Choir Baton

What happens when a grieving person finds comfort in a song — and then discovers it was made by AI? That question is the heart of this episode, and it captures everything that matters about the moment we're in as choral musicians. This episode is a deep dive into AI: what it actually is, how we got here, and why Beth believes it represents one of the greatest opportunities choral music has had in a very long time — but only if we're paying attention. In this episode: A brief history of techno...

This episode in 2019 is the most downloaded Choir Baton Podcast Episode ever. And I get it. This time of year is insane. But last year it wasn’t. Or if it was crazy for you, chances are it wasn’t because you were in a million different performances - you were probably dealing with the pandemic in your own way and with your own family stuff. Did you promise yourself last year that you wouldn’t let your life get too stressful again? And yet find yourself stressed again? You are not ...

Burnout is real. In this episode, I encourage you to do less. There is always more we can do as choral musicians and directors. But in order to be able to continue doing what we do, we need to cut down on overloading ourselves. If you’re watching this on YouTube, don’t forget to subscribe, like this video, and let us know what resonated with you from this episode - and if you’re listening to this podcast - be sure to subscribe if you haven’t already - leave us some 5-star choir love in ...

Jessica Grant and I discuss common themes that I think most, if not all, music teachers can relate to. Amongst other topics we discuss the feeling of belonging and that you are enough and how we can communicate these things to ourselves as well as our students. We also discuss what it means to measure achievement by growth rather than specific goals. You can find Jessica on Instagram @highafternoonti and buy her book on F Flat or Amazon. Thanks for listening to the Choir Baton Podcast wher...

I had three profound conversations about leadership over the past week and I couldn't not share them with the Choir Baton community. I think we are all familiar with the problem of taking on too many projects and staying busy, as teachers or as musicians. This episode is for you to let you know three important lessons that I learned this week and am still learning on how to be a stronger leader. Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie Hemedinger Music by: Scott Holmes Follow @ChoirBaton on I...

In this episode, Chantae and I discuss the many ways that students can have ownership of the music process in the choral classroom. This conversation led to topics such as sight reading, independence, and giving students leadership opportunities. Chantae D. Pittman is the Director of Choral Activities at Campbell High School in Smyrna, GA. Ms. Pittman is passionate about all forms of music. She is deeply committed to serving her community through music, and is a proud graduate of Tennessee ...

Marshall Butler has impacted many student's lives over his years teaching. In this interview, we talk about the teamwork aspect of choir as well as many other important topics and memories from his years teaching. This interview is especially meaningful to me because Mr. Butler taught for 24 years at Sanderson and left shortly before I took the position at Sanderson High School. Since March, Dr. Marshall Butler, Jr. has been engraving/transcribing Classical Voice and Piano Music of African A...

It is the first Choir Baton episode of 2021! In this podcast, I discuss the Revamp course I am offering to help you start the new year and the new semester prepared and ready to embrace changes and circumstances as they come. Join me through an episode of reflection as you reflect on your own year and the things you have learned from it. To enroll in the Revamp course, click here Choir Baton Host: Beth Philemon | Choir Baton Podcast Producer: Maggie Hemedinger For more information on Choir...

This episode is a sequel episode to 26. It's the Most Wonderfully Stressful Time of the Year. In a year without concerts, gigs, and performances to plan, rehearse for, and execute, we do not have the same stressors as usual. However, we have had plenty of other struggles through the year and especially this season. You may have found yourself comparing your program to others more frequently because of the increase in social media during this time and may be feeling insufficient or envious of ...

Our fear of judgement can often hold us back from reaching our full potential. Listen as I discuss this as well as other topics of Music Service Learning, the importance of listening, and more in this conversation with Marci Major and Hannah Knauss, co-authors of the book Choral Connection. Dr. Marci Major serves as Chair and Associate Professor of Music Education at West Chester University, PA, and directs the Bel Canto ensemble with the Kennett Symphony Children’s Chorus. Additionally she...

After a life changing performance experience watching the Dallas Street Choir sing at national ACDA conference a couple years ago, I have the honor of interviewing Dr. Jonathan Palant, the conductor. Listen to hear his perspective on inequality in music and making a community space for singing. Jonathan Palant is Associate Professor and Director of Choral Activities at the University of Texas at Dallas and is founder and conductor of both Credo, a 140-member community choir, and the Dallas ...

In this episode, my professor at North Carolina University in the MBA program shares his insight about changing professions, transferrable skills, and the value of teachers. Chris is an adjunct professor, strategy, leadership and innovation consultant, and the President and COO of a boutique management consulting firm. He has served in six general management and senior level roles, ranging from startups, state agencies, turnarounds, and high growth companies over his 35 + year career. Chris...

Join me in this episode with Tori Cook as we discuss the intersection of music and business, the future of community choirs, the innovation of the choral community during Covid-19, and much more! Tori Cook is the Director of Sales & Marketing at Chorus Connection. She sings with the Tanglewood Festival Chorus and is a board member of the Greater Boston Choral Consortium. In a past life, she was the Music Director of the Harborlight Show Chorus and President of Chorus pro Musica in Boston...