SPRING 2014 Vol. 35, No.1 InCHOIRing Minds · Amy Brown [email protected] (316) 393-6115 Women’s Choir Assistant Lisa Cookson [email protected] (316) 973-2745 Youth and Student

SPRING 2014 Vol. 35, No.1

In this IssuePresident’s Pen ......................................................2Editor’s Box............................................................3Clinician Bios ........................................................4

Interest Sessions ....................................................5KCDA Convention Registration Form...............6Treble Chor ...........................................................7

KCDA Congratulations........................................9Board Bios ...........................................................10Membership Form..............................................14

InCHOIRing MindsKCDA 2014 SUMMER CONVENTION

Thursday, July 10 through Saturday, July 12Ramada Convention Center - TOPEKA

Thursday, July 108:00 a.m. Pop/Show/Vocal Jazz Reading Session #19:00 a.m. Tim Seelig – Quick Fixes: Prescriptions for

Every Choral Challenge10:00 a.m. Holiday Music Reading Session #211:00 a.m. Tim Seelig – The Music Within

Jan Holthus/Elise Peterson – Starting an Honor Choir with Your Feeder

Elementary Schools12:15 p.m. Lunch (on own) – Or New Teacher Luncheon1:45 p.m. Tim Seelig Reading Session #32:45 p.m. Exhibits Grand Opening3:30 p.m. CPDL Reading Session #4

Jennifer Cannady/Lee Reusner – Maintaining Good Vocal Health as a Singer

4:30 p.m. Middle School/Junior High Reading Session #5aHigh School/College Reading Session #5b

5:30 p.m. Supper (on own)7:30 p.m. KCDA LIVE!8:30 p.m. Exhibits Open/Reception

Friday, July 118:00 a.m. Men’s & Women’s Music Reading Session #69:00 a.m. Visit Exhibits and Resource Room9:30 a.m. Laura Farnell – Putting the FUN in

Choral Fundamentals10:30 a.m. Door Prize Drawing

10:45 a.m. Laura Farnell – Teaching the Male Changing VoiceJulie Yu/Joshua Oppenheim - Conducting

11:45 a.m. Luncheon (included in registration)1:00 p.m. Laura Farnell Reading Session #7

Kevin McBeth – Style is Color Blind: Spirituals for All Singers

2:00 p.m. Last Call for Exhibits2:30 p.m. Rotating Interest Sessions

Tiffani Thompson/Cindy Sheppard –Technology appsMichael Hanawalt – Effective Rehearsal FeedbackMarie Lerner-Sexton – Sight-Singing for the

Real WorldJohn Stafford – Starting a Vocal Jazz Ensemble

4:00 p.m. State Performance List Reading Session #8aMusic for Worship Reading Session #8b

5:00 p.m. Supper (on own)7:30 p.m. Cathedral Concert

KCDA All-State Women’s Chorus, Elaine Quilichini, ConductorARISE, Shawn Chastain, Conductor

Saturday, July 128:00 a.m. Elaine Quilichini Interest Session9:00 a.m. Tried and Proven Reading Session #910:00 a.m. Elaine Quilichini Reading Session #10

Christy Elsner – Gadgets for Singing11:00 a.m. Closing Ceremony

Page 2 n Choral Range

Volume 35 Number 1 The President’s Pen

As I made my trip to the annual KMEAConvention last February, I kept think-ing “it’s sure nice to not have a weather

threat!” I apparently spoke too soon, as theweather turned icy and snowy for Saturday and(for some) Sunday travel back to homes. Whowould have thought? Haven’t we had enoughsnow?! Regardless, the In-Service Workshopwas alive and kickin’ with high attendance, out-standing performing groups, a non-“ghosttown” Exhibitors Hall, and a wonderful time tofoster and build new relationships with thosewho make our craft so great. I am constantlyreminded of not only my love for choral musiceducation, but also of the fantastic people in allmusic levels that I am lucky enough to call col-leagues and friends.

As KMEA continues to grow and expand,our old, faithful Century II building does notexpand, and with that we continually have toexplore new options for events across all musicmediums. I am proud to say that our KCDAevents adapted beautifully: we had a wonderfulreading session and luncheon at the DruryHotel, and the KCDA Treble Choir had theirrehearsals moved into the Century II ServiceCenter with a very nice concert Friday after-noon. It was a smooth transition and, with thehard work of the KCDA Board Members, our“changes” for 2014 worked out very well. Theboard’s professionalism and tireless efforts makeme even more honored to be president of suchan outstanding group of people.

With that said, on behalf of the KCDABoard members, it is my hope that you will markyour calendars and pre-register NOW for the2014 KCDA Summer Convention in Topeka,July 10-12. I believe it is very important to reachout and continue to provide a convention withsomething for every level of teaching, and thissummer’s convention ABSOLUTELY fits thebill. We will kick off the convention with Dr.Tim Seelig. I remember being completelyenthralled with Tim the last time he came toKansas, as he was wonderful in his approaches totone quality and choral building—I am sothrilled that he will join us again. On Friday,Laura Farnell will arrive from Arlington, Texas.

I had the privilege ofmeeting this dynamiclady at TCDA in2012 and found herpresentations to begreat fun. Vibrant,fresh energy andenthusiasm will bedisplayed as she dis-cusses putting the“fun” in choral fun-damentals, and teach-ing the male chang-ing voice—from thefemale educator’s perspective. Other highlightswill include Christy Elsner presenting her“Gadgets of Singing;” several of our own KansasCollegiate instructors will be presenting variousinterest sessions; Elaine Quilichini, Director ofthe Calgary Girls Choir, will be with us to con-duct the Women’s Honor Choir performanceon Friday evening; and the choral ensemble,ARISE (African Americans Renewing Interest inSpirituals Ensemble) will perform under thedirection of former KCDA President ShawnChastain. In lieu of a regular Thursday nightperformance, our Thursday evening promises tobe a very special night as many of our HarryRobert Wilson Award Winners will be back for“KCDA LIVE!,” a fun-filled night of theirwords of wisdom, wit, advice, and fun as theyrecall their “fondest” and maybe “not-so-fond-est” memories of teaching choral music. I’msure it will be an entertaining, social evening forall.

Oh, and did I mention that we will have tendifferent reading sessions? This summer’s con-vention will undoubtedly have a variety ofoptions for everyone and, hopefully, will be away to reconnect with old colleagues, meet newfriends, and leave the sessions inspired andrefreshed with a readiness for the upcomingyear. While summer provides a needed time torelax, slow down, and step away from it all, whynot step into the Topeka Ramada and join us forKCDA 2014? It will be a step in a great direc-tion.

Choral Range is a twice-yearlypublication of the KansasChoral DirectorsAssociation, a not-for-profit professional organi-zation affiliated with theAmerican ChoralDirectors Association.

