Schedule

In today's rapidly evolving educational landscape, it is crucial for choral educators to be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and strategies to engage and inspire the students of the new generation. This workshop aims to provide collegiate students, new teachers, and experienced choral educators who wish to stay abreast of the latest trends in choral education with fresh perspectives, innovative teaching techniques, and effective strategies to create a vibrant choral experience. We will explore the unique characteristics and preferences of the new generation of students: understanding their interests, learning styles, and expectations. By harnessing the power of technology and digital resources, we will discover how technology can enhance choral teaching and learning. From digital sheet music platforms to virtual rehearsals and innovative composition tools, we will explore strategies to create an environment where everyone's voice is heard. Discover how to incorporate global repertoires, languages, and cultures, fostering an appreciation for different musical expressions. As a choral educator, it is essential to take care of your own well-being to best support your students. Explore effective self-care strategies, and stress management techniques, and find a work-life balance that ensures your fulfillment and longevity in this rewarding profession.

Download the Beer Choir Hymnal here: https://beerchoir.com/hymnal

Registration desk open for questions or conference registration

We will explore tools and techniques to improve the understanding and implementation of rhythm in music, including breaking down both basic and polyrhythms and incorporating diverse ethnic origins into choral rehearsals and concerts. Going beyond the basics of strict rhythmic metrical understanding, we will explore the concepts of rubato, syncopation, and polyrhythms in choral music and practice a more nuanced understanding of rhythm through our conducting gestures.

This session is an opportunity to learn more about the new Choral Literacies and Skills Rubric (authored by Dr. Geoffrey Boers) as more than a tool for Festival. These rubrics are useful for formative assessments, vocabulary opportunities, and daily classroom work. Aimee will show videos of the application and additional resources to take back to the classroom and allow for time to ask questions about the new rubric. This is an excellent tool for the classroom – don’t be intimidated by it anymore!

Transform your program with breathwork with advanced trauma-informed breathwork facilitator and former choral director, Brenda Winkle. Reduce unwanted behaviors, relieve stress and anxiety (yours and your students), improve focus, and so much more simply by harnessing the power of breathwork. You'll notice improved choral sound due to group cohesion after breathwork and be able to more easily build community. If you want a magic bullet for your program, this is it. You'll be guided into a transformative breathwork experience and leave with a PDF guide you can use as a reference. Breathwork is appropriate for use at all ages and in your school, community, or church choirs.

Capital High School Volare (TB Ensemble), directed by Joie Cariaga

Rocky Mountain High School Jazz Choir, directed by Brandi Cook

Many of us use warm-ups that we learned years, even decades, ago from various sources. At the time, they were silver bullets for our vocal issues. Our vocal warm-ups are so established and engrained in our process that we forget to ask about their benefit and purpose. In fact, some may actually be hindering our process toward healthy vocal production in a rehearsal. For example, does a vocal sigh from the top of one's range really set a singer up for success? Together we will look at how vocalises and warm-ups all together can either serve or hinder healthy vocal production in a rehearsal. We'll answer the questions – How many warm-ups do we need? and What types of warm-ups do my singers need? Most importantly, we will reframe our perspective on vocalises, no longer just a bell ringer activity, but a methodical approach to assisting our singers achieve a healthy vocal production. Attendees are also encouraged to bring a list of their favorite exercises to offer as a discussion point.

DEI is more than policy, it's about people. Join NW-ACDA DEI chair, Brenda Winkle, in this interactive session discussing the state of DEI initiatives in the Northwest Region. Hear stories about real people. Ask the questions you've been too afraid to ask. Leave with resources you can use immediately in your school, community, or church choir.

Join us for a transformative choral workshop designed to equip teachers with the necessary tools and strategies for working with adolescent voices during the changing voice phase and into their subtle yet changed voice. In this workshop, we will delve into not only the technical aspects of vocal training but also the holistic development of the whole singer. We will explore how to foster a supportive and nurturing environment for young singers. To understand the voice before, during, and after their changing. We will explore vocal techniques to accommodate vocal development, addressing vocal challenges and encouraging healthy vocal habits through vocal warm-up exercises tailored to different ages, along with breath support techniques and range extension exercises to help expand the vocal range safely.

Enjoy a stunning concert evening featuring our Changing Voices Clinic Choir, Cathedral of the Rockies Chamber Choir, Northwest Nazarene University Choir & Orchestra, and the Boise Master Chorale.

Walkable distance from the Cathedral of The Rockies.

Breakfast is provided by our Idaho colleges and universities

South Junior High Chamber Choir, directed by Emmanuelle Mazile

VoiceOver of Cantus Youth Choirs, directed by Keith McCauley and Annie Roberts

Final remarks and group photo