Texas Sings! Vol 26 No 3 Spring 2010

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TEXAS SINGS! VOLUME 26 NUMBER 3

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF TEXAS CHORAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION

SPRING 2010

55th Annual Convention

Rollo Dilworth Elementary Honor Choir

Lynne Gackle Middle School/Junior High

John Rutter

San Antonio July 28-31, 2010

Tim Lautzenheiser Student Leadership Workshop

T DA

Texas Choral Directors Association

Greater Tuna’s Jaston Willliams

NON-PROFIT U.S. Postage Paid Austin, Texas Permit No. 789

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TEXAS SINGS! Volume 26 Number 3 Spring 2010

OFFICERS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PRESIDENT

Amy Allibon, Fort Worth

Candidates for TCDA Board of Directors

4

President’s Page

PAST PRESIDENT

12

Bob Horton, The Woodlands

Convention 2010 Preview

COLLEGE/COMMUNITY VICE PRESIDENT

by Amy Allibon

Dr John Silantien, San Antonio

Performing Groups

HIGH SCHOOL VICE PRESIDENT

Twitter: How “Tweet” It Is!

Sharon Paul, Houston MIDDLE SCHOOL/JUNIOR HIGH VICE PRESIDENT

Clinicians and Conductors

ELEMENTARY VICE PRESIDENT

Accompanists

CHURCH VICE PRESIDENT

Thomas Coker, Houston SECRETARY/TREASURER

Kay Owens, Arlington EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

15

by Joelle Norris

Dianna L Jarvis, San Antonio Karen Gonzalez, Garland

13-14

16-17 19

Tentative Schedule

18-19

May I Have the Definition Please?

20

by Ronnie Sanders

Officer Comments

21

Dan L Wood, Austin EDITOR

Dan L Wood

On the Cover: John Rutter leads an impressive lineup headed to San Antonio for the 55th Annual TCDA Convention and New Music Reading Clinic, July 28-31 at the Henry B Gonzalez Convention Center. Rollo Dilworth returns to direct the Elementary Honor Choir. Tim Lautzenheizer will guide the Student Leadership Workshop.

Lynne Gackle’s sessions will focus on the adolescent female voice, and Jaston Williams will bring the humor of Greater Tuna to the TCDA BBQ.

ART DIRECTOR

James A Black, Coppell PUBLISHER

Good/Wood Associates PO Box 6472 Austin, Texas 78762

TEXAS

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Official Publication of the Texas Choral Directors Association 7900 Centre Park Drive, Suite A Austin, TX 78754 512/474-2801 Copyright 2010 by Texas Choral Directors Association. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the permission of the Executive Director. TCDA is an affiliate of ACDA

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TCDA Mission Statement The mission of TCDA is to support and foster the success of Texas choral directors and music teachers and to instill a love of music in every Texas school, church, and community singer.

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Candidates for TCDA Board of Directors Four Board members will be elected at the TCDA Convention in San Antonio.

To help you become familiar with the candidates, a short vita and personal statement by each candidate follow.

President Elect

Dianne Brumley is the Director of Choral Studies at the University of Texas at Brownsville where she conducts the University Master Chorale, teaches choral conducting and choral techniques, and guides the choral music education program. She is also the founding Conductor/Artistic Director of the South Texas Chorale and Festival Orchestra.

During her seven-year tenure with UT - Brownsville, the choral music program has grown significantly, involving students from around the South Texas area and beyond. Under Brumley’s direction, University Master Chorale students receive a multi-faceted choral music experience that has attained much acclaim, including international performances in Ireland and Italy.

Before coming to UT-Brownsville, Brumley was a successful music teacher in the public schools at the elementary, junior high, and high school levels and served as a public school fine arts administrator. Choirs under her direction have won numerous competitions and awards, were selected for honor performances at the TMEA Convention and ACDA regional and national conventions, and performed at the 4

TCDA Convention.

In addition to her other activities, Dianne serves as a frequent guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator throughout Texas and the United States and as an Arts and Entertainment Advisor for the city of Harlingen.

Previously, Brumley served as Vice President of the Church/Community Division of TCDA and as National Chairperson for Women’s Choruses for ACDA. She has also served in numerous regional and state capacities with TMEA and UIL. Mrs Brumley has been the recipient of many civic and professional awards including Distinguished Graduate from the School of Music at Southwest Texas State University, the Charles B Feldman Arts Award, and the AAUW Outstanding Women of Achievement Award. Most recently she was named a Woman of Note

by Texas State University, and was among 100 women honored at the dedication of the University’s permanent exhibit of Southwest Texas Women: The First Hundred Years.

Brumley holds degrees from Abilene Christian University and Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University at San Marcos). She has also studied conducting with Dr Kenneth Fulton, Dr Kenneth Davis, and with Professor Donald Neuen.

Dianne is married to Allan Brumley, a Harlingen businessman and community volunteer. The Brumleys have one son, Reagan, and daughter-in-law, Cayce, who make their home in Dallas.

If elected . . .

As I sit to write this “if elected” statement, I am reminded of a host of TCDA Convention experiences – joyfully crowded soirees, musical jewels found hidden in new reading packets, useful TEXAS√SINGS!

tips from best practices workshops, artistic concert performances, meaningful worship services, laugh-out-loud funny barbeque entertainment – and, I could go on and on. Beyond all that, though, what really comes to the fore, is you – my friends, my acquaintances, my colleagues – because, you are the Texas Choral Directors Association It is you that I desire to serve as president of our organization.

While the 21st century has brought a unique set of challenges, the needs of our membership must remain our focus.

If elected, I will bring a broad perspective and a varied collection of choral music experiences on which to base all considerations for you, our members, and the betterment of TCDA. Over my career I have been privileged to serve as an elementary music teacher, a junior high school choral director, a high school choral director, a fine arts administrator and, presently, a collegiate choral conductor and professor of music education. In addition I founded and have conducted a community chorus for 20 years. This experience, I believe, will enable me to have a solid understanding of the challenges and needs of each of our organization’s divisions and will help me in steering TCDA toward advocacy and nurturing of the choral art in Texas’ schools, universities, churches, and communities.

Over the years, TCDA has played a significant role in the development of my career. Now is the time for TCDA to play a similar role in the future development and recruitment of the next generation of choral directors from our best and brightest young musicians. If elected President of the Texas Choral Directors Association, I will consider it a privilege to serve you and the organization that has served me so well. √ Spring 2010

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President Elect

Beth Gove is in her 25th year of teaching and her 13th year as head choir director at Cedar Park HS in Leander ISD. Beth graduated from North Texas State University (now University of North Texas) with a BM in 1985. In 1992 she earned an MM from the University of Texas at Austin. Just so that you know, her graduation stole is about as ugly as they get – pink for music and burnt orange for UT. Love the subject (Go music!), love the school (Hook ’em Horns) but hate the stole.

Beth has served as TCDA Secretary Treasurer, TMEA Region Vocal Chair for Region 18, and is currently the Region Vocal Chair for Region 26. She is listed on the TMAA list as an active judge.

Beth has served as a section leader for both the All-State Mixed Choir and the All-State Women’s Choir and as section

leader twice at the UT-Austin All-State Choir Camp. She has directed The Boys State Choir in Austin. She has also been the site host for the Region 26 (previously Region 18) UIL Contest for the past seven years. Mrs Gove has composed three pieces of music which were selected by the UIL Sight Reading Committee One of those pieces, Spring, is currently listed on the UIL PML. She served as Worship Band leader for two years at Christ The Rock Lutheran Church in Round Rock. Beth is a member of TMEA, TCDA, PADI, and the Round Rock Public Library. Prior to teaching at Cedar Park HS, she was the assistant director at Leander HS. She previously taught in Round Rock ISD and began her teaching career in Harlingen ISD. Currently there are seven choirs at Cedar Park HS. They present three concerts annually, and a combined concert with their feeder school, a madrigal dinner, a princess tea, a jazz show, a Broadway show, a men’s concert, a spring theme show, and host elementary music camps throughout the year on school holidays. The CPHS choirs have consistently won sweepstakes at UIL Concert and Sight Reading competition. CPHS has had many AllState Choir members, including a record number of six in 2007.

Beth has been married to Pat for 24 years (she’s hoping for a big, sparkling rock for #25 – hope he reads this!).

Jeff Rice is in his 10th year as head choral director at Midway HS in Waco.

This is his 24th year as a Texas choral music educator. The MHS Choral

Music Department consists of 240 students in eight performing ensembles.

Mr Rice conducts the Midway High School Meistersingers, Chamber Singers, Varsity Men’s Choir, Select Men’s Choir, and Concert Men’s Choir.

His wife and associate director, Jannifer Rice, conducts the Varsity Women’s Choir, Select Women’s Choir, and Concert Women’s Choir.

Jeff ’s experience at TMEA in 198081 as a Texas All-State Choir member inspired him to attend Baylor University where he received his BME while singing under the direction of Dr Robert H Young, Dr John Dickson, and Dr Hugh Sanders. After teaching in the Houston area for five years, he moved to San Angelo to become the head director at John Glenn JH. Mr Rice’s choirs from

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Together they have a Great Dane, Kona, who is a world class jumper and chews on stuffed monkeys; a Dalmatian, Buddy, who can’t stop wagging his tail and smiling; a stealth cat, Newman; an ADHD cat, Kirby; and seven fish that are kind of boring. In her spare time (what’s that?) she loves to travel (especially to Grenada and Colorado), ski, hike, scuba dive, knit, and crochet.

If elected . . .

As President-Elect of TCDA I would: First of all, truly enjoy working for the choir directors of the state of Texas with a servant’s heart!

Provide a positive example of leadership by calling on my past experience as TCDA Secretary/Treasurer, TMEA Region Vocal Chair, and choir director for 25 years (I know, I look MUCH younger).

Work with the rest of the Board to provide practical workshops, great clinicians, and the best possible reading sessions.

Give back to the youngest in our profession by setting an example of and encouraging mentoring just as others have mentored, and continue to mentor, me (thanks, Nick).

Continue to make the TCDA Convention a time for everyone to see old friends, make new ones, come together and share, recharge, and get motivated for the upcoming year. √

• •

• • •

Glenn performed at the TMEA Convention in 1996 and 1999. While in San Angelo, he co-founded and served as conductor of the community San Angelo Singing Boys from 1990-1999.

In 2000, Jeff became the choir director at Midway where, in 1985, he had served as student teacher under Mr Howard L Thompson. MHS choirs have earned consistent sweepstakes awards at UIL contest and won outstanding performance awards at contests in Dallas, Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Colorado Springs, Seattle, and Toronto.

In 2006 the Meistersingers traveled on a concert tour of Germany and Austria.

In 2004 and 2008 the MHS Meistersingers performed in the historic St Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church in Continued on page 6 5

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President Elect Continued from page 5 New York City. They also performed at the 2007 TMEA Convention. In May 2010 the Meistersingers will travel to San Francisco on their spring tour.

In 2002 Mr Rice was involved in establishing the Music Enrichment Program at Midway HS. Currently, there are over 50 MHS Choir students taking private voice lessons during the school day through this program. This has been a contributing factor in many students earning TMEA and UIL region and state music honors. Several students also participate in NATS competitions with their MEP Instructors.