Reach us at:www.kansaschoral.com

PresidentLaura [email protected](913) 744-9392

President ElectDustin [email protected](816) 304-0073

Vice PresidentNewsletter Editor

Dr. Brad [email protected](620) 877-7310

SecretaryElise [email protected](913) 237-1037

TreasurerSteve [email protected](620) 327-6054

Music Industry RepresentativeMarkel [email protected](620) 330-3808

Newsletter andExhibitors

Gretchen [email protected] (316) 708-1834

Membership ChairMargie [email protected]

WebmasterTiffani [email protected](318) 715-8433

KCDA BOARD MEMBERS 2013-2014

KMEA State ChoralChairJane [email protected](620) 640-1882

Children’s ChoirsChristine [email protected] (785) 969-4551

Ethnic/Multicultural Perspectives

Hilary [email protected](785) 550-8623

Junior High/MiddleSchoolKaren [email protected](316) 648-3293

Women’s Choirs Amy [email protected](316) 393-6115

Women’s ChoirAssistantLisa [email protected](316) 973-2745

Youth and Student Activities

Dr. Tom [email protected](316) 687-0121

Music and WorshipKevin [email protected](913) 660-8935

College and UniversityChoirs

Dr. Mark [email protected](316) 295-5553

Senior High ChoirsJason [email protected](913) 424-6751Two-Year College

ChoirsConnie [email protected](316) 655-1113

Community ChoirsCarolyn [email protected](785) 760-3809

Jazz and Show ChoirsJohn [email protected](913) 288-7137(217) 979-3094

NW DistrictRepresentativeDr. Terry [email protected](785) 639-3200

NC DistrictRepresentativeJosh [email protected](785) 844-3015

NE DistrictRepresentativeCindy [email protected](785) 424-3441

SW DistrictRepresentativeJane [email protected](620) 640-1882

SC DistrictRepresentativeDoris [email protected](316) 519-9196

SE DistrictRepresentativeSusan Laushman [email protected](620) 231-1851

Choral Range n Page 3

The Editor’s Box

An adage suggests that butteredbread always lands buttered-sidedown. A separate adage claims

that a cat always lands feet-first. Physics,then, suggests that if you attach a pieceof buttered bread—buttered side up—tothe back of a cat and drop the cat from areasonable height, the cat will spin in theair. This would be a clear representationof suspended animation (as well as a callto suspend disbelief . . .).

It’s quite possible that the life of aneducator is well represented by a felineaffixed with buttered bread, spinningabout, physically unable to find repose. The job itself is enough.Add to it family and other loved ones, hobbies, personal goals andpersonal needs, and a teacher’s feet may never touch the floor. Theacquired ability to be fully present, prepared, and functional in all ofthese areas requires something that certainly borders on—if notfully rests on—grace.

This issue of the Choral Range highlights the issues of the para-graph above. On the one hand, and as is customary with our springedition, we highlight the summer convention and the many, manyopportunities to learn of techniques and literature that assist us inour work (knowledge is power, you know!). And on the other, thisedition gives a quick look into the lives of the people who add moreto their lives by serving on the KCDA Board—a quick look at wherethey’ve worked, where they trained, and most importantly what isimportant to them. It makes us all almost human . . .

Our president suggests that we take a step away from the busy-ness, and take a step toward a slower pace, a time of repose andreflection and learning, and especially toward being reinvigoratedby one another by coming together in Topeka at the summer con-vention. If you can get your feet on the floor, please do take thatstep.

Else the kitty keeps on a-spinnin’ . . .


Laura FarnellLaura Farnell is an active choral com-

poser, clinician, accompanist, and adjudi-cator. After graduating summa cum laudefrom Baylor University with a Bachelor ofMusic Education in Choral Music (with apiano emphasis), Laura taught elemen-tary music for two years. She then taughtfor eight years at Boles Junior High in Arlington ISD, duringwhich time the choir program earned numerous Texas UILsweepstakes awards. She was honored by her school withTeacher of the Year awards in 2000 and 2003, and in 2004she received an Excellence in Education Award as theArlington Independent School District’s outstanding JuniorHigh Teacher of the Year.

Laura enjoys working with middle school students andpresently serves as an invited clinician for district, region,and state honor choirs across the country. She also presentsworkshops for choir directors at both district and state levels,and has been featured at music conferences in Illinois, Iowa,Mississippi, Oklahoma, Texas, and Wisconsin. A prolificcomposer, she especially enjoys writing and arranging musicfor choirs at the middle school level. She is represented byseveral music publishers with more than sixty compositionsin publication.

Laura is a member of the Texas Music EducatorsAssociation, Texas Choral Directors Association, the TexasMusic Adjudicators’ Association, and The American Societyof Composers, Authors and Publishers. She and her hus-band, Russell, and their sons Ryan (5) and Will (1), attendFirst Presbyterian Church of Arlington, Texas, where Russellserves as Minister of Music and Laura directs the children’schoirs

Interest Sessions:Putting the FUN in Choral FUNdamentals

Be confident that your choir’s sound is built on a solidfoundation. Farnell brings tips and techniques to establishthe basics for musical and vocal excellence. Her ideas keepinstruction fresh and fun, while preserving high expectationsfor student engagement and performance. Techniques willspecifically focus on cultivating beautiful tone, unified vowelformation and key musical concepts and details crucial to asuccessful performance.

Survival Strategies for Teaching the Male ChangingVoice

With their voices changing almost daily, teaching ado-lescent males to sing can be a daunting task, especially for thefemale choir director. Farnell will share ideas for encourag-ing pitch matching, selecting literature with appropriateranges, classroom management, and generating enthusiasmfor singing in your choral program to help you and youryoung male singers not only survive, but also thrive duringtheir voice change!

Tim SeeligTim Seelig is a conductor, singer,

teacher and motivational speaker. In addi-tion to serving as Artistic Director andConductor of the Golden GatePerforming Arts and San Francisco GayMen’s Chorus, he continues an extremelybusy guest-conducting schedule through-out the U.S. and across the globe. He isConductor Emeritus of the Turtle Creek Chorale, which heconducted for 20 years, and was the founder of TheWomen’s Chorus of Dallas and Resounding Harmony, aphilanthropic choir of Dallas/Fort Worth. He also served onthe faculty of Southern Methodist University for 14 years.

Dr. Seelig holds four degrees, including the DMA fromthe University of North Texas and the Diploma from theMozarteum in Salzburg, Austria. He has numerous booksand DVDs on choral technique, including best-sellers ThePerfect Blend and The Perfect Rehearsal. Other publica-tions include The Perfect Choral Workbook, Quick ChoralFixes and The Music Within. His newest book and DVD,The Language of Music, is recently released.

Known for his enthusiasm and sense of humor, GrammyMagazine writes “Dr. Seelig takes eclecticism to newheights,” and Fanfare Magazine proclaims that Seelig raisessingers from “the ranks of amateur choir to one receivingwide recognition for excellent performances of appealing,fresh repertoire.” The New York Times calls Seelig an“expressive performer,” and the Fort Worth StarTelegram quips, “Seelig slices a thick cut of ham.”

He is the proud grandfather of the amazing Clara Skye.

Convention


Register for the KCDA SUMMERCONVENTION!

Registration form on page 6

Details online at:www.kansaschoral.com/

summer-convention

HeadlinersInterest Sessions:

Quick Fixes: Prescriptions for Every ChoralChallenge:

Rehearsal begins. You do the warm-ups you haveselected. You start singing the repertoire and the groupsinging bears no resemblance to the one you warmedup. You panic for a moment. Then you remember thatyou do, indeed, know how to fix the problems you arehearing. What do you do?

ListenDiagnose the symptomPrescribe and administer the “fix”Move on, feeling like a genius.Most often, your singers really do not understand

the correlation between the warm-ups and the reper-toire. By stopping midstream and using the music theyare singing, the two are tied together in their minds.This session will give you the tools you need to fix choralissues on the fly and immediately.

The Music Within: Discovering the Joy . . .Again.

As children, we all knew the joy of singing, dancing,painting, laughing—to the top of our lungs and outsidethe lines. Along the way, however, our joy and creativitywere muted by those around us, including family, friends,and, all too often, our teachers. This session will remindyou of those days and help you rediscover the creativityvolume knob and turn it back up to forte where itbelongs. Told through personal stories, every listenerwill relate to the journey and experiences. The session

will include multi-media, music, even a little dancing. Irresistibleand life-changing.

