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.
Episode 239: Shaping the Future Through Leadership with Jessica Nápoles
Mar 07, 2025
Show notes
Recently selected President-Elect of the American Choral Directors Dr. Jessica Nápoles joins me to talk imposter syndrome, leadership and her ACDA passion.
Balancing a passion for music with the demands of higher education isn’t easy, but Jessica has found a way to do just that. In this episode, we explore her unique career path that defies the notion of having to choose between conducting and teaching.
Jessica shares how her journey has been a hybrid of both passions, challenging the traditional idea of what it means to be a college professor in choral music. We dive into her experiences with job interviews where she was often asked to choose between choirs, and her decision to prioritize non-auditioned groups, emphasizing inclusion and community building over exclusivity.
We discuss her innovative approach to field experiences and peer lab choirs at UNT.
Jessica shares her leadership journey within ACDA and her commitment to fostering a culture of celebration and growth.
We also tackle the perfectionism trap, imposter syndrome, and how social media influences our perception of success.
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.
Jessica Nápoles is Professor of Choral Music Education at the University of North Texas, where she teaches undergraduate choral methods, mentors graduate research, and conducts the Concert Choir. A native of Miami, FL, Dr. Nápoles is a second generation Cuban and taught public school in Orlando and Miami.
Dr. Nápoles is an active conductor, clinician, and researcher. She seeks to bridge the gap between scholarship and practice. She serves her profession as member of the Executive Committee of NAfME’s Society for Research in Music Education and as Chair of the ACDA Research & Publications Standing Committtee. She was recently elected as ACDA National President-Elect Designate.
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!
03:19 Jessica Napolis: A Journey in Music Education
12:32 The Impact of Great Teaching
22:13 Field Experience in Music Education
25:34 Leadership in ACDA: A Personal Journey
33:13 The Role of ACDA and NAFME in Music Education
36:17 Integrating Pedagogy and Performance in Choirs
39:11 Addressing the Needs of Developing Choirs
45:44 Understanding Perfectionism in Music Education
52:24 Building a Growth Mindset in Students
01:01:17 Creating a Supportive Choir Culture
Episode 238: The Art of the Consort with Apollo5
Feb 28, 2025
Show notes
Recently, Apollo5 was touring through the US, and stopped not too far from me. So I grabbed my road kit and drove to St. Louis to speak with them, observe some rehearsal and hear their concert.
Small ensemble, or consort singing, is in many ways a completely different art form than “traditional choral singing.” And it isn’t quite solo singing either. You will hear and see some live recordings captured during rehearsal in this episode!
Apollo5 is comprised of Clare Stewart and Penelope Appleyard (sopranos), Joseph Taylor and Jacob Ewens (tenors), and Augustus Perkins-Ray (bass). The six of us discussed a wide range of topics from the technical to the aesthetic aspects of small vocal ensemble singing and presentations.
Why we must fight to preserve live performance in an era where recorded music is becoming less financially viable.
The differences in approach when you have no one to “blend” with.
The barriers avoided when there is no conductor in the concert.
Making our performances more accessible by being mindful of how we communicate with the audience.
Don’t miss this one!
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.
Celebrating its 15th year in 2025, APOLLO5 continues to thrill, move and inspire audiences as one of Britain’s smallest but most impressive vocal groups. Comprising a soprano, mezzo-soprano, two tenors and a bass, the ensemble – which takes its name from the ancient Greek god of music – has become known for its ability to connect with intimacy and directness, showcasing with rich, dynamic and distinctive sound how powerful five voices alone can be. With a versatile approach to music programming, and a repertoire spanning renaissance, classical and contemporary choral works to folk, jazz and pop, the group’s five voices bring the music of five centuries to life.
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
APOLLO5’s busy touring schedule has taken the group to Europe, the USA and Asia. In addition to performing at prestigious UK venues such as the Wigmore Hall, Cadogan Hall, St John’s Smith Square, the Royal Albert Hall and the Barbican Centre, the group has toured extensively across France, Germany, and other European countries, including recent appearances with an orchestra and a brass band in Lisbon (PT) and Prague (CZ) respectively. The group is a regular guest on BBC Radio 3’s In Tune, and often receives airplay from the national broadcaster, as well as other UK stations Classic FM, Magic Classical and NTS Radio. 2024/25 tour highlights include a trip to the USA under new agency representation; appearances at European festivals such as Common Ground (NL) and Koorfestival Vlaanderen (BE); and special concert celebrating the ensemble’s 15th anniversary at the Barbican Centre in London.
