2022 Colorado Music Educators Association Conference
Thursday, January 27, 2022
Formation: Getting the Best Sound and Voice from Your Choir!
Claire Hudkins
Western Oregon University, Director of Vocal Studies & NTT Assistant Professor of MusicRegardless of whether we are singing Mozart, Whitacre, or even Adele, the formation of our ensemble has both positive and negative effects on an ensemble’s sound, vocal quality, vocal health and much more. In this session, we will explore the positive effects of ensemble formation on a variety of different areas including intonation, diction, balance, blend, authenticity, and vocal health from the point of view of ensemble director and private voice instructor. We will also discuss many different ways formation can be used both in the rehearsal and performance enhancing your ensemble’s overall sound, vocal health, and musical experience!
The Silent Canon - Repertoire by Composers of African Descent
Anthony Trecek-King
The Hartt School, University of Hartford and a Resident Conductor with the Handel and Haydn Society, Associate Professor of Choral Music and Director of Choral ActivitiesA workshop on Singing Spirituals - History and Performance Practice
Teachers Matter Too: Recognizing and Reducing Teacher Burnout
Balancing work and home life is difficult for most music teachers. In many instances, music teachers sacrifice their personal well-being and time with their family so they can provide their students with quality experiences. This unhealthy divide was only exasperated during the pandemic. In this session, I will discuss the internal, external, and physical factors that cause teacher burnout, how to recognize the signs of burnout, and strategies for reducing teacher burnout. Attendees will also share their solutions for balancing their work and home lives.
Looking to dive deeper into the content of the session? Check out these supporting materials:
Friday, January 28, 2022
2-Part Choral: Not Just for Kids
Many middle and high school directors have discovered the effectiveness of singing in just two well-conceived voice parts, but finding texts and topics that are suitable for teen singers can be a challenge. Come sing along as Andy Beck leads us through a complimentary packet of 2-part treble choral repertoire recommended for all ages!
Presider: Marla Sitton, Vocal Council District 7 Representative
SATB Made Easy: Music for Developing Mixed Choirs
Whether you're searching for music for your freshman/sophomore voices, small school choir, mixed chorus with limited experience, or just want something quick to learn—this session is for you! Join clinician Andy Beck in reading through a packet of approachable SATB selections that will appeal to developing four-part singers. Learn how to improve your choir's sound and build choral confidence through achievable literature.
The Big Sing
Anthony Trecek-King
The Hartt School, University of Hartford and a Resident Conductor with the Handel and Haydn Society, Associate Professor of Choral Music and Director of Choral Activities
Melanie Trecek-King
Massasoit Community College, Associate Professor of Biology and Science Educator and Communicator, Thinking is PowerJust Tell Me What I Need to Know! - 4 Things to Make Your Band Sound Better, Guaranteed!
John Pasquale
University of Michigan, Donald R. Shepherd Associate Professor of Conducting, Director of the University of Michigan Marching and Athletic Bands, Associate Director of University BandsSaturday, January 29, 2022
Just Add Kids
It’s amazing what kids can do when given the right materials! Join clinician Andy Beck to experience the newest 2-part chorals, songbooks, movement ideas, musicals, and other classroom resources—perfect for those energetic young singers of yours! A complimentary music packet will be given to each director in attendance.
Stick With It: Baton Technique for the Choral Conductor
Brian C. Murray
University of Wyoming, Associate Director of Choral Activities and Assistant Professor of MusicConducting with a baton affords conductors with another tool for gestural communication with their choirs. However, many choral conductors completely avoid using a baton. Conducting with (or without) a baton should be a decision based on various musical and personal factors, not the result of uncomfortability or unfamiliarity. Whether you're out of practice or confident in your stick technique, let’s examine some basic elements of choral conducting with a baton.
Looking to dive deeper into the content of the session? Check out these supporting materials:
Gonna Sing! New 2-Part Choral Repertoire
Don't miss this “Sing and Learn” session with Andy Beck. See what’s new for 2-part treble choirs. Learn about the composers, effective vocal tips, creative staging ideas, and more! A complimentary music packet will be given to each director in attendance.
Honest Conversations About Mental Health
It can be challenging to talk about how we feel and what we think, especially in our very public roles as music teachers. Our session is a friendly environment to start conversations about improving our mental health in a relatable way as musicians, teachers, and people.
Looking to dive deeper into the content of the session? Check out these supporting materials: