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Many thanks go to Brian Reeves and his team for putting together an awesome MCDA convention. It was incredible. The choirs, the clinicians, the sessions, the speeches… LOVED IT! If you were there, you know exactly what I am talking about. If you weren’t…then you missed out on something special and I hope you will be able to make it next summer. The board is already working to make our next MCDA convention a great experience for you.

I have asked each R&S Chair to introduce themselves to you in their first article. You may know their face, but not remember their name…or you might know the name, but

can’t quite put a face with it. Their introductions will lead into an article that we hope will inspire…. And for those that have one, they will include a picture to help you see who they are.

My name is Jonathan Owen a n d I a m y o u r M C D A President. This year marks my 26th year of teaching and I teach at Parkway South High School in the St. Louis area. Prior to teaching at South, I taught HS Choir at Kickapoo HS in Springfield, choir and music appreciation at Nixa HS and I began my teaching career (in 1988) in Conway, teaching elementary, jr. high and high school. That truly seems a lifetime ago.

I don’t know about each of you, but I get so caught up dur ing the school year: caught up with paperwork, meetings, auditions, etc. Sometimes it feels that I don’t even have time to teach. I arrive early and leave late. I know I am “preaching to the choir” on this one. Stress causes so many i s sues physically, emotionally, at work and at home. We all know that we are best when we are relaxed and that others (family members, colleagues and students) are more receptive to us when we are not stressed out. Then why do we let ourselves get overwhelmed? Why not just

sit back and relax, take it easy and just let life pass us by. It is easier said than done.

In checking online I found many resources and ideas for relieving stress in your life. I thought I’d share some of the common stress relievers I found and maybe you will find something that works for you.

Meditate – This can be p r a y e r, q u i e t n e s s o r something that you truly enjoy. Take a walk in a park, practice yoga, read. Take some t ime to focus on something not related to what is stressing you out. Maybe even listen to Carpenters on vinyl. It works for me.

Focus on the “good” around you – When we have tunnel vision we often forget a b o u t e v e r y t h i n g a n d everyone good in our life. Take a moment to look around and see that whatever is happening in your life doesn’t rule it. Contact a good friend. Take your child to the zoo.

Take an attitude break – Stop focusing on the “I’m having a bad day and feeling stressed” syndrome. This idea sort of goes along with focusing your mind on the “good”.

MCDA ReporterFrom the President...

FALL 2013

MISSOURI CHORAL DIRECTORS’ ASSOCIATION

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Accept that there are things that you have no control over – If you have no control over something, it does absolutely no good to spend your energy trying to fix it. Realize what is in your hands and let go of the other things. Easier said than done.

Laugh – We have all heard the old saying “Laugher is the best medicine”. Laughter has been shown in studies to affect people physically. Blood flow, immune response, blood sugar levels and relaxation and sleep have all been shown to be

affected by laughter. After riding to the August MCDA board meeting with Brian Reeves, Tom Lowery and Tim Arnold, I should be fairly healthy for quite some time.

Exercise – Exercise can increase your health and sense of well-being. Feeling better about yourself physically can affect your mental state. Of course, trying to find the time and energy to exercise can also stress you out.

Drink tea – A study has shown that the participants

w h o d r a n k a b l a c k t e a concoction four times a day for six weeks, were found to have lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol in their blood after a stressful event.Have a visit with Mark Lawley – He will make you ll: laugh, cry, smile :ll

Here’s to a great year in your school, church, job, family, life!!

Jonathan Owen, PresidentMCDA

Don’t forget to check out the MCDA website!

Image courtesy of moacda.org

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LESSONS FROM MY CHILDREN

PART ONE: CONNECTION

In twenty-four years of teaching, I’ve participated in some professional development. Lots of it. Some sessions have been mind-numbing; some useful and even inspiring. Some sessions have led to meaningful changes; some have ended with trips to the paper shredder. At this point, I can’t even begin to count all the new methods and programs I’ve heard about. If you asked me, however, to name the most powerful catalyst of change in my teaching, I wouldn’t have to stop and think about my answer. It didn’t happen in a session or at a conference, and I didn’t read about it in a book or journal. It began the day my oldest started kindergarten, and continues as I follow my kids’ journey through school. I’ve learned more from their stories than I could share in this short article, but one lesson stands out: Your students’ affective experience will determine the success of your program. My daughter loved kindergarten because she knew that her teacher understood her, responded to her uniqueness, and respected her intellect by facilitating meaningful learning. Conversely, my son hated first grade because the atmosphere was confrontational and stifling. As both children progressed through school, a clear pattern emerged. If a teacher was able to create a sense of community, my kids came home excited and energized about the subject. If the environment was boring or hostile, or the teacher distant and disengaged, they quickly lost interest and the class became just another thing to endure on their way to the next level. This lesson, learned in the car on the way home from school or at the dinner table, has transformed what I do in the classroom and in rehearsal. This lesson reminds me daily to ask this question: Would I want my child to be in this class? This lesson has taught me that if I want to build a successful

community I must connect with my students, inspire my students, and engage my students in meaningful work. If I were to write about all three of these essential elements – connection, inspiration, and engagement – the result would be an essay that is too long for this publication. Today I will share my thoughts on the first element, connection.

My daughter loved kindergarten because, from the first day, she felt a personal connection with her teacher. Mrs. E knew that Meg came from a home where early bedtime was enforced, so she understood that Meg was not tired at naptime. She also knew that Meg really liked bugs, so she let Meg play quietly with model insects instead of sleeping. She explained to Meg that she had to be quiet because some of the other kids stayed up late and needed a nap. Meg learned three things from this:

1) Mrs. E noticed her2) Mrs. E wanted to know about her3) Mrs. E cared what happened to her

Meg also knew from observation that her teacher went to the trouble to make the same kinds of connections with the other kids in the class. As a result of this connection, Meg grew to trust Mrs. E. She felt secure, important, and respected at school, so she wanted to be a part of that classroom community.

With her affective needs met, she was ready to go back every day and learn lots of cool stuff. The memory of Meg’s kindergarten days reminds me to see my students as vulnerable, feeling human beings. It reminds me to look kids in the eye, listen to their stories, and care about their needs. When I remember to make these kinds of connections in the classroom, wonderful things start to happen. Student behavior improves because kids don’t feel the need to act out for my attention. Students trust me because they know I

Boy and Children’s Choirs

4

Meet the new Repertoire

and Standards Chairs...R&S

4

care about them. Students are more likely to invest in learning music because their emotional needs are being addressed. If they feel safe and cared for, students are more likely to notice and respect the needs of others, thereby contributing to the community.

So, how do I apply this lesson to the continued improvement and development of my after-school choir program? The short answer is just one word: indirectly. The benefits to my program have been a by-product of a more general commitment to connection with my students. I try each day to remember that every student is somebody’s child. Some children come to me from a loving, supportive home where adults listen to them, care about them, and advocate for them. Some children come to me from environments that are chaotic and insecure. Regardless, each child has emotional needs that must be met before she will invest herself in the community. With this in mind, I make it a priority to have at least one short personal conversation with every student in my classes. That’s not always easy. I teach every sixth-grade student in the district over the course of a school year, so that’s a lot of kids to reach each quarter. We have quite a bit of curriculum to explore, so deviations from the schedule can lead to a mad scramble as report card time looms. When we take the time to get to know each other, though, the benefits are well worth the time spent. The classroom environment is more calm and relaxed. Disruptive behavior does not disappear (they are sixth graders!) but it noticeably decreases. Student achievement rises. Kids are happier, and have a good time in music class. If they enjoy music class, they are eager for more experiences in music. That’s when they sign up for choir. If they find the same kind of community in choir, they stick around.

Any teacher who has participated in years of professional development knows that there is no magic bullet. No technique works the same for every child, and when you’re dealing with human beings there are always exceptions to every rule. My commitment to student connection has not led to an educational utopia where we spend every moment singing in perfect harmony, but it has helped to set the stage for meaningful experiences in a community of musicians.

Stephanie FridleyBoy and Children’s Choirs

LESSONS LEARNED FROM TWO BOBS, FRANK, AND A FISH

“The times they are a changing…” was the 1960’s battle cry of Bob Dylan. That lyric best describes the last several years of my life. As a choral director married to a pastor, you really have to be flexible to accept change. Just over 9 years ago my family and I moved after 18 years of teaching in the same school , in Warsaw, Missouri. I found myself in a very small town near the Mark Twain National forest and teaching music for the Alton, Missouri public schools. From that experience I learned key ways to help adapt to change.

1. Work Hard-Parents and students appreciate hard work. Wherever you find yourself, a good work ethic is vital to your success.

2. Talent-In every community, regardless of size, you influence the integration of the choral arts through your belief that EVERY singer has talent and something to contribute.

3. Nurture Friendships-Small towns take great pride in supporting music and excellent choral instruction.

I have found that just about the time I became comfortable some place, we were moved again, to Lebanon, Missouri. I was hired as the choral director at Lebanon High School. The community of Lebanon taught me a great deal about accepting change.

1. Believe you are excellent and have something to share! Our building principal, Mr. Kevin Lowery, took great pride in announcing every day that we were: “the BEST high school in America”. His vision for our building was contagious and he expected excellence from our students and educators.

2. Pace Yourself! After numerous performances, large community works, musicals, trips to Carnegie Hall and Chicago, I realized I had to change myself. We all have tremendous expectations of ourselves as choral directors which can take a toll……Stop being a super hero trying to do everything and ask for help. As human beings we were not made to be 24/7 musicians. Rest!

