historical Music Series.
Dr. Shrock has held faculty positions at Boston University, Westminster Choir College, the University of Oklahoma, and Texas Christian University, and has had residencies at the University of Delaware, Baylor University, the University of Southern California, the University of Mississippi, and Yale University. He has also served as Artistic Director of the Santa Fe Desert Chorale and Canterbury Choral Society of Oklahoma City, Interim Conductor of the Dallas Symphony Chorus, and Editor of The Choral Journal. In addition, he has been a frequent All-State conductor and lecturer at various universities and conferences of the American Choral Directors Association.
Enter Choralosophy at Checkout for a 5% discount when you shop for folders, robes and other gear for your choir program! www.mymusicfolders.com and www.mychoirrobes.com
He has received a number of awards and recognitions for his work. The City of Santa Fe declared December 22, 2003 “Dennis Shrock Day,” Westminster Choir College granted him an “Alumni Merit Award,” the state of Oklahoma conferred on him a citation for “Contributions of Excellence,” and the University of Oklahoma granted him two “Distinguished Lectureships” and named him a “Presidential Professor.”
Dr. Shrock received a bachelor’s degree in music education from Westminster Choir College and both master’s and doctoral degrees in choral conducting from Indiana University.
RyanMain.com is now expanding to a family of composers! Visit endeavormusicpublishing.com and of course, enter Choralosophy at checkout for a 10% discount!
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