www.nebraskachoral.org
Spring 2013
Short Notes
The official publication of the Nebraska Choral Directors Association
Table of Contents
Contact Information
Articles
Leadership...............................................................................4
Editor......................................................................................5
President.................................................................................6
President-Elect........................................................................8
Events & Forms
Children’s R&S....................................................................10
Sing On! Sessions...................................................................9
District 1 West Member Highlight........................................16
Cornell Runestad Award Nomination Form.........................11
District 6 Member Highlight.................................................17
Sing On! Headliners..............................................................12
Multicultural R&S................................................................18
Sing On! Schedule................................................................14
Collegiate Student Rep.........................................................19
Sing On! Registration Form.................................................22
Youth & Student R&S..........................................................20
Collegiate R&S.....................................................................21
Etcetera
Community Choir R&S........................................................23
NCDA Legacy Fund.............................................................24
Advocacy Resolution............................................................24
On the Cover
With a focus on what we do best, singing, the 2013 Summer
Conference, Sing On!, will offer many great opportunites to
learn and grow. See inside for more information!
Advertising Prices
Advertising Index
Doane College...........................................................5
Hastings College.....................................................21
NCDA 2013 Summer Conference..........................17
Travel With Barb....................................................10
University of Nebraska, Omaha...............................7
Wayne State College...............................................16
Full Page..............................................................$215.00 per issue
Half Page.............................................................$140.00 per issue
Quarter Page..........................................................$90.00 per issue
Eighth Page...........................................................$50.00 per issue
Package discounts are available, including space in Short
Notes and the NCDA Summer Conference Book. Please see
the NCDA advertising contract for details.
To obtain an advertising contract contact Sheri Fraley.
[email protected]
The Nebraska Choral Directors Association is a state unit of the American Choral Directors Association, a voluntary, nonprofit organization serving choral music educators and institutions.
Short Notes is issued to members (price included in dues) three times a year. Digital copies are available free of charge at www.nebraskachoral.org. Short Notes is published in September,
January, and May. Opinions expressed are those of the author and do not represent an official position of the Nebraska Choral Directors Association. All submissions must be received by the
editor by August 1st; December 1st; and April 1st. Published by Service Press, P.O. Box 606, Henderson, Nebraska 68371.
Editor: Stacie Blackmore, 1710 Cleveland Street, Lexington, NE 68850
[email protected] ♫ www.nebraskachoral.org
Short Notes
page 3
Spring 2013
NCDA Leadership
PRESIDENT
Matthew C. Harden
University of Nebr.-Omaha
6001 Dodge St.
Omaha, NE 68182
(402) 554-3608—school
[email protected]
SHORT NOTES EDITOR
Stacie Blackmore
Cozad Community Schools
1710 Meridian Ave.
Cozad, NE 69130
(308) 784-2744—school
[email protected]
MALE CHOIRS
Peter Eklund
University of Nebr.-Lincoln
120 Westbrook Music Bldg.
Lincoln, NE 68588-0100
(402) 472-2993—school
[email protected]
PRESIDENT-ELECT
Wesley Hansmeyer
Norris High School
25211 S. 68th St.
Firth, NE 68358
(402) 791-0010—school
[email protected]
WEBMASTER
Trevor Kern
6329 N. 115th Circle
Omaha, NE 68164
(402) 214-3761—home
[email protected]
MUSIC MINISTRY/
WORSHIP
Greg Zielke
Grace University
1311 S. 9th St.
Omaha, NE 68108
(402) 449-2852—school
[email protected]
PAST PRESIDENT
Phil Hesterman
641 Martin Ave.
Grand Island, NE 68801-7808
(308) 382-8819—home
[email protected]
HISTORIAN
Lyn Bouma
Omaha Central High School
124 N. 20th Street
Omaha, NE 68102
402-557-3361—school
[email protected]
SECRETARY
Adam J. Reimer
Bellevue West High School
1502 Thurston Ave.
Bellevue, NE 68123
(402) 293-4069—school
[email protected]
CHILDREN’S CHOIRS
Kandi Stelling
Northeast Elementary
910 E 34th St.
Kearney NE 68847
(308) 698-8230 —school
[email protected]
TREASURER
Erin Poe
Syracuse High School
1500 Education Dr.
Syracuse, NE 68446
402-269-2381
[email protected]
COLLEGIATE
William A. Wyman
Nebraska Wesleyan University
5000 St. Paul Ave.
Lincoln, NE 68504
(402) 465-2288—school
[email protected]
MEMBERSHIP CHAIR
Jodie Liess
Chase County Public Schools
520 E. 9th St.
P.O. Box 577
Imperial, NE 69033-0577
308-882-4304—school
[email protected]
COMMUNITY CHOIRS
Matt Hill
2409 Marilyn Dr.
Papillion, NE 68046
(402) 208-0081
[email protected]
MENTORING
David Sackschewsky
Grand Island Northwest HS
2710 N. North Rd.
Grand Island, NE 68803
(308) 385-6394—school
[email protected]
PUBLIC RELATIONS
Barina Buresh Crosland
Arlington Public Schools
705 N. 9th St.
P.O. Box 580
Arlington, NE 68002
(402) 478-4121 x 161—school
[email protected]
ADVERTISING CHAIR
Sheri Fraley
2350 SW 47th
Lincoln, NE 68522
(402) 310-4359—home
[email protected]
Short Notes
ETHNIC/MULTICULTURAL
Colin Brown
Omaha Bryan High School
4700 Giles Road
Omaha, NE 68157-2699
402-557-3146 —school
[email protected]
JAZZ CHOIRS
Fred Ritter
Columbus High School
2200 26th St.
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 563-7050—school
[email protected]
JR. HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL
C.J. Harden
Southern Valley Jr. Sr. High
43739 Highway 89
Oxford, NE 68967
(308) 868-2222—school
[email protected]
SENIOR HIGH
Nathan Helzer
Omaha Burke HS
12200 Burke Blvd
Omaha, NE 68154
(402) 557-3253—school
[email protected]
SHOW CHOIRS
Adam Lambert
Elkhorn South High School
20303 Blue Sage Parkway
Omaha, NE 68130
402-289-0616, ext. 3208—school
[email protected]
WOMEN’S CHOIRS
Tina F. Schwahn
Millard South High School
14905 Q St.
Omaha, NE 68137
402-715-8344—school
[email protected]
YOUTH/STUDENT
ACTIVITIES
Therees Hibbard
University of Nebr.-Lincoln
217 Westbrook Music Bldg.
P.O. Box 880100
Lincoln, NE 68588-0100
(402) 472-0378—school
[email protected]
Collegiate Student
Representative
Eric Wyler
20136 Glenmore Drive
Apt. 89
Gretna, NE 68028
402-315-7678
[email protected]
DISTRICT 1 EAST
Tom Doran
Johnson County Central PS
358 N. 6th St.
P.O. Box 338
Tecumseh, NE 68450
(402) 335-3320—school
[email protected]
page 4
DISTRICT 1 WEST
Judy Vrbka
Wilber-Clatonia PS
900 S. Franklin
P.O. Box 487
Wilber, NE 68465
(402) 821-2266—school
[email protected]
DISTRICT 2 EAST
Chris Storm
VJ and Angela Skutt Catholic HS
3131 S. 156th Street
Omaha, NE 68130
(402) 333-0818 ext. 1170—school
[email protected]
DISTRICT 2 WEST
Ronald Lofgren
Department of Music
Wayne State College
1111 Main St.
Wayne, NE 68787
(402) 375-7358—school
[email protected]
DISTRICT 3 NORTH
Jonathan Jaques
O’Neill Public Schools
P.O. Box 230
O’Neill, NE 68763
(402) 336-1544 x1011—school
[email protected]
DISTRICT 3 SOUTH
Karen Kotrc
Wheeler Central
600 Randolph Street
P.O. Box 68
Bartlett, NE 68622
(308) 654-3273—school
[email protected]
DISTRICT 4
Linda Johnson
Adams Central Jr./Sr. High
1090 S. Adams Central Ave.
P.O. Box 1088
Hastings, NE 68902
(402) 463-3285—school
[email protected]
DISTRICT 5
Randy Hayes
Chase County Schools
520 E. 9th St.
P.O. Box 577
Imperial, NE 69033
(308) 882-4304—school
[email protected]
DISTRICT 6
Shelly Revelle
Gering High School
1800 U St.
Gering, NE 69341
(308) 436-3121—school
[email protected]
Spring 2013
Editor
I had the wonderful opportunity to represent Nebraska once again at the
National ACDA Conference to accept the Small Budget Newsletter Award.