3. Value others-I am forever indebted to those who made the changes of moving from a small rural school to a large music department. The environment within the music faculty at the Lebanon Schools made me feel welcome and able to cope with big changes.

Community Choirs

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Image courtesy of Hannibal.net

Always treat your co-workers as valuable treasures. They helped me be successful during my final three years in public school education.

In the summer of 2011, we moved to Hannibal, Missouri. I interviewed for a new job and after being told several times that I was “over qualified” for publ ic school teaching, I decided to take an early retirement. That was not an easy change for me. Other c h a n g e s c a m e a n d I accepted a position on staff with Culver Stockton College as an adjunct professor. Col lege exper iences also taught me to accept change. Here’s what I learned.1. Sing without interruption-

There are no bells or daily announcements in college to interrupt those fabulous musical moments during a rehearsal. Hallelujah!

2. M e n t o r a Y o u n g e r Musician- College students need mentoring as much or more than High School or M i d d l e S c h o o l a g e d children. Being a positive ro le model and being available to help them was rewarding.

3. Be an artist- Teaching at the college level has made me more artistically responsive in performance and during rehearsals. Expect great things!

Remember Frank Sinatra’s song, “I Did It My Way”? I

guess circumstance of change have made this the theme song of my life the past several years. I have accepted a position as Assistant Choral director at Hannibal Lagrange University. As I prepare once again for change I have learned the following:1. Learn something new- I

have a class E driver’s license now and plan to drive the shuttle bus to p u b l i c p e r f o r m a n c e s . Never thought I would be doing that!

2. Be thankful for change- Every new exper ience b r i n g s a b o u t n e w opportunities to meet new people and make music together.

3. Reinvent yourself- Change r e q u i r e s a d a p t a t i o n . Become a better director for all the singers you work with in your community, s c h o o l , c h u r c h , a n d beyond.

So, by now you are wondering, isn’t this supposed to be an ar t ic le about communi ty choirs? Since moving to Hannibal, I have had the honor of conducting the Mark Twain Chorale. Every Monday night at 7:00 p.m. I enter a choral rehearsal room and hear the voices of ages 7 to 80 and beyond. The Mark Twain Chorale has existed since 1961and one of our members has sung every year since the chorale’s founding. Reflect on the changes a community

choir member encounters during the aging process. Yet, they still return even as change affects them. The following quote is from Robert Kuske of the Mark Twain Chorale. “I sing with the Chorale because I love music. Also, I want to keep up my vocal abilities. I like being part of a singing group. I sing because it fulfills a need to express my God-given talent. I can proudly say that I am 80 years old and sti l l going.”

I encourage you as choral directors to appreciate your co-workers , support your community and know that change can be good. So, have you figured out that Bob Dylan, Bob Kuske, and Frank Sinatra have all been quoted in this article, but a fish remains in the title? Remember the movie, “Finding Nemo?” Dorie encourages Nemo to, “just keep swimming.” As choral directors I encourage you to keep changing and adapting. Even Nemo, the little fish, swam out from his safe world to an ocean full of change. May you all improve as you seek to accept change in our choral profession.

Lori ScottCommunity Choirs

LESSONS LEARNED FROM TWO BOBS, FRANK, AND A FISH

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Multicultural

I am very honored to have the opportunity to serve as the Multicultural R&S Chair for the next two years. I am beginning my fourth year as Director of Choral Activities and Assistant Professor of Music Education at the University of Central Missouri.

Prior to coming to Missouri, I attended and taught at Florida State University. My public school teaching experiences occurred in Las Vegas, Nevada where I taught middle school for one year, and high school for four years. While at Centennial High School, my Chamber Singers ensemble performed at the 2007 ACDA National Convention—a thrilling and terrifying experience!!

It is my strong belief that multicultural music play an integral part in our concert programming; for the educational experience of learning about and understanding a culture different than our own, and to expand our musical knowledge of style and substance. I hope that all of us work to include a multicultural component in as many of our concerts as possible!

Of great importance when performing music of a culture different than our own (or of the Western Classical Tradition), is to work for authentic performance to the extent that we can; including language, percussion (if required), rhythmic stress, tonality, etc. There are many great resources available to aid in this pursuit. The Multicultural webpage on the ACDA website offers a collection of resources that are currently available. When considering program ethnic or multicultural music, I encourage all MCDA members to search these great resources in order to make informed decisions. Not only will you feel more comfortable in conducting and programming this type of music, but your singers will gain a more in-depth perspective of why this music is an irreplaceable part of the choral canon!

Perspectives

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HIGH

SCHOOL

CHOIRS

I consider it a privilege to serve such a fine

membership as High School Choir Repertoire &

Standards Chair for the next two years. I realize

that I have big shoes to fill in following Mike

Pierson’s top-notch leadership, and I want to take

this opportunity to thank him for his years of service.