The group has released six solo studio albums. Haven, which explores the music of troubled, displaced and persecuted composers and features a full setting of William Byrd’s Mass For Five Voices, was released in 2023 to critical acclaim. Other albums include Where All Roses Go and O Radiant Dawn (both of which charted in the top 5 of the UK Classical Charts), winter disc A Deep But Dazzling Darkness, and Invocations, a piano-accompanied treasury of favourite songs recorded with composer and arranger Fraser Wilson. In January 2025, APOLLO5 will release their seventh album, Anam, a Gaelic-tinged programme of “music to move the soul”. During the pandemic, APOLLO5 was part of the launch of LIVE From London, a series of live broadcasts from many of the world’s leading vocal ensembles and orchestras. These online concerts brought music to the homes of millions during the pandemic, and raised funds for more than 500 artists, composers and production teams in the process; the festival continues to thrive online in today’s post-pandemic world.
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 237: The Must Haves in Your Conducting Tool Box with Richard Sparks
Feb 21, 2025
Show notes
I grew up as a conductor in a world where conductors were measured by their ears. We were kind of obsessed with it. And maybe for good reason. In addition to perception, what other tools do great conductors have?
Conductors today are judged by many criteria in many different contexts. But in the rehearsal room, there are some non-negotiable skills we need to develop. Richard Sparks joins me on this GIA/WALTON series episode for a deep dive into what truly makes a conductor effective. It’s not just about baton technique—it’s about how you listen, how you interpret, and how you communicate with your ensemble. Richard shares lessons from his own conducting journey, as well as insights from working with some of the most respected musicians in the field. We also discuss
Why developing strong aural skills is critical for making musical adjustments
How conductors can balance verbal instruction with physical expressiveness
The importance of studying scores independently to build deeper musical insights
Why self-assessment—whether through recording rehearsals or active reflection—is key to growth
Whether you’re leading a professional choir, a high school ensemble, or just interested in the art of conducting, this episode will challenge you to rethink what tools are in YOUR Conductor’s Tool Box. Stick around!
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.
Richard Sparks is a conductor with a wide range of experience in both the academic and professional fields. He founded Seattle Pro Musica when he was twenty-three and in the next seven years conducting over seventy concerts with three ensembles. By the time he was thirty, he had conducted all the major works of Bach, including almost fifty of his cantatas; orchestral and choral/orchestral masterworks by Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven; and many other works from all periods. And from 1978 to 1985 he was Principal Conductor of the Pacific Northwest Bach Festival in Spokane, Washington, which used period instruments.
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
Sparks taught from 1980 to 1983 at Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts and then became Director of Choral Activities at Pacific Lutheran University (PLU), where he taught until 2001. During his tenure at PLU he led the Choir of the West, also conducting major works ranging from Bach’s Mass in B Minor and St. John Passion to Poulenc’s Gloria, Stravinsky’s Les Noces, and Britten’s War Requiem. He also led tours across the US, to Japan/China, England, and to Scandinavia.
During this period he also conducted the Seattle Symphony Chorale (1990-1994), preparing them for nine recordings on the Delos label (many of those now on Naxos), including the Grammy-nominated Howard Hanson Lament of Beowulf. He also founded Choral Arts Northwest (1993-2006) and with them explored primarily a cappella repertoire, making three CDs on the Loft/Gothic label. And from 1999 to 2011 Sparks was Artistic Director of Pro Coro Canada, a professional chamber choir in Edmonton, Alberta. They also did tours to Toronto and Quebec.
From 2009 to 2019 Sparks was Professor of Music at the University of North Texas and was also Chair of the Division of Conducting & Ensembles. Many of his performances can be found on YouTube, including a Vivaldi Gloria with over five million views, Monteverdi’s 1610 Vespers, and the 1725 version of the St. John Passion. The Collegium Singers have performed at the Boston Early Music Festival four times, once at the Berkely Early Music Festival, and at the 2016 NCCO Conference.
RyanMain.com is now expanding to a family of composers! Visit endeavormusicpublishing.com and of course, enter Choralosophy at checkout for a 10% discount!