From 2005-07 Jeff was the TCDA High School Vice President. He has also served on the TCDA Ballot and Scholarship Committees, UIL Prescribed Music List Revision Committee, and the TMEA/TMAC Curriculum Committee.

As a member of TMAA, Jeff serves as a frequent adjudicator for UIL Concert and Sightreading contests and American

Don Shelley brings a broad base of choral and administrative experience to TCDA. As well as serving as Church Vice President on the TCDA Board of Directors, he successfully taught 14 years at the middle and high school levels in Plano and Mesquite. After feeling called to leave the classroom, Don has spent the past 10 years in full time ministry helping grow a church of over 2000 members in Rowlett. Most of you now know him as Sandy Shelley’s husband, or just Sarah and Scott’s dad, both names he wears with 6

Classics Music Festivals. He is a member of TMEA, TCDA, and ACDA. The most meaningful award Mr Rice has received as an educator was to be chosen as a Distinguished Educator by top ten-percent students at Midway HS. Each student selected a teacher who had a significant impact on his or her life.

Student and teacher were presented at the annual Midway Foundation “Showcase of Stars” banquet.

In addition to his full-time employment as a public school choral director, for many years Jeff has also been a parttime church musician serving Baptist, Methodist, Episcopal, and Disciples of Christ Churches in Houston, San Angelo, and Waco.

Besides his musical interests, Jeff enjoys spending time with his family, attending sports events, and working around the house. He and Jannifer have three children; daughter, Jordan, a Baylor University sophomore; son, Jonathan, a MHS senior; and son, Jarron, a MHS sophomore.

If elected . . .

great pride. He keeps in touch daily with the music education experience through each of their musical trials and triumphs.

While on the TCDA Board Shelley brought an ecumenical approach to the TCDA Convention, always aware of representation not only of denominations, but also making sure smaller church programs felt equally valued with larger ones. With the help of many talented people, he was able to coordinate two very moving worship experiences at our Conventions, showcasing some of Texas’ finest church music ministries. Away from the Conventions, Shelley has invested many hours as a representative for TCDA at the Choristers Guild gatherings establishing positive relationships with full and parttime church musicians from all over the nation as well as bringing in new vendors to our Convention.

and professionally. Every name for the past 30-plus years brings back great stories, some that I can even share! I would never dream of trading my education under Carroll Barnes at South Garland HS and Dr Ken Fulton while at Southwest Texas State University. I remember as a young teacher spending hours listening to Rosemary Heffley philosophize on music education and her life-long love of the arts.

Then I had the great pleasure of serving side by side with Michael O’Hern, Danny Detrick, and Bob Horton.

As President-Elect, I will strive to celebrate all divisions equally, providing educators and church musicians the tools they need to succeed at every level. I will keep the best of TCDA traditions while hoping to establish new scholarships honoring our living leaders. I hope to continue to celebrate the masters of our craft as well as encourage each of us to roll up our sleeves to help mentor the struggling beginning teacher and music minister, just like someone did for each of us. If you believe I can make a difference for you and others, I would consider it an honor to serve TCDA as your next President-Elect. √

If elected . . .

While considering what I would say in this writing, I sat staring at the Past Presidents page on the TCDA website.

It brought a flood of memories of people I have cherished both personally TEXAS√SINGS!

If elected President Elect of TCDA, I will: Encourage the love of singing among Texas music students, choral directors, and music teachers by providing meaningful opportunities for musical and professional development.

Collaborate with TCDA Board members to develop and implement innovative ways to fulfill TCDA’s mission of supporting Texas choral directors and music teachers.

Encourage the growth of TCDA through outreach programs to broaden the reach of our organization to choral directors and music teachers in more communities across Texas.

Continue to strengthen the relationship between TCDA and college/university choral music education students in our state.

Recognize and honor the remarkable history of TCDA while devising long-term goals that will ensure its future. √

• • • • •

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College/Community Division Vice President Research in Music Education, and Texas Research Reports. She is currently coauthoring a book with her husband, Mark, on developing a successful choral music program.

Vicki Baker has been actively involved in Texas choral music for the past 22 years, teaching students on the elementary, middle school, high school, and university levels. She currently serves as the Coordinator of Music Education at Texas Woman’s University.

Previously, she was Assistant Professor of Choral Music Education at The University of Texas at Arlington. She holds a BA from Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi, an MA from Texas Woman’s University, and a PhD from Texas Tech University.

During her 13-year tenure as a secondary choral director, Vicki’s choirs consistently earned Sweepstakes awards

at UIL contests and outstanding performance awards at festivals. She has served as conductor for TMEA All-Region Honor Choirs, choral clinician, and adjudicator at UIL contests throughout the state of Texas. She has written seven pieces for UIL Sight Reading Contest and has had choral works published by Shawnee Press, BriLee Music Publishing Co, and Southern Music Company.

Vicki has served TCDA as a clinician, and as a member of the Ballot Committee, Hospitality Committee, and Ways and Means Committee. As a member of TMEA, she has held the positions of Area G Vocal Chair, High School Vocal Region Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary, and a member of the Public Relations Committee. She currently serves on the TMEA College Division Research Committee and College Division Teacher Recruitment and Retention Task Force.

She is a member of TMAA, ACDA, MENC, Society for Research in Music Education, and the Society of Music Teacher Education.

Vicki has done a number of presentation sessions on the national and state levels, and staff development training for choral music educators. Her articles appear in Texas Sings!, ChorTeach, Southwestern Musician, Journal of Music Teacher Education, Journal of Historical

Dr Allen Hightower is the Director of Choral Studies at Sam Houston State University, Artistic Director of the Houston Masterworks Chorus, and Minister of Music at Tallowood Baptist Church in Houston. A native Texan, Allen has led high school, university, church, and community choirs during

his career in choral music.

Allen began his teaching career at Klein HS with Phil Raddin, and then led the choral program at Odessa Permian HS. During his fourth year at Permian, the Permian High School Kantorei was featured as an invited choir at the 1996 TMEA Convention. Dr Hightower continues to be highly active as a clinician of high school all-region, allstate, and honor choirs. Most recently he has guest conducted honor choirs in Alabama, Kansas, and Kentucky, and throughout Texas.

Following a year on the faculty of California State University, Long Beach, Dr Hightower returned to his undergraduate alma mater, Sam Houston State.

It was the fulfillment of a dream to return to Sam Houston and to continue the choral legacy of his teacher, Bev Henson. Allen’s choirs have been invited to perform for the 2003, 2006, and 2010 TMEA Conventions, the 2007 National

ACDA Convention in Miami, and the 2010 Southwest ACDA Convention in Denver. Highly committed to choral music education, Dr Hightower has been the choral mentor to a new generation of teachers through his work at Sam Houston.

Dr Hightower holds degrees from Sam Houston State, the Eastman School of Music, Baylor University, and UCLA, where he served as conducting assistant to Donald Neuen. From 1997-2000, Allen served as the Conducting Intern with the Los Angeles Master Chorale and worked closely with Paul Salamunovich.

In 1997 Allen won first prize in the ACDA National Conducting Competition held in San Diego.

Allen has been highly active in TCDA, having served as a reading session conductor, reading session accompanist, and college student conducting symposium coach. He has also served as a Continued on page 8

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If elected . . .

If I am elected to the TCDA Board, I will contribute the knowledge I have gained from teaching on the elementary, middle school, high school, and college levels, as well as my experience as a church choral director, to view issues facing TCDA from a global perspective. I would like to work with other members of the Board to find ways to encourage more pre-service teachers to attend TCDA and take advantage of the wealth of training that is offered each summer.

One of my goals as a college professor is to equip students with the tools they need to be successful, particularly during those critical early years. Through TCDA, pre-service teachers have the opportunity to network and interact with veteran teachers, who can potentially serve as mentors when they begin their teaching career. Further, I believe it should be the goal of all teachers to encourage students to be life-long participants in music, through involvement in community and church musical ensembles after graduation. √

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College/Community Division Vice President

I began attending TCDA while an undergraduate at Sam Houston. My first memories of the Convention include singing in a TCDA College Symposium Choir conducted by Donald Bailey who had recently come to Texas as Director of Choral Activities at Texas Tech University. Through the years of my development as a teacher and choral director, TCDA has been highly significant to my personal growth in our profession.

Having served as Director of Choral Studies at Sam Houston State University for 10 years, and as Artistic Director of the Houston Masterworks Chorus for

five years, I am confident that I have a realistic perspective on the needs of the college and community constituency of TCDA. It would be my ambition to work to create more opportunities for the college and university choral directors of our state to know each other and to share ideas. I would work to create both reading and interest sessions for the collegiate conductors, featuring outstanding guest clinicians. I would create informal opportunities for younger collegiate directors to discuss the profession with both seasoned and retired college directors. I would also continue the outstanding opportunity that our college students are given to actively conduct on one of the Convention’s reading sessions. Furthering the emphasis upon college student participation, I would work to create additional sessions for the students focused on important topics such as conducting and rehearsal techniques, choral

literature, and the unique challenges of being a new teacher. TCDA provides an excellent opportunity for young choral directors to be mentored by our outstanding veteran teachers.

I would work to create exciting experiences for the community choir directors within our association by featuring outstanding community and professional choirs in performance at the Convention. I would organize sessions dealing with the unique challenges of leading community choirs, symphony choruses, and professional choirs. Bringing together the many gifted community chorus directors of our state would provide opportunities for shared ideas on such topics as budgets, repertoire, audience building, and recruiting.

Like you, I love this organization and the people who make Texas the very finest place in the nation to teach and to conduct choral music. It would be my great privilege to serve TCDA. √

recitals serving as coach/accompanist for such diverse artists are Jennie Olson, Maria Jette, Timothy Jones, Cheryl Parrish, and Juli Wood.

Joey earned his DMA in choral conducting from the UT-Austin where he studied conducting with Craig Hella Johnson, piano with Betty Mallard, and voice with Martha Deatheridge. He earned his MM and BME (Vocal/ Choral) from Southwestern Oklahoma State University where he studied voice with Dr Charles Chapman and piano with Dr James Breckenridge.

Joey M Martin is a musician regarded for his diverse musical interests, engaging artistry, and passionate enthusiasm for the choral art. He is professor of music at Texas State University-San Marcos and serves as the Associate Director for the School of Music and Director of Choral Activities, teaching graduate courses in choral conducting, choral literature and vocal pedagogy. Dr Martin has been recognized as a Favorite Professor at Texas State as well as the School of Music Professor of Distinction both in Teaching and Service. During his time at Texas State he has directed four of the six

university choirs. Choirs under his direction have appeared at the Southwest Division of ACDA, the International Kodàly Festival, the TMEA Convention, and National Endowment for the Arts.

During the summer of 2005 he traveled with Texas State Chorale giving concerts in Vienna, Budapest, Salzburg, and Prague. In 2007 he returned to Europe with VocaLibre for a week of shared learning at the Slovakian National Conservatory in Bratislava.

In addition to his work at Texas State, Dr Martin has served as the artistic director for the Alamo City Men’s Chorale and is currently music director for historic First Protestant Church in New Braunfels. He joins Craig Hella Johnson and Michelle Schumann to form the creative team for the Victoria Bach Festival. His schedule is filled with engagements as guest conductor/clinician throughout the US, Europe, South Africa, and England. Recent engagements include conducting the Connecticut ACDA Women’s Honor Choir, Conducting Professor for the Transient Glory Choral Symposium and Festival at NYU, and conductor for Honor Choir USA in Honolulu, Hawaii. As a pianist, he also enjoys collaborating with vocal artists in

Continued from page 7 conducting clinician for several TCDA Conventions. He is a member of TMEA, ACDA, and the board of the National Choral Conductors Organization. Allen and his wife, Kristin, are the proud parents of two daughters, Caroline and Julianne Hightower.