Elaine Quilichini

Elaine Quilichini is recognized interna-tionally for her exceptional musicianship, dis-tinguished work and extraordinary gift forinspiring others. As a Master of Music(Kodály), she has served as a clinician, lectur-er, adjudicator and guest conductor acrossCanada, the United States, Australia, Japan,Argentina, Brazil and the Canary Islands.

In 1995, Ms. Quilichini founded theCalgary Girls Choir, and with her vision and passion has built itinto one of the most celebrated choirs in the world. Ms.Quilichini conducted the University of Calgary Women’s Choirfor over ten years and continues to lead an active music studio. Anotable indication of Ms.Quilichini’s stature in the choral com-munity is her successful choral series published by AllianceMusic Publishing, Houston, Texas. She is also a recipient of theAlberta Choral Federation’s “con spirito” award for her contri-butions to the choral arts.

See HEADLINERS, pg. 12



Sounds of SingingKCDA Treble Choir

Christine Freeman – R&SChair for Children’s Choirs

“What an amazing sound!” wasthe exclamation heard from manyaudience members following the2014 KCDA Statewide TrebleHonor Choir performance atKMEA in Wichita—the sound of200 5th- through 9th-gradeunchanged voices was the talk of the day. The compe-tition this year was stiff, as 700 singers from across thestate submitted auditions. The clinician, AngieJohnson, Artistic Director of the Naperville YoungSingers, was blown away with the level of participa-tion—Kansas is a singing state!

After being introduced to the students, Ms.Johnson began with some delightfully creative andengaging activities to wake up the students and gettheir voices going (some of whom had been on the roadsince the wee hours of the morning!). The first timethey sang in unison, everyone in the room stopped tolisten; we knew right away that this was a special group,as the sound was pure and simply beautiful.

Ms. Johnson led the choir through a reading of thefive concert songs and, even more impressive than theirsound, was their level of preparation. The students sangconfidently and made very few mistakes—what a creditto our state’s music teachers! Ms. Johnson was thrilledwith the opportunity to spend the day on larger musicalconcepts. She built a unified sound, incorporatedmovement and energy into the sound, helped studentsexperiment with imagery, played with dynamics,shaped vowels, and worked to attain precise conso-nants. Wouldn’t you love to do that with your choirs allday, every day?

At one point, Mrs. Johnson asked the students,“What does music mean to you?” The answers were asvaried as you can imagine. “Music helps me relax.”“Music helps me think.” “Music helps me express myfeelings.” “Music connects me to my past.” “Music ismy life, my whole world.” “I would be a different per-son without music.” She then had them sing a passagefrom one of the pieces and the emotion that resoundedin that room could fill your heart many times.

The day was productive and the result was a glori-ous performance. The students were engaged and

expressive and had the audience from the first note.Chloe Easley from Christ the King-Topeka remarked,“It was one of the best experiences that I have everhad.” The literature selected by Mrs. Johnson was wellreceived by singers and listeners alike. Hunter Gjovigof California Trail-Olathe said, “It was a good day. Iloved singing ‘There Has to Be a Song.’ It really meanssomething.” Overall, this outstanding (and exhausted)group of young people experienced something specialin a rare opportunity to perform with likeminded peers.Hayley Mordecai from Norton and Janaeha Dinkelfrom Sharon Springs agreed. “We liked singing with somany other good singers!” they exclaimed.

KMEA PresidentAvian Bear recently dis-tributed statistics regard-ing the average ACTscore of Kansas highschool All-State partici-pants, which are signifi-cantly higher than thestate and national aver-ages. The statistics revealthat these students arehigh achievers in musicand in other academicareas. They undoubtedlybegin their musicalcareers with passionateelementary and middleschool teachers whoinspire them each andevery day. Spending a daywith these polite, positive,hard-working and dedicated Treble Honor Choir stu-dents inspires and encourages me to believe that thereis a bright future ahead for music, the arts, our state,our country and our world. If there are outstanding stu-dents like our Kansas young people in every state beingenergized by outstanding teachers like you, then thereis reason to hope!

Thank you, teachers, for your unceasing dedicationto these young people and for allowing me the chanceto work with you and your fabulous students. I hopeyou will consider submitting auditions from your fifththrough ninth graders next year in early October; infor-mation available at www.KansasChoral.com.

Angie Johnson



KCDA Congratulations!

“Surprise was written all overher face as Jane Vanderhoff,choir director at Garden City

High School, was presented with theKansas Music Educators Association’shighest honor—music educator of theyear—right before the start of theGCHS boys’ basketball game Fridaynight.”

So began the article in the January19, 2014 Garden City Telegram, high-lighting Vanderhoff’s recognition. Following the singing ofthe National Anthem by her GCHS Show Choir, athleticdirector Martin Segovia escorted Vanderhoff to center courtto make the surprise presentation.

KMEA President Craig Manteuffel was on hand to makethe presentation that apparently caught Vanderhoff off guard.“Martin starts dragging me out there, and I was like, ‘What inthe world is going on?’” Vanderhoff related.

As part of the presentation, KMEA’s Manteuffel noted thepositive influence Vanderhoff has had not only on her stu-dents, but also on fellow music educators.

“Jane has taught for 35 years, and most of those years havebeen in southwest Kansas.Lynn Unruh, the SouthwestKMEA District President-Elect from Cimarron HighSchool, stated that Jane hasdevoted her life to sharing herlove of music with young peo-ple and helping them developtheir musical abilities, and thatshe has touched countless livesand instilled in them her lovefor music,” Manteuffel said.“Lynn met Jane when she firstbegan teaching. She hadwatched Jane work with choirsand was quite impressed withher teaching abilities and skills.Lynn said she learned a longtime ago that if you want to be

successful, you should surround yourself with successful edu-cators and watch how they teach. As a new teacher, Lynnlooked for support, ideas and encouragement. Jane went outof her way to be friendly, kind and approachable. GCHSMusic Teachers Summer Miller and Lyle Sobba speak veryhighly of Jane as an educator, colleague and friend.”

Members of the KCDA Board know Jane as energetic,passionate, committed and dependable, broadly skilled, andabove all humble and down-to-earth. Her bubbly and self-deprecating sense of humor ensures that she—if you’ll pardonthe pun (and know her well enough to “get” it)—never thinkstoo highly of herself.

“I wish that every teacher could have the experience ofbeing validated, appreciated, thanked, recognized, and hon-ored in such a special way—a ‘thank you’ goes such a longway!” Vanderhoff says. “It gives us the energy and power to beeverything our students need, and to see ourselves as makinga difference. I have received so many nice notes from commu-nity members, co-workers, former students—even in their50s! It still seems unbelievable to be honored in this way.”

KCDA is proud of your accomplishments, Jane, and hon-ored to call you a friend and colleague!

Garden City’s Jane Vanderhoff Recognized as KMEA Music Educator of the Year

Who is KCDA?


Dr. Mark Bartel – Friends UniversityR&S Chair for College & UniversityChoirs

How many years you have been in thechoral field?

25 (Although technically I’ve been involvedsince the age of 3 when I apparently filled in therest at the end of the “Hallelujah! Chorus” withmy own toddler version of “Hallelujah!”)

Your present position; how long you’ve been there.I am Associate Professor of Music and Director of Choral

Music at Friends University in Wichita, a position I’ve held since2005. Since 2010 I have been the Artistic Director of the WichitaChamber Chorale.