Sparks worked with the Swedish Radio Choir in 2002, 2007, and 2008, including preparing Brahms’ Ein Deutsches Requiem for a performance with Valery Gergiev and the Rotterdam Philharmonic which was released on DVD with BIS Records. He has also guest conducted the Santa Fe Desert Chorale, Vocal Arts Ensemble of Cincinnati, and the Anchorage Music Festival (for three years, the first time substituting for Robert Shaw with the Brahms Requiem), among many others. He continues to be active as a guest conductor, workshop leader, and clinician. He will guest conduct Capella Romana in Portland and Seattle this March, the PLU Choral Union (which he founded 40 years ago) in May, and be in residency at Northwestern University (Andrew Megill) in Evanston, Illinois in June.
His BM and MM degrees are from the University of Washington, where he studied with Rodney Eichenberger as an undergraduate and Abraham Kaplan for his MM. During his undergraduate degree at the University of Washington, Samuel Krachmalnick accepted Sparks into his graduate orchestral conducting class, where he studied for two years. His DMA is from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, where he studied choral conducting with Earl Rivers, Elmer Thomas, and John Leman, and orchestral conducting (his cognate area) with Teri Murai. His doctoral dissertation on Swedish a cappella music won ACDA’s Julius Herford Award, and was later published as The Swedish Choral Miracle.
His book, “The Conductor’s Toolbox” was published by GIA. He was inducted into the Swedish Royal Academy of Music in 2021 (at the same time as Quincy Jones), for his contributions to Swedish choral music.
Episode 236: Unlocking Student Musicianship with Dictation with Cindy Ellis
Feb 14, 2025
Show notes
A common theme on this show is “teaching the WHOLE language of music.” So, I was pleased to link up with Cindy to hear how important dictation is in her pedagogy. A crucial and often missing element of common teaching practice.
What does it take to build a thriving choir program—and a lifelong passion for music? Yes, but also solid pedagogy and TIME with students…
In this episode of The Choralosophy Podcast, I sit down with Cindy Ellis, a choir director from Miami, to explore her incredible journey from growing up in Cuba to shaping young singers in the U.S. Cindy shares how her experiences as an immigrant shaped her approach to teaching, why music literacy is non-negotiable, and how she fosters student independence through composition, dictation, and ear training.
Key discussion topics include:
Cindy’s personal journey from Cuba to the U.S. and into music education
The power of dictation and memorization in choral training
How to bridge the gap between middle and high school music programs
The importance of student-led learning and independent musicianship
Why choir directing is more than just music—it’s about building kind, respectful humans
If you’re passionate about choral education, student growth, and the power of music, this episode is a must-listen.
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.
A native of Holguín, Cuba, Cindy Ellis immigrated to the United States in 2005. She earned her Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Education and Jazz Voice from Florida International University and her Master’s Degree in Music Education from the University of Missouri. Mrs. Ellis is a full time choral director at Miami Arts Studio, a 6th-12th grade public performing arts magnet school in Miami, FL. Her middle school and high school ensembles have been featured at numerous venues throughout the country. These include Carnegie Hall (2018 and 2024), the Florida, Southern, and later this year, National Conference 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
In 2022, Mrs. Ellis’ students performed in Los Angeles for the Summit of the Americas, a meeting hosted by President Joe Biden that brought together 40 Presidents and leaders from the Americas and Caribbean. Additionally, in the last 7 years, the students have recorded and performed background vocals for Gloria and Emilio Estefan and several music award shows including the AMAs, Latin American Music Awards and the Latin GRAMMY Awards. Earlier this year, Mrs. Ellis conducted her students at the Miami show of Jacob Collier’s DJESSE Volume 4 World Tour. Beyond her school responsibilities, she frequently performs, conducts honor choirs and teaches masterclasses for music directors and students from elementary to college throughout North America. As a jazz vocal soloist and alto with the Jason Max Ferdinand Singers, she collaborated with Jacob Collier for performances at the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, and recording projects including a performance alongside Coldplay for NBC’s Saturday Night Live and a 2024 BBC Proms Music Festival concert in London, UK.
In 2020, Mrs. Ellis was published by GIA Publications as a contributing author on “Teaching with Heart,” and in 2022, she served as instructional design editor and contributing author of “Teaching Beyond the Music,” the second edition in the series. Ellis is Miami Arts Studio’s 2025 Teacher of the Year, a 2025 Grammy Music Educator Semi-Finalist, and currently serves as the World Musics & Cultures Coordinator for the American Choral Directors Association Southern Region.