I have to admit that I really love doing this job and I have learned so much
over the last few years in my tenure as editor. I’ve had the opportunity to
work with great leaders in the state and appreciate the connections this position has offered me. Thank you to the NCDA Board for helping me attend
the conference so I could accept the award in person. Many state editors
were absent and it was a true honor to stand on the stage for NCDA. Thank
you to all those who were there for the presentation.
Stacie Blackmore
This issue is largely dedicated to the upcoming summer conference, which
promises to be even better than the last. Wes has so many wonderful things
in store for our membership. I hope to see you all at Doane this July. ♫
Stacie Blackmore
MUSIC
One of the top 5 majors at Doane.
Short Notes
page 5
Spring 2013
President
W
e have had a busy
ships that allowed us to be a part of the influential convenyear and I see a
tion.
great future for the
Nebraska Choral Directors AsBy the time you read this, the deadline will have passed for this
sociation on the horizon. My
year, but hopefully this will inspire you to add it to your list for
tenure as President is quickly
future years. In addition, take a moment to congratulate yourdrawing to a close and I look
self for being a part of making these opportunities take place for
forward to continue this service our future choral leaders.
in my next roll at Past President
and the opportunity to work on
Speaking of leaders, my third area of focus is regarding our
the Legacy
recent National Conference in Dallas, where
Fund. We
our amazing editor once again made possible
have a very
for our Short Notes to receive an award.
special state
Please send Stacie a note letting her know
NCDA
and I would
how proud you are of the great job she does.
like
to
share
Several of the Presidents from other states
Matthew Harden
for the opportunities.
with you
let me know how much they look forward to
some of what is happening.
receiving our state newsletter. So much happened at this conference and Tim Sharp shared a truly inspiring vision of the future
First, I would like to publically thank Phil Hesterman for all
of ACDA. Watch your upcoming Choral Journals for more inof the time and effort he has put in during the past nearly three
formation about the future of ACDA. For this issue I would like
years to accomplish making us an official Affiliate State in
to focus on what is being done to inspire our collegiate memberACDA. Phil wrote to me last week when we received word
ship. You have heard me mention that many scholarships were
from the IRS that we are now officially tax exempt as a Public
offered to college/university students for reduced registration,
Charity. Phil shared, “this process began almost three years ago if they were in the Conducting Competition Choir or would be
when I received notice from the ACDA National Office on May
willing to work during part of the conference, in addition each
13, 2010, that NCDA had not met the ACDA requirements to be state was given five scholarships to award to college/university
an affiliate state. The process has been long but necessary, and
students within their state. We awarded all five of ours and four
I have learned a great deal through the process.” We should
of the students were able to attend. It was the first time the stube receiving official news from the National ACDA office very
dent selected from UNO had ever attended a conference and she
soon formally acknowledging NCDA’s status as a true affiliate
shared the following with me. I would like to share this letter
state of the American Choral Directors Association. Please join
with you as a sign of how we are inspiring our future in new and
me in thanking Phil for this tremendous work.
great ways. Her letter is on the facing page.
Thank You
Second, as we move closer to receiving this year’s applications
for NextDirection scholarships, I would like to share with you a
note from Joe Fitzgerald, a recipient of one of our 2012 scholarships. Joe wrote the following for me to share with all of you:
NextDirection was truly a unique experience. I had the
opportunity to discuss my current choral situation and my
future endeavors with other high school students and music
education majors from the surrounding region. My decision to pursue a career in choral and orchestral conducting
was only furthered by this fun and informative conference. There wasn’t a single question I could have had that
couldn’t be answered by someone there. It was interesting
to hear others’ experiences in their own high schools, and
it also made me feel very lucky to be under the direction
of Nebraska’s best high school music educator, Mrs. Lyn
Bouma. To the coordinators of this event, I would recommend and encourage a more demographically diverse set of
students (I’d say 90% of the students were from Wisconsin). The clinicians displayed many useful tools and choral
values that I look forward to adopting in my teaching. And
finally, thank you, NCDA and Dr. Harden, for the scholarShort Notes
Finally, I would like to thank the members of the board for all
they do. We have several rotating off this July, but due to everyone’s diligent work we accomplished many festivals, conferences, reading sessions, mentoring and the promotion of choral
music. You are a wonderful board and I will remember the
years of working with you. Please join me in personally thanking the board members listed in Short Notes. By the way, we
are always looking for new leadership and would happily give
you the opportunity to serve. Due to various reasons, I have two
positions that I am working at filling so that Wes will have a full
board when he takes over in July. We are looking for a Children’s Choir R&S and a Middle School/Jr. High R&S. Both
of the people currently in the position have set things up for next
year so that you would have an easier transition into the position. If you are interested, please contact me…soon…as I hope
to have them filled before May 15.
Again, thanks to everyone in NCDA for giving me the opportunity to serve you as President for 2011-2013. Now let’s all
get out there and make wonderful choral music to share with
Nebraska and beyond. ♫
page 6
Spring 2013
2013-2014 Choral and Vocal Events
All-State Help Session
 Nebraska All-State September 21, 2013 8:00 am-12:00 pm
Middle School Honor Choir Festival with guest conductors Jim Papoulis and Francisco J. Núñez
 January 10, 2014 (We will reserve January 17 if the weather is bad)
UNO Vocal Audition Date for Scholarship and Admission to Music Program
 Saturday, January 11, 2014 or Saturday, February 15, 2014, contact Shellie Harden (402) 554-2177 or
[email protected]
BOCH FESTIVAL—Honor Band, Choir and Orchestra Festival with guest conductor Dr. Charles Robinson,
Conservatory of Music, University of Missouri-Kansas City
 January 24, 25 & 26, 2014
UNO Show Choir Festival
 February 12 & 13, 2014
For more info, contact Dr. Matthew Harden at 402-554-3608, [email protected].
Please check www.unomaha.edu/music/specialevents/choralevents.php for details.
Short Notes
page 7
Spring 2013
President-Elect
T
he 2013 Nebraska Choral Directors Association Summer Conference, Sing On!, is going to be a
great event full of inspiring and
informative sessions, wonderful concerts, and numerous
opportunities for you to meet
new directors, learn new ideas
and skills, and recharge for the
2013-2014 school year and
beyond.
By now you should have
received your registration
information pamphlet created
Wesley Hansmeyer
by Stacie Blackmore (Thanks
Stacie). Please register by May
15th so you receive the best rate and options.
Sing On! continues where we
left off last summer. Those
of us in attendance remember
being inspired and challenged
by many great choral educators to remain passionate
about what we do, develop and foster friendships, and to care
and work diligently for our students.
When planning the conference, I tried to keep this in mind when
selecting who should teach us, inspire us, lead us, and perform
for us. Sing On! will bring you some of our finest “seasoned”
choral educators as well as individuals who are “newer” in the
business and doing a terrific job. All of the Sing On! presenters,
conductors, and facilitators will provide those in attendance with
new motivation, inspiration, and ideas to help teachers of all
ages continue to effectively encourage our students to Sing On!