Note previous choral positions. I have filled two full-time church music positions in Winnipeg,

MB, Canada, and filled two university positions in Canada—atCanadian Mennonite University in Winnipeg, and an adjunct posi-tion at the University of Western Ontario, London, ON. I alsotaught at London District Christian Secondary School in London,ON. South of the border I filled an adjunct position at Hobart andWilliam Smith Colleges in Geneva, New York, and previouslyserved as Artistic Director of the Wichita Community Children’sChoir.

Education background (including high school!) Eden Christian College, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON, Canada

(high school); Canadian Mennonite University – Bachelor ofReligious Studies; University of Winnipeg – BA; SouthernMethodist University Meadows School of the Arts – MM Voice;Southern Methodist University Perkins School of Theology –MSM Conducting; Eastman School of Music – DMA ChoralConducting

What gives you the most pleasure/satisfaction in yourchoral work?

The opportunity to facilitate the realization of human capacityto serve one another, to achieve their potential, and to offer a cre-ative response to the creator.

What you have found to be the most important element orresponsibility of your work?

To develop a holistic vision for how choirs and choral programscan discover and achieve their goals, which involves an equal part-

nership (not the same “work” but carry the same “weight”)between what I do and what they do.

What do you enjoy doing outside of your choral work?Dirt that grows things; plants; mountains; water; skiing; hiking;

and camping. Yes, I know Kansas doesn’t have all of those things!

Gretchen Bixler – GoddardEisenhower High SchoolAdvertising and Exhibitor Facilitator


22

Your present position; how long you’vebeen there.

I am in my first year as vocal instructor at GoddardEisenhower High School.

Note previous choral positions. Prior to Eisenhower I taught at Wichita Stucky Middle School,

Wichita Southeast High School, Nickerson Junor/Senior HighSchool, and Plainville Junior/Senior High School.

Education background (including high school!) Baldwin City High School, Baldwin City, Kansas; Baker

University – BM Music Education; Wichita State University – MMMusic Education


Seeing and hearing the difference between performances fromthe fall to the spring. Also, helping kids to see that singing can lasta lifetime. I teach/preach about all the opportunities available tothem after public school education.


Having to wear so many hats as an educator, and helping kidsto be successful through performance of singing together—learn-ing teamwork.

What do you enjoy doing outside of your choral work?Summer sports, travel, Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, andsinging in three choirs outside of school.

See BOARD BIOS, pg. 12

A brief biographical foray into the lives of the members of the Kansas Choral Directors Association Board


CLINICIAN BIOS, from page 4

Kevin Bogan – United MethodistChurch, LeawoodR&S Chair for Music & Worship


25


I am currently the Director of Traditional/Blended WorshipArts at the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection inLeawood, Kansas. I have been here almost 10 years.

Note previous choral positions. Since 1990 I have been involved in full time church music in

Arkansas, Florida and Kansas. Prior to that I did part timechurch music in Arkansas while working on my degrees. My fulltime work began in Florida just after graduation where I servedtwo churches, First United Methodist Church and FirstPresbyterian Church, both in Boca Raton, Florida from 1990 to2003. I then moved back home to Fayetteville, Arkansas to bethe Director of Music at Central United Methodist Church, thelargest United Methodist Church in Arkansas until 2004 when Icame to Church of the Resurrection, my current position.

Education background (including high school!) Fayetteville High School, Fayetteville, Arkansas; University

of Arkansas-Fayetteville – BM Piano and Vocal Performance;University of Arkansas-Fayetteville – MM Choral Conducting;(An interesting fact, I traveled further to go to High School, thanI did to go to College. I had to go through the University ofArkansas campus to get to my High School!)


Seeing people moved by the music that we sing at the churchis my utmost satisfaction. When people are truly blessed anddrawn closer to God through the art of choral music everyoneinvolved is blessed!

What you have found to be the most important elementor responsibility of your work?

Other than preparing a new set of music every seven days, Ithink the most important part of my work is connecting peoplewith people and with art. The great thing about choral music is

it cannot be done alone. As we experience the joy of choral musicwe bond and make lasting relationships with those we sing withand those that we minister to. It doesn’t get better than that.

What do you enjoy doing outside of your choral work?When I’m not doing choral work I enjoy doing musical

direction for local theaters and sometimes even acting in produc-tions. I love to travel and am an award winning cook!

Amy Brown – Wichita NorthwestHigh SchoolR&S Chair for Women’s Choirs


40


Wichita Northwest High School . . .and you didn’t tell mehow long!

Note previous choral positions. Before beginning my public school teaching career, I served

as an adjunct instructor of voice and director of the Women’sChorus at WSU, and then taught for six years at Wilbur MiddleSchool in Wichita. Together with my husband, I have also per-formed at churches and retreats, served as soloists and worshipleaders at various churches in the Wichita area. In Kansas I’veserved as choir director at Goddard United Methodist (14 years),Hillside Christian (1 year), Riverside Christian (2 years) and inArizona I was Youth Bell and Choir Director at ValleyPresbyterian in Scottsdale, AZ.

Education background (including high school!) Sunnyslope High School, Phoenix, Arizona; Arizona State

University - BM Choral Music Education; Wichita StateUniversity - MM Vocal Performance


One of the greatest joys of being a choral educator is thatmoment as a performance begins that the ensemble comestogether as one to create something that has never been done

BOARD BIOS, from page 10

See BOARD BIOS, pg. 14


Ms. Quilichini is on the faculty of the International SummerAcademy of Choral Conducting and Music Pedagogy in LasPalmas, Canary Islands and is Artistic Director of the NebraskaWesleyan University and the Wichita State University summerchoral programs. She also continues to serve at the NewEngland Conservatory in Boston as conductor of their youthand children’s choral summer program. In 2010, Ms. Quilichiniaccepted invitations to conduct the Children’s Honor Choirs at

both the Eastern and North Central Division Conferences ofthe American Choral Directors Association, as well as theVirginia Organization of Kodály Educators (VOKE) Children’sChoir Festival in Fairfax in 2010 and 2011.

Global Television recently recognized Ms. Quilichini as a“Woman of Vision,” an award that celebrates women whosepassion, talent, and commitment is reflected in their achieve-ments: a perfect fit for Ms. Quilichini’s contributions.


CLINICIAN BIOS, from page 4


and can never be recreated in exactly the same way. They get it,I get it and the audience responds. We only achieve togetherand there is nothing better. With the focus of our modern cul-ture to small screens and personal isolation, this joint creationbecomes even more significant and I am honored to be a part ofit.


I believe the most important element of my work—ourwork—is to maintain the focus on exemplary character. Nohonest choral performance can come if we haven’t done it rightduring our preparation. This can often be the most difficultthing to deal with as we deal with students and their lives;sometimes the music seems to come last but it must alwaystouch their hearts and challenge them.

What do you enjoy doing outside of your choral work?Now I’m going to confess an obsession: I have been

researching the Smith/Brown genealogy and I am addicted! Ithas been a wonderful adventure to discover our heritage. Part ofthe reason this hobby came about was to discover more aboutmy father’s mother, Olive Burkhart Smith, who graduated fromthe New England Conservatory of Music in 1912 as an exem-plary pianist and organist. She was not only a genetic source ofmy musical talent, but I was blessed that her teaching standardswere high and inspiring to the special piano student whobecame my mother. Together they afforded me a terrific foun-dation and direction for my musical journeys and I am grateful.

Dustin Cates – Olathe East HighKCDA President-Elect


10

Your present position; how longyou’ve been there.

I am in my second year at Olathe EastHigh School.

Note previous choral positions. Prior to coming to Olathe East, I taught at Shawnee

Mission South High School and Raytown South High School.

Education background (including high school!) Ruskin High School, Kansas City, Missouri; University of

Missouri-Kansas City – BM Music Education; Baker University– MS School Leadership


Seeing the impact of what we do in the choir room has onwhom students are or are becoming.