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 235: The Technique of Expressive Singing with Donald Brinegar
Feb 07, 2025
Show notes
I often see “technique” and “expression” discussed as opposite sides of the coin. This couldn’t be further from the truth. The technique UNLOCKS the expressive capacity. Don’s past appearances on tuning systems and pitch matching have been very popular with colleagues. Links below.
Many singers and conductors focus on interpretation and expression, but without the right technical foundation, true artistry can never fully develop. Imagine trying to teach a singer how to be expressive—without first ensuring they have the technical control to execute it. That’s like asking someone to paint a masterpiece before they even know how to hold a brush. In this episode of The Choralosophy Podcast, I sit down with Donald Brinegar to explore how structure and technique lay the foundation for expressive, effortless singing. We dive into breath efficiency, resonance, articulation, and mental clarity—all crucial elements in developing a truly flexible and expressive voice. Don recently released this concept as something he calls a “nested hierarchy” with the acronym “APROARTE” in a book under that name.
Key Topics We Discuss:
Why great singing starts with great breath control
How posture, resonance, and airflow shape vocal efficiency
The power of “hot air” breathing and larynx positioning
How small adjustments can make a huge difference in vocal freedom
The science behind expressiveness—and how to train it effectively
If you’re passionate about helping singers reach their full potential, this episode is packed with practical takeaways.
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.
Donald Brinegar is a conductor, tenor soloist, voice instructor, educator and master class clinician. Professor Emeritus of Music at Pasadena City College, Brinegar directed the Choral Studies program at PCC for 36 years. Brinegar also conducts the Donald Brinegar Singers, a community choral ensemble in Pasadena, California, Director of Choruses for the Pasadena Symphony and POPS, and adjunct professor of voice at PCC.
During the summers he is an adjunct professor of conducting and voice in the Cal State Los Angeles masters program in Choral conducting. Brinegar has published five book on Choral Music. His book “Pitch Perfect: A Theory and Practice of Choral Intonation” was released in December 2019 and has already been hailed as a singular contribution in the field of Choral Music. “Conducting Primer: Seven Principles of Choral Conducting” was published in May of 2020 and “Conducting Primer in Practice” was published in June 2020. Both books have received international critical acclaim.
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
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 234: Advocating for the Symphony Chorus with Anthony Blake Clark
Jan 31, 2025
Show notes
The Symphony and its Chorus provides us with a rich history, Canon, and tradition. It also provides us a powerful medium for living composers, and aspiring musicians.
I’m excited to share this conversation featuring the extraordinary Anthony Blake Clark—of the Dallas Symphony Chorus and Baltimore Choral Arts, who wants us to consider the Symphony Chorus as a vital part of the choral music ecosystem. In this thought-provoking conversation, we explore Blake’s approach to large ensemble rehearsal, his vision for the future of choral music, and the role symphony choruses can play in shaping lifelong music-making.
Blake’s Journey From a small farming community in Texas to leading renowned ensembles like the Dallas Symphony Chorus, Anthony shares how his love for choral music grew during his time at Baylor University and how his studies with Simon Halsey in the UK deepened his passion for combining choral and orchestral traditions. Along the way, he’s held leadership roles with Baltimore Choral Arts, Bach Vespers in New York, and now the Dallas Symphony Chorus.
Key Topics We Discuss:
The Unique Role of Symphony Choruses: We discuss how the perception of choral music in the U.S.—as something for children, the elderly, or limited to university choirs—has hurt our choral culture.
Balancing Tradition and Innovation: Anthony shares his commitment to preserving the masterworks of choral literature while also championing new compositions.
Managing Large Ensembles: With experience conducting groups ranging from 12 to 200 singers, Anthony opens up about the challenges of working with large ensembles and the importance of building trust, establishing a rhythmic foundation, and addressing issues directly with individual singers.
Expanding Choral Music Accessibility: We discuss how professional choirs and symphonic ensembles can bring world-class music-making to more communities, showing that choral singing can be a lifelong passion for everyone, not just a stepping stone in academic settings.
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.
Find Ryan’s Article:
Anthony Blake Clark is a leading voice among his generation of choral conductors. He is in demand by both amateur and professional choral artists because of his “readily apparent musicality” (Baltimore Sun) and his conviction that lives can be changed by participating in classical music, whether on the stage or in the audience.