Here are just a few of the highlights:
Dr. Cornell Runestad, Dr. William Wyman, Lyn Bouma, Chris
Munce, Tom Trenney, Linda Johnson, and Kathy Lenertz will
lead us in Sing On! sessions. During these sessions, the conference attendees will become the Sing On! Choir for each of these
conductors. We will sing together as a conference choir, receive
a Sing On! music packet, and will learn great ideas, skills,
stories, and techniques by doing what our students do every day
- SINGING!
ducted by David von Kampen (thanks Fred Ritter). David von
Kampen is going to be awesome and your students are going to
have a terrific experience. Conference attendees will be able to
observe the rehearsals and attend his session on choral arranging.
Sing On! will also showcase your students in a production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Directed by Dan
Hays. This is going to be another great performance. Students
involved will put the show together in 2 1/2 days. Conference
attendees will be able to observe the rehearsals and attend his
session, Essentials of Successfully Directing a Musical. Please
read audition info inside this edition of Short Notes.
You will hear fine performances from terrific ensembles:
• Kantorei of Kansas City – Chris Munce, Conductor
• Quintecentral - Kara Baxter, Kim Lomax, Sam Eschliman,
Cody Jorgensen, and Scott Morris
• Abendmusik - Cantorei – Tom Trenney, Conductor
• NCDA Conductors’ Chorus – Dr. Andrew Last, Conductor
• NCDA All State Jazz Choir – David von Kampen, Conductor
• NCDA All State Musical – Dan Hays, Director
Conference registrants will also be asked to share their own
knowledge and expertise. This year we are going to once again
offer “Favorite Things.” Conference registrants will be asked
to bring something they really love or believe works well from
their own classrooms and ensembles to share with the rest of us
in small group settings. This could be a favorite choral piece
or a great game to use in your classroom. This could also be an
idea to make a task easier or a favorite choral resource of some
kind. “Favorite Things” will be a collaborative event.
Guess what? This is only the beginning!
Please read the Sing On! schedule in this journal for a complete listing of general sessions, resource sessions, inspirational
speakers, and events associated with the 2013 NCDA Summer
Conference, Sing On!, which will take place at Doane College
in Crete, NE, on July 14, 15, 16, and 17, 2013.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO REGISTER BY MAY 15th and
Sing On! ♫
Dr. Andrew Last from Luther College will conduct the NCDA
Conductors’ Chorus. The conductors’ chorus will feature great
repertoire and be rich in strategies to help us become even better, more efficient teachers. Dr. Last will also share with us in
two other sessions called “Making Your Minutes Count” and
“Ideas on Recruiting Men and Helping Them Sound Good.”
Sing On! will feature the 2013 NCDA All-State Jazz Choir conShort Notes
page 8
Spring 2013
High School
Lyn Bouma
Omaha Central
Elementary
Kathy Lenertz
Crete Public Schools
et
dees will beco
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ach attendee will recieve the
ions. E
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S
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o
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ductors
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Al
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Linda Johnson
Hastings Public Schools
Southcentral Nebraska Children’s Chorale
nfe
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Dr. Cornell Runestad
Wayne State, Retired
Collegiate/Church/Community
Dr. Wiliam Wyman
Nebraska Wesleyan University
St. Paul UMC
Lincoln Choral Artists
Children’s R&S
2014 Sing Around Nebraska Festival Repertoire
Kandi Stelling
A Joyful Song, 2 Part, Lightfoot, Heritage Music Press:
While mostly in English, this
piece is a great introduction for
our young singers to recognize common Latin phrases
that they will continue to sing
throughout their lifetimes.
Cantate Domino=Sing to the
Lord, Omnis Terra=Sing and
Rejoice All the Earth, Hallelujah. Strong theme in the
A section, Colorful B section,
then a recapitulation of the A.
Mary Had a Little Blues, SA, Collins, Boosey & Hawkes: I
thought SAN should have a little bluesy number this year! This
is a sweet, clever little piece, which lends itself well to young
voices just learning what jazz is all about. Humorous and fun,
this piece lends itself well to introducing the blues scale and minor thirds. Riser choreography will be a must with this number!
*Something Told the Wild Geese, 2 Part, Porterfield, Heritage
Music Press: With a haunting melodic line, and a beautifully
Short Notes
written accompaniment, this piece teaches both beautiful phrasing and dynamic contrast. Lyrics are based on the well-known
poem by Rachel Field.
*Hine Ma Tov, 2 Part, Naplan, Boosey & Hawkes: Inspired by
Psalm 133, Hine Ma Tov is translated “How good it is for all of
us to dwell together in peace.” With this lively music intertwined with Hebrew text, it is a win-win for young singers! This
piece is in both major and minor, which is a great teaching tool
for young choirs!
Duel, 2 Part, Miller, Hal Leonard: The lyrics of this piece come
from the story of the gingham dog and the calico cat by Eugene
Field and brought to life by Christi Cary Miller. This piece is
wonderful for teaching intervals, especially the octave, and diction as well!
America, of Thee I Sing, 2 Part, Donnelly/Strid, Alfred: This
partner song combines America The Beautiful with a very sensible and effective original melody set to the text of the “Pledge
Of Allegiance.” It is sure to be a crowd pleaser and an inspirational reminder of our strong patriotism!
*Denotes music from a previous SAN Festival year ♫
page 10
Spring 2013
THE CORNELL RUNESTAD AWARD
For Lifetime Dedication to Choral Music in Nebraska
The Cornell Runestad Award is to be given to a deserving choral director in Nebraska. It is to honor those
professionals that have made the commitment to singers in Nebraska through choirs under their direction. These
conductors chose to stay in the State of Nebraska for their careers. They may have worked with choirs of any level
or variety. The inspiration of their artistry has touched many lives, and has set the bar for the many directors who
follow in their paths. In short, they have left a legacy.
Named for Cornell Runestad, this award uses as a model the dedication of a man that used his own varied
experiences in choral music to develop a choral program at Wayne State College. Under Runestad’s direction, this
choir consistently represented the best in our choral art. Choirs in school districts and colleges around the state are
being led by former students from Wayne State.
The collegiality that is consistently shown by Dr. Runestad has offered encouragement to choral directors
of every level. Through his kind nature, he has been able to inspire each of us to be determined in our resolve to be
the best that we can be. In this way we offer the singers of Nebraska nothing less than excellence.
This award is to be awarded as deemed appropriate by the President of the Nebraska Choral Directors
Association. Only one should be granted at a time. This will allow for the due respect to be given the deserving
recipient.
Nominee Information:
Name
__________________________________________________________
Home Address
__________________________________________________________
E-mail address
__________________________________________________________
Nominator Information:
Name
__________________________________________________________
Home Phone
__________________________________________________________
Work Phone
__________________________________________________________
Fax
__________________________________________________________
E-mail address
__________________________________________________________
Write a letter supporting your nominee. Please focus on the candidate’s contribution to choral music in Nebraska.
Make specific comments regarding sites where this person has taught and the length of service at each site. Include
information regarding evidence of creativity, originality, activities and honors received. By June 1st, return this
form and your letter of support to:
Dr. Matthew Harden
2536 N. 65th Avenue
Omaha, NE 68104-3913
402-554-3608(W)
[email protected]
Short Notes
page 11
Spring 2013
Dr. John Skretta
Norris School District #160
Superintendent
*Let Music Be Your Motivation
Matt Huth
Waukee High School, Iowa
*Choral Teaching…Spirit, Passion, and Enthusiasm
David von Kampen
NCDA All-State Vocal Jazz, Conductor
University of Kansas
DMA Music Composition Candidate
Also by David von Kampen
*Choral Arranging Session
Dan Hays
NCDA All-State Musical†, Director
Nebraska Wesleyan University
Director of Musical Theatre
Also by Dan Hays
*Staging a Musical
†2 ¼ day production, open rehearsals.