To foster an environment of community where individualscare for one another and sing for something greater than him orherself.

What do you enjoy doing outside of your choral work?I enjoy running, cooking, and spending time with my 2½-year-old little boy, Emmaus.

Lisa Cookson – Wichita SoutheastHigh R&S Chair for Women’s ChoirsAssistant


23


I am in my 8th year at Wichita Southeast High School. Ialso serve as Associate Director of Worship Arts at AldersgateUnited Methodist Church in Wichita.

Note previous choral positions. I have taught at the elementary level (Renwick Andale,

Wichita Benton, Lincoln McPherson) which might not be out-wardly a “choral” position, but it taught me that elementarymusic teachers are very important in preparing our future choirstudents! Other choral positions have been: Andover MiddleSchool, Curtis Middle School, and six years with the KansasYouth Choir.

Education background (including high school!) Haviland High School, Haviland, Kansas; Friends

University – BM Music Education; Wichita State University –MM Music Education


Observing the growth of students both emotionally andmusically as they progress through their high school years. Ioften tell my students that I am “living the dream!” Eventhough they think I am being sarcastic (that statement usuallycomes at the end of a long and stressful rehearsal), it is truly ajoy when I realize they experience the product of all their effortsand are excited about the result.


Creating a safe and comfortable environment where stu-dents can work together to create something beautiful throughchoral music. I realize that most of my students will not becomemusic majors, but hopefully they learn how to work with otherstoward a common goal as well as being future patrons of musicas adults.

What do you enjoy doing outside of your choral work?Cooking, gardening, and spending time with my husband

and extended family.

BOARD BIOS, from page 12


Dr. Terry Crull – Fort Hays State Northwest Kansas DistrictRepresentative


35


Currently I am in my 9th year at Ft Hays State University,where I serve as Director of Choral Activities.

Note previous choral positions. I began teaching in Ontario, California at Ontario Christian

School, where I had the music program grades 5-8 (2 choirs, 3bands, and general music classes). I also coached basketball forgrades 7-9, and Joan taught the Elementary Music program. After5 years we moved to Iowa, where I taught choir and band atUnity Christian High School in Orange City, Iowa, and Joantaught orchestra part-time (and four kids full-time). I also assistedboys basketball big men (State Champs, 1986). Our next stop wasMitchell, South Dakota, where for the next eight years I served inthe Music Department at Dakota Wesleyan University, and Joantaught K-6 Music.

In 1996 we moved to Greeley, Colorado, where Joan contin-ued with K-6 music, while I spent five years as Director ofWorship at 1st Presbyterian Church before beginning doctoralstudies at University of Northern Colorado.

Education background (including high school!) Pecatonica High School, Pecatonica, Illinois; Dordt College –

BA Secondary Music Education; University of South Dakota –MM Choral Conducting/Voice/Music Education; University ofNorthern Colorado – DA Choral Conducting


Working with my choirs and conducting them in concerts isnumber one on my list, but a close second is seeing young teach-ers step out into the teaching field, knowing I’ve helped to pre-pare them for a successful career.


I find teacher preparation to be the most important responsi-bility I have as a college choral educator.

What do you enjoy doing outside of your choral work?Outside of teaching, I have made the age transition from play-

ing basketball to watching basketball. (GO, TIGERS!) Joan and Ihave spent many hours riding side-by-side together: motorcycleswhen weather permits; jet skis in the summer; and in the car orplane to visit our children in New York City, Jerusalem, Chicago(with twin granddaughters) and China. We love to hold parties atour Hays home, and also get back to Colorado at least once a yearto visit friends, make music, and hike and ride in the Rockies . . .which surpass the mountains of Kansas, but do not surpass thesunsets!

Connie Donatelli – Cowley CollegeR&S Chair for Two-Year Colleges


30+


I am currently in my twentieth year atCowley College.

Note previous choral positions. Prior to Cowley College, I taught elementary vocal music in

Holton, and middle and high school vocal music in Remington,Circle and Winfield.

Education background (including high school!) Chase County High School, Cottonwood Falls, Kansas;

Kansas State University – BS Music Education; Kansas StateUniversity – MM Vocal Performance


The greatest joy of teaching has come through the lifelongconnections that I have made with students and colleagues.


Striving for excellence on a daily basis has been the drivingforce that has guided me through the hundreds of students that Ihave had the privilege to direct and teach.

What do you enjoy doing outside of your choral work?I enjoy travelling, cooking, and spending quality time with

family and friends.

Christine M. Freeman – Aubry BendMiddle School, Overland ParkR&S Chair for Children’s Choirs


9


I am currently in my first year as the vocal music teacher atAubry Bend Middle School in the Blue Valley District.Concurrently, I am the Associate Music Director in Kansas Cityand Senior Vocal Coach of the William Baker ChoralFoundation.

Note previous choral positions. I previously taught at St. Michael the Archangel School in the

Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas for eight years.

Education background (including high school!) Hayden High School, Topeka, Kansas; University of Kansas –

BM Music Education & Vocal Performance; University of Kansas– MM Music Education & Vocal Pedagogy


I take satisfaction in spreading the joy, emotional depth, unity,precision and fulfillment that choral music can offer to studentsand adults alike.


The most important aspect of my work is caring for peopleand working with them to be feeling, caring people in return.

What do you enjoy doing outside of your choral work?Outside of choral work I enjoy playing women’s indoor soccer

on my own and coed indoor soccer and coed softball with my hus-band. I love spending time with my family and friends, especiallywith my new nephew! I really enjoy going to live music perform-ances and trying new foods and restaurants.

Susan Laushman – Pittsburg High SchoolSoutheast Kansas District Representative


24


I am in my 14th year at Pittsburgh HighSchool.

Note previous choral positions. I previously taught at Carl Junction High School, and at

Pittsburg State University.

Education background (including high school!) Topeka West High School, Topeka, Kansas; Friends University

– BM Piano Performance; Pittsburg State University – MM PianoPerformance & Music Education


My greatest joy is in building relationships with students.


Beyond just teaching music, teaching life skills.

What do you enjoy doing outside of your choral work?Cooking, home decorating, and dog training.

Margie Lawrence – Bishop SeaburyAcademy, LawrenceKCDA Membership Chair


32Your present position; how long you’vebeen there.

I am currently the Director of ChoralActivities at Bishop Seabury Academy in Lawrence, where I over-see the Middle School Girls Ensemble, Middle School BoysEnsemble, combined Middle School Chorus, 7th-12th GradeWomen’s Ensemble, and the Seabury Chamber Singers. I alsoserve as the Media Coordinator for the Academy.

Note previous choral positions. I served as Director of Worship Arts at Menlo Park

Presbyterian Church in the San Francisco Bay Area, directing the400 member children’s choral activities of a 5000-member churchfor over 22 years. I also had the opportunity to serve as a clinicianand adjudicator for events with ACDA, Hawaiian Island Ministries,Chorister’s Guild, UC Davis, UC Santa Cruz, Mount HermonMusic Conference, and Bay Area Churches.

Education background (including high school!) Polytechnic High School, Riverside, California; California

State University-Fullerton – BA Music Education & ChoralConducting


Taking a group of strangers and building them into a team thatshares in a common goal, bringing each of them into a place ofexpression and feeling that they hadn’t expected.


Making sure my students understand that music is not just arote exercise but an art that is deserving of their passion and atten-tion to detail.

What do you enjoy doing outside of your choral work?Family gatherings (including a pair of Shih-tzu’s), hiking, any-

thing on PBS/BBC, and crocheting.