Clark has performed with some of the most important ensembles in legendary venues throughout the USA and Europe. He has prepared choral ensembles for prestigious orchestras such as the Rundfunkchor Berlin with the Berliner Philharmoniker, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Vienna Radio Orchestra, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and the Richmond Symphony Orchestra for esteemed conductors such as Marin Alsop, Sir John Eliot Gardiner, Fabio Luisi, Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla, and Simon Halsey. He and his choirs have performed at the Berlin Philharmonie, the Vienna Konzerthaus, Symphony Hall Birmingham (UK), St. Martin-in-the-Fields London, The Kennedy Center, and the Washington National Cathedral, among others.
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
Maestro Clark was recently named the Jean D. Wilson Chair Chorus Director for the Dallas Symphony. After preparing three critically praised programs for the Dallas Symphony Chorus in 2022 and 2023, Music Director Fabio Luisi appointed Clark as Chorus Director beginning in the 2023-2024 season. As Chorus Director, Clark prepares the 200-voice ensemble for classical and pops programs. Highlights this season include Brahms’ Ein Deutsches Requiem and Schmidt’s Das Buch mit Sieben Siegeln. The Dallas Symphony Chorus under Clark’s preparation can be seen on Medici TV (Orff’s Carmina Burana and Catulli Carmina) and DSO’s “Next Stage” streaming platform (Beethoven’s 9th Symphony).
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At Baltimore Choral Arts, Anthony Blake Clark has served as Music Director since 2017. Clark has expanded subscription concert offerings while building a robust community outreach and education initiative. He has consistently received glowing reviews, both for work on the podium and as chorusmaster for performances with the Baltimore Symphony and other area partners. His work with BCAS has been recognized with an American Prize in Choral Conducting and a second nomination for best community ensemble, as well as the Chorus America/ASCAP Alice Parker Award. He annually conducts and produces the celebrated “Christmas with Choral Arts” television concert, first on ABC2 and now on Maryland PBS station MPT, for which the ensemble has received three regional Emmyâ nominations. Clark has secured invites to several important festivals and collaborations; after a sold-out and enthusiastically received UK tour, BCAS was in residence with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and Chorus for performances of Mahler’s 8th Symphony. Recently, Clark and Baltimore Choral Arts made their Berlin Philharmonie debut with the Freie Universität Orchester. On the same tour, BCAS collaborated with the Vienna Singakademie to perform with the Vienna Radio Orchestra under Marin Alsop.
Anthony Blake Clark also served as Artistic Director of Bach Vespers in New York City. In residence at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in mid-town Manhattan, the Bach Choir and Players are composed of some of the finest early music professionals in the nation, presenting works of Bach using historically informed practices within the liturgical context of a Vespers service. He has also served as the James Erb Choral Chair Director of Choruses for the Richmond Symphony Orchestra.
Anthony Blake Clark is equally adept in the orchestral field, making his Baltimore Symphony debut in 2021 and made his Richmond Symphony debut in 2022. He has also appeared as cover conductor for the National Symphony Orchestra, assisting conductors such as Ton Koopman, Gianandrea Noseda, Teddy Abrams, Christoph Eshenbach, and Manfred Honeck, and has assisted Marin Alsop at the Baltimore Symphony.
Clark is a passionate teacher and served as Director of Choral Activities at The George Washington University in DC. His university choirs performed at the Kennedy Center and National Cathedral and sang with the Washington Chorus, Baltimore Choral Arts, Naval Academy Glee Club, and the Baltimore and Annapolis Symphonies. Recently he was Guest Conductor/Lecturer for the Westminster Choir College Symphonic Choir. He regularly leads workshops and clinics for school and community ensembles.
Legacy and mentorship are paramount to Clark’s musical philosophy; he is a mentee of Marin Alsop, having worked with her extensively and studied with her at the Peabody Institute in the doctoral conducting program. Mr. Clark completed a master’s degree under three-time Grammy Award winner Simon Halsey CBE at the United Kingdom’s University of Birmingham and considers Halsey his lifelong mentor. During his time in the UK, he embedded himself in the choral life of the UK and sang under the batons of Sir Simon Rattle, Edward Gardiner, and Andris Nelsons, and had opportunities to conduct the London Symphony Chorus and the CBSO Chorus. Other teachers include Simon Carrington (Yale Norfolk Festival, Sarteano Workshop) and Lynne Gackle (Baylor University).