Kantorei of Kansas City
Chris Munce, Conductor
Lee’s Summit High School
Short Notes
Also by Chris Munce
* You Say Potato: Common Choral Diction Challenges
*What to Expect When You’re Directing.
page 12
Spring 2013
N
Abendmusik Cantorei
Tom Trenney, Conductor
Lincoln, NE
Also by Tom Trenney
*True Callin of Choral Conductors...or in other words...
May God Give Us Faith to Sing Always
Sing
2013
* Giving Voice to Verse: An interactive, hands-on journey
to connect the heart of the music to the heart of the choir
through text.
Short Notes
Dr. Andrew Last
NCDA Conductor’s Chorus
Luther College
Also by Dr. Andrew Last
*Making Your Minutes Count
*Ideas on Recruiting Men and
Helping Them Sound Good
Cheri Helmer Reinsche
QuinteCentral Vocal Jazz
*Keeping the Class in the Class
*Show Choir Top 10 List
Kara Baxter
Kim Lomax
Sam Eschliman
Cody Jorgensen
Scott Morris
page 13
Spring 2013
SUNDAY, July 14, 2013 – WELCOME TO CONVENTION DAY!
TIME
EVENT/TITLE
PRESENTER
2:00 PM
3:00 to 5:00 PM
4:00 to 6:00 PM
5:00 PM
5:30 PM
5:30 PM
6:00 PM
6:00 to 8:15 PM
6:00 to 8:15 PM
6:30 to 9:00 PM
7:00 to 9:00 PM
8:30 PM
Student Interns Meeting
NCDA Board Meeting
Exhibitor Set Up
Dinner for Board and Interns
Musical Theatre Registration
Vocal Jazz Registration
Conductor’s Chorus Registration
Musical Theatre Rehearsal
Vocal Jazz Rehearsal
Conductor’s Chorus Rehearsal
Conference Registration Open
Pizza and Ice Cream for Musical and Jazz Students
Eric Wyler and Therees Hibbard
Matt Harden
Barina Buresh Crosland
Erin Poe
Erin Poe
Erin Poe
Dan Hays
David von Kampen
Andrew Last
Erin Poe
Tom Doran and Linda Johnson
MONDAY, July 15, 2013 – Sing On! Exhibit Day
Dress for the Sing-On! Celebration Today...VISIT THOSE EXHIBITORS...Monday and Tuesday.
TIME
EVENT/TITLE
PRESENTER
7:00 to 8:00 AM
7:00 AM
7:30 to 5:00 PM
10:00 to 5:00 PM
7:30 to 8:15 AM
8:15 AM
8:30 AM
8:40 to 9:00 AM
9:10 to 9:50 AM
10:00 to 10:40 AM
10:00 to 11:30 AM
10:00 to 11:30 AM
10:50 to 11:30 AM
11:30 to 1:00 PM
12:30 to 2:20 PM
12:30 to 2:20 PM
1:10 to 1:50 PM
1:10 to 1:50 PM
1:10 to 1:50 PM
2:00 to 2:40 PM
2:50 to 3:30 PM
3:40 to 4:40 PM
3:40 to 4:40 PM
3:30 to 5:30 PM
3:30 to 5:30 PM
4:50 to 5:30 PM
4:50 to 5:30 PM
4:50 to 5:30 PM
5:30 to 6:30 PM
6:15 to 7:20 PM
7:30 to 8:15 PM
8:30 to 9:00 PM
9:10 to 10:00 PM
10:15 PM
Breakfast
Student Interns Meeting
Conference Registration Open
Exhibits Open
Conductor’s Chorus Rehearsal
Conference Credit Meeting
Welcome and Announcements
Inspirational Message: Let Music Be Your Motivation
General Session #1: It’s More Than the Music - Building Your Ensemble/Classroom One
Person at a Time
Opening Concert: Kantorei Kansas City
Musical Theatre Rehearsal
Vocal Jazz Rehearsal
Sing On! #1
Lunch and Meet the Exhibitors!
Musical Theatre Rehearsal
Vocal Jazz Rehearsal
Resource Session #1
Giving Voice To Verse
Resource Session #2
Choral Music Top 10 List
Resource Session #3
Elementary Reading Session
SING ON! #2
General Session #2: What to Expect When You Are Directing
Visit the Exhibits
Conductor’s Chorus Rehearsal
Musical Theatre Rehearsal
Vocal Jazz Rehearsal
Resource Session #4
Making Elementary Music Fun!
Resource Session #5
Large HS/College/Community Reading Session
Resource Session #6
Middle School Reading Session
Supper
Conductor’s Chorus Rehearsal
SING ON! #3
QuinteCentral
NCDA Membership Meeting (ALL conference attendees are encouraged to attend)
Sing On! Celebration
Eric Wyler and Therees Hibbard
Erin Poe
Barina Buresh Crosland
Andrew Last
Kurt Runestadt
Matt Harden and Wes Hansmeyer
Dr. John Skretta
Dr. Marge Simons-Bester
Chris Munce
Dan Hays
David von Kampen
Kathy Lenertz and Dr. Bill Wyman
Barina Buresh Crosland
Dan Hays
David von Kampen
Tom Trenney
Cheri Helmer-Riensche
Sheri Fraley
Linda Johnson and Lynn Bouma
Chris Munce
Barina Buresh Crosland
Dan Hays
David von Kampen
Kathy Lenertz
Matt Hill
CJ Harden
Andrew Last
Dr. Cornell Runestad
Tom Doran
TUESDAY, July 16, 2013 – NCDA Spirit & Banquet Day
Wear your Sing-On! t-shirt during the day and dress up for the banquet.
TIME
EVENT/TITLE
7:00 to 8:00 AM
Short Notes
PRESENTER
Breakfast
page 14
Spring 2013
7:00 AM
8:00 to 5:00 PM
10:00 to 2:00 PM
7:30 to 8:15 AM
8:30 AM
8:30 AM
8:40 to 9:00 AM
9:10 to 9:50 AM
10:00 to 11:30 AM
10:00 to 11:30 AM
10:00 to 10:40 AM
10:50 to 11:30 AM
10:50 to 11:30 AM
10:50 to 11:30 AM
11:30 to 12:30 PM
1:00 to 3:30 PM
1:00 to 3:30 PM
12:40 to 1:20 PM
1:30 to 2:10 PM
2:30 to 4:30 PM
2:20 to 3:00 PM
2:20 to 3:00 PM
2:20 to 3:00 PM
3:00 to 3:30 PM
3:40 to 4:20 PM
3:40 to 4:20 PM
3:40 to 4:20 PM
4:30 to 5:30 PM
4:45 to 5:45 PM
6:00 to 7:30 PM
8:00 PM
Student Interns Meeting
Conference Registration Open
Exhibits Open
Conductor’s Chorus Rehearsal
Welcome and Announcements
Music Theatre and Jazz Students Dorm Check-Out and Key Return BEFORE 10:00 AM
Inspirational Message: Teaching Choral Music...Spirit, Passion, and Enthusiasm
General Session #3: Keeping the Class in the Class
Music Theatre Rehearsal
Vocal Jazz Rehearsal
Opening Concert: Abendmusik Choir
Resource Session #7
Essentials of Successfully Directing a Musical
Resource Session #8
Choral Arranging
Resource Session #9
Sacred Reading Session
DISTRICT LUNCH (Eat with your districts.)