In case we have not met, let me share a bit about my background. This is my eleventh as choral director at Nixa High School. Nixa is a bedroom

community approximately ten miles south of Springfield. Since 2003, when I started teaching,

the high school has grown from 1,100 to 1,800

students. The vocal music department consists of Chamber Singers, Concert Choir, Advanced

Women’s Choir, Men’s Choir, Women’s Choir, Piano, and Music

Appreciation. I also co-teach Men’s

Choir and Mixed Choir at Nixa

Junior High. I am so grateful for the

opportunity to teach music, my

passion, to outstanding students

every day.

As the current school year gets into

full swing, I wanted to share

something I learned from a student several years ago. It revolutionized

my teaching, and I hope that it will be of help to you.

I am a strong believer that most issues in vocal production are

rooted in the fear of failure. That one word—

failure—has such negative connotations in our society and in the education system that all those

invested in the education process anxiously seek

to avoid it at all costs. However, my former student changed my outlook on failure when he

used the word fail in an acronym: First Actions In

Learning. As I contemplated this powerful little

phrase in my mind, the following realization came

to me: vocal music is set up for failure and

vulnerability. The voice, though a musical instrument, is intangible. Vocal production is

hidden from the naked eye and can only be

achieved successfully through trial and error. And, singing is born of emotion, requiring a

vulnerability that is very uncomfortable for many.

No wonder we as teachers often find this

mysterious phenomenon known as singing such a

challenge to teach! With this in mind, I made it a

priority to foster an environment that encourages

students to take risks and allow a comfort level with mistakes.

Once I adopted the philosophy inherent in my

student’s acronym, I saw several benefits. I began

to see true growth in my students as musicians.

Once the students became less inhibited by fear of failure, they took more personal ownership in

the learning process. A greater sense of accomplishment resulted as their mistakes

became successes. Moreover, their enthusiasm

encouraged me to become more willing to take

risks as their teacher. Before, the “control freak”

in me would have averted new techniques for fear that they may not work out. One

specific technique I have adopted is

forcing the students and myself to

truly read intervals without the use

of the piano to play their parts first. Though it is scary at first, the

students have always commented

on how much they enjoy the

challenge and feel empowered once

they start to get it.

If this sounds too intimidating, let me encourage you to give it a try!

Start with this two-part premise: a

majority of your students want to

succeed and most students do not make mistakes on purpose. This

sets you free from the trap of unhealthy perfectionism without the worry that your choirs will fall to a lower standard. Most importantly, difficulty and struggle are catalysts

toward growth! This is best illustrated in nature

in the form of the seed, which must die and be

buried in the ground before it can break through

the soil and grow. The best growth in our classrooms arises from a period of seeming

“failure” that propels both students and teachers

to make adjustments for the better. Ask yourself this question: “Is my fear of failure standing in the

way of an opportunity for growth for my

students?” If the answer is yes, cast off your inhibitions, lead by example in your classroom,

and allow for more of those “first actions in

learning.” Your choirs will bear much fruit as a

result!

First Actions In Learning

Jason Honeycutt

High School Choirs7

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MEN’S CHOIRS

Dear Friends,

Working with male singers can be one of the most rewarding, challenging, and fulfilling parts of any program. However, there can be many challenges that surround the male voice, that often times we end up with more questions than answers, and more problems than solutions.

My name is Jonathan Krinke, and I am the new MCDA Male Chorus Repertoire & Standards chair. I am beginning my eighth year of teaching, and am in my second year proudly teaching at my high school alma mater, Lee’s Summit North High School.

As your Men’s Choir R & S chair, I would like to offer fresh ideas in working with male singers—ideas that are proven to work with this generation of boys and men. Personal growth is a goal for everyone at this time of each new academic year. “Time” is the factor that keeps us from growing as teachers because of the demands of our positions. Yet, seeking out ways to engage men in our programs is one of the best uses of our time.

Here are some areas that I am already planning on addressing over the next couple of years: Quality Literature (2-Part accompanied through 4-Part Festival-Level literature) Understanding and working with the changing male voice Warm-ups, bell work and team-building activities for rehearsal Recruitment and identity within the ensemble Purchasing Uniforms (yes I understand that this is a pain, but there are easier ways to deal with

this) Voice Placement Creating opportunities to foster a life-long passion for singing

Do any of these ideas interest you? Do you already know that you need help in one of these areas right away? Do you have innovative ideas that you would like relayed to our membership? What are your needs? Please do not hesitate in contacting me, as I am very excited about sharing and growing in this post.

Warm regards and good wishes in the 2013-2014 school year,

Jonathan KrinkeMen’s Choirs

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I am delighted to introduce myself as the new Missouri Choral Directors Association Repertoire and Standards Chair for middle level choirs. My name is Christy Dickinson and I have been teaching for seven years at St. Clair Jr. High and St. Clair High School. There are approximately 2,300 students in the school district with 780 at the high school and 500 students enrolled at the junior high. The city of St. Clair has 4,700 residents and is located about 55 miles southwest of St. Louis.

I earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree with a vocal emphasis from Missouri State University in 2007. Over the past seven years, I have worked in grades sixth through twelve. My primary responsibilities are teaching Beginning Guitar, Guitar II, Girls Glee, mixed choir for the high school, select audition choir for junior high, and a non-audition choir for the junior high. When I started at St. Clair R-13, I had twelve students in my auditioned junior high choir class. This choir class has now grown to over 60+ students. For six years in a row, my junior high choir has scored “1’s” and high remarks at the Middle School Festival.

Over the years my middle school students have developed a love to sing in different languages. They plead with me to pick anything but English to sing. These songs I have shared with you below will work well with a variety of sizes for junior high choirs. I have used these songs with a varying degree of male students. I have also used these songs at contest, winter and spring concerts.

Artza Alinu arr. Earlene Rentz is an Israeli dance song with Hebrew text. It is high energy and an easy Hebrew text for the students. My middle school students love this piece. They came to class asking to rehearse this song every day. This song also comes with a convenient rehearsal prep sheet to help students with melodies and harmonies throughout the piece. The lowest note sung for the men is a low f below middle c. I have also used some of my part two girls to help expand the melody in part three. Definitely look into this song because your kids will love singing it.

Deo Dicamus Gratias by Victor C. Johnson is a beautiful Latin piece that I have used at contests. The song has a gorgeous melody and easy teachable moments on phrasing and nuances throughout the piece. The lowest note sung for part three is an f sharp below middle c.

Furaha! (Joy) by Sally K. Albrecht is a fun African piece. The text alternates between English and Swahili. I added drums and a shaker to this piece to add more rhythmic fun similar to the recording on www.jwpepper.com. There are a lot of opportunities in the song to discuss diphthongs with the students.

My current students in high school urge me to bring this one out again and again to sing for fun. A must do song! Optional notes to split for part three. I have used this song at contests when I had 30 students with great success.

Pete, Pete arr. By Victor C. Johnson is a Ghanaian Folk song. This song is an easy song your kids will enjoy. It also has written parts for percussion.

El Vito arr. By Emily Crocker is written for two parts with an optional descant. It is an exhilarating traditional Spanish folk song. This song gives you an opportunity to talk about different rhythms sung at the same time. This song allows part one to sing harmony and part two to sing the melody. It is a very catchy tune and your kids will leave the room singing the melody.

I hope these songs will be a source for you to refer to when perusing for Festival songs that the kids will relish rehearsing, singing, and performing every day. If you need anything don’t hesitate to contact me on my email cdickinson@stcmo.org.

Christy Dickinson

Middle Level Choirs

MIDDLE LEVEL CHOIRS

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Greetings from Lee’s Summit!!!!!! I’m Carla Oliver, your Repertoire and Standards Chair for Church Choir. Jonathan asked us to tell you a bit about ourselves, so here goes.

Most of you know me as the retired choral director from Lee’s Summit High School.What a great place in my life. A wonderful adventure!!!!! I loved it, and now have moved on.

Presently, I am the Director of Music at Lee’s Summit Christian Church. It is not a full time position. My responsibilities there are numerous, from leading prayer and music at the 8:00 am Reflective Service, singing with the Contemporary Band (we call ourselves the Journey Band) at the 9:00 am service, to leading one of the most amazing church choirs in my career, at the 11:00am service. I feel blessed to be at this place and have been there now for over ten years.

Like many of you, I’ve been a church musician many years. My adventure started at age sixteen, when I was a paid sec t ion leader at Grace Presbyterian Church in Wichita Kansas. The director was my beloved choral mentor at Wichita Southeast: Vernon Nicholson who, like us all, had a church choir.

From there, I served at East Heights United Methodist Church while attending W i ch i t a S t a t e U n i v e r s i t y . I worked with Edla

Hilts, the director, as a paid soloist making up one fourth of the paid quartet (Sam Ramey) famous opera star, was the bass. I also directed the high school/college choir there/ Great adventures; a Great experience.

When I graduated from WSU, I moved to Great Bend Kansas and served several churches, moved to KC and more churches. It’s been a great, great experience. To this day, I love praising my Lord through music and song.

The church choir has always been my second job, until my retirement in 2009. Now my focus is on Lee’s Summit Christian Church and it’s amazing congregation.

I also have a thirty-voice studio of private students from throughout the area. I teach from my home. I have a blessed life.