An active composer and arranger, Anthony Blake Clark’s music has been performed in Washington DC, London, Oxford, Texas, and at Prague’s Dvorák Museum Concert Hall. In 2022 his new performance edition of Mozart’s Requiem was recorded by Acis Records.
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 233: A Natural Laboratory for Reconciliation with Ryan Luhrs
Jan 24, 2025
Show notes
Music has long been celebrated as a universal language, capable of moving hearts, bridging divides, and bringing people together. But what exactly is ‘The Power of Music’? Is it in the melody, the rhythm, or something deeper?
In this episode of Choralosophy, we’re diving into a fascinating concept with Dr. Ryan Luhrs: that the true power of music might actually lie within the choir itself. Imagine a space where people from different backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives can gather, set aside differences, and create something beautiful together. You might even call this a ‘natural laboratory for reconciliation’—and choirs, as it turns out, might hold the key.
Think about it: in a world that often feels divided and polarized, choirs create the perfect environment for collaboration, empathy, and common ground. It’s not just about singing the right notes—it’s about listening, adapting, and building trust with others. These qualities, so essential to successful music-making, are also the very building blocks of community and reconciliation. “Intergroup Contact Theory” comes from the field of Social Psychology and describes the conditions under which groups that have important differences or even conflict can find reconciliation.
In this discussion, Ryan and parse out why this matters, not just for musicians, but for anyone who believes in the power of human connection. How can choirs serve as a model for unity in a fractured world? And how can directors, singers, and audiences alike harness this power to make a real difference?
Whether you’re a seasoned choir director, a lifelong singer, or someone who simply loves music, this conversation will open your eyes to the deeper role choirs play in our society—and the profound impact they can have beyond the rehearsal room.
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
Ryan Luhrs is Associate Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, NC. In that role, he directs the Lenoir-Rhyne A Cappella Choir, the university’s flagship touring choral ensemble, coordinates the Sacred Music Program, teaches courses in choral music education, and co-leads the Lenoir-Rhyne Summer Youth Music Camp. He also frequently teaches a course on fine arts and social change in the general curriculum.
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
Luhrs is also the Artistic Director/Conductor of the Hickory Choral Society, a 100-voice volunteer chorus, and serves as Music Director/Organist at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Hickory.
Prior to Hickory, Luhrs taught at Andrew College in Cuthbert, GA, where he oversaw the music program. He holds a Ph.D. in Choral Conducting & Music Education from Florida State University, a Masters of Sacred Music degree from Luther Seminary (with St. Olaf College), and a B.A. in Music from Luther College. Prior to graduate study, Luhrs taught music in public schools for five years in Iowa and Minnesota. He has served as a church choir director and organist for congregations in Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, Georgia, and North Carolina. He was also Stage Band Director and Tour Director with the Kids from Wisconsin from 2005 to 2010 and sang with the Minneapolis-based National Lutheran Choir from 2008 to 2012.
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A proponent of using singing in groups to break down social barriers, Luhrs has co-organized choral festivals in rural Minnesota, southwestern Georgia, Tallahassee, FL, Hickory, NC, and Hammond, LA. His doctoral dissertation entitled Singing for Social Harmony: Choir Member Perceptions During Intergroup Contact investigated how choral music functions in settings where people of diverse backgrounds are present. Related research was published in the February 2017 issue of The Choral Journal and presented at the 2016 Chorus America national conference, the 2016, 2018, and 2020 Southeastern American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) Conferences, 2024 North Carolina ACDA conference, and the 2015 Tallahassee Sacred Music Conference. In 2018, he co-produced with Dr. Frances Fonza the AVoice4Peace Concert in Louisville, KY
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 232: Choral Music in Chile with Javiera Lara Salvador
Jan 17, 2025
Show notes
The US is a cultural exporter, and often times, we don’t do a great job of importing. I find it fascinating and valuable, as an American, to seek out stories from around the world. As a American choir director, it is easy to assume that the way choral music functions in our culture is “normal.”
So, let’s broaden our horizons by talking with Javiera Lara Salvador, a talented choral conductor from Chile, who brings valuable insights about choral music and education in her country. Javiera walks me through her journey, beginning with her discovery of singing in school and continuing to her studies in choral conducting in Santiago. She shares how choral music education in Chile offers unique pathways, though opportunities, such as full-time choir teaching, remain limited to nonexistent .