Steve Miller – Choral Music Manager,Senseney MusicKCDA Treasurer


Nearly 35 years


Presently I am Choral Music Manager at Senseney Music inWichita, and have held that position for a little over a year and ahalf.



Note previous choral positions. My teaching career began in Minneapolis, KS, where I taught

grades 1-6 and high school. After Minneapolis I taught for fouryears in Osawatomie (6-12), six years at Haven (6-12), and thenspent the next 22 years directing at Hesston High School andMiddle School, before beginning my second “career” at Senseney.Education background (including high school!)

Reedley High School, Reedley, California; Bethel College –BA Music Education; University of Missouri-Kansas City – MMChoral Conducting


During my teaching years it was always enjoyable to watchthe students as they gained in confidence and ability. I always toldmy students that the greatest compliment they could give mewould be to sing in college.


In my present position I have the task of trying to becomenowledgeable about all the new compositions being published, aswell as everything else that is out there. It is a fun and challengingoccupation, and it is nice to still be in contact with colleaguesfrom my teaching years.

What do you enjoy doing outside of your choral work?In the little spare time I have, I enjoy hunting, (quail, pheas-

ant, turkey, and deer—bow and rifle), fly fishing, and buildingcustom rifles (a great Mennonite tradition J).

Hilary Morton – Lawrence Free StateHigh SchoolR&S Chair for Ethnic /MulticulturalPerspectives


11


I am in my eighth year at Lawrence Free State High School.

Note previous choral positions. Prior to Free State, I taught for three years at Oregon Trail

Junior High School in Olathe. I also just completed a term as theNE KMEA District Choral Chair.

Education background (including high school!) Lawrence High School, Lawrence, Kansas; University of

Kansas – BM Music Education & Vocal Performance; Universityof Kansas – MM Choral Pedagogy


I find a great deal of pleasure in teaching various languages,and especially love sharing my love for French music with mychoirs.


I seek to lead students to invest their entire soul and spirit in apiece of music, sculpting truly human, beautiful moments forsingers as well as audience members.

What do you enjoy doing outside of your choral work?Outside of the choral classroom, I enjoy participating in sketch

comedy, comedic puppet shows, and playing Frisbee with my dog,Isabelle.

Elise Peterson – Shawnee Mission SouthHigh School, Overland ParkKCDA Secretary


21


I am in my 2nd year at Shawnee Mission South High School,and I also serve as President-Elect of the NW KMEA District.

Note previous choral positions. I taught at Anderson County Junior-Senior High School in

Garnett from 1993-2000, was a Graduate Teaching Assistant atEmporia State University from 2000-2002, spent eight years atHays High School (2002-2010), and then two years at PioneerTrail Middle School in Olathe before beginning my present posi-tion.

Education background (including high school!) Olathe North High School; Johnson County Community

College; Emporia State University – BM Music Education;Emporia State University – MM Music Education


I love being able to make a difference in the lives of the stu-dents that I teach—many of the teenagers that I teach have expe-rienced things that nobody should have to face in their lifetime.


There is something about music that allows students to con-nect with their directors and fellow singers. I can make a differ-ence in the lives of my students and that offers me more satisfac-tion than any amount of money would ever compensate me.

What do you enjoy doing outside of your choral work?I absolutely love to perform, whether in musical theater, lead-

ing music at church, singing at weddings, or singing with profes-sional groups. I love movies—I am typically one of the first peoplein line to see the newest movies that are coming out. And I am anavid KU Basketball fan!!!

Markel Porter – Regional Manager, JWPepperKCDA Music Industry Representative


9


I have been working at JW Pepper for four years.

Note previous choral positions. Prior to JW Pepper, I spent five years as a non-traditional stu-

dent at Pittsburg State University while managing a family of five!I’ve also had the privilege of singing in the Tulsa Opera Chorus fortwo seasons and performing with the American Opera Studio for aproduction of Cats. I have also spent a dozen years ministeringthrough church concerts and eight years directing church choirs.

Education background (including high school!) Cherryvale High School, Cherryvale, Kansas; Pittsburg State

University – BM Vocal Performance; Pittsburg State University –MM Vocal Performance


The opportunity to get to know and serve directors and educa-tors.


Getting out to where the teachers are and seeing a little bit ofwhat goes on in their classrooms.

What do you enjoy doing outside of your choral work?Watching Sci-Fi and suspense movies.

Doris Prater – Maize High SchoolSouthcentral Kansas DistrictRepresentative


30


I am in my 26th year at Maize High School.

Note previous choral positions. I began my career directing junior high choirs in Wichita. I

have also directed several church choirs in Wichita, includingHillside Christian, Wichita First Methodist and First MennoniteBrethren.

Education background (including high school!) Kingman High School, Kingman, Kansas; Friends University –

BA Music Education; University of Missouri-Kansas City – MMChoral Conducting


One of my greatest joys is to follow the accomplishments offormer students, whether it is on the professional stage, in the class-room or wherever I encounter them. Two former students gave mymother extraordinary care when she was in the hospital—you neverknow when those connections will be very valuable!


I believe one of the most important things a teacher must do ischoose a variety of challenging repertoire that teaches a wide rangeof music fundamentals and reinforces appreciation for all types ofmusic.

What do you enjoy doing outside of your choral work?My husband, David, and I are proud parents of Matthew (16)

and Melody (10). We follow them around in our spare time.

Dr. Cindy Sheppard – Olathe South High Northeast Kansas District Representative


27 (but almost 50 if you count my “debut”with the Music Makers Choir at church . . .)


I serve as Director of Choirs and Chair of the Performing ArtsDepartment at Olathe South High School, and am in my lucky13th year.

Note previous choral positions. I also served as Director of Choral Activities at Howard Payne

University and as Instructor of Music Education at Wayland BaptistUniversity.

Education background (including high school!) Belleville West High School & Rochester High School, Illinois;

William Jewell College – BS Music Ed (including Honors Study atOxford University); Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary –MM Conducting; University of Missouri-Columbia – PhD MusicEducation


When students have that “Aha!” musical experience.


The life lessons and personal discoveries of self expression thatmaking music offers.

What do you enjoy doing outside of your choral work?Travel, reading great books, capturing beauty and experiences

through photography, and spending time with my killer dachshund,Arnold the Puppinator.



Jason Sickel – Blue Valley North HighSchool, Overland ParkR&S Chair for Senior High SchoolChoirs


10


I’m currently in my first year teaching at Blue Valley NorthHigh School in Overland Park.

Note previous choral positions. I spent the 2012-2013 school year at Pioneer Trail Middle

School in Olathe. Prior to this I was at Louisburg , teaching 6-12choral music from 2005 to 2012. My very first year of teaching wasin Osawatomie during the 2004- 2005 school year.

Education background (including high school!) St. Marys High School, St. Marys, Kansas; Emporia State

University – BM Music Education


I love watching students grow into mature singers and maturehuman beings over the course of several years of working withthem. I think our jobs are perhaps some of the most demanding ineducation as there is never any down time during our classes.We’re always on stage and always working from bell to bell. Whilethis type of teaching is very physically, emotionally, and intellectu-ally demanding, it has the ability to have a profound impact on stu-dents who may not necessarily remember what we said, but howwe and the music made them feel.


I find myself constantly asking “Am I teaching music literacyin addition to choral artistry?” This is a delicate balance as I wantmy students to become independent singers who can readmelodies and rhythms without my help. At the same time, I wantthem to be outstanding singers who have excellent technique andunderstand the foundations of choral music. I believe that one ofthe greatest gifts we can give our students is the skill set to be ableto sing and perform on their own. I am happiest when I am nolonger needed!