Music Theatre Rehearsal
Vocal Jazz Rehearsal
SING ON! #4
General Session #4: Making Your Minutes Count
Music Theatre Dress Rehearsal
Resource Session #10
You Say Potato: Common Choral Diction Challenges
Resource Session #11
Technology Buffet...BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)
Resource Session #12
Sing Around Nebraska/Singing Youth of Nebraska
CONFERENCE BREAK/SOCIAL and Refreshments
Resource Session #13
Making a Good Recording...Soloists to Ensembles
Resource Session #14
Music Department...Oil and Vinegar or Wine and Cheese
Resource Session #15
Small High School Reading Session
Conductor’s Chorus Rehearsal
Vocal Jazz Dress Rehearsal
Conference Banquet/Awards
Vocal Jazz Performance &“Joseph” Performance
Eric Wyler and Therees Hibbard
Erin Poe
Barina Buresh Crosland
Andrew Last
Matt Huth
Cheri Helmer-Riensche
Dan Hays
David von Kampen
Tom Trenney
Dan Hayes
David von Kampen
Dr. Greg Zielke
Tom Doran/Randy Hayes
Dan Hays
David von Kampen
Tom Trenney and Chris Munce
Dr. Andrew Last
Dan Hays
Chris Munce
Noel Erskine
Karen Reynolds and CJ Harden
Dr. Evan Lee
Kurt Runestad and Jay Gilbert
Randy Hayes
Andrew Last
David von Kampen
Matt Harden and Tom Doran
David von Kampen and Dan Hays
WEDNESDAY, July 17, 2013 Closing Day – Comfortable Dress
EVERYONE MUST BE CHECKED OUT OF THEIR ROOMS AND KEYS TURNED IN BY 9:00 AM TODAY.
TIME
EVENT/TITLE
PRESENTER
7:00 to 8:00 AM
7:00 AM
8:15 to 11:30 AM
7:45 to 8:45 AM
9:00 to 9:40 AM
9:00 to 9:40 AM
9:00 to 9:40 AM
9:50 to 10:30 AM
10:40 to 11:35 AM
10:40 to 11:35 AM
10:40 to 11:35 AM
10:40 to 11:35 AM
11:45 to 12:30 PM
12:30 to 1:00 PM
1:00 PM
Short Notes
Breakfast
Student Interns Meeting
Conference Registration Open
Conductor’s Chorus Final Rehearsal
Resource Session #16
Show Choir Ideas Panel
Resource Session #17
Ideas on Recruiting Men and Helping Them Sound Good
Resource Session #18
Google and Other Great Tech Tools to Simplify Your Life
Conductor’s Chorus Concert
Resource Session #19
Favorite Things
Elementary
Resources, Ideas, Websites, Games, etc.
Resource Session #20
Favorite Things
Middle School
Resources, Ideas, Websites, Games, etc.
Resource Session #21
Favorite Things
High School
Resources, Ideas, Websites, Games, etc.
Resource Session #22
Favorite Things
College, Community, and Church
Resources, Ideas, Websites, Games, etc.
LUNCH and Sing On! Prizes
Sing On! Closing Address: The True Calling of a Choral Music Educator, or in other words,
May God Give Us Faith to Sing Always
Sing On! Closing Song
page 15
Eric Wyler and Therees Hibbard
Erin Poe
Andrew Last
Adam Lambert, Facilitator
Dr. Andrew Last
Noel Erskine
Andrew Last
Jodie Liess
CJ Harden
Nate Helzer
Matt Hill
Tom Doran
Tom Trenney
Spring 2013
District 1 West Highlight
K
athy Peithmann has
been teaching at
Thayer Central Schools
for 33 years. I have always
admired her groups as they
have been awesome at contest
and wanted to know more
about her!
also teach swing choir, which we have during the school day.
What do you consider the most important factor in your
success at the Thayer Central Schools? I am lucky to have the
backing of the administration as well as the community. I also
think that I was able to build continuity since I have been here for
so many years. ♫
What made you decide to become a music teacher? I was
acutely aware as a third grader
that we hardly ever got to have
music (Omaha Public Schools)
and I so looked forward to it. I
thought right then, it would be
the best job ever. Luckily, my
mother put me in piano lessons
and was supportive throughout.
Judy Vrbka
Kathy Peithmann
Thayer Central Community Schools
930 Eads Ave
Hebron, NE
(402) 768-6117
Where did you obtain your music schooling? I received my
Bachelors in Music from the University of Nebraska - Omaha
and my Masters in Music from Converse College in Spratanburg,
South Carolina. I have been at various schools for additional
hours.
What are your teaching responsibilities? I teach 3-6 general
and vocal music, 7th and 8th grade chorus, and 9-12 chorus. I
Highlights from the recent WSC production of
iss Me, Kate
K
HiH
Wayne State offers degree programs
in Music Education, Music Performance
and Music Industry
Vocal ensembles include:
• Concert Choir • Chorale • Madrigal
• WSC Black and Gold (Show Choir)
• Biennial Musical Theatre Productions
Voice Faculty:
Ronald Lofgren, D.M.A. ([email protected])
Associate Professor of Music and Director of Choral Ensembles
Elise Hepworth, D.A. ([email protected])
Assistant Professor of Voice and Choral Music Education
Scholarships are available for music majors and non majors. For more information, contact:
Linda Christensen, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Music and Chair of the Department of Music ([email protected])
Wayne State College • Music Department • 1111 Main St. • Wayne, NE 68787 • 402-375-7359 • [email protected] • www.wsc.edu
Wayne State College is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music
Short Notes
page 16
Spring 2013
District 6 Highlight
What do you do that is successful? Like any good teacher,
I love my job and I love my
kids! I team with the PE
teacher and sometimes I give
up my time with the kids so he
can complete their fitness testing, but then he is great about
letting me have them more
when it is concert time. In the
past I have collaborated with
the PE teacher to teach a unit
on dance. It was good to see
the kids in a different element
and was a great way to end the
year! I try to always incorpoShelly Revelle
rate reading comprehension
and fluency strategies into my
lessons as well. I see myself as part of a team working to help
kids become successful.
had so much fun! If you want to see the performance you can log
on to YouTube.
Anything else you would like to add?
There are good days and bad days…and many challenging days,
but the kids are the reason I do what I do. They motivate me to be
creative and to figure out what makes each one tick. ♫
How did you get where you are at? I taught at Banner County
for 4 years and then took 5 years to be a stay at home mom. During that time I was a substitute teacher and taught as an adjunct
professor at Summit Christian College (Platte Valley Bible College). From there I was the assistant band director in Gering for
one year until Scottsbluff decided to hire an elementary music
specialist for each building.
What do you suggest others do to achieve success? Keep learning and trying new things. Step out of your comfort zone and
stretch yourself in some way each year. Read about your discipline, and go watch what other people do (in and outside your
discipline). You can always pick up something.
What is reality? We are a Title 1 school with approximately
65% of our students on free and reduced lunch. There are 290+
students in our building and I see them 2 out of 3 days for 25 min
each time. I plan a concert for every grade level K-5 each year, so
there is always something in the works. I usually am just starting one program, another is ready for performance, and another
somewhere in between.
What are your goals for the future? I am currently working on
my Masters in Curriculum and Instruction form UNK. I would
eventually like to become an administrator and promote the values of music education in that capacity.
What are some highlights of your program? Last year we
held a District wide 5th grade concert at the end of the year…we
included the band and orchestra and then the mass choir…250+
kids…we barely fit on stage! It was a blast! And a great way
for our 5th graders to meet the kids they were going to have as
classmates at the middle school. This year I was asked to teach
a 4th-5th grade enrichment class after school in which I would
introduce students to show choir. I had 27 students go through 8
weeks of learning music and choreography to Beatles music…we
Short Notes
page 17
Kelley Rice
Lincoln Heights Elementary
2214 Avenue C
Scottsbluff, NE 69361
(308) 635-6252
Nebraska Choral
Directors Association
presents
Summer Conference
July 14-17, 2013
Doane College
Crete, NE
Spring 2013
Multicultural R&S
I
believe that language and
dialect are at the center of
group or cultural identity
and pride. We choral directors
strive to bring that language
and cultural identity to life in
as an authentic way as possible for each and every song
our choirs sing. I am writing
to advocate the study, teaching and use of the International
Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) during
the preparation phase of the
choral music we perform with
our choirs.
so is not explored here. For a quick example of how the charts
work, please see the wikipedia IPA consonants and vowels charts
with audio links at the following address:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Phonetic_
Alphabet#Pulmonic_consonants
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vowel#Audio_samples
Choral music publishers are including various language tools to
help the singers and conductors perform the music accurately.