We also explored the vibrant choral scene in Santiago, including community choirs supported by local municipalities, and the fascinating repertoire that blends traditional Chilean music with influences from around the world. We discuss her work with “Voces de Vitacura,” a community choir with members spanning generations, and University Choir at the University of Adolfo Ibáñez and the Taktus Ensemble.
Our discussion touched on the parallels and contrasts between music education in Chile and the United States, highlighting the privilege of access to music education and the universal challenges faced by choir directors. Javiera even shared her enthusiasm for Latin American composers like Modesta Bor and Cesar Alejandro Carrillo, sparking a discussion about the joy of integrating diverse musical traditions, and pushing boundaries of the art form while honoring its traditions.
If you’ve ever been curious about the global choral community or want to celebrate the joy of making music with others, this episode is for you. Let’s dive in!
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
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
Javiera Lara Salvador is a renowned choral conductor with an outstanding academic background. She began her career by earning a Bachelor’s degree in Music Theory from the University of Chile, followed by a specialization leading to the Professional Title of Choral Conductor. She later pursued a Master’s in Musical Arts with a focus on Choral Conducting at Universidad Mayor, graduating with the highest distinction.
Javiera is the founder and current leader of the Taktus Vocal Ensemble, a group dedicated to performing diverse vocal repertoire ranging from classical to popular and folkloric-rooted music, with a strong emphasis on works from the 19th century to contemporary creations. She also directs the Adolfo Ibáñez University Choir, a group she has led since 2022, bringing together students, faculty, and staff through choral singing.
She serves as Associate Director and Coordinator of the team of conductors for the “Voces de Vitacura” Community Choir, a program of the Vitacura Cultural Corporation that annually offers over 200 local residents the experience of performing in a large choral concert. Additionally, Javiera has worked as Choirmaster for the productions of Lord of the Rings in Concert and Gladiator Live, held at Movistar Arena.
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A significant part of her career has been dedicated to premiering works by renowned Chilean and Latin American composers at prestigious festivals and events, such as the CopiU Festival, the Contemporary Music Festival of the University of Chile’s Music Department, and the Sacred Music Encounter at the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile.
In the field of education, Javiera has built a solid career in institutions such as the Music Institute of Universidad Alberto Hurtado, where she currently teaches, as well as the Music Institute of the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile and the Music Department of the Metropolitan University of Educational Sciences. She has taught both theoretical music subjects and courses in choral practice and conducting.
RyanMain.com is now expanding to a family of composers! Visit endeavormusicpublishing.com and of course, enter Choralosophy at checkout for a 10% discount!
As the founder of the Taktus Cultural Foundation, Javiera stands out as a leader in the development and promotion of choral music in Chile.
Episode 231: It’s Process AND Product with Andrew Schmidt
Jan 10, 2025
Show notes
There is a paradox between performance and pedagogy. Are we teaching our ensembles to perform? Or are we teaching them skills that LEAD them to become performers? Is it time for a paradigm shift?
This week, I am thrilled to bring you a fascinating conversation with Dr. Andrew Schmidt, an accomplished music educator and researcher. Andrew’s passion for music cognition and educational PROCESS takes us on a deep dive into the relationship between learning music, performance, and cognitive development.
Together, we unpack the challenges of conducting meaningful research in our field, the nuanced differences between instrumental and vocal instruction, and the power of teaching students the why behind the what in music education. Often times, ensemble music teachers feel the pressure to put the performance on the calendar and then sprint!
This episode is about more than just music; it’s about helping students connect the dots, fostering executive function, and balancing the process of learning with the magic of performance. It’s about TEACHING. Andrew also shares some thought-provoking ideas on teaching powerful knowledge in rehearsals and rethinking how we engage students with music.
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.
Andrew Schmidt in faculty at Kennesaw State University where he teaches in the school of music and musical theater program. He is also part of the music education faculty at Georgia State Univesity where he teaches choral methods. Andrew is also a freelance singer, and conductor, as well as the founder and Artistic Director of EarlyBird, a professional chamber chorus, Voces Altum, an advanced treble chorus, and Music Director of the Summer Singers of Atlanta. He holds a PhD in Music Education from Georgia State University, an M.M. in Choral Conducting from the University of Washington as well as a B.M.E. from Northwestern University, Evanston, Il. Andrew recently achieved his certificate of Estill Voice Figure Proficiency. He holds a Brain and Behaviors Fellowship through the GSU Neuroscience program.