What do you enjoy doing outside of your choral work?I really enjoy architecture and I love putting together three

dimensional puzzles and buildings. Frank Lloyd Wright is one ofmy architectural heroes and I enjoy looking at his designs and floorplans. I also enjoy spending time with my family including a cer-tain red-headed 2½-year-old named Lillian. She is now able tosing pretty accurately five-eighths of a major scale (we’re stillworking on la, ti and high do!)

Karen Sims – Maize South Middle SchoolR&S Chair for Junior High/MiddleSchool Choirs


31


I currently teach at Maize South Middle School, vocal music6-8; this is my 22nd year at Maize.

Note previous choral positions. Prior to Maize I held teaching positions in Great Bend

(Harrison Jr. High) and Hesston Middle School and High School(7-12). I have served as assistant director of the NewtonCommunity Children’s Choir and with numerous adult and chil-dren church choirs.

Education background (including high school!) Bluffton High School, Bluffton, Ohio; Bethel College – BA,

Music Education; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign –MM


There is nothing like those “A-HA” moments when a youngperson connects with the music and gains confidence and self-awareness through beautiful singing and musical artistry!


Through the years I have learned that it is important to beflexible with the given changes and circumstances, but yet stillbelieve in the importance of music education and choral excellencefor all.

What do you enjoy doing outside of your choral work?Soaking in God’s creation and nature while riding our horses

provides a wonderful brain-break for me from music and kids. Ialso love down time with my hubby and three girls, and we haveespecially enjoyed some wonderful trips together.

John Stafford – Kansas City CommunityCollegeR&S Chair for Jazz & Show Choirs


10 (Although singing in church choirs sinceage 4 . . .)


I was appointed Director of Choral Activities at Kansas CityCommunity College in 2010.

Note previous choral positions. Millikin University, teaching vocal jazz, theory &

composition. Education background (including high school!)

Danville High School, Danville, Illinois; Millikin University –BM Music Business; Bowling Green State University – MMComposition; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign – DMAChoral Conducting & Literature (ABD)


I’m a theory “nerd,” so I enjoy locking chords more than any-thing. There’s nothing like a locked chord (everybody singing theexact same vowel together). In terms of my students, I want to getthem the best choral experience possible by choosing a wide vari-ety of music, especially outside of their comfort zones.


To spread knowledge of the art form. To explain to studentshow important it is to understand the craft as a whole—theory,composition, history, etc.

What do you enjoy doing outside of your choral work?I’m a total foodie! I love trying new restaurants, live music

(especially jazz), grilling in the summer, traveling to new destina-tions and spending time with my fiancé, Bonnie—we’re gettingmarried this summer at Boulevard Brewing Company. (Editor’sNote: And KCDA offers its congratulations!)

Tiffani Thompson – J. C. Harmon HighSchool, Kansas CityKCDA Webmaster


3


I am currently in my second year of teaching at J. C. HarmonHigh School, serving as Director of Choral Activities and Theatre.

Note previous choral positions. Prior to teaching at Harmon, I taught choir and general music

at Pleasant Hill Intermediate School in Pleasant Hill, Missouri.

Education background (including high school!) Pineville High School, Pineville, Louisiana; Hardin-Simmons

University, Abilene, TX; University of Missouri-Kansas City – BMChoral Music Education


Transformation—of a student, an ensemble, or a piece ofmusic. I love seeing students grow as musicians, and also intoyoung adults.


Building positive relationships with students while helpingthem grow not only as musicians, but also as people.

What do you enjoy doing outside of your choral work?I enjoy the opportunity to continue perform, and currently sing

with the Te Deum Chamber Choir.

Jane Vanderhoff – Garden City High Southwest Kansas District Representative


36


I am in my twelfth year at Garden CityHigh School, and am also the State Choral Chair for the KMEAFestival Choir.

Note previous choral positions. I taught K-12 Vocal/Instrumental/General Music in Big

Springs, Nebraska, and a similar position in Otis, Colorado.

Education background (including high school!) Poudre High School, Fort Collins, Colorado; University of

Northern Colorado – BM Music Education; University of Oregon– MM Music Education


I particularly enjoy watching the faces of my students as theybring a new song, style or genre to life, or discover an old gem.


The continual task of finding appropriate selections for eachensemble, particularly as new performing opportunities arise. Alsokeeping up with score study so that rehearsal time is productive. Inthis era of educational change, it is challenging to meet all therequirements of MTSS, Common Core, andreading/writing/speaking requirements in addition to helping ourstudents become musically literate and expressive.

What do you enjoy doing outside of your choral work?I love to travel anywhere—from Mt. Sunflower to the

Matterhorn! I also enjoy cooking and baking, photography, read-ing, walking, and festivals of any kind.

Laura Vanleeuwen – Shawnee MissionWest High School, Overland ParkKCDA President


16


I am currently the Choral Director at Shawnee Mission WestHigh School in Overland Park, and I have been there for 15 years.



Note previous choral positions. I served one year as an adjunct voice teacher and director of

the women’s choir at Wichita State University.

Education background (including high school!) Shawnee Mission South High School (Raider at heart, Viking

by choice); Wichita State University – BM Vocal Performance;University of Missouri-Kansas City – BME Music Education;MM Vocal Performance & Choral Conducting


Watching students develop an excitement and passion forchoral music, and the learning process that goes with the passion.


I believe it is important to keep a balance between work andeverything else. Giving all that you have to the job/students,being consistent, fair, and knowing when it’s time to go home andleave it for another day.

What do you enjoy doing outside of your choral work?Running!!! J Cooking, reading, and spending quality time withmy family.

Dr. Brad Vogel – Tabor CollegeChoral Range Editor/KCDA PastPresident pro tem


30


I am in my 17th year as Professor of Choral Music at TaborCollege, and also serve as Chair of the Music Department andDivision of Performing and Visual Arts.

Note previous choral positions. My first position was as Associate Pastor of Music and Youth

Ministries at Zoar Mennonite Brethren Church in Inman,Kansas. Following a year at the University of Northern Coloradoto obtain an MM in Conducting I spent four years in the Inman,Kansas public school system (teaching 5-12 instrumental musicand 9-12 vocal music), and then five years at Haven, Kansas,teaching 7-12 vocal music . . . and Kindergarten Music. I’ve alsobeen active in church music, directing the Zoar MB ChurchChoir for many years during my public school teaching days, anda couple of replacement stints for the Hillsboro MB ChurchChoir.

Education background (including high school!) Coldwater High School, Coldwater, Kansas (now South

Central High School); Tabor College – BA Music Education;University of Northern Colorado – MM Choral Conducting;University of Missouri-Kansas City – DMA Choral Conducting


When students “give themselves up” in the effort to (1) bringjoy to others through the beauty of art and artistic expression; and(2) when I see that effort brought into all areas of life—the desireto fully realize their gifts and use them to serve others and God.


I sense that the key to my work is preparation, communica-tion, and relationship. I have to know what it is I want to achieve,and have means by which to achieve it. But the means are deter-mined by the needs of the students and other people with whom Iwork, so I must know them, communicate to each of them that Itruly care about who they are as an individual, and communicatethat ultimately what we are doing is serving others and that it willas a result bring great joy and satisfaction to us, as well. I find thatbuilding a personal relationship with each student to be not onlyvitally important, but also very enjoyable! To be able to entertheir world as I draw them into mine (sometimes in a ratherdemanding way . . .) allows us to work together—I suggest thatrehearsal is something you do, and not something that is done toyou.