I’m married to the famous James Oliver, retired Director of Bands, Lee’s Summit High School and past President of MMEA> Presently, Jim represents Meyer Music in Overland Park Kansas as an Educational Representative. He also conducts the Hallmark Corporate Band. Oh yes, he’s also a perpetual discipline problem in our bass section at church. We share seven children and fourteen grandchildren, the oldest

being eleven and the youngest age one. You can imagine holidays and Sunday Dinners at our house. We have fun.

All of our kids are musicians and have either sung or played in our churches. I feel that is a great journey for them as well.

So, that is just a touch of my life. I look forward to working for you. I hope that we can discover new music, techniques and methods, for use in worship. Please feel free to contact me with any ideas or suggestions you may have. You can reach me at my email, coliver2@kc.rr.com

Before I leave, I wanted to touch on an activity that we did just last week with the Chancel Choir. We had a retreat, like so many of you do. It was a great way to start the year. Our retreat this year was not held at a remote place, rather at our church.

Jim and I returned from Europe on Wednesday the 21st of August, and on Friday had a Salad Pot Luck Supper at our home for the choir. It was so much fun. We didn’t really rehearse, we mainly just visited, since we hadn’t seen everyone together since May.

The next morning at 9:00 am we met at church. The first activity was to list on our name - tags, our occupation or occupations. I learned so much about my retired folks especially. I knew one of my altos was retired from the FBI, but I didn’t know she was an agent. WOW. I knew her as the 9:00am accompanist.

MUSIC

AND

WORSHIP

Oh The Places We Have Been !!!! Oh the Places We Will Go !!!!!!!!

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It is my pleasure to begin my appointment as the Two Year College Repertoire and Standards Chair for the state of Missouri. I am currently in my fifth year as Director of Choirs and Instructor of Music at East Central College in Union, MO where I also serve as the Music Minister at Zion United Church of Christ. At ECC, I direct the College Choir, Vocal Jazz, and Choral Association in addition to teaching Music Appreciation, Music Theory, Ear Training, and Freshman Seminar. Before moving to Missouri, I completed my DMA at the University of South Carolina under the direction of Dr. Larry Wyatt. Prior to South Carolina, I taught at the middle and high school level in Kentucky where I also served as the KyCDA Middle School R&S Chair. I completed my Bachelors and Masters in Music Education from Western Kentucky University.

Over the past several years, many states have combined the two year and four year college chairs. I am pleased that, in Missouri, these have been kept as two separate chairs. While I do consider myself a college director, I know that my responsibilities are somewhat different than my contemporaries at the four year institutions. When asked, “What is your profession?”, I usually say, “I am a choir director.” That is what I was trained to do, but at East Central I do so much more, as mentioned before. In all honesty, I spend more time in the classroom than I do in front of a choir. I believe that it is important that we maintain our identity as a choral director as we wear so many other hats. That is a discussion that I would like to have over the next two years. How do you balance being an excellent choral director while spending more time being an excellent classroom instructor?

Another area of interest will be choosing repertoire for our students. I feel we walk a fine line choosing music that is at a collegiate level, but is accessible for our lesser experienced students. We all have students who would be part of the top ensemble at a university with students, in the same ensemble, who may be taking part in their first choral experience. I would like to be able to share ideas and repertoire for accessing both students in the same ensemble.

I know these conversations do not only effect two year college instructors. Many high school directors deal with these same issues. Many college directors conduct not only an advanced auditioned ensemble, but entry level choirs, as well and teach other non-choral related classes. In the next few months, I will be starting a blog addressing this and other issues. I know that I can learn as much from you, and most likely more, as you can learn from me. This blog will be accessible on the MCDA website. Please check for updates.

Finally, in conjunction with the four year colleges, an All-Collegiate Honors Choir is being organized for the Summer Convocation in 2015. I feel this would be an excellent opportunity for all our students to meet other collegiate singers across the state. For the two year college students, this will provide an opportunity to sing repertoire that may not be accessible in their collegiate ensemble for a variety of reasons.

I look forward to the next two years and meeting each of you. Please let me know if I can be of any help. You can contact me at tcsexton@eastcentral.edu or at (636) 584-6698.

Amidst donuts and coffee, we later paired up with someone we didn’t know as well and out of our section. The assignment was to find out something about that person that we could share with our choir. It was a blast. I knew I had a private pilot in my bass section, but I didn’t know that he flew Itzhak Perlman around once. WOW!!!!!

We then launched into fall music, some Christmas music and our short Bach Christmas Cantata. I always like to have that chosen in the fall and in their hands. They do too. Last year was the Rutter Carols with Orchestra. I like to change it up.

I presented them a monthly calendar for September with our anthems and everyone’s September birthdays and anniversaries.

We had a catered lunch (next year, I think it will be potluck), more time to visit, etc... We were out by two p.m. We finished with Let it Be – by the Beatles (SATB arr. Kirby Shaw), because we are doing a sermon series that incorporates life according to the Beatles. It may sound strange, but it works.

So……consider a retreat. It’s a great building tool for friendships, trust and making beautiful music.