However, there are some problems with English oriented phonetic spellings used instead of IPA. They are:
•
•
•
•
Colin Brown
IPA is a scientifically based alphabet that represents language
sounds with symbols that tell us
how each sound is formed in the mouth and tongue and with or
without the voice. It is precise and when followed according to
the rules of the selected language and regional dialect, the singers
sound like native singers. IPA is a tool that helps singers agree on
the target vowel in a word. I teach the IPA symbols for the basic
vowels (five cardinal Latin vowels) early in the season and then
we apply these symbols and sounds to all our music throughout
the year. This approach
gives singers a sense
that all languages are approachable and equalizes
the “foreign languages”
with English. In some
choral settings we
know it is necessary to motivate our singers to work on songs in
foreign languages. Students also begin to appreciate the sounds
of languages in general and attune their hearing to subtleties and
differences. I teach IPA when singing in English because the
singers in my choirs come to the English language from many diverse backgrounds and dialects. By studying the IPA symbols for
Standard Singing English, the singers are more willing and able
to sing with unified vowel shape and placement and consistently
idiomatic consonant sounds.
Inconsistent letters for sounds – differs from publisher to publisher (ex. “j” – is it “jay” or “yay”)
Allows for “American” accent in a foreign language
(ex. French-“repetez” transliterated as ray-pay-tay.) The closed [e] in French is a very different sound compared to the diphthong [e:i] in English.
Lost educational opportunity for singers to learn the standard of the professional vocal world.
There are numerous dialects and nuances in the English and American English languages that make unity a dif-
ficult prospect. Why base your system on a language of such complexity and variation?
IPA, not just a drink for
choral directors!
I recommend consulting the several excellent websites listed
below to develop your knowledge of the International Phonetic
Alphabet. The IPA charts included in many of these sites tell us
how to form vowels and consonants and where they are formed in
the mouth. By using a uniform, international system, our singers
develop lasting knowledge of diction rules and practices that they
can take with them to other choral situations. They also learn appropriate foreign language nuances (glides, closed [e] or open[e],
double consonants, rolled or flipped r, dental or aspirate t,) that
can be applied over a lifetime of choral singing. When we study
music in languages that sound very different from our native
tongue, IPA symbols help us learn the feel of the different language sounds. The details of the International Phonetic Alphabet
and its use and application are the subject of many doctoral theses
Short Notes
As a music buying block, we choral directors can
communicate with publishers to let them know that
we prefer to use IPA and want songs transliterated
for us using IPA.
I picked four songs for the summer conference
reading sessions. The song for the elementary reading session is
Arlequin Dans Sa Boutique - French Folk song, arranged by Earlene Rentz and Suzanne Rita Byrnes - two part treble voices with
keyboard and optional percussion. This octavo uses the English
phonetic spelling approach to French. The example of repetez
used above is from that publication. I recommend listening to the
recorded example for appropriate guidance.
The Middle Level selection is Korobushka (The peddler) – traditional Russian Folk Song, arr. Emily Crocker – 3 part mixed
– Hal Leonard. This edition uses the English phonetic spelling
system also. The title “Korobushka” is transliterated as “kahroh-bush-ka”. I am not sure from this approach whether “bush”
is supposed to be an [u] as in hoot or [U] as in foot. A Russian
speaker would know the difference.
The Small HS selection is Papa Loko – (SATB, percussion)
- Sten Kallman, arr. Sperry. Haitian – Earthsongs. As of this
writing the music is back ordered. I hope that Earthsongs uses
IPA because Haitian is similar to French, but different enough to
make it a treacherous language journey without proper guidance.
The Large HS/Community/Collegiate selection is Babethandaza
– South African Folk Song – (SATB div., percussion) - arr. Daniel
page 18
Spring 2013
Collegiate Student Rep
A
s Collegiate Representative of NCDA, I am
charged to help coordinate and oversee the success
of the collegiate interns at the
upcoming Sing On! Summer
Conference. Being an intern
in the past has allowed me to
network with numerous people,
gain beneficial knowledge of
the profession, and, as a member of the Conductor’s Chorus,
share in music-making with
other passionate music teachers
from our great state.
Eric Wyler
As a college student, I know
how critical it is to develop a
network of contacts. During
Conductor’s Chorus rehearsal two years ago I met A.J. Reimer.
Two years later I am proud to call A.J. one of my closest colleagues as well as a great mentor. This spring I student taught
at Bellevue West with A.J. and had an amazing experience that
could not have happened if I was not a summer conference intern
the past two years. I have also met so many other wonderful
and helpful people through the summer conferences, from other
college interns to the well-established and sought-after Hall of
Famers.
The summer conference is not only about meeting new people
and seeing old friends. There are workshops, exhibits, and concerts that provide useful, developmental information to teachers
(and college students) of all levels. During the summer conference last year, we were blessed with the opportunity to hear Gary
Fiscus and Eph Ehly speak about how important music is in their
lives. Each of these men has had an enormous effect on my views
about both teaching and music; without them I would not aspire
to someday have that same effect on a young hopeful college
student. The summer conferences have helped fueled my passion
for music education through all of the activities and opportunities
to learn and grow.
Step Up!
Be a Conference Intern!
Singing in the Conductor’s Chorus over the past two years has
given me insight as to what it is like singing with a group of
music educators. To my delight, I have found that it is much like
any other choir I have been in: chatty. It is such a fun and inviting
environment with hardworking, determined, and talkative music
teachers. The Conductor’s Chorus is one of my favorite parts
of summer conferences because it gives me a chance to make
wonderful music with fellow music teachers. It is where the most
bonding takes place because the love of music is so strong in the
room. Regardless of whether you are a summer intern or not, I
would highly recommend joining the chorus this year. It gives
us the ability to share the passion for music that we all have as
music educators.
I have been honored to serve as Collegiate Representative this
year and I am greatly looking forward to our Sing On! Summer
Conference in July. Please consider joining the fun by becoming an intern for the conference. Spread the word and give every
college student the opportunity to participate in this valuable
experience. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any
questions about how to become a summer intern!
“The ladder of success is best climbed by stepping on the rungs
of opportunity.” -Ayn Rand ♫
Hughes – Santa Barbara Music Publishing, Inc. This octavo
uses the English phonetic spelling system. For this song, there
is minimal error possible because the five vowel sounds are as in
Italian and the consonants are like English with three exceptions
that are clearly listed with examples given.
Can you find a few times when you can teach your choir singers
about just a few IPA symbols? Try starting with the vowels then
add a few of the special consonants when necessary. Choose one
piece in your concert cycle and teach the whole text using IPA
symbols. Being precise with the text and language of the song
is a sign of respect for the culture of the composer and song and
shows the due diligence and detail work that is necessary in our
quest for excellence and authenticity in our performances.
•
www.ipasource.com, - site of thousands of art songs and
choral works transliterated into IPA.
•
ipa.group.shef.ac.uk/ - IPA charts and related information
•
french.about.com/library/pronunciation/bl-ipa.htm - site for
French language IPA
•
http://ipap.calpoly.edu/ipa/ipap.html - site with English,
French, German, and Spanish IPA and related tools.
•
www.ipanow.com – site where one can type in text and the
tool will transliterate into IPA.
Here are some excellent websites on the IPA topic:
•
www.langsci.uci.ac.uk/ipa/ - official International Phonetic
Alphabet site. ♫
Short Notes
page 19
Spring 2013
Youth & Student R&S
T
he recent memories of
the outstanding performances, sessions,
and choral ensembles featured
at our 2013 ACDA National
Conference in Dallas continue
to echo in our minds and hearts
as we turn to these final weeks
and months of our school
terms. There were so many
excellent examples of “music making in action”; and a
strong emphasis on the process
of developing strong choral
ensembles from many different
viewpoints and philosophies.