If elected . . .

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If elected . . .

If elected to the TCDA Board I shall embrace the responsibilities and duties with energy and enthusiasm. In addition to sustaining the current programs for the College Division, as the College/Community Vice President I will strive to increase the opportunities and resources for those teaching in colleges and universities as well as our students.

Developing on-line resources, establishing a “shared library”, and stimulating greater participation at our state Convention by college/university professors and students are issues that I will eagerly pursue. √ Spring 2010

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Elementary Division Vice President

Karen Herrera is in her third year serving as Director of Fine Arts for the McAllen ISD. Originally from the Houston area, Mrs Herrera graduated with a BME and Vocal Performance Certificate from the UT-Austin. While attending UT, Mrs Herrera was a threeyear member of the UT Chamber Singers under the direction of Dr Morris Beachy.

Mrs Herrera has 24 years experience in public education serving at the elementary, middle, and high school levels as teacher, director, and assistant principal. She earned her Master’s in Educational Administration from the UT-Pan American in Edinburg in 1998

and is currently working on her Doctoral Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with Texas A&M-College Station. Mrs Herrera hopes to receive her Executive Ed D in December of 2012. Mrs Herrera is also in her second year serving as TMEA Region 15 Elementary Division Chair.

As Director of Fine Arts, Mrs Herrera supervises a staff of over 146 fine arts specialists and oversees eight fine arts divisions including elementary music, winds, orchestra, choral, dance, theatre arts, visual arts, and mariachi. In her three years in this position, Mrs Herrera has been responsible for a $344,000 district instrument and equipment upgrade for the secondary music programs, the development of an elementary Suzuki string program, and instrumental in her district’s being awarded a three-year arts grant from the Department of Education totaling approximately three quarters of a million dollars. Mrs Herrera serves as project director for this federal grant program, appropriately named “ARTScope” that trains elementary education teachers to infuse music, theater and art into core subject instruction. Karen also serves as Secretary on the Executive Board of the Valley Symphony Association. She is a

Phyllis King is the Instructional Specialist for Fine Arts in Killeen ISD.

With over 27 years experience (Conroe ISD, Hays CISD, Killeen ISD, Plano ISD), a BME (K-12 Vocal), an MA (Kodály Pedagogy) from Sam Houston State University, and a year of study at the Franz Liszt Academy in Budapest, Hungary, Phyllis enjoys working with teachers and students alike. She has conducted numerous workshops, inservice presentations, choral clinics, and Kodály training classes at the local, state, and national levels. She has been a national board member of the Organization of American Kodály Educators and is a Past President of Kodály Educators of Texas. Phyllis is an active member of TMEA, TCDA, ASCD (principal level), KET, OAKE, and IKS.

member of TMEA, TCDA, and TMAC. Mrs Herrera is on staff at the First UMC McAllen where she serves as contemporary worship leader and acts as lead vocalist, keyboard, and rhythm guitar player in the worship band on Sunday mornings. She is the mother of four children ages 21, 20, 17, and 15. Her oldest child will graduate from UTAustin in May of 2010 and her second oldest is currently a sophomore at the UT-San Antonio.

If elected . . .

It is absolutely an honor to be nominated for TCDA Elementary Vice President. I am committed to the support and advancement of music and arts education in the great state of Texas, particularly at the elementary level which is so critical to a child’s development, and yet, where so many of our children are underserved. As a member of the TCDA Board, I would strive to expand TCDA by encouraging teachers to become active TCDA members and I would continue the hard work of the TCDA Board to provide outstanding summer Conventions. One of my goals is to increase the offerings for and participation of elementary music specialists at our Conventions. √

If elected . . .

If elected to the TCDA Board, I will continue to uphold the high standards set for music selection, session design, and clinician choice, at all levels. While I truly believe that the strength of a choral program begins with a healthy foundation at the elementary level, I also know that we learn best as we work together. I would enjoy collaborating with the Board members to serve the TCDA membership by helping to host a quality Convention overall and provide support to the elementary division in particular. Thank you for this opportunity. It’s an honor to be nominated! √

2010 Convention Exhibit Hours Exhibits open Wednesday from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, and will close Friday at 4:00 pm – not open Saturday.

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Church Division Vice President

Kristen Gossett is in her 10th year as director of music ministry at First UMC in Wichita Falls. During that time the number of volunteers in the music ministry has more than doubled to over 200 participants. Before coming to FUMC, she was choral director at Wichita Falls HS for 11 years where her choir performed for TMEA, St Patrick’s Cathedral, and Riverside Church in NYC, Trinity Church in Boston, and was named “Best in Class” at the New England Choral Festival. She received the Texas Excellence Award for outstanding high school teachers. Prior to her teaching experience, she was in the retail music business with her father, Max Kreutz. Max Kreutz House of Music served the North Texas area for more than 40 years. Her parents, Max and Ava Kreutz, served as Minister of Music and organist at First Presbyterian Church for 38 years, and provided a rich musical heritage for Kristen.

After graduating from Wichita Falls HS, Karen studied at Southern Methodist University with Dr Lloyd Pfautsch and then moved to Houston where she studied with Dr Ray Moore and earned her BME from the University of Houston. Mrs Gossett has also studied choral conducting under Dr Bev Henson, Renee Clausen, Anton Armstrong, and John Ferguson. She served as secretary-treasurer for Region II Vocal Division, TMAA Committee of

TCDA Members On-Line TexasSings.org 10

Standards of Adjudication and Performance Practices and the board of the Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra.

Professional affiliates include TMAA, TMEA, TCDA, ACDA, and Choristers Guild.

Under her direction, the music ministry of FUMC has four graded children and youth choirs, two adult choral ensembles, three handbell/handchime choirs, a multi-generational orchestra, and Musikgarten classes for infants and toddlers. The FUMC Chancel Choir has performed for Methodist Annual Conferences, the Lutheran Missouri Synod Conference, St Patricks Cathedral, St John the Divine, and, on a tour of Boston, sang at Old West, Old South, and Old North Churches. In 2006 the Chancel Choir performed “A Choral Worship” under the direction of Dr Anton Armstrong, and in 2007, a hymn festival, “We Sing The Story”, with Dr John Ferguson.

Mrs Gossett and her husband, Jerry, have been married for 40 years and their family includes their son, Jeff; Brad and his wife, Julie; Cullen and his wife, Emily; and their granddaughters, Ava and Anna.

If elected . . .

It is an honor to be nominated for the position of Church Vice President.

TCDA has been an invaluable source of inspiration to me and has provided me with a wealth of knowledge, both in my public school teaching and in my sacred music position. It would be a privilege to serve this organization.

In these tough economic times, we see school districts and other fine arts organizations having to cut staff, funding, and programs at an alarming rate. The music ministry changes lives and lifts spirits, and can “fill the gap” left by declining fine arts opportunities in the public sector.

“Church music is not about performance, but ministry. Every piece, every service is a great moment.”

– Austin Lovelace

I recently read an article written by Walt Mueller, Founder and President of the Center for Parent/Youth Understanding. He talked about what his church family and sacred music experience had meant in his life. I, too, had a similar experience growing up in the church music ministry and feeling like I was a part of a large family that loved me and was always there to lift me up in good times and bad. Now that I am a church music director, I realize more deeply than ever before that God has given me the gift of being surrounded and influenced by diverse members of His body. It is a humbling experience each week to see dedicated volunteers who are “regular and committed” to the gifts with which God has blessed them, using those gifts to serve and inspire others in worship and mission. God’s handiwork is evident in the continuing success of our music ministries. I feel it is our duty and honor as church musical directors to provide exciting opportunities for those who sing in choirs and play instruments, to faithfully plant and nurture seeds, and TCDA helps us do that.

It is my hope that TCDA will continue to provide: 1. Education and inspiration to all those who lead music programs in our churches as well as our schools 2. Exciting and creative ideas for worship 3. Reading sessions with a wealth of resources for great choral literature for all ages.

4. Professional support from its informed and talented membership.

TCDA’s rich tradition has provided us with a wealth of knowledge and support and it is my goal to continue to help assess the needs of our membership and plan creative programs rich with opportunities for musical growth and interaction. ‘”How often, making music, we have found a new dimension in the world of sound, as worship moved us to a more profound Alleluia!” – Fred Pratt Green

The TCDA Member Database is password protected. We hope this is not inconvenient, but rather, serves to protect member privacy. Entry is very simple for members. When you click on “Member Database”, you will be asked for a username and password. Enter tcda and 2009 and you’re in!

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2010 Spring v.9: 2005 Spring Texas Sings! FINAL 4/13/10 5:45 PM Page 11

Church Division Vice President (ACF), ASCAP, NATS, Phi Kappa Phi, TCDA, and TMEA. Greg has been included in Who’s Who in America since 2006.

He and Kathy have two children, Danya and Matthew.

Gregory M Pysh is in his 14th year as Minister of Music for the First Presbyterian Church of Midland. The First Presbyterian Sanctuary Choir, in addition to leading traditional worship each Sunday, has presented works ranging from the Ninth Symphony of Beethoven to the Sacred Concert of Duke Ellington, and has performed in Edinburgh’s St Giles Cathedral, Canterbury Cathedral, and New York’s Carnegie Hall. His youth choirs have presented works ranging from Godspell to original musicals on the lives of Abraham and Elijah. Before Midland, he served churches in Tennessee and Ohio.

Born in Sharon PA, he graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Music Degree in vocal performance from Youngstown State University, and a

Master of Music Degree in choral conducting and voice performance from Bowling Green State University.

Choral experience includes: Elementary – Volunteer accompanist for the Bowie Fine Arts Academy Choir, a newly formed magnet school of the Midland ISD. The Choir is conducted by his wife, Kathy, a 26-year veteran teacher.

College and University – Conductor of the Vocal Ensemble and instructor in music theory, composition, and private voice for the University of Texas of the Permian Basin. Teacher of History of Rock and Roll and private voice at Midland College.

Community and Professional Choirs – Founder and Artistic Director for Musica Sacra, a professional chorus and orchestra known in the Permian Basin for their free Super Bowl Sunday concerts.

Publications – Choral and handbell compositions can be found in the catalogues of various publishers including Beckenhorst, Kjos, and Lawson-Gould. Recipient of the ASCAP PLUS Excellence Award annually since 1994. Editorials on the choral art have appeared on the pages of the Choral Journal, Choristers Guild Letters, ACDA Student Times, and The American Spirit.

Professional memberships include ACDA, American Composers Forum

Greg Shapley serves as Minister of Music & Worship at First UMC in Hurst, a suburb of Fort Worth. In his 18th year there, he oversees a Music Ministry involving over 200 volunteers, four staff

members, a fine arts academy offering private and group music lessons, and a concert series. Over the past few years, the Music Ministry has grown considerably. Newly established programs include the presentation of major choral works, summer pops concerts, and composer weekends. Featured composer/clinicians have included Allen Pote, Z Randall Stroope, Andre Thomas, Joseph Martin, Ken Medema, and Earlene Rentz.