I’m looking forward to this new year.

Have a great beginning!!!!!!!!

Carla Oliver

Music and Worship

TWO-YEAR COLLEGES

Dr. Tim SextonTwo-year College

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Youth and Student ActivitiesBack to School

“Back to school. Back to school, to prove to Dad that I'm not a fool. I got my lunch packed up, my boots tied tight, I hope I don't get in a fight!” Adam Sandler’s character sings this memorable song in the movie Billy Madison. After a relaxing summer, I hope you are tying up your boots and ready to be on your best behavior as the school year opens for all of us! Like you, I am navigating a new semester filled with new syllabi, new responsibilities, and the opportunity to learn and grow professionally.

My name is Elizabeth Hogan McFarland, and I am your new R & S Chairperson for Youth and Student Activities. Along with the MCDA Student Representative, Kurtis Heinrich, I am here to make sure you get plugged in to the Missouri choral world. Membership in the American Choral Directors Association and our state branch MCDA offer a plethora of excellent o p p o r t u n i t i e s t o g r o w a s a professional. It is never too early to begin thinking of yourself as a choral professional! You’ll be h e a r i n g f r o m K u r t i s a n d I throughout the year as we share opportunities to get involved, get connected and become a part of this choral community.

What do we mean when we talk about “professionalism”? Steven Pressfield said “The professional has learned that success, like happiness, comes as a by-product of work.” In all areas of life, it takes effort and intent to become a reliable professional, but this work i s w o r t h e v e r y m i n u t e ! A professional acts with integrity, honesty, and cares for the people and the art that she serves.

It isn’t necessary to wait until you are employed full-time as a choral conductor to begin work building a sense of professionalism. Right now, practice being the kind of person you’d want to work alongside. Make a brief list of characteristics you admire in your colleagues and fellow students and strive to implement these ideas in your life. Do you admire those who treat others with care and kindness? You can, too! Do you look up to those that are well-prepared musicians in rehearsal? Why not strive for that level of preparedness yourself?

It is easy to think that your online persona is private. Even if your

profile is set to “private” there are many ways others can access this information. Take the time to remove anything from your pages that you do not believe reflects y o u r p r o f e s s i o n a l p e r s o n a . Consider if you would be willing to defend statements, posts, and pictures when asked about these things by a mentor, boss, or even your grandmother!

One area in my own life that I have set a goal to monitor is my time-management. I have developed a habit of scheduling meetings with myself every few weeks. I look at the work I have to accomplish and consider how those tasks fit in to my greater purpose in life as I see it. I set small goals and make lists of the steps to finish tasks on or before their due date. I find that if I am purposeful with the way I spend my time, I am able to set aside important time for friends and family.

MCDA provides an excellent way to connect with your fellow choral music educators in our state. The connections you make as a student will continue to be your friends and colleagues throughout y o u r l i f e . B y a t t e n d i n g conferences, getting involved in these meetings by participating, and giving of your time and energy, you will reap rewards tenfold. Kurtis and I will be sharing opportunities throughout the year that will help you connect with new and experienced MCDA members to share thoughts, ideas and support. Both of us are available to visit your college to talk to student and potential members about the benefits of membership in ACDA. For new teachers in their first 1-3 years of teaching, there are opportunities on the horizon to connect with MCDA members through a one-on-one mentorship program. We look forward to working with you and seeing you grow as choral artists!

Elizabeth Hogan McFarland is a second year PhD student studying choral and vocal Music Education at the University of Missouri - Columbia, where she directs the Women's Chorale and sings in Un ivers i ty S ingers , the Bach Collegium Choir, and Choral U n i o n . S h e h o l d s a d u a l assistantship within the School of M u s i c a n d t h e C o l l e g e o f Education. Ms. McFarland earned her BS in Education from the

University of Missouri - Columbia, a MM in Choral Conducting from Michigan State University, and has obtained Level 2 certification t h r o u g h D o r e e n R a o ' s C M E Inst i tute. Before returning to graduate school, Elizabeth taught 6th-8th grade students to love music as a choral director at Parkway Northeast Middle School in suburban St. Louis. She is the co-director of the Choristers ensemble with the St. Louis Children's Choirs. She is glad to serve as the Youth and Student Activities R & S Chairperson. Contact Elizabeth via email - mcfargan@gmail.com

Elizabeth Hogan McFarland

Kurtis Heinrich is a student at L indenwood Univers i ty in St . Charles. He is in his first senior year pursuing a B.A. in Vocal Music Performance and a B.A. in Music (Vocal) with K-12 certification with dual cert. in instrumental music. At LU he performs in two or three choirs a semester and plays trumpet in one or two instrumental ensembles. He also serves as the President of LU's newly founded ACDA student chapter. After graduation he will either look for a teaching job or attend grad school pursuing a M.A. in some variation of voice performance.   Contact K u r t i s v i a e m a i l - kurtis.heinrich@gmail.com