Therees Tkach Hibbard From the youngest singers in
our National Honor Choirs,
to the professional ensembles
presenting a stunning performance of Britten’s War Requiem, we
witnessed our choral ART at its best. How wonderful that NCDA
and ACDA provided the means for five of our Nebraska ACDA
student members to be a part of this amazing conference through
their registration scholarships this year.
The opportunity to share this remarkable gathering of choral
conductors, performers, and teachers with our NCDA student
scholarship winners underscores one of our most important
responsibilities as members of ACDA [so beautifully expressed
in the convention theme of “ART”] Advocate, Remember,
Teach. By facilitating their attendance we promote, not only their
enthusiasm for choral music, but demonstrate the broad variety
of ways we may
all serve the choral
art in our schools,
churches, communities, and colleges
and universities.
By being advocates
for our singers and
these future educators and conductors, we model a focus and a
vision of what best practice and deep process can achieve. This,
in turn, helps us remember our own commitment to our art, our
ensembles and their development; and gives us a renewed sense
of seeking the best in ourselves and in our choirs. Isn’t this the
definition of great teaching?
generation of choral directors in our state, region, and nation.
A Call for Interns to all Student Chapter Advisors and Choral
Faculty
Keeping our ART [Advocate, Remember, Teach] in mind, we can
now look towards our 2013 summer convention, and urge our
student members to continue their growth as choral conductors
and educators by attending our 51st convention of our NCDA
organization. The most practical and immediate experience we
can provide for them, beyond encouraging their attendance at
conferences, workshops and clinics offered throughout the state
and region; is to sponsor their work as NCDA interns for our
convention each summer. Working side by side with our NCDA
officers, and meeting teachers and conductors from around the
state, promotes the next step on their path to being a professional
choral educator and NCDA member.
Please take a moment in this time of abundant choral activity to
reach out to those students you teach, have as student teachers, or
who have been your students and are now in the process of choral
music education and conducting degrees. Urge them to take this
next step and sign up to be a summer intern for our 2013 summer
convention. Listed below are many of the ways that interns have
served in the past:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
preparation of music packets for reading sessions
working at the registration table
ticket sales for concerts
serving as door monitors
set-up and tear-down
helping out with the banquet and other social activities
daily meeting with the Conference Chair
As student interns they may attend all workshops
and concerts, have the opportunity to work closely and network with Nebraska choral directors,
and be able to meet and talk with excellent guest
clinicians. NCDA will pay for their registration,
reading session packet fee, and banquet ticket.
For further information, questions, or [faculty] to
send your list of interns, please email me at [email protected]
or call 402-472-0378.
Mentoring the Choral ART:
Advocate, Remember, Teach
Highlighting the conference experiences of these student members reminds us that there is nothing more satisfying as a profession than encouraging these future members to envision themselves as the teachers, conductors, and musicians that have so
recently inspired them. To aspire to the dedication and commitment of these superior conductors, performers and teachers, and
to witness the results of their work, provides the best of models
of what our students may strive for in the years ahead. This is
one of the most important responsibilities of our ACDA membership – to be their mentors and advocates as they become the next
Short Notes
A Call to All Choral Students and Student ACDA Members
Thanks and bravos to the student ACDA chapters who have been
such a positive presence at our state and national ACDA and
NAfME activities and conventions this year. Consider joining
us for our 2013 summer convention. The most effective way to
continue the process of becoming that inspiring choral conductor
and choral music educator of the future is to join us this year for
our summer NCDA convention in July!! We promise to provide
as many opportunities as possible to lead and inspire your ART as
choral musicians. ♫
page 20
Spring 2013
Collegiate R&S
First, a disclaimer. I am not
opposed to show choirs nor do
I work to undercut the show
choir movement in the state.
But, I am concerned. So many
schools are now sponsoring
show choir competitions that
the assumed importance of
this performing genre seems
to me to be completely out of
balance.
I understand in many cases the
income from these competitions fund much if not all of
the choral programs in schools
William Wyman
for the year. I understand this
also benefits the classic side of
the program. But, how many classic choir competitions or even
festivals are there each year?
Contest. My point is when you look at the number of show choir
competitions held annually across the state, and they seem to
increase every year, for the high school program that chooses not
to emphasize that type of ensemble, there are many fewer options
supporting classic singing. So, it is natural that singers press for
show choir opportunities and see them as fun, glamorous and in
some cases more attractive than classic ensemble options.
I ask you, in 50 years do you think there will be a massive show
choir presence? Will show choir remain the preferred ensemble?
Will it stand the test of time? I can’t look into the future but I’m
not convinced it will. So then what are we left with if we are not
attentive to a balanced approach now? My challenge to those
directors who are enthusiastic promoters of the show choir movement: what are you doing to promote with equal enthusiasm classic choral singing or even vocal jazz? Think about it. The future
direction and health of Nebraska vocal music is dependent on
policies put in place now and attitudes promoted in each choral
program in the state. ♫
Many of the state colleges and universities including my own
have an annual festival or honors choir. This does serve the classic performing genre. Many singers are involved in these opportunities but there are personnel duplications between events
and the ensemble sizes are usually 80-100 singers total. Nebraska
Wesleyan with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln offer a biannual event for all college choirs in the state and I
know that the Nebraska Choral Directors
?
EASE
Association has attempted to put
L
P
,
NCE
together multiple site
A
L
A
B
festivals
for high
OME
S
school
choirs.
HowE
AV
H
E
ever,
many
of
these
sites
do not
W
have sufficient interest to allow the site
CAN
to operate. UNL and Nebraska Wesleyan also offer
an annual festival for small vocal ensembles and Nebraska
Music Educators annually operate district music contest for high
school ensembles large and small. But look how hard Fred Ritter
must work each year to cover expenses for his vocal jazz festival
in Columbus. Where else can vocal jazz ensembles go to compete
in the state? Except for District Music contest, where else can
classic choirs go to compete in a festival in the state? And, district
music contest is not really a competition.
I witnessed the late great Robert Shaw go into tirades over the
contemporary Christian influence in classic church music. Mr.
Shaw cut his musical teeth standing around the piano singing
Methodist hymns with his family. He spent his life supporting
and defending the finest traditions of choral singing. That kind of
single mindedness probably does not serve well the rich variety
of legitimate performing styles we experience today. However he
did have a point.
Certainly it is not crucial for an event to be a competition for
it to be educationally valid. In fact there are directors who are
questioning the value of going for ratings at District Music
Short Notes
page 21
Spring 2013
NCDA SING ON! ∎ 2013 SUMMER CONFERENCE PRE-REGISTRATION FORM
July 14-17, 2013—Doane College—Crete, Nebraska
Name (as desired on badge) ________________________________________________________________
Home Address___________________________________________________________________________
City/State/Zip____________________________________________________________________________
Phone__________ E-mail (correspondence sent here) ___________________________________________
Institution (as desired on badge) _____________________________________________________________
Circle T-Shirt Size (adult sizes) S M L XL XXL XXXL XXXXL
Registration Fees
Postmark deadline:
May 15
Office Use Only
Date rec’d________
Total rec’d_______
Check #__________
After May 15
__ACDA Member (member number) _____________ Exp. Date _____________
$145.00
$195.00
$195.00
$245.00
__Non-ACDA Member
__Bring A Friend
Name of Friend: _________________________________
$120.00
$170.00
If you have attended before, bring a friend who has not and YOU receive a discounted registration fee.
__First-year Teacher in 2012-13 or First-Time Conference Attendee
$100.00
$100.00
__College Intern (contact [email protected])
$35.00
$35.00
__Retired ACDA Member
$85.00
$110.00
$45.00
$45.00
__Retired ACDA Member Single Day Fee (Meals Not Included) Circle Day: M T W
$85.00
$85.00
__Single Day Convention (Meals Not Included) Circle Day: M T W
__*Conductors Choir – (Circle voice part) S1 S2 A1 A2 T1 T2 B1 B2
$30.00
Not Available
__Reading Session Packets (covers JW Pepper music cost to NCDA)
$15.00 BY JUNE 1st
$ __________
$ __________
$ __________
$ __________
$ __________
$ __________
$ __________
$ __________
$ __________
$ __________
Membership Fees should be paid directly to the National Office or with a separate check and sent to Jodie Liess, Membership Chair.