The Music Ministry presents Festival of Carols for the community each Christmas with full orchestra and chorus, presents children’s musicals, offers Kindermusik classes, various concerts throughout the year, and hosts a Music Camp for children during the summer. Past choir tours have included England, Scotland, New York City, and

Washington, DC Greg grew up in Texas and was a member of the All-State Band and AllState Choir. He attended Arizona State University, where he earned a BM in Vocal Performance in 1988. He continued his studies at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and received a MM in Vocal Performance in 1991. He served as the Director of Music at First Christian Church in Amarillo for six years, the Director of the Amarillo Boy Choir for five years, and directed choirs at Amarillo HS for one year, working with Dan Hood. Under his direction the Amarillo Boy Choir appeared on the TMEA Elementary Honor Concert in 1992.

Greg taught private voice in the Lake Highlands Area of Richardson ISD. Continued on page 19

Spring 2010

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If elected . . .

It is an honor to be nominated to be Church Vice President of the Texas Choral Directors Association. We are truly blessed to be part of an organization that sets the standard in all areas of the choral art. The leadership of TCDA has set a very high professional level for our association, and I will work diligently to continue to uphold the quality of not only our Convention, but also our presence in the forefront of choral music in America.

As the world of church music continues to evolve and change each year, I will strive to offer sessions at our Convention that will provide resources relevant to the variety of congregations we serve as part-time and full-time musicians.

If elected, I would use the great consortium of church musicians in our state to provide expertise in the areas of congregational singing, repertoire, and other areas of emphasis in the ministry of music. Furthermore, I would place a high priority on educating church professionals about TCDA and all of its many benefits. √

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President’s Page

Inspired is Required by TCDA President Amy Allibon

H

earing Benjamin Zander, the conductor of the Boston Philharmonic, speak at TMEA inspired me.

I attended the general session where he was the keynote speaker, and propped myself up for the 9:30 pm session on Friday night. I found myself captivated by the energy of this man, an energy that magically negated my body’s usual 10:00 pm bed time. After the convention I bought the book he co-authored, The Art of Possibility, and devoured it quickly.

Zander, a man who has obviously dealt with a slew of his own personal demons, writes that we should teach in a way that inspires students to contribute, and not simply control them.

Without a say in their destiny and music-making, players are disgruntled and left feeling unappreciated. Zander now places a blank piece of paper on each player’s stand before rehearsal and invites them to write comments. He collects the “white sheets” post rehearsal, reads them, and is enlightened and taught by what they have written. The white sheets create a connection to each player, not just the concert master or principle player in each section. The book is full of anecdotes that reveal his quest to build relationships with the players in his ensembles and to allow them to be part of the music-making paradigm, not simply robots to execute his every musical whim.

Zander was present at TMEA to lead the All-State Symphony Orchestra in the Shostakovich Symphony No. 5. He spoke so passionately about the piece and the All-State students that I was compelled to attend the performance.

As I took my seat off to the side where I could not only hear the performance but also watch Zander’s expressions, I became aware of a man sitting nearby on the floor with his laptop open, plugged into an outlet, clicking away.

Inwardly, I applauded his ability to find

12

President Amy Allibon

the electrical outlet and maximize the minutes prior to the downbeat of the concert. But as Zander took the stage and the keyboard clicking continued, I flashed a dismayed “Are you JOKING?” look his way, which was ignored. For the next 40 minutes, I sat in awe as I listened to the Shostakovich and the level of musicianship of the high school instrumentalists. All of the symbolism of which Zander spoke came to life, and as he conducted his controversial tempo in the closing section of the last movement, I thought I might jump out of my seat. I was filled with the spirit of possibility for my own students and the wonder of music. I leapt to my feet with the crowd after the final note, applauded wildly, and waited in the long line to shake the maestro’s hand to congratulate him. Sadly, the director on the floor with his laptop missed it – he chose to bury himself in solo and ensemble entries throughout the concert instead.

That’s what he said he was working on when asked. While I could easily digress to rant about concert etiquette, what upset me as much as his disregard for other audience members was what he had missed by only superficially paying attention to the music, if at all. Had the TEXAS√SINGS!

paperwork and deadlines of his job taken over his artistic soul and robbed him of all aesthetic awareness and enjoyment? It would appear so. How tragic. I wondered what Zander would say to the misguided man, and knew that he would have some colorful language to size up that situation.

As artists and educators, we have to fill our souls with inspiration. If we do not replenish our spirits, we wither into a pedantic way of uninspired teaching. I ashamedly admit that I was so buried in teaching during the early years of my career that I quit attending live performances or singing anywhere other than in my classroom. What a mistake! Our very craft relies on our artistic souls being nurtured and revived outside of our own rehearsals. This alone is reason to attend the TCDA Convention this summer. What a phenomenal Convention this fabulous Board has planned for you! Many of the divisional vicepresidents have been working for two years on this Convention. I encourage you to read their articles so you can see that John Rutter, Lynn Gackle, Tim Lautzenheiser, and Rollo Dillworth are coming to invigorate us. Each Board member has meticulously planned a wonderful Convention that promises to inspire even those of us who have been around for a long time. Do not miss the wonderful sessions, the new works by John Rutter and Judith Herrington that will be premiered, and the 13 new music reading sessions that will give you new repertoire for next year and beyond.

Student Leadership Day – July 30

I am very excited that the 55th TCDA Convention will involve a day for the student leaders of state high school choral programs. The morning will include a two-hour leadership workshop

by Dr Tim Lautzenheiser, and afternoon sessions will include pertinent topics: Spring 2010

2010 Spring v.9: 2005 Spring Texas Sings! FINAL 4/13/10 5:45 PM Page 13

how to prepare to be a music major, and how to prepare better for All-State auditions. Students will also have full access to the exhibit hall. This is an ideal day for your upperclassmen student officers at a nominal cost.

Please see the application in this issue or on the TCDA website. Pre-registration

by June 15 for this event is required.

Because of limited space, on-site registration will not be available.

Awards Nominations

I invite you to consider nominating a worthy Texas choral director as recipient of either the Texas Choral Excellence

Award or the Young Director of Distinction. This is the first time that nominations for the Texas Choral Excellence Award have been opened to the membership. The criteria for the awards are clearly listed on the nomination form found on the TCDA website. Nominations and letters of recommendation are due May 15. The Board will consider all nominations submitted with the appropriate letters of recommendation, and winners will be announced at the Business Meeting on July 30.

Running for the TCDA Board

Are you interested in serving on the

TCDA Board of Directors? We are currently seeking candidates for the office of Secretary, MS/JH Vice President, and HS Vice President. These elections will occur during the 2011 Convention.

If you would like to be considered for nomination, please submit your letter of interest including the number of years you have attended the TCDA Convention, a resume highlighting achievements and leadership positions, and a headshot to the nominating committee chairman, Danny Detrick (Danny_Detrick @birdville.k12.tx.us), by June 1. You will be notified by July 1 if selected for the 2011 ballot. √

PERFORMING GROUPS

The Texas Voices

Founded by Artistic Director Alan Dyer, The Texas Voices is a non-profit, professional vocal chamber ensemble dedicated to promoting excellence in the choral arts through: Providing professional performance opportunities for area musicians and composers Supporting the development and performance of quality choral literature Bringing exceptional choral music to the community Encouraging professional development and music education

• • • •

Spring 2010

•

more than 25 new choral works, most of which were written by Texas composers.

In 2005 the chorus welcomed Debra Scroggins as its first Composer-inResidence. In 2007 the chorus was the featured artist on WRR Classical 101.1 FM’s hour-long radio program, Music of the Metroplex. In 2008 The Texas Voices released its first CD, Voices Live.

Alan Dyer is a widely respected choral director, performer, and music educator. In addition to his duties with The Texas Voices, Dyer is music associate at First Unitarian Church of Dallas.

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13

Supporting community outreach activities Based in Plano, the ensemble gave its debut performance in May 2003 and Alan Dyer has gained national recognition for its polished, nuanced sound and innovative repertoire. To date the chorus has premiered

2010 Spring v.9: 2005 Spring Texas Sings! FINAL 4/13/10 5:45 PM Page 14

PERFORMING GROUPS He is also the principal accompanist for the Children’s Chorus of Greater Dallas and an adjunct professor at Texas Woman’s University.

Dyer has worked with renowned choral directors such as Dr Lloyd

Pfautsch and Cynthia Nott. He earned an MM from Southern Methodist University and a bachelor’s degree in piano performance from Dallas Baptist University. He has also completed doctoral courses at the University of North Texas.

Dyer is active in ACDA, TCDA, and AGO. He has toured throughout the United States and Europe. In July 2006, Dyer was the guest organist for a special mass at St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, Rome. √

San Antonio Vocal Arts Ensemble

S

an Antonio Vocal Arts Ensemble is a unique ancient world music ensemble that accompanies ancient vocal music on a diverse collection of early and traditional instruments from the Middle East, Europe, and North and South America. The group made its debut in 1989 at San Antonio’s historic San Fernando Cathedral, presenting Latin American music from the colonial period. In the years that have followed, SAVAE has made six recordings, and been heard on the soundtrack of a major Hollywood release, on television documentaries, and on National Public Radio broadcasts. SAVAE has toured throughout the United States from New York to Seattle, and from Baton Rouge to Milwaukee. The International Baroque Festival of Bolivia presented SAVAE in its Misiones Chiquitos series, marking the ensemble’s foreign debut.

With its home in the United States’ most colorful Latino city, it is no surprise that SAVAE made its mark with unique recordings of ancient music from Latin America, including the Billboard magazine-charting Guadalupe: Virgen de los Indios. SAVAE’s inventive approach to the fusion of Pre-Colombian and European musical elements won the ensemble an invitation to record Academy Awardwinning composer Todd Boekelheide’s original score for the award-winning documentary, Discovering Dominga.

SAVAE’s recording of ancient Middle Eastern music, Ancient Echoes, features the ensemble’s exploration of music and dialects from the Holy Land. It was

14

World Library Publications’ (SAVAE’s record label) number-one seller for two consecutive years, and received rave reviews for its inspiring blend of scholarly research and creative flair. Director Ridley Scott included a track from that recording in his 2005 feature film, The Kingdom of Heaven.

The ensemble’s Artistic Director, Christopher Moroney, has created groundbreaking new compositions and arrangements for SAVAE, delving deeply into the history and culture of the music he prepares for the group to perform and record. He has travelled to Mexico, Peru, Bolivia, and Palestine/ Israel to conduct research. His exciting reconstruction of Aztec ceremonial music won Moroney a commission to compose a piece for The Sport of Life and Death, a traveling museum exhibition of Pre-Colombian artifacts related to Aztec culture. Musicologist Theodore Burg called Moroney’s work on Ancient Echoes “well-researched, well-recorded musical journey . . . with an intriguing, timeless effect.” World Library Publications publishes TEXAS√SINGS!