Kurtis Heinrich

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Looking back on this last summer with the MO All-State Vocal Jazz Ensemble, I know our singers felt a great since of accomplishment. If you were at the performance, you might have noticed that we jumped a level up in quality of jazz. I am very glad about the MO ASVJE showing growth. This happened for two reasons. First, our conductor Jennifer Barnes (head of vocal jazz at UNT), picked literature that was, from beginning to end, college level and pure jazz all the way. Second, it is due to the teachers and students involved, committing their time and working note-to-note and chord-to-chord, when some of us are hanging out at the pool. I am very proud to be associated with this group of people who are such good vocal technicians and jazzers.

If you wanted to increase your jazz ear, because it really does start t h e r e , h e r e i s a l i n k t o t h e M C D A p a g e ( h t t p : / /mcda.squarespace.com/mcda-summer-conference-handout/jazz-vocalists/) where you can check out Jennifer Barnes’ listening list. Listening = improvement.

I am happy to announce Duane Davis as our next ASVJE conductor. He has been a jazz professor at Western Michigan State University, where he was involved with Gold Company under the direction of Dr. Steve Zegree until 2012, when he directed the group alone. He has performed and adjudicated with countless renowned musicians and performers. Look for his full bio on the website soon. It’s going to be a great 2014 ASVJE.

I’m ready to answer questions or help everybody to advance your choir program in vocal jazz or help you in your process with the ASVJE. Please feel free to contact me anytime: enloefritz@att.net

Vocal Jazz - Beth Enloe Fritz

Welcome Back! I was thrilled when Jonathan Owen invited me to serve as our R & S Chairperson for Women’s Choirs. I look forward to exploring the world of women’s choirs with all of you.

Allow me to introduce myself. I began teaching in 1980, in a small 2A school in a rural area of Jefferson County. I was there ten years, and taught elementary, junior high and high school vocal music. After that, I spent one year teaching middle school music, and then moved to my current position at Oakville Senior High School, in St. Louis County. At Oakville I teach or team teach a number of choral ensembles, including our Men’s Contemporary Ensemble, Men’s Choir, Women’s Choir, Concert Choir Treble, Women’s Chamber Choir, Women’s Chorale, Concert Choir Mixed, and Mixed Chamber Choir. Because we have four ensembles at OHS that are exclusively for women, I feel well acquainted with many of the issues specific to women’s ensembles.

Women’s Choir - Paula Martin

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As our new school year begins, we have the opportunity to start anew. This opportunity is one of the great blessings of being a teacher. Each year, we simply get to begin again. Really think about that. Each fall, we, and our students as well, enjoy a unique opportunity to reset goals, and remake our path.

One of my goals for the upcoming school year is to be less critical of my students and more kind in my responses to their needs. It won’t be easy, but now that I’ve written it down and shared my goal with all of you, I’m more likely to hold myself accountable.

Another goal for me this year is to help our ladies feel more invested in their women’s ensemble. I have many girls who love singing in their women’s ensemble. I also have some ladies who see their current women’s ensemble as a stepping stone along their way to Concert Choir Mixed.

What are some things that might help our girls to feel pride in their selection to a women’s ensemble? I have decided to play quality recordings of performances by women’s

ensembles at the beginning of class. I love Pro Musica! T h e i r Yo u Tu b e r e c o r d e d per formance of t h e B i e b l Av e Maria is fantastic!

There are many inspiring performances by this group of young women on YouTube. Check them out! As our girls listen to recordings of fine performances by women’s choirs they may begin to more appreciate how unique and emotionally powerful women’s ensembles can be.

I am also thinking about the benefits of planning a concert just for our women’s groups? We have four women’s ensembles at OHS. An evening of performances by our women’s ensembles, featuring songs that depict the challenges and joys of womanhood, might really help our girls to see themselves in a whole new light. Check out the blog (coming soon on the MCDA website) for information on some pieces that might work for a night such as this. If you have ideas for songs that might work let me know and I will pass them along in the blog.

You might also consider a social event just for girls as a way to help them feel more appreciated and valued. A social event that is fun for all is a spa night. Our Women’s Chorale did this as a way to celebrate all their hard work in preparation for their MMEA performance and it was great fun! We met on a Friday evening at the home of one of the girls. We had salad and pasta, with a chocolate fountain and fruit for dessert. Three of my former students who are cosmetologists came to the event and did hair, or make up, or nails for each girl. The girls were over the moon!

If you have other ideas that have worked to help your girls feel more valued and appreciated, please share! If I can be of help to you in any way at all, please contact me. I can be reached by phone at 314-608-1878 or by email at e d m a r p a u @ a o l . c o m o r pmartin@mehlvilleschooldistrict.net.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=kV7l0uqOD_8