Housing, Meals, and Linens Fees
(Housing will be in the air conditioned Hanson Hall Dormitory)
→Housing is only guaranteed with registration by June 1. Registrants after June 1 may have to find their own housing.
____Double Room
$21.00 per night x nights reserved: ___ Sun. ___Mon. ___Tues.
$ __________
I would like to room with_________________________________________.
____Single Room
$42.00 per night x nights reserved: ___ Sun. ___Mon. ___Tues.
$ __________
____All meals including banquet (meals are available Monday breakfast through Wednesday lunch)
____Lunch Plan only Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday
____Tuesday night Banquet Ticket Only
$74.00
$24.00
$15.00
$ __________
$ __________
$ __________
____Linens (sheets and towel) Linens can not be ordered after June 1.
$15.00
$ __________
GRAND TOTAL:
$ __________
CHECKS ONLY - Credit card and PO payments can not be accepted.




1.
2.
3.
Conductors Chorus –Dr. Andrew Last from Luther College–Participation in the Conductor’s Chorus requires purchase of a packet of music
that will be sent to your home address written above. Participation in the Conductors Chorus is guaranteed only if registered by May 15,
2013. Registration at the door may not be possible.
Attend the entire convention for the opportunity to receive 2 hrs. of graduate credit from Doane College! There will be a class meeting on
Monday of the convention. Please contact Dr. Kurt Runestad for more information via email: [email protected]. “Seminar in Music
Education” - $400 for 2 credits, plus $25 if you are not already in the computer system at Doane (first-time applicants for graduate study)
READING SESSION PACKETS—You will receive a coupon redeemable for reading session packets at the JW Pepper booth.
READING SESSION PACKET COUPONS ARE ONLY GUARANTEED WITH PRE-REGISTRATION BY JUNE 1!
Please make your check payable to: NEBRASKA CHORAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION
Please mail this form and payment to:
Wes Hansmeyer, NCDA President-Elect
706 Maple Court
Hickman, NE 68372
Membership Fees should be paid directly to the National Office or with a separate check and sent to Jodie Liess, Membership Chair.
**Pre-registrants can be refunded REGISTRATION ONLY until June 30. After June 30, 2013, no refunds may be given.
COPY THIS FORM – it is your only record.
Community R&S
Suggested Reading List
Bright Morning Stars, arr. Jay
Althouse, Alfred Music Publishing, SATB or SSAA unaccompanied: This setting of the
Appalachian folk song is both
accessible and powerful. This
Matt Hill
arrangement opens and closes
with a three-part treble statement of the first verse, with
SATB harmonization of the second and third verses in between.
Beautiful as a concert opener and/or closer.
Keep Your Lamps , Andre Thomas, Hinshaw Music Publishing, SATB with percussion: This exciting spiritual, with accompaniment for high, medium and low conga drums, is an
appealing number for a wide variety of uses from smaller choirs
through massed choir performances. http://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=no93ETd43B0
Nelly Bly, arr. Roger Wagner, Alfred Publishing Company, SATB
(divisi) unaccompanied: This is a fun arrangement of the Stephen
Foster favorite. The voice-leading is efficient, and each voice has
an enjoyable line. The piece is accessible for high school-aged
choirs, and would be equally successful at the university/community/professional levels. Divisi presents a potential challenge to
balance, but the overall accessibility keeps it within the realms of
possibility for ensembles of almost any size.
The Road Home, Stephen Paulus, Paulus Publications, SSATBB
or SSAA or TTBB unaccompanied: This setting of a text by Michael Browne to the tune “Prospect” from ‘Southern Harmony’
(1835) is a beautiful addition to your library. The strophic form
and recurring transitional melodic theme on ‘oo’ will haunt your
singers and audiences well after the performance. The tessitura is
manageable for all voice parts, and the harmonic language is lush
without requiring divisi. This is a must-do! http://www.youtube.
com/watch?v=LbwhSP3ZIq4
Thou Whose Harmony is the Music of the Spheres, Stephen
Chatman, Earthsongs Publishing, SATB (divisi) with oboe: Stephen Chatman’s 8-part setting of a metaphysical text by Robert
Leavens is a challenge worth undertaking. Its moderate tempo
and placid dynamics require a great deal of vocal endurance to
maintain tuning and tone color, but the reward is worth the work.
The oboe part demands a professional player, and is not optional
for performance.
Short Notes
Travelin’ Home, arr. Andrea Ramsey, Carl Fischer Publishing,
SSAA with piano and violin: Andrea Ramsey weaves an Americana-esque melody into a gorgeous selection for treble choir. The
melodic theme immediately feels familiar, and the violin adds to
the Appalachian atmosphere. The notes can be taught efficiently,
which allows good time for giving attention to tone and character.
Turot Eszik A Cigany, Zoltan Kodaly, Edito Musica Budapest,
SATB or SSA unaccompanied: This is a gem from a master of
our art. This selection for divisi treble choir is exciting from the
first bar! The Hungarian text looks more difficult than it is, and
the part-writing is beautifully crafted, which eases the learning.
If you only program on Kodaly piece for trebles, make it this on.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RSIadzTF6g
We Beheld Once Again the Stars, Z. Randall Stroope, Alliance
Music Publishing, SATB/SATB double choir unaccompanied:
Commissioned by ACDA as the Raymond Brock commission
in 2004, this stunning selection for double mixed choir sets a
text from Dante Alighieri’s “Divine Comedy” which tells the
story of Dante’s escape from hell, and his first glimpse of the
stars of heaven. The vocal lines are interesting for each part,
but the tessitura and dynamic demands are high. Large high
schools and collegiate ensembles should strongly consider adding this selection to their repertoire. http://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=eM30c02ahCo
The Wheel that Moves the Sun and Stars, Eric William Barnum,
Santa Barbara Music Publishing, SATB (divisi) with piano: This
piece also features text from “The Divine Comedy”, and is a
beautiful pairing to the Stroope selection. The text continues the
story, and tells of Dante’s ascent into heaven. The piano plays the
role of celestial beings, and brief moments of a cappella singing create an atmosphere of peace and reflection. http://www.
youtube.com/watch?v=fnzGD-t6wx8
when god decided to invent, Joshua Shank, Santa Barbara Music
Publishing, SATB (divisi) with soprano saxophone: Joshua
Shank successfully brings this e.e. Cummings text to life with
pan-diatonic harmony, and rhythmically-active lines. His use of
soprano saxophone is an inspired pairing with the choir, and his
masterfully crafted vocal writing is a pleasure to teach and to
perform. Your singers will love this piece! http://www.youtube.
com/watch?v=pemTPyZDT7s ♫
page 23
Spring 2013
NCDA Short Notes—Spring 2013 Issue
A publication of the Nebraska Choral Directors Association
Stacie Blackmore, Editor
1710 Cleveland Street
Lexington, NE 68850
PRSRT STD
U.S. Postage
PAID
Henderson, NE
Permit No. 6
NCDA Legacy Fund
American Choral Directors Association Advocacy Resolution
Whereas, the Human spirit is elevated to a broader understanding of itself through the study and performance in the aesthetic arts, and
Whereas, serious cutbacks in funding and support have steadily eroded state institutions and their programs throughout our country,
Be it resolved that all citizens of the United States actively voice their affirmative and collective support for necessary funding at the local,
state, and national levels of education and government, to ensure the survival of arts programs.
Visit the Nebraska Choral Directors Association online at: www.nebraskachoral.org