Moroney’s compositions and arrangements for SAVAE. SAVAE has been featured on national radio shows including NPR’s Performance Today, Sound & Spirit, Latino USA, The Savvy Traveler, and Weekend Edition. Angela Mariani has twice featured the ensemble in hour-long specials on her early music program Harmonia. Producer John Dilberto travelled to San Antonio to record a “Livingroom Concert” for his public radio show, and SAVAE recorded an encore appearance for his Echoes program at Indre Studio in Philadelphia. Reports about SAVAE and its spirited approach to early world music have appeared in major daily papers including The Los Angeles Times, The Dallas Morning News, Kansas City Star, Houston Chronicle, Chicago Sun Times, and via API and other wire services to cities far and wide.

The members of the San Antonio Vocal Arts Ensemble are: Kathy Mayer – soprano, wind instruments, harp, bowed instruments Tanya Moczygemba – mezzosoprano, percussion Covita Moroney – (founder and manager) alto, plucked instruments, percussion Christopher Moroney – (artistic director) bass/baritone, wind instruments, percussion Jody Noblett – baritone, wind instruments, percussion Lee P’Pool – tenor, percussion Sonya Yamin – soprano, percussion. √

• • • • • • •

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2010 Spring v.9: 2005 Spring Texas Sings! FINAL 4/13/10 5:45 PM Page 15

Twitter: How “Tweet” It is!

by Joelle Norris

“S

he never brings anything home to me! I didn’t even know we were selling Krispy Kreme until last night! The orders are due today?

When is the concert again?”

These are all things we’ve all heard numerous times and in various forms throughout a school year. It can be frustrating to send notes home to communicate with parents and then realize they aren’t ever getting there; important information is often left crumpled at the bottom of a backpack, stuffed in a choir folder, or even left on the risers for you to pick up after the class has left. However, we all know that effective communication with our students and parents is a sure way that we can organize our programs and solve a lot of problems before they happen.

Parents want to know what’s going on and making sure that they have the information they want is a sure way to keep them on our side.

Within the past few years, new technology has offered us new and improved ways to solve many of these problems, and also make life much easier for us. There are several tools available to make our communication more effective and efficient.

Joelle Norris is Director of Choirs at Olive Branch HS in Olive Branch MS. She earned her BME from Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester NY and her MME from Florida State University where she studied under Dr Judy Bowers, Dr Kevin Fenton, and Dr Andre Thomas. She currently serves as the R&S Chair for Women’s Choirs on the Mississippi ACDA Board. She co-directs the Northwest Mississippi Youth Chorale with her husband, Reese, and is a Pianist and Youth Choir Director at Hernando UMC. Joelle may be reached at olivebranchchoirs@yahoo.com.

“How “Tweet” It Is” is reprinted with permission from The Choral Advocate, member newsletter of the Mississippi Chapter of ACDA.

Spring 2010

E-Mail

• Email cannot get left in the choir room or at the bottom of the backpack.

Email does not waste paper.

Email does not force you to make more copies or save copies for the student who was absent that day.

Email is our friend! We love email!

Set up an email account just for your choir, something easy that parents will be able to remember. Ours is olivebranchchoirs@yahoo.com. Use a service (yahoo, google, hotmail, etc) that is the easiest for you to navigate.

Send home one last note with the students asking parents (and students if you want their addresses as well) to email you at your new email address from the email address that they use most often. They can simply type “subscribe” in the subject line and then you can save the address to your address book when you receive the email. You could also have the students or parents fill out an information sheet with their preferred email address on it and then enter each one in yourself, but there is more room for error here and a much larger time commitment involved!

Create an email group with all the addresses for the current school year.

Every time you have an announcement or important information to send home, you can simply enter the group name in the TO: field, type your announcement and send. You can even add attachments with permission slips or flyers. If you have students that do not have printers at home, you can simply direct them to the library or keep a few extra copies on hand at your desk.

• •

Facebook

There are over 250 million active Facebook users with over 120 million users that log on to Facebook at least once a day (www.facebook.com/press/ info.php?statistics). Many students spend more time on Facebook than they do on their homework every day! A Facebook account is very easy to set up; just go to www.facebook.com and TEXAS√SINGS!

follow the instructions! At first you may have some difficulty finding your way around, but after a little exploring it becomes very easy to use.

The simplest way to use this as a communication tool is to post status updates reminding your students about upcoming events. For example, “Joelle is reminding all her students that they should get off Facebook and go study for their sightsinging test tomorrow!”

You can create groups (similar to email) to send your students messages. The benefit here is that when someone responds, everyone you emailed can see the response and the whole “thread” of messages. It is great for group discussions! I often use that for brainstorming ideas with my student officers or for trying to set up a meeting time so that everyone can attend.

Twitter

Next to Facebook, Twitter is probably the most mentioned social tool in the news, on primetime television and by students and adults alike. As an avid Facebook user, I didn’t really see the point of Twitter at first. It just seemed like a watered down version of Facebook to me – you add friends that you “follow” and therefore you can see their “tweets”, which are really just “status updates” in Facebook lingo.

However, Twitter can actually be a very helpful communication tool for our programs. Create a Twitter account for your group. Just go to www.twitter.com and follow the sign-up instructions. It is very user friendly and self-explanatory.

After you create your account, your parents and students can create their own accounts and start “following” your group. If they activate their mobile device, every time you “tweet” they will get a text notification sent directly to their cell phone. What a great way to allow you to send messages to parents and students in real time! Often, an email message may not be read until the information in it has expired. With Continued on page 27

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CLINICIANS

Donald Bailey

Shawn Bell

Tammy Benton

Richard Bjella

Ann Burbridge

Christina Chapman

Rollo Dilworth

Denise Eaton

Billy Ferguson

David Frego

Lynne Gackle

Kari Gilberton

Michael Hawn

Jodie Johnson

Jan Lancaster

Jerry McCoy

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Darla Meek

Colleen Norton

Troy Peters

Joel Price

TEXAS√SINGS!

Heather Orr

Spring 2010

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CLINICIANS

Marsha Robinson

John Rutter

Jo Scurlock-Dillard

Neena Taylor

Mike Ware

Greg Shapley Continued from page 11

CONDUCTORS

Greg has been married to Sessalie for 22 years. They live in Bedford with their three children.

If elected . . .

Jason Brown

Rollo Dilworth

Alan Dyer

Tim Lyles

Michael Lysinger

Candy McComb

Diane Owen

Denise Pitcock

I would appreciate the opportunity to serve TCDA in this capacity.

Realizing that each church musician’s situation is unique, I would like to see TCDA continue to expand its vision to include offerings for every church musician regardless of church size, worship style, or denomination.

Address the Members INFO BOX OR Mailing labels for TCDA members are available at 7¢ per label (21¢ for electronic list). Select the entire membership (about 1950) or select by division or ZIP code range.

Call or write for info:

FILLER AD

Milton Pullen

Lora Robison

LaHonda Sharp

Gloria Stephens

7900 Centre Park Dr Ste A Austin TX 78754 512/474-2801 Dan@TexasSings.org Joe Weir

Spring 2010

Michelle Willey

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Texas Choral Directors Association 55th Annual Convention and New Music Reading Clinic July 28 - 31, 2010, San Antonio

Tentative Schedule (This schedule is not definite; event times and or places may change before Convention.)

10:30 am 12 noon - 10:00 pm 2:00 - 6:00 pm 3:00 - 7:00 pm 3:00 - 6:00 pm 5:00 - 6:00 pm 6:00 - 8:00 pm 7:00 am - 6:00 pm 7:00 am - 10:30 pm 8:00 am

9:15 am

10:00 am - 6:00 pm 10:30 am 12:30 am - 4:00 pm 12:30 pm

1:45 pm

3:00 pm 4:15 pm 7:00 pm

7:00 am - 11:00 pm 7:30 - 5:30 pm 8:00 - 11:00 am 8:00 am 18

Wednesday, July 28 Golf Tournament Barry Talley, Organizer Child Care Available EL Honor Choir Registration/Rehearsal Registration Open Exhibits Open College Student Meeting Soiree

The Quarry 209, 211 214 Exhibit Hall C Exhibit Hall C 207B Marriott Riverwalk Hotel

Thursday, July 29 Registration Open Exhibit Hall C Child Care Available 209, 211 Col/Com: Conducting Masterclass, Dr Jerry McCoy, Dr Richard Bjella 206 EL: Honor Choir Rehearsal 214 EL: Rehearsal Techniques I, Dr Rollo Dilworth 214 Reading Session: Sacred U/2-Pt, Lora Robison, conductor 217 Reading Session: Pop/Jazz, Denise Pitcock, conductor BR C EL: Teaching Music Through Childrens Literature, Billy Ferguson 206 Ch: Congregational Singing, Dr Michael Hawn 207 HS: CSI Choir, Denise Eaton 217 Reading Session: MS/JH Boys, Jason Brown, conductor BR C Exhibits Open Exhibit Hall C Reading Session: Unison/SA, Diane Owen, conductor 217 Reading Session: HS SATB, Michael Lysinger, conductor BR C El: Honor Choir Rehearsal 214 Ch: Singing Beyond the Score, Dr Michael Hawn 207 El: Rehearsal Techniques II, Dr Rollo Dilworth 214 MS/JH Tried & Proven, Joel Price, Tammy Benton 217 Col/Com: Facing the Orchestra, Dr Donald Bailey, Troy Peters 207 EL: Singing Emersion, Ann Burbridge 217 Reading Session: Advanced JH/MS Training, Candy McComb, conductor BR C MS/JH: Adolescent Treble Voice, Dr Lynne Gackle 217 Reading Session: Advanced HS/Col, Milton Pullen, conductor BR C Performance: The Texas Voices, Alan Dyer, director BR C Worship Service Travis Park United Methodist Church Featuring The Music of John Rutter Friday, July 30 Child Care Available Registration Open EL Honor Choir Rehearsal Reading Session: MS/JH Treble, Michelle Willey, conductor Reading Session: TMEA All-State Music, Joe Weir, conductor TEXAS√SINGS!

209, 211 Exhibit Hall C 214 217 BR C Spring 2010

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9:15 am

HS: DIY (Do It Yourself), Neena Taylor, Marsha Robinson 206 EL: Singing & Signing, Colleen Norton 207 El: Rehearsal Techniques III, Dr Rollo Dilworth 214 MS/JH: Shift . . . Changing Approaches for a Changing Choral World , Kari Gilbertson 217 All: Standing on the Shoulders of Giants: Composing for Choir, John Rutter BR C Exhibits Open (Not open on Saturday) Exhibit Hall C TMEA Region Meetings Everywhere!

All: The Music of John Rutter, John Rutter BR C El: Movement with Masterworks, Darla Meek 207 MS/JH: Adolescent Female Voice II, Dr Lynne Gackle 217 Reading Session: HS Treble/Men, College Student Conductors BR C HS: Law & Order: Sight Reading Victim Unit, Heather Orr 217 Reading Session: Sacred General, Tim Lyles, conductor BR C Visit Exhibits (Last Chance; Not open Saturday) Exhibit Hall C TCDA Business Meeting BR C Performance: EL Honor Choir, Dr Rollo Dilworth, director 2010 Commissioned Work, Born of a Symphony, by Judith Herrington TCDA BBQ La Villita Assembly Hall Entertainment: Greater Tuna’s Jaston Williams Sponsored by Pepper of Dallas/Fort Worth

10:00 am - 4:00 pm 10:30 am 11:45 am 1:00 pm

3:00 - 4:00 pm 4:00 pm

7:00 pm

Saturday, July 31 Child Care Open Registration Open Col/Com: Dalcroze for Conductors, Dr David Frego El: Choir Builders for Growing Voices, Dr Rollo Dilworth Reading Session: Holiday/Seasonal, Gloria Stephens, conductor EL: The Best Ideas We Ever Stole, Jan Lancaster MS/JH: Boys – The Eighth Wonder of the World, Christina Chapman HS: Tried & Proven, Jo Scurlock-Dillard, Shawn Bell, Michael Ware Reading Session: Sacred Advanced, LaHonda Sharp, conductor Performance: San Antonio Vocal Arts Ensemble Christopher Moroney, director

7:00 am - 1:00 pm 8:00 - 10:00 am 8:00 am

9:15 am

10:30 am

209, 211 Exhibit Hall C 206 217 BR C 206 207 214 BR C 217

ACCOMPANISTS

Jeanna Baibos

Carl Braden

Katherine Johnson

Spring 2010

Robin BrockwayNichols

Sherrie McMahon

Cammy Burkhalter

Debra Morton

TEXAS√SINGS!