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
Andrew’s research examines the intersection of vocal and choral pedagogy with an emphasis on building individual and group multivocality (where a person’s musical identity matches their individual identity). In practice, by teaching multivocality through a rigorous pedagogical framework, he hopes to rectify academic inequities in music education.
Andrew sings bass with professional choirs like Kinnara, The Thirteen, The Santa Fe Desert Chorale, and The Crossing. He can be found on recordings by both Kinnara (Provenance) and The Thirteen (Truth & Fable).
Great deals, speedy shipping, and back to school sales at SheetMusicPlus!
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 230: Enneagram in Ensembles, Classrooms, Music and Life with Sarah McMahill
Jan 03, 2025
Show notes
Enneagram study has been used to heal families, relationships, work places and more. It is also used by individuals seeking to simply have a better relationship with themselves. In this episode, we explore the possible uses of this system for understanding human motivation in ensembles, classrooms and even in music making.
In this episode, I’m thrilled to sit down with Sarah McMahill for a thought-provoking conversation about the fascinating intersections between the Enneagram, music, and personal growth. In the opening segment of the podcast, I make a short presentation on “The Math of the Enneagram” and its implications on group dynamics and classroom management. Then, Sarah takes us on a journey through her experiences with this powerful personality framework, sharing how it has deepened her understanding of herself, her students, and her colleagues.
Sarah is vulnerable about how the Enneagram provided clarity during challenging moments in her life, including its role in mental and physical wellbeing. We discuss everything from the alignment of the body’s physical centers with Enneagram principles, to how understanding stress responses can help manage stage fright and other performance challenges. We even touch on the connections between the Enneagram and music theory, exploring ideas like the tritone as a metaphor for growth and change, and Sarah’s creative process in writing a song cycle inspired by the nine Enneagram types.
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.
Sarah McMahill has woven their three businesses together (Heart to Hands Myofascial (MFR) Massage, Kintsugi Studios & Publications, and Dragonfly Enneagram Center) to create custom services as Wellness Weaving. Wellness Weaving provides mind-body coaching using experiential methods. These methods include myofascial massage, the enneagram, and music & the arts to engage our whole being as a way of understanding and experiencing how our hearts, bodies, and minds are connected.
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
HEART TO HANDS MFR MASSAGE Sarah is an ABMP Certified Massage Therapist and Nationally Board Certified Massage Therapist. They are skilled in working with musicians, performers and people living with chronic pain by utilizing myofascial release therapy, craniosacral therapy, manual lymphatic drainage, fascial counterstrain, energy/meditation work, trigger point therapy, and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitated stretching. They’ve been in private practice since 2004.
KINTSUGI STUDIOS & PUBLICATIONS Member of ASCAP, IAWM, and ACDA. Sarah studied music education at Doane College with 2 music scholarships before transferring to SMSU. They have been taking composition lessons with Raphael Fusco. They played clarinet with the St. Anthony Civic Orchestra (2004-2019), occasionally involved with community theater productions, sang with Calliope Women’s Chorus (2004-2011) and have been singing with One Voice Mixed Chorus since 2011. They offer voice lessons with a focus on assessing and releasing vocal and related structural tension. Earlier this year they won Soli Chamber Ensemble’s emerging composers competition along with 29 other talented composers. They started Kintsugi Studios & Publications to self-publish their music, poetry, and other writings. In their art studies, they came across something called Kintsugi. Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery by mending the areas of breakage with lacquer dusted or mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum. As a philosophy, it treats breakage and repair as part of the history of an object, rather than something to disguise. What they share are parts of their history, methods of their healing, and the journey they’re on.
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DRAGONFLY ENNEAGRAM CENTER Sarah originally learned about the enneagram in 2000. It wasn’t until 2011 when they took a deep dive into the enneagram. (That’s a story for another place.) They received enneagram teacher trainings through Full Circle Enneagram, Dynamic NLP Enneagram Training through Changeworks, and Moving Forward Australia. They have studied with Russ Hudson, Andrea Isaacs, and Catherine Bell. They provide enneagram coaching and online workshops. Some of the workshops are alongside Roland Legge and they have created on-demand videos. They are an Accredited Professional through the International Enneagram Association. Sarah is among the pioneers of incorporating bodywork, the enneagram, and music.
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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What does it take to build a thriving choir program—and a lifelong passion for music? Yes, but also solid pedagogy and TIME with students…
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