What do you enjoy doing outside of your choral work?I love to run and I love to read (main subjects/author: sports

history, Civil War/American history, music history, Chaim Potokand Jewish history); I’m way too ardent a fan of Kansas Jayhawkbasketball; and I enjoy eating and watching TV (at the same time)with my wife and our sons and their significant others: David andwife Hanna, and Nathan and soon-to-be-wife Mallea.

Carolyn Welch – Artistic Director,Lawrence Children’s ChorusR&S Chair for Community Choirs


17


I am currently the Artistic Director of the LawrenceChildren’s Choir, a position I began in 2012, after serving in theprogram since 1997.

Note previous choral positions. My teaching career has centered in the Lawrence public

school system, progressing from junior high to elementary, backto junior high, and then to high school, before leaving to focus onthe Lawrence Children’s Choir full time.

Education background (including high school!) Escuela Americana, El Salvador; Fairview High School,

Boulder, Colorado; Minnesota State University – BV MusicEducation; University of Colorado-Boulder – BM VocalPerformance; University of Colorado-Boulder – MM VocalPerformance


I think what I love most about being a choir director is thesame thing I love most about being a singer: the process of takingmusic off the page and turning it into something beautiful,


powerful and true. And when you engage in that process with otherpeople, it’s even more powerful. That humans can, with nothingmore than our bodies and minds, create something so vivid andlovely as a great piece of choral music is nearly a miracle, I think.(Of course, it doesn’t feel very miraculous when we’re worryingabout snow days, sports conflicts, sick singers, backordered musicand so forth!)


We have many responsibilities—to our singers, to our com-posers, to our audiences, and to young directors following in ourfootsteps. What we do is important. I try to choose each piece ofmusic with the idea that my singers will remember them 50 yearshence: is the song worth the space in his or her brain?

What do you enjoy doing outside of your choral work?When I’m not wearing my choir director hat, I’m usually wear-

ing either my Grandma hat or my farmer hat. I have two grand-sons, one mule, 50 sheep, 30 chickens, 20 goats, 20 cows, and mis-cellaneous dogs, cats, and donkeys. My husband publishes maga-zines (Mother Earth News, Grit, Cappers Farmer, Utne, MotherEarth Living, and several others) and together we have a farmwhere we raise organic, grass-fed beef and lamb.

Last year, tragically, we lost our 25-year-old son. He had sungin LCC from 5th-9th grade and while he was patently terrible inthe facial expression department, he felt the music deeply. Hismemorial featured Lauridsen’s Sure on This Shining Night andHenson’s My Flight For Heaven. The music articulated what wecouldn’t, and gave us peace and solace unmatched by music orwords alone.

Josh Wildin – Wamego High SchoolNorthcentral Kansas DistrictRepresentative


10


Currently, I am the director of choral music for WamegoMiddle School/High School and have been serving here since2008.

Note previous choral positions. I previously taught at Salina Central for 3 years, Jackson

Heights for 2 years, and my very first job was at French MiddleSchool Choral for 1 semester.

Education background (including high school!) Marion High School, Marion, Kansas; Kansas State University

– BM Music Education


The thing that gives me the most pleasure in my choral work iswatching students achieve. They are always so moved when theyfinally figure out just how accomplished they have become and thepossibilities that are in front of them. Knowing that somehow Iguided them to that is one of the best sensations in teaching.


The most important responsibility that I find myself having tocomplete on a day-in and day-out basis is the communicationaspect of my job. Administratively, this is the most taxing responsi-bility that I have. Filling out e-mails, making sure that parentsknow of dates, and communicating the next important event issometimes all my planning time will allow for me to do. Yet I stillsomehow seem to miss something every year.

What do you enjoy doing outside of your choral work?My outside of school life is absolutely vital to my “sanity.” I

have a wonderful wife and two daughters –Makenzie (9), and Eva(3). I spend the majority of my personal time as an avid outdoors-man. Hunting in this beautiful state or ours is a passion. However,the even bigger passion is getting to share it with my older daugh-ter, who loves being outside with her dad. It makes me a veryproud man to spend it with her. One day when Eva is old enoughhopefully she will share it with us as well.

Dr. Tom Wine – Wichita State UniversityR&S Chair for Youth & Student Activities


33


I was hired at Wichita State University in1995 to teach music education. At that time, my job description didnot include directing any choral ensembles. My present position,Professor of Music Education and Director of Choral Activities,became available when Bud Boughton retired in 2001.

Note previous choral positions. Before coming to WSU I had a one year interim position at

the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. While I was working onmy doctorate at Florida State University I was the choir director atTallahassee Community College. My public school teaching experi-ence was nine years at Spartanburg High School in South Carolina.

Education background (including high school!) Bethel Park High School, Bethel Park, Pennsylvania; Alderson-

Broaddus College (Now Alderson Broaddus University) – BSMusic Education; Duquesne University – MM Music Education;Florida State University – PhD Music Education


My students. As Steve Eubank has said, “I love to pull into theparking lot every day because of the kids.”


Besides the joy of committee work, the excitement of stateassessments, and the thrill of university meetings . . . ( ) . . . know-ing that I am helping to shape the next generation of choral educa-tors is why I came to WSU.

What do you enjoy doing outside of your choral work?Golf and wine. Did I mention wine?



Kansas Choral Directors AssociationTabor College400 N. JeffersonHillsboro, KS 67063

PRESORT STDUS POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT #68

WICHITA KS 672

HARRY ROBERT WILSON AWARD

The Prelude Award, formerly the Young Director Award, the PreludeAward will be given annually to one outstanding member of the KansasChoral Directors Association with at least three and no more than fiveyears of experience as a choral director in the State of Kansas. Awardeeswill demonstrate:

• Successful teaching and performance in choral music in Kansas• Professional demeanor in interactions with colleagues• Potential as exemplary professional w/extended career in choral music• A spirit of service through active participation and involvement in

KCDA and/or KMEA

Selection Procedure• Nominations will be solicited from the general membership of KCDA• Nominees must be current members of KCDA in their 3rd, 4th or 5th

year of experience as a choral director in Kansas• Nominations must include biographical information, a letter of

nomination from a current member of KCDA and a letter of support from an administrator, supervisor or mentor

• The KCDA Executive Board will serve as the selection committee forreviewing nominations and voting to select a recipient

• Current members of KCDA Exec. Board are ineligible for nomination• Nominations may be resubmitted anytime during eligibility period (3-5

years) but are not automatically forwarded for future consideration.

The Harry Robert Wilson Award is awarded annually to one outstand-ing member of the Kansas Choral Directors Association. Awardees willdemonstrate:

• Excellence in choral music training, performance & scholarship• Commitment and contributions to choral music in Kansas• Positive and supportive collegial interaction• Active participation, leadership and service to KCDA• Must have a minimum 20 years in Choral Music Profession

Selection Procedure• Nominations will be solicited from general KCDA membership• Nominees must be current members of KCDA (posthumous

nominations accepted)• Nominators must submit biographical information, a letter of

nomination and may be asked to submit additional letters of supportfrom KCDA members and/or colleagues, students and family

• The KCDA Executive Board will select the most qualified nomineeswhich will be presented to the current full board

• Current members of the KCDA Full board will vote to determine the HRW Award Winner

• Current members of the KCDA Executive Board are ineligible for nomination

• Nominations are carried forward for two subsequent years and thereafter may be resubmitted

PRELUDE AWARD

Kansas Choral Directors Association Awards

Submit your nominations today at www.kansaschoral.com!

SPRING 2014 Vol. 35, No.1 InCHOIRing Minds · Amy Brown [email protected] (316) 393-6115 Women’s Choir Assistant Lisa Cookson [email protected] (316) 973-2745 Youth and Student

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