Jennifer Franz-Melady Wendy Jenkins

Janet Pummill

Laura Taylor

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Cartoon by Ed Owens

May I Have the Definition, Please?

by Ronnie Sanders

E

ver see the national spelling bee? Kids from all over the United States sweat, faint, and throw up while trying their darndest to spell words like fribbiage.

Parents encourage their kids to learn to spell from early on. Sometimes watching the parents sweat, faint, and throw up on ESPN is half the fun! Anyway, each contestant is given a word to spell, but the speller can ask for clues, like country of origin, dialect, correct pronunciation, and an accurate definition. Once a contestant has an accurate definition he or she can conceptualize the word and have a better chance at a proper spelling.

Have you ever thought through an accurate definition of success in your choral program? Like a championship speller, church, school, and community choir directors can learn something from conceptualizing a successful choir program.

At first, some may gauge the success of a choral program as performing great music with audiences wildly applauding the work of a fine conductor and a finely tuned choir. Others may define success as perceived growth of a choir program.

Ronnie Sanders served as Church/Community Vice President on the Board of the Texas Choral Directors Association from 2004 – 2006. He currently serves as choir director at Thomas Jefferson High School in San Antonio and is writing a book entitled, Beyond the Notes – Arts, Education and the Economy. He may be reached at rsanders@ronniesanders.net.

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Some directors will spout out numbers, as they celebrate their recruiting prowess simply by counting how many singers are in their choir program. Other directors may perceive success as the ability to educate their singers in music history, solfege, or other methods of singing, while still others point to an endless array of shiny trophies proving a successful choir program.

While these may be valid arbiters of successful choirs, may I offer another concept of how a director can conceptualize the degree of success in a choir program? Let’s think through this: what happens after choir? What happens after a rehearsal is over? What happens after the lights are turned off and the magical notes once penned by Palestrina, Bach, and Mozart cease to be heard? May I submit to you that what happens after choir is precisely why we have chosen choral music as a profession?

W

hat happens after a successful choir rehearsal may be seen when directors build strong personal relationships with their singers. In turn, the singers return to their homes, schools, and churches and make their world a better place. When a director inappropriately criticizes a singer whose mind is not focused on the music, the singer may perceive the director as an adversary. When a director is meanspirited toward the singers because they’re not singing in tune, the director may be viewed as unapproachable.

However, when a director earnestly cares about the singers in his or her ensemble and allows them to contribute to the TEXAS√SINGS!

overall performance of the music in a healthy and endearing environment, the singers will perceive the director as someone who can be trusted, esteemed, and respected. All people, adults and children, crave acceptance; all yearn to belong to something.

Where does the needle point in your choir room after the music is over? Are your choir members asking you for advice about their problems? Are you involved in your singers’ lives when you’re not on the podium? Are you positively encouraging them to excel in life outside of the rehearsal hall? For me, the best thing about teaching may not be what happens on the podium but what happens in the hearts and minds of my singers. If I can encourage a student who is thinking about dropping out to remain in school, I have succeeded. If I can steer a young mind toward continuing their college education after high school, then I have succeeded. If a student has been inspired to pursue music education as a career choice, then I have succeeded. If I can encourage a church choir member to have hope and faith even in the darkest hours of their lives, then I have succeeded. Filter your definition of success through the lives of your singers.

Perhaps a life-changing moment in one life will occur this week after your next choir rehearsal. We have chosen choral music as a profession because we know that singing beautiful music with others has the power to change lives. Oh, by the way, I made up the word fribbiage. The [non]meaning is: the guilty pleasure of fooling someone into thinking fribbiage is an actual word. √ Spring 2010

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Officer Comments Past President Bob Horton

T

he great opening and closing song of The Lion King is The Circle of Life.

When I think of choir, it’s almost the same: a beginning, middle, and an end. But, because it is a circle or maybe a cycle, the end can always bring another beginning. So it is with much of what we do. We begin music for a new event or concert, we explore the process of learning and knowing the music, and then we perform it. Similarly, we may begin a season of worship such as Lent or Advent, live through it, and then experience its culmination. All through seasons, other seasons that involve us may have already begun, may be starting, or may be ending.

For many of us, a school year functions similarly. We begin with great excitement, then several “seasons” begin to occur: All-State Process, Fall Concert, Holiday Concert, All-Region-Choir, Solo and Ensemble, Musical, Madrigal Dinner, Madrigal Festival, UIL Concert and Sight Reading, Fundraising, Choir Trips, Choir Auditions, Spring Show or Pop Show, Banquets, Graduation. All through these seasons, we have other parts of our lives that have seasons, too — family, friends, other jobs, continuing education, relationships with co-workers and feeder system members, community activities, summer plans, career considerations, and the list continues.

Many of us take time to reflect on the season of life that has just occurred.

Part of the process of life is reflection.

Based on these reflections, we may make changes or considerations for improvement. This has certainly been the case for your TCDA Board for the past several years. We have examined all parts of our organization to seek ways for improvement. Two areas of our organization deserve highlighting.

First, we are beginning a new venture — High School Student Day. In keeping with the season or cycle idea,

Spring 2010

we know that many current music educators, patrons of the arts, and supporters of public and private music programs, developed their love of music through years in school choir. We also know that high school provides three aspects of musical life that are embraced throughout Texas – Student Leadership, the All-State Choir Process, and becoming a music major. On Friday, July 30, 2010, our very first High School Student Day, we will address all three of these aspects.

9:00 am Session – Student Leadership Workshop with Dr Tim Lautzenheiser.

Dr Lautzenheiser is a nationally recognized expert on student leadership.

He travels throughout the summer

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presenting leadership workshops for student leaders such as choir officers.

His practical, applicable thoughts and strategies for student leadership will be shared interactively with participants.

11:30 am -1:00 pm – Lunch Break.

Visit the Exhibit Hall of our Convention and enjoy the Rivercenter Mall or a local favorite restaurant.

1:00 pm Session – So, You Want to be an All-State Choir Member?

Jo Scurlock-Dillard, Joe Weir, and Dinah Menger will discuss their experience and observation of habits and practices of students who make AllState Choir.

2:00 pm Session – So, You Want to be a Music Major?

Dr Betsy Weber, Dr Ken Fulton, and

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Officer Comments Elisa West will share their perspectives about preparing to be successful as music majors in college.

As you can see, all these workshops will be of immense value to high school students. Cost for participants is only $25 per person. Registration is limited, and the deadline for registration is June 15.

The TCDA Board hopes that you will promote this opportunity to your students to enhance the seasons of their lives.

Recognition Awards

Another way in which the TCDA Board has honored the musical seasons of our members lives is through recognition awards. However, the Board does not presume to know everyone who is deserving of such awards. In order to continue to recognize deserving individuals, we

College/ Community John Silantien

H

ere are some TCDA Convention highlights that will appeal not only to the College/Community Division but also to members of other divisions as well.

College Student Activities

We will again hold a reception for TCDA student members. Attendees last year found the session useful professionally and fun socially. TCDA Board members will be on hand to meet students and answer questions. Tim Sharp, Executive Director of ACDA, will also be there to speak about the national organization and to give students some tips on new online resources.

One of the best outreach efforts TCDA makes toward student members is selecting 18 student conductors to direct the High School Treble/Men Reading Session. These students are the best of the best, having been nominated by their college conducting teachers from schools throughout the state. They will work in 22

need your help. On our website, www.texassings.org, are the nomination forms for two awards.

Young Director of Distinction Award

Criteria: 1. Member in good standing of TCDA at time of nomination 2. Career marked by excellence in teaching and choral performances 3. Five years or less of teaching experience 4. Regular TCDA Convention attendance Texas Choral Excellence Award

Criteria: 1. Member in good standing of TCDA at time of nomination 2. Career marked by excellence in teaching and choral performances

coaching sessions this year with Dr Jerry McCoy and Dr Richard Bjella.

3. Evidence of mentoring and influence of other teachers 4. Regular TCDA Convention attendance The TCDA Board will accept these nominations until May 15, 2010.

In closing, I must say that serving TCDA for the last six years has proven to be a very meaningful season of my life.

The relationships I have developed, the inspiration from colleagues, and the opportunity to work for an organization I love and admire has been a true blessing. I encourage you to consider serving, if asked. If you are interested in serving, please let our President, Amy Allibon, or me know and we can forward your name for consideration. Best wishes for your season! I can’t wait to see many, many friends and colleagues this summer at our Convention. √

percussion instruments.

Conducting Masterclass Volunteers

In Concert

The Texas Voices from Plano, directed

by Alan Dyer, will be in concert. Founded in 2003, the group is a professional vocal chamber ensemble that has gained recognition for its polished, nuanced sound and variety of repertoire. In 2007 the chorus was featured on WRR FM’s Music of the Metroplex, and in 2008, the chorus released its first recording, Voices Live. Their TCDA program will focus entirely on music by Texas composers.

The San Antonio Vocal Arts Ensemble made its debut performance in 1989, presenting Latin American music from the Spanish Colonial period. Since then the seven-member group has explored other early music featured on several popular CD recordings: Ancient Echoes; Guadalupe, Virgen de los Indios; and others. They have toured widely throughout the US and were invited to perform at Bolivia’s International Baroque Music Festival.

SAVAE has been featured on national radio shows including NPR’s Performance Today, Sound & Spirit, Latino USA, The Savvy Traveler, and Weekend Edition. Their concert/workshop for the TCDA Convention will feature Spanish Colonial music influenced by indigenous and West African music styles, accompanied by a wide variety of TEXAS√SINGS!

Dr Jerry McCoy, Director of Choral Activities at the University of North Texas, and Dr Richard Bjella, Director of Choral Activities at Texas Tech University, will present a masterclass in conducting. They will work with four choral pieces prepared by four volunteer conductors. If you are interested in conducting in this masterclass, please email a resume to john.silantien@utsa.edu

by June 1.

Dalcroze for Choral Musicians

Internationally known Dalcroze Eurhythmics specialist Dr David Frego will lead a session relevant to the work of both choral conductors and classroom teachers. Dr Frego serves as Chair of the Department of Music at the UT-San Antonio and is Past President of the Dalcroze Society of America. He regularly presents workshops throughout North America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. In this hands-on session, participants will explore rhythmic and vocal aspects of Eurhythmics through guided and experimental movement, learning how Eurhythmics treats the body as the first instrument.

Facing the Orchestra

This session deals with conducting Spring 2010

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Officer Comments voices and instruments. Many times choral conductors rehearse combined choral/orchestral forces, as do their instrumental counterparts, with a degree of insecurity due to unfamiliarity with the medium. This session addresses issues that will help conductors speak effectively to the entire ensemble. The panel will consist of a leading choral conductor, Dr Donald Bailey, Professor Emeritus at Baylor University, and Troy Peters, a leading orchestra conductor and

High School Sharon Paul

T

his school year has flown by so quickly! Where has the time gone?

There are a few events such as spring show, choir banquet, graduation, and then it’s summer! Ah, summer – it does bring a warm glow to our hearts. Still, as we near the end of the school year, I personally like to take a moment and consider things I might do differently next year. Are there routines, classroom procedures, or organizational items to adjust? How can I improve my rehearsal technique so it provides more rigor, relevance, and relationship? What new repertoire will best suit the choirs for next year? Are there new technologies I might incorporate into my daily regimen for the students? These questions and a few more will provide a starting point for thought when the new school year begins.

So, after taking time to refresh and rejuvenate this summer, where can I find a resource to jumpstart the year? Where can I go that will provide motivation for the new school year? Well, there is a resource. I would suggest planning to attend this year’s TCDA Convention. It will be a spectacular event! It’s a wonderful time to reconnect with friends, share ideas, read new music, and gather innovative techniques from our workshop presenters. This year’s Convention will be an event you won’t want to miss.

This summer, we will feature

Spring 2010

Music Director of the Youth Orchestras of San Antonio. They will discuss baton and rehearsal techniques that will facilitate working with voices and instruments.

Session attendees should leave with a list of do’s and don’ts to use when conducting choral/orchestral works.

Once a piece is into the rehearsal process, I find it very effective to begin working from the end backwards. One

of the frequently less-well-rehearsed sections of the score, the end, thus receives extra attention. Moving backwards to the preceding section and rehearsing to the end, the choir is singing from less-familiar into morefamiliar music. That’s pedagogically effective and psychologically gratifying for the singers. The process continues until the choir reaches the beginning of the piece and is ready for a complete run-through. √

motivational, effective, and practical workshops for the High School Division.

DIY – Do It Yourself – Are you ready before the students arrive? Do you have all of your “ducks in a row”? Come and hear experienced teachers Marsha Robinson, Cypress Woods HS, and Neena Taylor, Jersey Village HS, approach the first day and week of school. This clinic will set you up for success all year long.

Building procedures, classroom procedures, organizational tools, prioritizing, and teacher survival techniques will be presented. Hear, sing, and incorporate incredible vocal and choral techniques in your rehearsals the first day of school. No matter how many times you’ve begun the school year, this workshop will offer creative ideas.

CSI Choir – Some choirs are so stellar it’s a crime! Take a look at the practical aspects of the events preceding the crime scene. Backtrack through the year and solve the mystery of building repertoire ideas with a new hierarchy of innovative teaching techniques that will be presented for all high school levels. Learn how to incorporate a sequential and systematic approach for teaching repertoire to your choirs. Come and join our investigator, Denise Eaton, Spring HS, as she intrigues you with a process that may save your life!

America’s Top 10 High School Tried and Proven – Hear master teachers’ recommendations on repertoire that offer a proven record of success. Suggestions from the beginning of the school year through UIL will be presented. This year’s presenters will showcase women’s repertoire, Jo Scurlock-Dillard, Reagan HS; mixed repertoire, Mike Ware, First UMC Houston; and men’s repertoire, Shawn Bell, Ector ISD. These veteran high school teachers will present their top

picks for success and a valuable list of tried and proven repertoire for various times of the year. They will also incorporate repertoire suggestions for beginning and advanced choral groups.

Law and Order: Sight Reading Victims Unit – Would you like some new ideas on how to inspire that sub nonvarsity group, or any group, to sound spectacular? Have you wondered why some folks are successful with sight reading every year and how they accomplish the goal? Motivate and energize your choral groups with sight reading.

Follow the clues and join Heather Orr, Montgomery HS, who will help you add Law and Order to your sight reading routines with tips that start the first of day of school and pay off the rest of the year.

Our high school session conductors for this summer will be Gloria Stephens, Booker T Washington HS; Michael Lysinger, J J Pearce HS; and Denise Pitcock, Harlingen HS. Joe Weir, TMEA Vocal Division Chair, will conduct the All-State Reading Session. Our talented list of accompanists includes Laura Taylor, J J Pearce HS; Carl Braden, Humble ISD; Jennifer Franz-Melady, Magnolia HS; Sherrie McMahon, Klein Oak HS; and Janet Pummill, Texas Christian University.

Great news! The TCDA BBQ is back!

Not only is the BBQ back, but we also have exciting entertainment to headline this year’s event. We have nationally acclaimed actor, Broadway star, and entertainer Jaston Williams of Greater Tuna! Be sure to pre-order your ticket.

You will not want to miss this night of fun and laughter.

So, please mark your calendars and plan now to attend the 2010 TCDA Convention! This is a year you will not want to miss! See you in San Antonio! √

Tip of the Month

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Officer Comments Middle School/ Junior High Dianna L Jarvis

Beauty Awakes!

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love beautiful gardens, especially in the spring. I love watching my plants come back to life after lying dormant during the cold months of winter. I’m often amazed that plants which show the least sign of life during the winter seem to be the ones whose blooms are the most spectacular in the spring. This is because under the protection of the earth, the roots of the plant have continued to gather life-sustaining nourishment from the soil throughout the winter.

No doubt like many of you, I have spent the late fall and winter months nourishing my students’ musical skills.

I have done this by purposefully choosing quality literature, interjecting quick theory lessons in the middle of rehearsals, and including sight reading exercises in our daily routine. It seems that every year there comes a time when I begin to wonder if my students truly understand the concepts I have been drilling day after day. After endless weeks of tedious rehearsals, I convince myself that the material has been adequately covered. I find the courage to go out on a limb and ask my students a question that will provide them an opportunity to demonstrate that they have indeed absorbed every crumb of valuable knowledge I have imparted to them. I deliver my skillfully crafted leading question and, as all good teachers do, I give my students ample wait time to formulate their brilliant, accurate answer. About 45 seconds later I realize that what I am experiencing is not “wait time”. My students have no idea what I am talking

Find back issues of Texas Sings! at www.TexasSings.org 24

about. I look at my class as I wonder, “Is there any sign of life out there?”

This scene is followed by a few more weeks of “drill and kill”. Then, just about the time I am ready to give up, a small bud of understanding appears. Michael raises his hand and says, “It looks like measure 33 is just like the beginning of this song.” In another class, Manhattan raises her hand and asks if the Soprano II’s can go back to singing on solfege because they are still missing their pitches on the first phrase of the “B” section. And finally, in my sixth grade class, Payton yells out, “We’re in the key of G!” Cue the “Spring” movement from Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons. We have blooms of knowledge in the choir room!

I hope your spring is filled with moments when you realize your hard work has indeed paid off. I encourage you to use the remaining weeks of the school year enjoying the fruits of your labor. Look over the garden of children in your choir room and feel a sense of pride. The garden is in full bloom because of you!

2010 TCDA Convention

As you begin finalizing your summer plans, be sure to include the 55th Annual TCDA Convention, July 28-31 in San Antonio. There are many workshops and reading sessions designed to inspire new ideas and literature you can incorporate in the 2010-2011 school year. The following are just a few of the highlights for this year’s Convention.

MS/JH Workshops

Dr Lynne Gackle from Baylor University will present two workshops on the female adolescent voice. In these sessions we will explore subjects such as the physiological changes girls experience, classifications according to stages of development, and how to use this information to improve the performance of individual singers and the ensemble. A group of young female singers ranging in age from 1015 will serve as a demonstration group for the second session and the process of individual voice classification will be demonstrated.

Kari Gilbertson will present a TEXAS√SINGS!

workshop entitled, Shift . . . Changing Approaches for a Changing Choral World. In this workshop Kari will provide information about making changes to your approach on discipline, communication, and dealing with administration. She will also discuss rehearsal strategies that will save you time throughout the school year. You’ll leave this session with practical, creative, and humorous approaches to managing a traditional choral program in a less traditional world.

Christina Chapman’s workshop, Middle School Boys, the Eighth Wonder of the World, will include topics such as how to keep boys excited about choir, channeling their energy to create productive rehearsals, voice assessment testing, appropriate repertoire for boys, and vertical teaming ideas for middle school and high school men’s choirs.

Joel Price and Tammy Benton will preside over the Tried and True session.

These successful directors will introduce choral literature that works well for MS/JH choirs. The pieces presented at this session consist of music that is not currently on the PML list. The accompanists for this session will be Laura Taylor and Katie Johnson.

New Music Reading Sessions

Our new music reading sessions will include selections for JH/HS training choirs led by Candy McComb and accompanied by Debbie Morton.

Jason Brown will introduce us to new Tenor/Bass repertoire and will also be accompanied by Debra Morton.

Michelle Willey will lead the MS/JH treble reading session with Katherine Johnson serving as the accompanist.

Wait! There’s more!

There are exciting clinics and events planned by the other TCDA divisions as well. Be sure to make time in your convention schedule to watch Rollo Dilworth work with the Elementary Honor Choir. You certainly won’t want to miss John Rutter who will present two sessions during the Convention.

And, the TCDA BBQ is back! BBQ tickets can be purchased at the time you register for the Convention.

Enjoy the rest of your school year and I look forward to seeing you in San Antonio! √ Spring 2010

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Officer Comments Elementary Karen Gonzalez

T

he countdown has begun! It is almost unbelievable that it’s already May and the end of the year is just a stone’s throw away. End of year concerts, field trips, choir festivals, and fun days will get us through! Before we know it, the TCDA Convention will be here – and believe me, it’s going to be a fantastic Convention!

Before I give you a preview, I take this opportunity to thank the membership for allowing me the great honor and opportunity to serve as the Elementary Vice President. It has been the most enjoyable and fulfilling experience of my teaching career. I thank my fellow Board members for their hard work, creativity, inspiration, and dedication to this organization, as well as their support and friendship.

Special thanks to Dan Wood and Jeanne Kuhn for their never ending, tireless, and behind-the-scenes work.

Without them, our organization would not succeed. Thank you Lu Marler and the entire JW Pepper staff for your hard work in ensuring our music reading sessions run smoothly. The many hours of planning for Convention are done with and for you, the membership. It has been a privilege to serve and be a part of such a wonderful organization – Thank you!

Now it’s time to have a preview of the great things happening at Convention this summer…

Over the past few years, there have been many changes in the Elementary Division of TCDA. We have tried to provide inspiring clinics and workshops for the general music teacher as well as the elementary choir director.

This year will be no different. Come join us and treat yourself to a great variety of worthwhile and fun events.

Spring 2010

The Elementary Honor Choir will perform under the direction of Dr Rollo Dilworth, Associate Professor of Choral Music Education, Boyer College of Music and Dance at Temple University. Approximately 160 students from all over the state will be in open rehearsals for your observation, culminating in their concert performance at the Annual Business Meeting on Friday afternoon. Judith Herrington is the commissioned composer.

Robin Brockway-Nichols will serve as the Honor Choir accompanist. Section Leaders will be Debra Beam Moses, soprano, Shelba Gorham-Bell, second soprano, and Cyndie Lowry, alto.

Kellan Hickman will serve as choir organizer assistant.

Diane Owen of Garland will lead our Unison/SA New Music Reading Session with Wendy Jenkins serving as her accompanist. You will be sure to find at least one new piece for the next school year from this packet of newly published pieces.

In addition to our reading session and honor choir open rehearsals, we will have several workshops for you. I know these will be filled with ideas and strategies you will be able to use at the start of the new year! Ann Burbridge will present Singing Immersion: Register, Pitch Etching, Tuning & Artistry where we will learn more about how to promote excellence in singing at the elementary level. Darla Meek will bring Movement With Masterworks where we will participate in engaging movement that immerses children in the music of the masters!

Billy Ferguson, from CarrolltonFarmers Branch, will conduct Teaching Music Through Children’s Literature, where we will explore the Orff process of singing, speaking, dancing, and playing along with children’s storybooks. Colleen Norton comes from Mansfield and will present Signing and Singing – Artistry in Sound and Sight, where we will learn a basic vocabulary of signs that are found in many songs, plus some great resources for signing.

Have you ever been to a workshop and found an absolute treasure you use over and over in your classroom because it works? Have you ever seen

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something and thought “I could tweak that and make it work for my students?” If so, you won’t want to miss Borrowed Treasures – The Best Ideas We Ever Stole, presented by Jan Lancaster and Jodie Johnson.

In addition to the open rehearsals, Rollo Dilworth will present Choir Builders For Growing Voices. This session will focus on fundamental vocal techniques for developing choirs and is based upon the Choir Builders series.

Last, but certainly not least, the BBQ is returning! Greater Tuna’s Jaston Williams will provide us with some hilarious entertainment for the evening.

Please be sure to invite those new to our profession or new to TCDA, and join me in encouraging our elementary population to come to San Antonio.

The energy at Convention is invigorating, inspiring, and contagious. Seeing old friends and making new ones will refresh you for the new school year.

I look forward to seeing you soon! √

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Officer Comments Church Thomas Coker

John Rutter Returns to TCDA

I

f the ancient Hebrews were instructed to “bring the best of the first fruits to the house of the Lord” (Exodus 23:19), should we who serve as church musicians in our day not bring the best of our craft and gifts to the house of the Lord? I think we should. This was the approach taken when thinking and praying about what the 2010 TCDA Convention should look like.

One of the joys of serving on the TCDA Board is the responsibility of trying to provide both inspiration and practical/workable solutions for the ministry of music that we love and share.

When first elected I tried to think through a list of people who would inspire us and who would bring the finest and best ideas to the TCDA membership. Two of the first to come to my mind – people who have had profound influences on music and ministry where I have served – were John Rutter and C Michael Hawn. We are fortunate indeed to have both as a part of TCDA’s 55th Anniversary year.

But, before I get ahead of myself, I’d like to offer the Reader’s Digest version of this summer’s church offerings. In a nutshell, here is what is happening!

Two sessions with composer and conductor, John Rutter We Raise Our Hymn of Grateful Praise – a Worship Service – Travis Park UMC with Dr Betty Devine and the choir of Foundry UMC in Houston and with John Rutter conducting his anthems written for TCDA Dr Michael Hawn leading two practical and wide-ranging sessions on expanding congregational singing Three fabulous new music reading sessions: Sacred General, Sacred Advanced, and Sacred Unison/2 Part Thirty years ago this year, a young John Rutter (age 34) wrote three pieces

• •

• •

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for a young TCDA (age 25). Today, those three anthems are known the world over. One, For the Beauty of the Earth, has to be among the most loved and cherished anthems ever written. We could not be more pleased that Dr Rutter will come back to TCDA to help us celebrate the past 30 years of great music in person. John Rutter is one of the most beloved composers of the past century. His contributions to quality practical church literature have been enormous. The three anthems written those 30 years ago (Open Thou Mine Eyes and Lord, Make Me an Instrument of Thy Peace in addition to For the Beauty of the Earth) will form the framework for We Raise Our Hymn of Grateful Praise – A Worship Service on Thursday evening.

In addition to the Thursday evening worship service at Travis Park UMC, we are delighted that Mr Rutter will present two sessions on Friday open to the TCDA membership. We will have the opportunity to hear first hand what makes a great composer “tick.” I have highly valued the moments of learning from the true masters. This summer, TCDA will again have that opportunity.

Please help me express our great appreciation to Hinshaw Publishing Company and President, Roberta Whittington, for their substantial support in helping to bring Mr Rutter from London, England, to San Antonio, Texas for this Convention.

Michael Hawn’s understanding of and love of music ministry – from a variety of cultures and ages – has been inspirational and instructional to countless people, and certainly to this minister of music. That his contributions are in high demand is evidenced by the almost unreasonable schedule he keeps. He is indeed highly sought after as a clinician, and for good reason.

Michael not only loves and understands church music from a large cultural mix, but he also has the ability to bring it to us on a practical level, demonstrating how it can be done. I am overjoyed that he is able to share with the TCDA membership in two amazing workshops. The first is titled, Expanding the Concept of Congregational Singing. The second session is titled, Singing Beyond the Score: Exploring Oral Traditions with the Literate Choir. These sessions will TEXAS√SINGS!

explore ideas such as enabling congregational singing through the choir, the congregation as choir, and singing a world-wide faith (using global song for local congregations).

We Raise Our Hymn of Grateful Praise – A Worship Service This service is held at Travis Park UMC thanks to the wonderful collaboration of Lana Potts, Director of Worship, Music, and the Arts for the church, and Dr Gary Mabry, Director of Sanctuary and Youth Choirs.

We are delighted to welcome Dr Betty Devine and the Foundry UMC of Houston as the service choir this year.

John Rutter will conduct the Rutter anthems. It will be a glorious one hour service, the goal of which is to connect with God and with each other, and to inspire us to action. I believe and hope all will be refreshed and renewed having attended.

Last year the Hallelujah Amen! worship service involved multiple choirs telling one story. This year the service will more closely resemble the service from 2008. Included this year are: the music of perhaps the finest compposer of church choral music alive today a great service choir the leadership of John Rutter, Dr Betty Devine, Lana Potts, Thomas Coker, and others litanies of writer Erin Conaway and others great congregational singing We will indeed “raise our hymn of grateful praise”!

• • • • •

New Music Reading Sessions!

TCDA is all about reading new music, and this year is no exception. The Board has been very busy culling through nearly 2,000 new publications, from which come packets of new music.

The three church sessions are: Sacred Unison and Two Part led by Lora Robinson of Gilmer and accompanied by Wendy Jenkins; Sacred General led by Tim Lyles, Minister of Music at First Baptist San Marcos accompanied by Cammy Burkhalter of Mount Pleasant; and Sacred Advanced led by Lahonda Sharp, of Christ UMC in Sugar Land, also accompanied by Cammy Burkhalter.

People, this is going to good! Really good. Spread the word. √ Spring 2010

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Officer Comments Secretary/ Treasurer

s I write this article I have just finished packing for my spring choir trip to New York. First I made my list then began packing. I am definitely a list person! Well, I started thinking, when you pack, you think through the trip and plan your outfits, accessories, and shoes (men probably don’t stress about this as much as women) . . . well you get the picture. So why not pack for the “trip” known as the spring semester? But let’s pack mentally.

Let me suggest a few ways to get your mental packing in order!

Pack Patience – prepare yourself mentally for how your choir will sound

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after a long break or holiday. If you enter your rehearsal with this mindset then you will set yourself and students up for success. I know it can be frustrating to hear your group after a break, especially during the UIL and Spring Concert preparation. It is a simple concept but difficult to do – Patience!

Pack Perseverance – prepare for all the distractions that seem to take place during the spring semester. As choral directors we do focus on the musical aspects of the day — you know, the ending chord tuning, the sopranos tone or lack thereof, having enough tenor sound the list goes on and on . . . but you also know all the absences that interrupt your rehearsal time — testing, voting for student council elections, athletic events, holidays, I could go on and on . . . Be prepared and have your lesson plan ready for the distractions – Persevere!

Pack Pride – allow yourself to be proud of your students. Take time to reflect through the year. Be proud of your students’ accomplishments and your own! One of my favorite things to do is record my choirs the first week of school and play it for my students at the

end of the year. You will be so proud when you hear the difference! – Pride!

After you are packed to finish this semester and have a restful summer then pack up to attend the Annual TCDA Convention and New Music Reading Clinic in San Antonio. This is a great way to end a wonderful summer and get mentally prepared for a new year! This year’s Convention is going to be incredible, so make plans to attend by preregistering. As our membership continues to grow, pre-registering helps us in preparing the facilities and materials needed in advance. It saves you time by not standing in long lines and saves you money as well. Get your housing requests in early and be sure to make all of your travel arrangements.

Please encourage colleagues who have not attended in the past to join TCDA and attend the Convention. There is something planned for all levels. The Convention schedule is available in this magazine and at TexasSings.org. I look forward to seeing you at Convention.

Now remember, get mentally packed for the end of the year! See you in San Antonio! √

Twitter

account were obviously at a disadvantage! You could also offer candy, etc.

page with details about upcoming events, links to resources and recordings, or downloadable documents such as your choir handbook, permission slips, trip itineraries, etc.

If you aren’t currently using any of these tools to communicate, don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to add everything at once. Pick one or two things that you think would be most useful to you and your program and go from there. If you get stuck, don’t give up! Your students can often help troubleshoot technological problems very quickly. The internet also offers several options for step by step instructions or forums where you can ask questions about a specific problem you are having. Generally, you can also Google your question and find something that will help you forge through whatever problem you are having.

Whatever you decide to use, make sure you are committed to using the same tools consistently so that parents and students can adjust to your new methods of communication. Happy tweeting! √

Kay Owens

Are You Packed for the Trip?

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Twitter, you can be sure that the message was received immediately!

Most students and parents have text messaging on their phones and have their phones with them all the time!

There are several things you can do to encourage students and parents to signup for Twitter. First, send an EMAIL (through your choir email list) explaining the benefits of Twitter and why they need to start following your “tweets.” Include instructions on how to set up the account for people who need step by step help. If you want to print out a premade instruction sheet, visit www.olivebranchchoirs.com/info and download the document. Then come up with a way to make the students WANT to have their account set up. For example, at our last choir retreat, I sent a “tweet” that told the students that the first group to bring me an acorn and a caterpillar would get extra points for their team. Students that had not signed up for a Twitter Spring 2010

Websites

Websites are a great way to offer constant information to your students and parents. They do take some time to set up, but after it is done, it can save you time when you can direct questions to the website rather than having to readdress the same questions over and over again. Long ago, only the very smart and elite knew how to create web pages. Now there are several very userfriendly sites that will guide you through creating your own page, step by step. Wix.com is one of those sites.

Although the thought of creating a web page can be very daunting, this site allows you to walk through step by step.

You can start with something very simple and then let it grow from there.

Yahoo SiteBuilder is another program that is user friendly but allows you some more freedom in designing your site.

Some things you may want to include on your site are: a choir events calendar, a choir description page, an information TEXAS√SINGS!

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2010 Spring v.9: 2005 Spring Texas Sings! FINAL 4/13/10 5:49 PM Page 28

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